Lessons from a Power Pioneer: The Kunwer Sachdev Journey

In Episode 39 of The Journey Podcast, host Simarpreet Singh sits down with Kunwer Sachdev—often called “The Inverter Man of India”—to tell the dramatic story behind SuKam Power Systems, one of India’s most iconic inverter brands. The episode uncovers a tale of ambition, innovation, adversity, and redemption.

The Early Days: From Humble Beginnings
Kunwer Sachdev started SuKam from his garage, launching into a booming market for inverters in the 1990s. Through deep customer insights and efficient distribution, SuKam quickly grew into a household name across India.
Meteoric Growth and Innovation
SuKam became a pioneer in the inverter industry with cutting-edge features like LCD-based monitoring, UPS hybrid inverters, and strong after-sales support. Their core strategy focused on building trust through reliable performance, local service, and market reach.
Massive Success — Until It All Crumbled
At its peak, SuKam generated revenue exceeding ₹1,500 crore (over $200 million). However, the company’s rapid expansion led to overstretched capacity, poor financial discipline, and mounting debt. By 2017, SuKam defaulted on loans and eventually entered bankruptcy proceedings.
Lessons from Failure
Despite his initial success, Kunwer Sachdev acknowledged that mismanagement and greed were key factors in the company’s downfall. He admitted to losing control of finances during the expansion phase. Sachdev emphasized the importance of staying grounded, drawing inspiration from Ratan Tata’s humility and long-term vision.

 
Advice for Aspiring Business Owners
Stay cash-smart: No matter your level of success, financial discipline is non-negotiable. 
Pace your ambitions: Don’t let growth plans outstrip your capacity to deliver. 
Integrity matters: Build a business on honesty and reliability. 
Be transparent: Reflect openly to help others learn from your journey. 
Final Takeaway
This podcast is more than just a success story—it’s a cautionary tale. Kunwer Sachdev’s rise from a modest garage to industry leadership, followed by a dramatic downfall, offers crucial lessons in business, leadership, and life. If you're interested in stories that both inspire and instruct, this episode is worth your time.