Punjab Inc: Hiring for the world, from Ludhiana

I am Raghav Choudhary, the Founder and Managing Director of Crescendo Global Leadership Hiring. I was born and brought up in Ludhiana, where I completed my schooling at DAV Ludhiana. Later, I pursued my passion for Computer Sciences Engineering at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai. My corporate journey led me through strategic consulting roles across Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Mumbai, where I worked with industry giants like the Tata Group and Michael Page International. This marked the genesis of my career in the Leadership Hiring sector.

Why I started this company:

My ambition extended beyond merely establishing another leadership hiring firm. I aspired for Crescendo Global to be India’s representative in the global leadership hiring arena, connecting Indian talent with premier opportunities domestically. After experiencing life in major cities, I recognised why the youth were migrating for jobs and sought to provide Ludhiana professionals with top opportunities without uprooting them. Founded in 2014, with offices in Ludhiana and Gurugram, Crescendo Global now serves 20+ industries across major cities in India.

Accomplishments:

Raghav Choudhary and Crescendo Global have left an indelible mark on the hiring landscape. Notable achievements include successfully placing 3500+ senior management, Directors, and VPs over the last decade. My entrepreneurial spirit was honored with the “Young Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year, 2020” award by the Governor of Punjab and Haryana. Crescendo Global was also recognized as the best permanent recruitment firm in 2021 at the Vinny’s awards in Singapore.

Challenges faced:

Ludhiana, my hometown, presents its unique set of challenges in the talent landscape. The shift to work-from-home and hybrid models added complexity to the hiring process. Furthermore, being a tier-2 city, Ludhiana sometimes lacks the world-class corporate infrastructure that businesses require.

Future plans:

My vision for Crescendo Global is to be among the top three leadership hiring firms in India by 2025. With “Mission 2025” in focus, I plan to grow our team to 200 professionals and establish a strong presence in North America.

Expectations from the government:

I call for more colleges and quality business education for MBA programs in Ludhiana, which currently lacks an IIM or NIT. I also advocate for business incubators to nurture startups and create a thriving ecosystem. Additionally, I hope for government support in opening Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Ludhiana to attract more businesses, as SEZs facilitate the export of services without GST.

Stress-busters:

I find solace in spirituality, often turning to meditation and introspection for rejuvenation and balance. While I am deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors, my active role in the Swami Vivekanand Trust in Model Town, Ludhiana, is particularly close to my heart. The trust runs a hospital and an ashram, and I also contribute to philanthropy through the Crescendo Foundation.