From IT Engineer to Entrepreneur: Mihir Shah’s journey in building a thriving Consulting Business
Mihir Shah transitioned from IT to consulting—without an MBA—eventually founding SMB Catalyst and helping small businesses scale with smart strategies and digital transformation.
Snapshot
Mihir Shah’s career began with a degree in Information Technology from DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai. Like many fresh graduates, he started in the corporate world, joining TCS as a software engineer. Over five years, he explored various roles, including a pivotal project in the Center of Excellence for Adobe Solutions, which sparked his interest in business problem-solving.
While many of his peers pursued MBAs abroad, Mihir took a different path. He transitioned into consulting, securing a role at a UK-based firm despite not having a formal MBA. This move challenged him to learn on the job, working across industries like manufacturing and supply chain. His hands-on approach and ability to solve complex problems led him to a leadership role as CEO of a small-medium business firm.
Driven by his passion for helping small businesses grow, Mihir founded SMB Catalyst, later expanding into SMB Next and Agkiya. His ventures have not only transformed numerous businesses but also created an ecosystem where talent thrives—many of his early colleagues at the consulting firm went on to become partners in SMB Catalyst and Agkiya. His journey highlights how inclusive growth and surrounding oneself with the right talent can drive long-term success.
Moreover, Mihir’s eagerness to learn has been one of his greatest assets. Engaging deeply with business owners across industries, he has learned invaluable lessons from their experiences, challenges, and strategies—insights that have shaped his consulting approach.
Through every stage of his career, his wife has been a pillar of unwavering support. More than just a life partner, she has been Mihir’s trusted sounding board, helping him brainstorm through major decisions, evaluate risks, and navigate challenges. From the time she pursued her MBA at ISB, where Mihir gained exposure to business consulting, to his leap into entrepreneurship, her insights, strategic discussions, and steadfast encouragement have been pivotal in shaping his journey.
Check out the Deep Dive section for the full story.
Career Highlights
Started at TCS (2005–2010): Built expertise in IT, project management, and consulting through global assignments.
Transitioned to Business Consulting (2010): Moved into a UK-based consulting firm, solving operational challenges across industries.
Became CEO of a Small Medium Business firm(2013): Led a small business, optimizing operations and scaling growth.
Founded SMB Catalyst (2014): Launched a consulting firm to help Small and Medium Businesses streamline and grow.
Expanded with SMB Next (2021) & Agkiya (2022): Introduced specialized consulting for technical solutions and digital transformation.
Built SMB 360 (2023–Present): Scaling an SMB-focused consulting ecosystem with a growing team.
Career Growth X factor
Mihir Shah attributes his career success to three key qualities: having the right attitude, embracing challenges, and always doing ‘one plus one’.
Attitude: The right mindset shapes long-term success more than skills or knowledge.
Embracing challenges: Stepping outside his comfort zone led to major career breakthroughs.
One plus One: Having a side pursuit created new opportunities and career transitions.
Two key factors have also shaped his journey:
Inclusive Growth: Building businesses that empower others, with colleagues becoming partners in SMB Catalyst and Agakia.
Strong Support System: His wife’s insights and encouragement have been instrumental in key career decisions.
Deep Dive
Mihir Shah’s path from software engineering to business consulting illustrates how exposure to diverse experiences, a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone, and a problem-solving mindset can shape a remarkable career. Born in Gujarat and raised across multiple cities, Mihir’s career path was anything but linear. From starting as a software engineer at TCS to venturing into business consulting and later founding SMB Catalyst, SMB Next, and Agkiya, his story is one of continuous evolution.
In a conversation with CareerGrowthX, Mihir shared his career journey in detail—how he made critical transitions, the thought process behind his decisions, and the valuable lessons he picked up along the way. His experiences serve as a roadmap for professionals looking to shift from conventional corporate roles to the dynamic world of consulting and entrepreneurship.
Laying the Foundation: Education and Early Influences
Mihir’s early years were spent between Gujarat, Mumbai, and Solapur. His formative years in Solapur, where he completed his schooling, instilled in him a deep curiosity about the world and a drive to seek out opportunities. However, it was his return to Mumbai for higher education that set the stage for his career.
Choosing to study engineering at DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mihir specialized in Information Technology, a field that was booming at the time. While he was initially drawn to IT because of its promising career prospects, his time in college exposed him to the broader world of problem-solving and business challenges. Many of his peers pursued postgraduate studies in the US, but Mihir felt a stronger pull towards financial independence and practical experience. This decision led him directly into the corporate world.
Stepping into the Corporate World: Learning at TCS
Mihir’s first major career break came when he was recruited by TCS through campus placements. His early years at the company were transformative, providing exposure to different roles and industries. Mihir’s natural curiosity led him to explore multiple roles within TCS, from software engineering to project management.
One of the defining moments of his tenure at TCS was his involvement in the Center of Excellence for Adobe Solutions. This initiative, driven by senior leadership, aimed at leveraging Adobe’s technology for large-scale business applications. Being part of this strategic initiative early in his career gave Mihir firsthand experience in consulting, business strategy, and client problem-solving.
During his five years at TCS, Mihir also had the opportunity to work onsite in the US, gaining international exposure and a deeper understanding of global business operations. However, as he advanced in his role, he felt the pace of learning slowing down. Recognizing that his growth curve was plateauing, he began exploring options that would allow him to take on greater challenges.
Breaking into Consulting: The Transition from IT to Business Advisory
While contemplating his next move, Mihir considered pursuing an MBA. He applied to ISB Hyderabad but did not clear the final interview. However, this setback turned out to be a disguised opportunity. His wife got into ISB, giving him a unique window into the world of business schools and consulting through her experiences. Spending time on campus, attending discussions, and interacting with MBA candidates gave Mihir clarity—what he really wanted was not just an MBA degree but the ability to solve complex business problems.
