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“I am a huge risk-taker. In order to gain something big, you need to take an equal proportion of risk. The more the risk you take, the more you gain. The more you fail, the more you learn.” - Yumnam Sanajouba

Yumnam Sanajaoba, the founder and director of Amethyst Partners, is a name that resonates with success in the world of private equity, hedge funds, and corporate services. His journey from the tranquil landscapes of Manipur to the bustling financial hubs of Singapore and beyond is a testament to resilience, discipline, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Sanajaoba’s life is not just a tale of professional triumph but also a narrative of personal growth, community impact, and a relentless drive to leave a lasting legacy.

Early Beginnings: Building Resilience Through Adversity

Born and raised in Manipur, a state in Northeast India known for its rich culture and natural beauty, Sanajaoba’s early life was shaped by challenges that would later define his character. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Mumbai, India’s financial capital. After his bachelor’s degree, Sanajaoba returned to Manipur to pursue an MBA at Manipur University. This decision was driven by a desire to strengthen his academic foundation while staying close to his family. However, the loss of his father to cancer during this period was a profound personal tragedy. Balancing his studies with the responsibility of supporting his family, Sanajaoba demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, completing his MBA with unwavering focus.

With his MBA in hand, Sanajaoba set his sights on Singapore, a global financial hub known for its thriving economy and opportunities in the financial services sector. The transition was not easy. Like many young professionals venturing into a new country, he faced the daunting task of establishing himself in a highly competitive environment. Yet, with sheer determination and the guidance of mentors, Sanajaoba successfully made the leap to Singapore, where his career in the financial sector began to flourish.

Building a Career: From Recruitment to Entrepreneurship

Sanajaoba’s professional journey is a masterclass in adaptability and perseverance. He began his career in recruitment, working with prominent firms like Morgan McKinley and InterQuest Group. These roles allowed him to hone his expertise in asset management, fund services, and securities. Over the years, he became a trusted name in the Asia-Pacific region, known for his deep understanding of the financial industry and his ability to connect top talent with leading organisations.

In 2018, Sanajaoba took a bold step by founding Amethyst Partners, a regional executive search and talent solutions firm headquartered in Singapore. The decision to start his own venture was driven by a desire to create a company that not only excelled in recruitment but also contributed to the growth of the financial sector in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanajaoba’s dynamic leadership propelled the company to new heights. Amethyst Partners quickly expanded its presence to Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India, becoming a trusted name in private equity, real estate, hedge funds, and corporate trust services.

Beyond Recruitment: A Vision for Investment and Growth

Sanajaoba’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond recruitment. He ventured into private investments and the startup ecosystem, playing pivotal roles in industries such as construction, property technology, supply chain management, and consumer goods. His ability to forge government relations and facilitate large-scale projects further solidified his reputation as a visionary leader.

One of his most notable contributions is his involvement with the Manipur Investment Advisory platform, where he has been instrumental in attracting foreign and domestic investments to the region. By fostering business productivity among startups and SMEs, Sanajaoba has helped create opportunities for economic growth in his home state. His efforts have not only brought financial resources to Manipur but also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and pursue their goals.

Leadership Style: The Power of Delegation

Sanajaoba’s leadership style is deeply rooted in the principle of delegation. He believes that strong leadership requires high delegation and effective follow-up. “I delegate more in the company. Strong leadership requires high delegation. Follow-up is also required,” he says. This approach has enabled him to build a highly efficient and motivated team at Amethyst Partners, where delegation is seen as a strength rather than a weakness.

Impact: Knowledge Transfer and Discipline

Sanajaoba is passionate about creating a significant impact in Manipur. He aims to open avenues for knowledge transfer, bringing global best practices and implementing them in his home state. He emphasises the importance of discipline, work culture, and the Korean working style, which he believes can drive productivity and growth. His message to the youth is clear: “Discipline will bring focus, and focus will give ambition.”

Work-Life Balance: Managing Relationships

Sanajaoba has a unique perspective on work-life balance. He believes that the concept, often emphasised in Western cultures, is not entirely applicable to his context. Instead, he focuses on maintaining strong relationships with his partner and family members. “It is created through your relationship. It is very attractive, but it is how to manage your relationship,” he says. This approach underscores his belief that personal relationships are the foundation of a balanced and fulfilling life.

Future Plans: Legacy and Contribution

Sanajaoba’s future plans are centred around leaving a lasting legacy. He wants his family and society to remember him for his contributions. His goal is to give back as much as possible to Manipur, fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for the next generation.

In His Own Words: A Risk-Taker with a Positive Outlook

When asked to describe himself in a single phrase, Sanajaoba says, “I am a huge risk-taker. In order to gain something big, you need to take an equal proportion of risk. The more the risk you take, the more you gain. The more you fail, the more you learn.” He also describes himself as a very positive individual, a trait that emerged after overcoming a deeply negative phase in his life.

Values: Discipline and Attitude

Sanajaoba places immense value on discipline and attitude. He believes that discipline is the key to solving all problems. “I am not looking for superstars. I am looking for people who have discipline, the right attitude and come on time every day. Once discipline is there, all problems will be solved,” he says. This emphasis on discipline has shaped his leadership style and the culture at Amethyst Partners.

What Shaped His Character: Focus, Patience, and Fighting Spirit

Sanajaoba’s character was shaped by his life experiences. Born underweight and less intelligent than his siblings, he developed a strong sense of focus, patience, and a fighting spirit. “I used to study 4-5 hours more than others since I knew I was weak in my studies. My observation was very sharp. I have the weakness that I am physically and intelligently weak. This weakness is converted into my strength,” he reflects. This transformation from weakness to strength is a testament to his resilience and determination.

The Importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ)

Sanajaoba often emphasises the importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ) in achieving long-term success, especially as one climbs the career ladder. He believes that while technical skills and intelligence (IQ) are essential, EQ plays a critical role in leadership, decision-making, and building meaningful relationships. Here’s why EQ is crucial, according to Sanajaoba:

1. Building Relationships: High EQ enables individuals to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering trust and collaboration.

2. Handling Rejection and Feedback: A strong EQ helps individuals handle rejection, criticism, and feedback constructively.

3. Adaptability: Emotional intelligence allows professionals to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain a positive attitude.

4. Empathy and Teamwork: Leaders with high EQ can understand and empathise with their team members, creating a supportive work environment.

5. Conflict Resolution: EQ is essential for resolving conflicts amicably and maintaining harmony within teams.

Yumnam Sanajaoba’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is a combination of hard work, resilience, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to giving back. His story inspires us to dream big, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence while staying grounded and empathetic. As readers, let Sanajaoba’s life and achievements motivate you to pursue your goals with passion, discipline, and a heart full of empathy. His emphasis on work-life balance reminds us that true success is not just about professional accomplishments but also about personal well-being and meaningful relationships. Let his story guide you to create a life that is not only successful but also fulfilling and balanced.