Sunil Gandhi’s journey is a rich tapestry woven from threads of personal dreams, career triumphs, evolving landscapes, and deep-rooted family bonds. From his early days in India to the pivotal decision to move to the United States and ultimately founding his own company, Sunil has mastered the delicate dance between ambition and compassion, navigating the intricate balance of work, family, and community with grace.
Born in 1970 in Indore, India, to Mohandas and Bhagwanti Gandhi, Sunil grew up immersed in a family history shaped by both privilege and adversity. His grandparents, once prosperous textile traders in what is now Pakistan, lived comfortably until the turmoil of Partition. That seismic event abruptly shifted their world, turning a life of wealth into one marked by displacement. Though Sunil’s parents rarely spoke of the emotional upheaval they endured, their stories of family treasures stolen and rocks replacing belongings in their luggage revealed the profound loss and resilience that defined their journey.
Reflecting on his childhood, Sunil recalls it as emotionally rich but financially constrained. His father, a dedicated employee in the Indian Department of Telecommunications, worked tirelessly until his retirement. Despite the financial challenges, Sunil fondly remembers how love, affection, and an unbreakable family bond were the cornerstones of his upbringing. “The connection we built during those tough times is so strong that even today, we are closely knit, even as we’ve grown and started our own families,” Sunil remarks. This deep connection to his siblings remains a vital part of his life, with daily communication serving as a testament to the enduring strength of their familial ties.
Sunil’s father, was his guiding light, a mentor more than an authority figure. His mother, though traditional in many ways, supported her children’s education. Together, they created an environment where Sunil could thrive, despite their modest financial means.
Growing up in a diverse neighborhood with children who spoke different languages, Sunil embraced the cultural richness around him. At home, the family spoke Sindhi, while the wider world introduced him to Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Marathi. These early experiences laid the foundation for Sunil’s appreciation of different cultures, a trait that would serve him well in his later life.
Sunil excelled academically and attended the prestigious Saint Paul’s boys’ school. While his peers were drawn to sports, Sunil prioritized his studies but never lost his extroverted spirit. He found time for painting, music, and weekend sports, enjoying a vibrant mix of Western and Indian influences—from Kishore Kumar to Michael Jackson and from Amitabh Bachchan to James Bond films.
After narrowly missing out on a chance to pursue engineering, Sunil pivoted and pursued a diploma in communication engineering alongside a bachelor’s degree in the arts. He worked hard to fund his education, tutoring and taking on internships while studying for his MBA. His time in Gujarat, far from home, introduced him to lifelong friends and unforgettable weekends spent with their families.
Sunil’s first professional steps took him from Surat to Bombay, where he thrived in the consumer electronics industry, quickly rising through the ranks. However, in the midst of this success, tragedy struck. In 1993, his father passed away unexpectedly, an event that shattered Sunil’s world. He describes this moment as the one that forced him to grow up, as he suddenly became responsible for his family’s well-being.
Returning to Indore in 1994, Sunil worked as a branch manager in Indore for a timeshare company. From this position, he moved to human resources consulting, a path that would take him through the rest of his career. In 1998, he joined the HR consulting firm, a field that become his lifelong passion and a move that launched his career on fast track and in the year 2000 he moved back to Mumbai.
This was only the beginning of an eventful decade in his life. He got married to his wife Sunita in 1998, and was also blessed with a baby girl Khushi in year 2000. His professional growth was exceptional and he was asked to scope out the United States through multiple trips to the country, searching for information and prospects for firms expansion in US Through meetings with American contacts, Sunil learned that the human resources market in the United State and formulated a business plan which convinced the management team to start the US subsidiary. He was tasked to lead this company and that resulted in his move to United states in 2006. He brought his wife and then five-year-old daughter with him to New York City.
The transition wasn’t easy. Sunil worked long hours, and Sunita faced her own challenges adjusting to life in a new country. But they persevered, building a life in New Jersey. In 2009 they were blessed with baby girl Ishita.
Sunil’s career continued to flourish, and in 2012, he founded his own executive search and recruiting firm. Sunita eventually left her job in banking to join him, and together, they built a successful business.
Their community in New Jersey became a second family. They embraced the diversity around them, celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, Diwali, and other festivals with equal enthusiasm. Their home was a gathering place, not just for family, but for friends from all backgrounds. Sunil and Sunita’s involvement in Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist organization, further strengthened their commitment to peace, happiness, and community.
Sunil Gandhi’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and deep personal connection. From his early days in India to his transformative move to the United States, and the founding of his own company, Sunil’s life reflects a delicate balance between career success, family, and community. He has continually adapted to new environments, always holding onto the values instilled in him by his loved ones.
Reflecting on his life, Sunil recognizes the sacrifices he’s made, but also the rewards. His story is one of ambition and adaptability, from humble beginnings in India to building a new life in the United States. Through it all, his passion, independence, and openness to change have been his guiding principles.