Interview

Careers Don’t Have to Be Linear: Lessons from Entrepreneur Saurabh Rohilla

From Classrooms to Factory Floors: Entrepreneur Saurabh Rohilla on Education, Failure & Building Brands Beyond Metro Cities. In an exclusive EduAdvice interview, entrepreneur Saurabh Rohilla, founder of Juice Bucket LLP and the force behind D’zoir Himalayan Alkaline Water, shares insights on education, entrepreneurship, failure, internships, personal branding, and why tier-2 cities hold India’s real growth story.

By : EduAdvice 2026-02-10 13:48:00

At EduAdvice, we believe that real career stories are rarely straight lines—and our latest conversation proves exactly that.

In this special interview, we speak with Saurabh Rohilla, an entrepreneur, beverage manufacturer, and the driving force behind premium Himalayan alkaline water brand D’zoir. With over a decade of hands-on experience in beverage manufacturing and a strong academic foundation in law and management, Rohilla represents a rare blend of discipline, execution, and strategic thinking.

Before building brands from factory floors rather than boardrooms, he explored careers in banking and HR consulting—until he made a bold pivot towards entrepreneurship.

How Education Shapes the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Reflecting on his student days, Rohilla emphasizes that education may not always give immediate clarity—but it builds discipline and analytical thinking.

“Education gives you a framework. It teaches you how to analyse pros and cons and act accordingly. Practical execution may come later, but education prepares your mind for it.”

According to him, the role of institutions is not to dictate paths, but to sharpen thinking for future decisions.

Lessons Beyond Textbooks: Empathy, Boundaries & Real Learning

Having worked across diverse sectors, Rohilla believes the most valuable lessons are learned outside classrooms.

“Empathy is crucial. You must understand what the person on the other side is really saying. And equally important—know when to say no.”

Trying to please everyone, he warns, often leads to poor decisions in business and life.

When Did Entrepreneurship Become the Calling?

For Rohilla, entrepreneurship was not an early decision—it came with time and financial stability.

“Till 21–22, you should explore. Once you feel stable, choose the path that suits you best. Entrepreneurship is rewarding, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s okay.”

He stresses that not choosing entrepreneurship does not make anyone less capable or successful.

Skills Students Must Build Beyond Marks

When asked what truly makes students future-ready, Rohilla highlights communication above all.

“Reading people, understanding body language, and reading between the lines—these are life skills.”

He encourages students to step out of their introverted comfort zones, communicate more, and build genuine networks, not transactional connections.

Finding Business Ideas While Studying

Dispelling the myth that business requires big money, Rohilla advises students to look for problems in everyday life.

“Solve small problems first. That’s how you develop a problem-solving mindset—which eventually leads to bigger solutions.”

Failure Is Not the Enemy—Inaction Is

Failure, according to Rohilla, should be treated as an opportunity.

“Give yourself five minutes to cry. Then stop. Think how to fix it. There’s no point crying over spilled milk.”

He believes resilience is built only through real consequences.

Degrees vs Internships: What Matters More?

Rohilla offers a powerful analogy:

“Degrees are like a driving license. They allow you on the road. But steering, braking, and choosing direction—that’s on you.”

Internships and hands-on experience, he says, make learning practical and actionable.

Financial Basics Every Student Must Understand

Using a personal example from his home, Rohilla explains the importance of teaching children the value of money early.

“Money is a commodity. Don’t love it. Don’t hate it. Use it wisely.”

He urges students to clearly understand the difference between revenue and profit—one of the most common mistakes young entrepreneurs make.

Do Only Metro Cities Create Success?

Challenging a popular belief, Rohilla points out that nearly 70% of consumption comes from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

“I moved from Delhi to Saharanpur and grew my factory five times. Potential exists everywhere—you just need patience and effort.”

Personal Branding: Depth Over Noise

In today’s digital age, Rohilla believes personal branding is no longer optional.

“People relate to faces, not just products. A face brings credibility.”

He encourages students to start early and build authenticity rather than chasing quick visibility.

Common Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make

Fear of failure and over-planning without execution top the list.

“This is the easiest time to start. Everything is available online. At least try—so you don’t regret later.”

What Needs to Change in the Education System

Rohilla is clear: practical training must be prioritized.

“A fish cannot fly. Identify strengths early and train accordingly. Education should not be a burden.”

Jobs, Higher Studies, or Startups—What Should Students Choose?

His advice is simple yet powerful:

“Whatever you choose—give it your hundred percent. That’s more important than the path itself.”

One Final Message for Students

“Give your hundred percent and forget the rest. Quality in everything, every time. Things will fall into place.”

To all students watching and reading—your journey does not need to be perfect. It needs to be intentional.

interview by Amita, on behalf of EduAdvice. Stay curious. Stay learning.

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