Migrant, international student, and entrepreneur with a passion for social impact — Nilesh Makwana is an Indian-Australian author, public speaker, and the CEO of a global award-winning business Illuminance Solutions. Nilesh was born and brought up in humble surroundings in a small town in Gujarat, India.
Terminal 4 - An Entrepreneur’s Journey from Bicycle to Business Class is a vivid look at Nilesh’s life changing decision to embark on an international student’s journey and beyond. It reflects on the triumphs, challenges, tips, tricks and advice he received along the way.
It serves as a blueprint on how to succeed at university, maximise your travel experience, build a business, nourish a network, bounce back after a failure, and forge your own version of success and achieve your own dreams. The author hopes that by sharing his experiences he might ignite that little spark you need to embark on a journey of your own.
About the Author
Nilesh Makwana is an Indian-Australian entrepreneur living and working in Perth.
Nilesh is the co-founder and CEO of illuminance Solutions, a National Technology Company, and a Microsoft Global Partner for Social Impact.
With his partner Vincent Lam, Nilesh has built a high-performing team of co-workers from 26 different countries, making it one of the most diverse workplaces in Australia.
When he is not working, Nilesh can be found partying with friends (but he is strictly no alcohol!) or playing cricket, tennis, swimming, or cycling. He is a vegetarian and a big fan of reggae music – particularly Bob Marley.
Nilesh has the honour of being an Auspire – Australia Day Council Ambassador and with his interactions with community members he inspires Australians to be more diverse and inclusive.
In recognition of his many achievements, Nilesh has won many national and international awards.
Nilesh’s first book, “Terminal 4 – An Entrepreneur’s journey from bicycle to business class” takes readers from his childhood in India to his studies in the UK and Australia and his business ventures – all through the lens of a migrant.
Industry Reviews
"Terminal 4 by Nilesh Makwana is a fabulous tale of a lifelong learner, an adventurer, an entrepreneur and intrepid traveller. The account of his life is as entertaining and engaging as it is motivating. From being a student with a poor academic track record in small town India to becoming an entrepreneur who has travelled the world, won multiple awards and added tremendous value to the community, Nilesh's story of perseverance, passion, grit, self-belief and never-say-die spirit will surely be inspirational to all who read it. I loved the summary of life lessons at the end of each chapter. Wishing Nilesh all the best in his journey hereon. If this account is anything to go by, I am sure many new adventures and accolades await!"
Preeti Vyas, President & CEO, Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd.
In an age when education is often valued in terms of the marks one can obtain through rote learning, Nilesh Makwana’s book is a timely reminder that success depends on so much more – among other things, quick thinking, hard work, perseverance, and the ability to learn from mistakes. This story, of a small-town boy who repeatedly failed in school and then went on to become a global, award-winning entrepreneur, is told in simple language, peppered with pithy quotes and insightful takeaways. Engagingly written, with candour and humour, this is an inspiring tale and one that I would recommend being read by everyone who wants to understand what it takes to succeed in a complex and unforgiving world.
Menka Shivdasani - Mumbai-based poet and writer
“The book is inspirational and motivational. It’s well written, witty, and racy. Nilesh shares his life’s experiences which are relatable, practical and easy to follow. Terminal 4 provides a safe landing not only for foreign students but has life lessons for everyone, and is a must read for young entrepreneurs.”
Dr Mukesh Batra, Founder Chairperson, Dr Batra’s healthcare
An enjoyable story of optimism, perseverance and the importance of making the most of every opportunity. A great read for international students, migrants and for us all.
Annie Fogarty, Executive Chairperson, Fogarty Foundation
“The book is indeed a must read for new arrivals to WA, students, and migrants alike. In fact, I think everyone can take something away from reading it, and to be inspired by your message of active citizenship and leading with karma.”
Hari Sethi, CEO & Founder, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Australia
“You have come so far, and in such an interesting and inspirational manner, all of which are conveyed with eloquence and passion. Your values, character, story all come through here, and it is wonderful to share it with international students and other potential readers.”
Robert Wood, Creative Director, Centre for Stories
“The book can be read by everyone as it is a wonderful book with lot of life experience. I think this book would really motivate the young people who leave their home country and move to a completely new world. This book can show them that bad times do not stay and with struggle and hard work comes success and satisfaction.”
Karan Joshi, Director & CEO, Aussizz Group
“I was brought back to my own migration days, and by reading about your journey I remembered many things I had forgotten about from my own big move from Europe to Australia.”
Alberto Tassone, President, Stanley College
“I like the blend of humour and Nilesh’s raw experiences.”
Krishna Karangiya – Project Officer – Kaleidoscope Initiative
“I am an international student and have gone through a lot of struggles. When I was reading the book there were places where I felt like ‘this is my life as well.’ This book made me realise I have so much left to achieve, and with the author’s insights and messages I feel better equipped to succeed in this foreign land.”
Imran Rashid – International Student – Australia
“I am not much of a book reader, but this book had so many real-life experiences that I could relate to, and it kept me tied to it. I cannot believe that I completed the whole book in one sitting! It is very engaging and every page you turn has something to offer and it kept making me want to read more.”
Marcia De Oliveira – Business Development Manager – NIT Australia
“The best thing about the book was the honesty and integrity in the story.”
Dev Kumar – International Student – Australia
“With this book you get a front seat on an adventurous journey that is about struggle, hard work, and persistence. The quote before each chapter set the tone of what is to come beautifully and the key takeaways after every chapter left me with an even better understanding of my business partner. In this book, Nilesh doesn't hide or smooth over any challenges or failures he faced in his life, but gracefully shares them with us all to learn from.”
Vincent Lam – Principal Consultant – illuminance Solutions
