“Why Mentor Matters” Launches: Dr. George V. Antony’s New Book Aims to Transform India’s MSME and Startup Ecosystem
India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and startup ecosystem has been witnessing exponential growth, driven by innovation and government support. Yet, amid the success stories lies a sobering truth — a large percentage of ventures fail to sustain over time. According to business transformation expert and author Dr. George V. Antony, the missing link often lies in one key area: the right mentorship.
His new book, “Why Mentor Matters: A Must-Read Handbook for MSME Entrepreneurs and Startup Leadership,” dives deep into this critical issue, offering a practical roadmap to help entrepreneurs navigate leadership challenges, decision-making pitfalls, and business sustainability.
“It’s not about having a mentor; it’s about getting empowered with the right mentor, at the right time, for the right reason,” says Dr. Antony.
The book explores real-world challenges MSME founders and startup leaders face across the business lifecycle — from strategic errors and unclear direction to leadership inefficiencies. Through frameworks like “Know Your Mentor” and “Mentor Contribution Assessment & Review,” the book presents a structured approach to choosing and working effectively with mentors.
Endorsements from Eminent Leaders
The publication has already garnered significant praise from policymakers, business leaders, and academicians.
- Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for MSME & Labour and Employment, who officially released the book, called it “an insightful guide that greatly benefits MSME entrepreneurs, startup leaders, and academicians.”
- Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, noted that Dr. Antony “has demonstrated all the special skills by the handbook he has crafted for MSME entrepreneurs.”
- Shri Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University, praised it as “a readable and useful handbook that condenses decades of experience and insight.”
Further commendations came from top professionals across sectors:
- Shri Ashok Kapur IAS (Retd.), Director General, Institute of Directors, and former Principal Secretary, West Bengal, described it as “a valuable addition to management literature on startups.”
- Shri Lokanath Behera IPS (Retd.), MD, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd and Former DGP of Kerala, said he was “elated at how much value addition this book can bring to entrepreneurship in India.”
- Shri Preman Dinaraj, IAAS (Retd.), Chairman of Kerala State Power & Infrastructure Finance Corporation Ltd, recommended its inclusion as a textbook in business schools, emphasizing that “from Chapter Three onwards, the multifaceted role of the mentor is so well addressed.”
- Shri S. Ganesh Kumar, Independent Director at IDFC FIRST Bank and former Executive Director, RBI, called it “a must-read for both mentors and mentees to stay ahead of the curve.”
- Shri K. Paul Thomas, Founder, MD & CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank, described it as “a captivating read that offers valuable insights to build resilience in an unpredictable marketplace.”
A Growing Movement Around Mentorship
From chartered accountants to startup founders and academicians, early readers have hailed the book as an eye-opener that reshapes how mentorship is understood in business. It emphasizes that mentorship is not just about guidance but about empowerment — helping leaders avoid wrong decisions that can derail growth.
The official website, www.whymentormatters.com — launched by acclaimed filmmaker Shri Sathyan Anthikad — offers readers an interactive space to explore key concepts and connect with Dr. Antony’s broader mission to strengthen India’s entrepreneurial backbone.
Availability
“Why Mentor Matters: A Must-Read Handbook for MSME Entrepreneurs and Startup Leadership” is now available on Amazon at https://amzn.in/d/gviB4jS.
