In the JabWeConnect philosophy, relationships are more than transactional—they’re seeds that grow over time, sometimes in unexpected ways. Meeting someone briefly can lead to connections that shape your professional path, even a decade later. My journey with Sanjay Mehta is a perfect example of how one early handshake—and a quick LinkedIn reality check—can evolve into a decade-spanning connection rooted in mutual respect and growth.
That First Handshake: Where Offline Meets Online
Back in 2010, I attended a social media workshop buzzing with early energy around digital platforms. That’s when I met Sanjay Mehta, a name already well-regarded in India’s digital marketing circles. After a brief chat, I casually mentioned, “I just sent you a LinkedIn request.” His response was both surprising and refreshing: “I only connect with people I’ve actually met.” Then, smiling, he pulled out his phone and accepted my invite right then and there.
That small moment stuck with me—not just because it was humorous, but because it reflected something deeper: Sanjay values real-world relationships over digital optics. It’s a philosophy that mirrored JabWeConnect long before the term existed.
A Silent Mentor in My Digital Journey
Sanjay wasn’t just a friendly face in the industry. He was one of the earliest people who encouraged and nudged me into building my digital marketing business. His insights—both strategic and philosophical—were instrumental during my early days. At the time, I didn’t fully realize his stature: co-founder of Social Wavelength (now Mirum India), a pioneer in the digital agency world alongside Hareesh Tibrewala.
Over time, I learned more about how his partnership with Hareesh helped shape many of the early success stories in India’s digital transformation. But what stood out even more was his humility—never one to lead with titles or accolades, always happy to guide, share, and support without expecting anything in return.
His involvement in the Rotary Club of Deonar also reflects this same ethos: serve, connect, and give back. It’s no surprise that someone so grounded would end up being a central figure in multiple communities—digital, entrepreneurial, and civic.
Reunions, Reinforcements, and New Ventures
Last week, I met Sanjay again—this time not at a workshop or formal event, but at his home, where he picked up an IT product from me. As always, our conversation flowed naturally from technology to life, from industry shifts to personal growth.
This time, he shared with me about his new startup, AnantaQuest—a venture that focuses on leadership and executive coaching, helping individuals and organizations discover their fullest potential. The idea resonated strongly with me. Having seen Sanjay’s own journey of building, mentoring, and giving back, it felt only natural that he’d now channel his experience into empowering leaders to grow with awareness and purpose.
In that moment, I realized how JabWeConnect is not just about maintaining ties—it’s about evolving together. What began as a digital marketing mentorship is now a conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of work.
One of my favorite full-circle moments was hosting both Sanjay and Hareesh together on Jam with Sam. Watching them share stories, ideas, and banter, I was reminded again of how much collective energy is possible when connections are built on trust and mutual growth. Watch the episode here.
From Handshakes to Growth Rings
Relationships, like trees, grow in rings. Each encounter adds a new layer. What started as a social media exchange in 2010 has become a meaningful friendship that continues to influence my professional journey.
Sanjay Mehta’s approach—grounded, relationship-first, and forward-thinking—is a blueprint for anyone looking to build something lasting in the noisy, fast-moving world of business. With AnantaQuest, he’s extending this philosophy to help leaders grow themselves, their teams, and their organizations.
In many ways, he represents the best of what JabWeConnect stands for: genuine connections that lead to long-term growth, both for the self and the community.
And it all started with a handshake—and a LinkedIn connect that actually meant something.