When Satish Sanpal speaks about success, he does not glorify luck or chance. He believes in showing up, staying consistent, and never losing sight of who you are. “Luck might place you at the foot of the ladder,” he says, “but without hard work, you won’t climb very far.”
This grounded approach defines not just his personal journey, but also the rapid rise of ANAX Holding, which he founded in 2018 in Dubai. What began as a vision has grown into a diversified investment group operating across real estate development, hospitality, and financial services. Today, its flagship arm ANAX Developments is a recognised name in Dubai’s real estate market, known for delivering high-demand projects with a strong commitment to quality and ethics.
In conversation, Satish is warm, sharp, and reflective. He admits that in his early years, he was deeply focused on professional growth and chasing opportunities. “Looking back, I wish I had realised sooner how important personal wellbeing is,” he shares. “Work is important, yes, but if you’re not taking care of yourself, it eventually catches up with you. Now I prioritise balance much more.”
That sense of clarity extends to how he builds teams. When asked what he looks for when hiring, he doesn’t talk about qualifications or titles first. “We look for people who align with our core values,” he explains. “Skills can be developed, we take responsibility for that. But when it comes to ethics and behaviour, we don’t compromise.”
He’s someone who believes in consistency over shortcuts. When the topic shifts to success, he gently challenges the common notion of a ‘lucky break’. “People often ask me what my lucky moment was. But I don’t think of luck as a single moment. For me, luck is waking up healthy, being surrounded by people I love, and getting to do what I believe in. That’s luck. The rest is hard work.”
Interestingly, even now, after building a brand like ANAX, Satish says he has never felt like he’s “made it.” “Every time I reach a milestone, I raise the bar higher. I don’t think there’s ever going to be a moment where I sit back and say, ‘This is it.’ For me, success is about movement, constant movement.”
He also reflects on one thing he would have done differently. “I should have worked on building discipline earlier in life,” he says with a smile. “I was chasing experiences, which was good in a way. But now I know that discipline is what gives you inner strength, it’s nourishment for both the body and the soul.”
Talking about the challenges of running a business in the Gulf, he says many newcomers misread the market. “There’s this belief that most startups here fail because of competition. That’s not entirely true. The region is evolving rapidly. What matters most is how fast you can adapt. Survival is not about being lucky, it’s about being prepared.”
When asked about who inspires him, his response is immediate. “Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His leadership has transformed Dubai. His vision, his ability to execute, and his relentless ambition: these are qualities I deeply admire.”
And despite his many ventures and responsibilities, he keeps his essentials simple. “My phone,” he laughs. “It keeps me connected, keeps me updated, and lets me stay in control even when I’m on the move.”
Satish Sanpal’s story is not just about building a business empire. It’s about mindset, ethics, and resilience. Whether he is leading a project, mentoring his team, or simply sharing his journey, the message is always the same: don’t wait for luck, work for it.