The world of business is an ever-expanding one. And thriving in it for a long time is a real challenge. For Satish Sanpal, chairman of ANAX Holding — a dynamic Dubai-based investment firm with a portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, and financial services — true resilience lies in liquidity, longevity, and legacy.
In this interview, Sanpal discusses what it takes to sustain success, especially in uncertain times, and how entrepreneurs can shape entire communities. Offering a perspective that goes beyond just business, he also talks about paying it forward through the Sanpal Foundation.
You emphasize the importance of liquidity, longevity, and legacy in building a strong business. How do these principles help entrepreneurs stay resilient in uncertain times?
I have seen businesses rise fast — big launches, bold risks, aggressive expansion. But when the market shifts, those without a foundation collapse just as quickly. Nearly 50 percent of startups fail within five years, often due to cash flow issues and unsustainable scaling. Liquidity gives you breathing room, longevity forces you to think beyond quick wins, and legacy keeps you focused on building something with lasting value.
In a region known for rapid economic diversification, maintaining liquidity isn’t just about seizing opportunities. It’s about weathering downturns. At ANAX Holding, every venture must pass a simple test: Will this still be valuable in a decade? If the answer isn’t clear, we do not move forward. Short-term success is easy. Long-term impact takes discipline.
Read: Dubai real estate sales grow 39.91 percent to $13.91 billion in February 2025
Beyond financial strategies, mindset and discipline are crucial for success. How do you personally maintain a strong leadership mindset, and what habits contribute to long-term business success?
I believe discipline in business starts with discipline in life. That’s why I start my mornings with training and yoga — not for fitness only, but for inner reflection too. A reactive mind makes poor decisions. Business isn’t about moving the fastest; it’s about seeing the bigger picture before everyone else does.
Too many entrepreneurs chase trends, mistaking urgency for strategy. Real leadership is about timing — knowing when to move and when to hold steady. Some of my best ventures happened because I waited for the right moment.
Balance is also non-negotiable. No matter how demanding my schedule is, I make it home for dinner with my family. The same discipline that applies to business, knowing when to push and when to pause, applies to life. Whether it’s collecting rare books, yachting, or exploring art, these aren’t distractions. They sharpen my instincts.
True leadership goes beyond business success to shaping communities. Can you share an example of how your leadership has driven meaningful change beyond the corporate world?
Business isn’t just about numbers — it’s about what you build beyond yourself. That belief shaped the Sanpal Foundation. In Uganda, I saw firsthand how clean water changes everything. Without access, children miss school, families struggle, and entire economies are held back. It’s not enough to donate. You have to invest in infrastructure that lasts.
In India, I’ve met countless widows facing cultural and economic barriers to financial independence. That’s why we fund education, financial aid, and skill-building programs — because real change happens when people are given the means to create their own opportunities. These aren’t just causes. They’re commitments. Giving back isn’t separate from business. If you have the ability to create value, you have a responsibility to extend it.
Entrepreneurs are not just business builders but industry and societal influencers. In your experience, what responsibilities come with this role, and how can entrepreneurs ensure they create lasting, positive impact?
The moment you build something that influences people — whether it’s a company, a product, or an idea — you carry a responsibility beyond yourself. Entrepreneurs don’t just generate wealth; they set the tone for how industries evolve.
I see this responsibility in two ways: How we build. At ANAX Holding, every venture must pass one test: Will it still be valuable in 10 years? This ensures we contribute to long-term industry stability instead of chasing short-term trends.
How we give back. I didn’t come from wealth, and that shaped how I view success. Business gave me access to a world I never imagined, but success means nothing if you’re not using it to open doors for others.
Through the Sanpal Foundation, we invest in clean water and education initiatives — not as charity, but as a way to create lasting change. Success means little if it doesn’t uplift others. As entrepreneurs, we influence how people work, live, and aspire to grow. The question isn’t just what we build, but what kind of legacy we leave behind. Those who understand this shape more than businesses. They shape the future.
Looking ahead, what industries or business models do you believe hold the greatest potential for future entrepreneurs, and how is ANAX Holding positioning itself to capitalize on these opportunities? What advice would you give to those aspiring to build a successful and sustainable business?
The next decade belongs to businesses that prioritize long-term value, adaptability, and meaningful impact. Success will come to those who anticipate economic shifts, changing consumer behaviors, and the growing demand for innovation.
At ANAX Holding, adaptability is key. Whether in real estate or hospitality, markets evolve, and those who resist change fall behind. That is why we incorporate data-driven decision-making, emerging technologies, and sustainable practices into everything we do. The focus is not just on building what works today, but on what will remain valuable in the long term.
For entrepreneurs looking to build something lasting, patience and dedication are just as important as vision. Those who embrace adaptability and follow a clear long-term strategy will create value that endures beyond any single cycle.
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