Interview with Raginee Poloogadoo from Pro Solve Consulting

Can you tell us more about your entrepreneurial journey ?

I was born and brought up in Mauritius in a small village where girls’ education was not considered of essence. I was always keen to education and was supported by my brother to pursue higher education than embracing the norms of the family. After my secondary studies, I worked to finance my further education. I studied law because I wanted to help people and fight for their rights. For family reasons, I moved to Luxembourg in 2012. As my legal degrees could not be homologated, I professionally reorientated my career by completing a mediation diploma and a master in intercultural communication. After some years of practice as mediator, I decided to create my own company in March 2021.

What is Pro Solve Consulting about ?

Pro Solve Consulting promotes and practices mediation in civil, commercial and neighbourhood dispute for example divorce, inheritance, business, and property disputes, noise pollution, fencing, etc. Pro Solve Consulting intervenes in all areas in which a mediation process is required, for example to the human resources department in private sector for cases such as mobbing, harassments, absenteeism or conflicts between co-workers. Mediation is used as well in intercultural matters such as misunderstanding, miscommunication, stereotyping, etc. Our services are not only limited to conducting mediation but also to assess and provide reports with suggestions to remedy issues within an organisation, hence, adding value and helping to improve the quality of life.

Who are your clients ?

Mostly, my clients are in the public sector. I work a lot with communes outsourcing their neighbouring disputes and mediation cases such as Kayl/Tétange, Esch-sur-Alzette, etc. I develop mediation projects as well, for example for LEADER Éislek and Atert Wark. Within the communes, I establish a social mediation service to resolve the conflicts of the residents. Pro Solve Consulting handles all the neighbour disputes from an initial complaint till the end both neutrally and confidentially. For the communes, it reduces their workload in terms of neighbouring disputes, thus, they also maintain their neutrality, impartiality and demonstrate their good faith towards their citizens by offering this service at free costs. I also have some clients in the private sector such as national and international companies.

How long did it take to start your business ?

Overall, from the idea of creating the business till its incorporation, it took me around 6 months. It actually took me a bit longer than what I had fixed as timeframe to be fully operational. Even though I am a Luxemburgish citizen, a specific certificate was needed from my country of origin. Then, the covid situation with the lockdown didn’t facilitate the process, rendering it time consuming.

What was the hardest part in the early stages of the business creation ?

For public entities at the beginning, I would say the language particularly. Speaking Luxembourgish tends to make people more receptive. I am grateful to my Luxembourg native friends who accompanied me during this process and to the people from the entities who could see my endeavours, dedication for my profession and gave me the opportunity to start my activity. I sincerely thank all of them from the bottom of my heart.

Why would you recommend being supported in the business creation ?

It is important because during this process sometimes we may have doubts and insecurities as one can never know what may entail. Thoughts and questions like “Once the company is created then… what next ? Clients ? Generate income ?” come often. Being accompanied in this process helped me to fulfil the empowerment and the support that are needed. It is essential to be accompanied so as whenever we feel like we are going astray in our endeavours, we are brought back on track.

How do you see your company in 3 years ?

I see Pro Solve Consulting as the reference mediation firm at national level for whenever a mediation issue in any field arises. Just as its slogan : “Pro Solve Consulting fir Iech a mat Iech”- “Pro Solve Consulting for you and with you”.

What piece of advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs ?

Don’t think too much, just go for it ! Try and learn, it works, then it’s great ! If it doesn’t work, try again until you reach your goal !

Raginee was supported by nyuko for the creation of her business. Accompanying people through their entrepreneurial journey is their purpose. If this article inspired you, do not hesitate to contact nyuko !