The path from corporate veteran to transformational sales coach isn't always straight, but in today's Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Spotlight, we're featuring someone who made that leap with purpose and passion. Meet Dr. Deepak Bhootra, founder of Jabulani Consulting, whose three-decade corporate experience has evolved into a mission to revolutionize how we think about sales. Drawing inspiration from his grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit and catalyzed by the perspective-shifting events of the pandemic, Dr. Deepak has created a coaching practice that goes far beyond traditional sales training. By blending the Sandler Training methodology with a deep focus on personal motivation and mindset, he's helping sales professionals and teams not just hit quotas, but build authentic relationships that transform their entire approach to selling. His story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to turn your expertise into impact.
Hi, Dr. Deepak! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us about your business. Who do you serve, how do you serve them, and what's the impact that your business and work makes?
I’m the founder of Jabulani Consulting (Zulu word meaning Rejoice or Happiness; and my dog's name!), specializing in sales coaching and sales training. After three decades in the corporate world, I realized that the sales profession needed more than just scripts and quotas—it needed a deeper dive into personal motivation and mindset. Through Sandler Training methodology and one-on-one coaching, I help individuals and sales teams understand what truly drives them and what holds them back, then craft customized approaches that play to their strengths. By focusing on the human element of selling, my clients don’t just close more deals; they build long-lasting, genuine relationships with their customers. Ultimately, this results in higher performance, greater self-awareness, and a people-first approach to sales.
Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.
It happened when I identified my ideal customer profile (ICP)—sales professionals and teams looking to transform their results through mindset and strategic growth. Before that, I had a broad vision of “I’d like to consult,” but once I laser-focused on sales coaching, everything changed. I saw tangible momentum, and I finally felt: “Yes, I’m truly doing this. I’ve moved beyond dreaming and planning and into action.”
Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.
I’d always had an entrepreneurial spark, thanks to watching my grandfather run a small family business in my hometown. That early exposure planted the seed of business ownership, but it remained dormant for years while I built a traditional corporate career. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and like so many people, I found myself reevaluating what really mattered—my personal goals, my time, and the impact I wanted to have. That period of forced reflection convinced me to stop delaying and finally tap into that dormant entrepreneurial drive. On April 1, 2024, I registered my LLC with only about 70% clarity on my offerings, but 100% commitment. I knew that if I waited for the perfect plan, I might never act. The pandemic taught me that the “right time” can vanish without warning—so I decided to create my own right time.
Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?
Rather than relying on just one product, I’ve found that integrating AI into every facet of my business has been the true game-changer. I use a range of AI-driven tools—from Gamma.AI, ChatGPT, OpenArt.AI, and FinxS (for DISC and SCA) to more familiar platforms like Canva, Zapier, and Grammarly.
This synergy of tools lets me automate repetitive tasks like proposal generation and reporting while also going deeper into client insights. By using AI to analyze client data, spot behavioral patterns, and personalize strategies, I can craft more targeted coaching sessions that deliver real, measurable results. It’s not about replacing the human touch, but rather amplifying it—giving me the time and data-driven clarity to focus on the high-impact aspects of my work. The result is a seamless blend of technology and personal connection that’s truly changed how I deliver value to my clients. These tools have become part of my DNA, enabling a level of efficiency, creativity, and precision that I once only imagined.
We know that success is very often a non-linear path. Tell us about a failure, pivot point, or lesson that changed your course or direction and helped to get you where you are today.
Early on, I poured money into LinkedIn advertising without a crystal-clear offer. My messaging was vague, and I didn’t have a focused value proposition. Needless to say, the ads didn’t yield the results I’d hoped for. Although it stung at the time, that failure forced me to refine my core message, niche down to sales coaching, and ensure I could articulate exactly what clients get when they work with me. It was a painful but absolutely necessary pivot.
What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?
I began writing almost as soon as I founded my LLC—long-form articles, blog posts, and even creative fiction. People often separate “business” and “creativity,” but I found that consistent writing and storytelling built my personal brand faster than any ad campaign could. By sharing thought leadership and personal anecdotes, I attracted clients who resonated with my approach to sales and personal development. It also helped me transition from being known primarily for my corporate role to being recognized under my own name and methodology.
What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurship is lonely, so surround yourself with people who understand the journey. Seek advice, but remember to always filter it through your own lens. Mistakes are just the currency you pay for future success—you can beat yourself up about them or laugh them off later, but in the moment, you have to embrace them as part of the process. And, importantly, don’t delay starting until you’re 100% ready. Because you never will be. If you’re 70% prepared and feeling that fire in your belly—jump in.
Want to dive deeper into Dr. Deepak's work? Check out the following links:
- Visit Jabulani Consulting's website jabulaniconsulting.com
- Visit Dr. Deepak's website deepakbhootra.com
- Connect with Dr. Deepak on LinkedIn: Deepak Bhootra (Dr)
- Email Dr. Deepak directly at dr.deepak.bhootra@outlook.com
Published and Upcoming Works:
- Young Adult Fiction – Curse Unwound: Buy on Amazon
- Hindi Translation of Curse Unwound (Marudhar Prem Gatha): Buy on Amazon
- Chapter on Mental Health in Winning with Love: Buy on Amazon
- Chapter on Mental Health in Leadership DNA: Shaping A Thriving Business Culture: Buy on Amazon
- Fiction Stage Play & Novella – What Makes Us Human, Fails Us Too: Buy on Amazon
- Self-Help / Self-Coaching Guide – Boundless Within: Releasing March 2025
