Raj Narayan - Emajin Golf

13 July 2021

Tell us a little bit about Emajin Golf.

Emajin Golf is an online golf club and an inclusive, supportive and fast-growing golfing community. We are committed to supporting, promoting, and growing the game of golf throughout Australia. We encourage participation in golf via organised events, competitions, tours and learning through clinics.

Emajin is an official Golf Australia Handicap provider, and we provide cost effective access to competition golf for hundreds of Australians who are not in a position to commit to a single location golf course for various reasons.

What is unique about your business?

We are an online club and an amazing, friendly community of golfers. What is unique is that we tailor our services to suit our customers needs. So, if someone only wants a handicap, they can get one. If they want to participate in events or tours, they are able to. They can mix and match the services they need to suit their needs and, in a cost-effective manner.

How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

I was a member of the Golf NSW Advisory Committee for two years and during this time worked on initiatives to promote participation in golf. Based on the annual research undertaken by the Australian Institute of Sport, there are approximately 1 million golfers in Australia today, and interestingly 60% of golfers do not belong to a golf club. This is largely due to both the time and financial commitment required to join a golf club.

This led us to establishing an online golf club, and easy and cost-effective access to providing an official Golf Australia Handicap as well as establishing a supportive community that they can belong to. We educate new golfers on the rules of the game, connect like-minded golfers, and organise prizes and trophies to celebrate their successes.

Is this where you thought you would end up?

I started my career in accounting and then in Banking and Finance and have a finance background. However, I am currently Founder and CEO at Emajin Golf. So, yes, I definitely wouldn’t have thought I would be working in the golfing industry.

To what do you attribute your success?

I believe that success is a result of three key things. Firstly, aim high and set goals that challenge you. Secondly, work longer and harder than anyone else. And thirdly, believe in yourself and be confident about your ability to achieve.

How did you hear about Servcorp?

As we are a start-up we were keen to move into a serviced office. One of our friends referred us to Servcorp.

What has been the biggest benefit you’ve experienced as a result of working with Servcorp?

The key benefits have been the ability to scale up as needed and add additional space fairly easily. We have also moved offices to suit our business needs and have found Servcorp facilities and flexibility effortless and easy.

What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) during your career?

This is an interesting question! I have spent time away from my family to fulfil work commitments on numerous occasions, but also made compromises from a career perspective to ensure I’m there when my daughter and family needs me. I have found that balancing both is a juggling act, one that is and always will be a work in progress.

Who are the leaders that inspire you and why?

The leaders who are self-made and have achieved something from a humble start in life are the ones who inspire me.

What is one way that operating business today is the same as 15 years ago, and one way it’s different?

The fundamental business principles are the same today as they were 15 years ago. However, what has changed is the pace at which we operate, our reach being global, and significant advances in technology that has enabled seamless interactions and integration across industries.

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

The key piece of advice I would give someone starting out is “Back your own judgement, believe in yourself, be confident, and most importantly, act like you belong.”
My biggest advice, for the next generation, is to have the confidence to back themselves. Know that you deserve the positions that you get, and don’t be afraid to ask for things or offer your opinions! I cannot overstate the importance – if you act like you belong, and let yourself feel like you belong, others will think the same about you. So, I encourage people starting out to be confident and trust their own judgement!