This experience helped him identify what truly mattered: real-world learning and application. Whether it was stepping onto a factory floor with no prior knowledge or solving operational inefficiencies in an industry he had never worked in, Mihir developed a habit of learning on the job. Over the years, working closely with small business owners, he absorbed first-hand lessons on business strategy, operations, and scaling—insights no MBA program could replicate.
This curiosity and willingness to learn became one of Mihir’s defining strengths. Many of his most successful consulting strategies were shaped by lessons drawn directly from entrepreneurs—real-world problem-solvers who navigate challenges daily.
The Entrepreneurial Leap: Founding SMB Catalyst
Even while excelling in consulting, Mihir always had a strong desire to build something of his own. His transition into entrepreneurship was gradual rather than abrupt. While working as a consultant, he was approached by a small business owner seeking strategic guidance. Initially, Mihir helped them over weekends, but the impact was so significant that they invited him to take on a full-time leadership role.
Recognizing a market gap, Mihir launched SMB Catalyst, a consulting firm designed to help Small and Medium Businesses optimize operations and scale. But what set SMB Catalyst apart was Mihir’s belief in building a strong talent ecosystem. Over time, some of his most trusted colleagues evolved into business partners, taking on leadership roles in SMB Catalyst and Agkiya.
Through all these transitions, his wife’s role as a trusted advisor was indispensable. Whether it was weighing the decision to leave a secure job, brainstorming strategies for SMB Catalyst, or evaluating growth plans, she was his go-to thought partner.
Scaling the Vision: Expanding into SMB Next and Agkiya
Over the next decade, SMB Catalyst grew into a trusted consulting firm, working with numerous businesses to optimize their processes. However, Mihir realized that many Small and Medium Businesses needed more than just strategic advice—they needed specialized technical expertise. This led to the launch of SMB Next, which connected businesses with industry experts to solve niche technical challenges.
As digital transformation became a critical need, Mihir saw another gap—Small and Medium Businesses struggling with ERP implementations and technology adoption. In response, he founded Agkiya, a company focused on helping these businesses navigate digital transformation. By structuring their services to be both affordable and high-impact, Mihir and his team created a model that allowed businesses to access top-tier consulting without the high costs typically associated with large firms.
Today, Mihir’s ventures collectively employ over 75 people, with a vision to expand to 200 employees within the next year. His companies have evolved from purely consulting-driven businesses to a comprehensive ecosystem offering strategic, technical, and digital solutions for Small and Medium Business enterprises.
Reflections on Growth and Future Prospects
Mihir’s journey underscores the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and seizing opportunities. His philosophy of never saying no to challenges—whether it was moving from software engineering to business consulting or stepping into entrepreneurship—has been a defining factor in his success.
His belief in continuous learning and engaging with business owners has provided him with real-world insights that many traditional consultants miss. Instead of relying solely on frameworks, Mihir actively learns from those he advises, making his approach highly practical and impactful.
Moreover, his emphasis on inclusive growth—where the right talent is identified, nurtured, and given the opportunity to grow alongside the company—has ensured that SMB Catalyst and Agkiya thrive not just as businesses but as ecosystems of success.
Through CareerGrowthX, Mihir’s insights serve as a blueprint for professionals aspiring to make strategic career moves. His journey is a testament to the fact that growth is not about following a fixed path but about embracing change, taking calculated risks, and steadily building toward long-term goals.
Day-to-Day Life as a Business Consulting Entrepreneur
Mihir Shah’s role as a business consulting entrepreneur involves solving diverse challenges for small and medium businesses. A typical day includes:
Engaging with clients to diagnose business problems and strategize solutions.
Reviewing operations and financials to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for growth.
Collaborating with teams to implement business process improvements and digital transformation projects.
Managing multiple ventures (SMB Catalyst, SMB Next, and Agkiya) while mentoring teams and overseeing execution.
Researching industry trends to stay ahead and refine consulting methodologies.
Mihir thrives on problem-solving, balancing hands-on consulting with strategic decision-making to help Small and Medium Businesses scale efficiently.
Message for aspiring Business Consultants and Entrepreneurs
Mihir Shah’s advice:
Start small, learn big. Gain hands-on experience by solving real business problems before scaling up.
Stay curious and adaptable. The best consultants embrace continuous learning and evolve with industry trends.
Build strong relationships. Networking and mentorship open doors to new opportunities.
Take calculated risks. Stepping outside your comfort zone is key to long-term career growth.
Focus on impact. Deliver results, not just recommendations—real change comes from execution.
Engage and Grow
Mihir Shah’s career path is a roadmap for professionals looking to transition into consulting or entrepreneurship. Here are a few resources he recommends for continuous learning and career growth:
"The McKinsey Way" by Ethan M. Rasiel – A great introduction to management consulting principles and problem-solving frameworks.
Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Speech – A must-watch on innovation, resilience, and following one’s passion. Watch here.
Google & Industry Research – Mihir believes in self-learning; he frequently deep-dives into industry trends and business insights through online research.
Learning from People – Engaging with clients, mentors, and industry experts is his preferred way to gain knowledge.
Where to find Mihir Shah?
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Professionals
Be open to change. Career growth comes from embracing new challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Learn by doing. Real-world experience matters more than just academic qualifications—solve problems, take on projects, and gain hands-on exposure.
Networking is key. Strong relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Execution matters. Consulting isn’t just about giving advice—delivering real, measurable impact is what sets professionals apart.
Always have a ‘one plus one.’ Engaging in side projects or learning new skills alongside your main career can create new pathways for growth.
That’s it for this week’s story! We’ll be back next week with another inspiring journey—stay tuned! 🚀
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