In this episode of StartWell's Gathering Podcast, you'll get an insider's look at Sachi Kittur's remarkable journey from HR professional to successful entrepreneur. Starting with her early career in tech recruitment during the Y2K boom, Sachi shares honest insights about her time at companies like Sigma Systems, where she experienced everything from scaling teams to managing mergers and acquisitions.
What makes this discussion particularly valuable is Sachi's candid take on the evolution of corporate leadership. She points out how CEOs have shifted their focus from purely sales and profits to emphasizing people, culture, and engagement – a change that reflects the modern understanding that successful companies need to nail the "people culture formula."
The conversation takes an exciting turn when Sachi discusses her leap into entrepreneurship with Sachili, her CPG food brand. She doesn't sugar-coat the challenges, sharing real stories about the hurdles of getting products onto retail shelves and managing tight margins. This experience led her to create Go CPG, an innovative platform designed to help other CPG founders navigate the industry's complex landscape and reduce the staggering failure rate.
Throughout the discussion, you'll find practical wisdom about mentorship, with Sachi emphasizing the importance of connecting with entrepreneurs who are "2-3 years ahead of where you want to be." Her experience reporting to six different CEOs provides fascinating insights into leadership styles and the crucial traits of successful executives – including their ability to maintain unwavering focus regardless of outside opinions.
The conversation also dives into timely topics like remote work, the changing dynamics of talent acquisition, and the unique advantages that HR professionals bring to entrepreneurship. Sachi makes a compelling case for why people operations skills are a "superpower" in business development and relationship building.
Whether you're an HR professional considering entrepreneurship, a current business owner, or someone interested in the evolution of workplace culture, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building successful businesses in today's rapidly changing environment. Sachi's blend of corporate experience and entrepreneurial ventures creates a unique lens through which to view the modern business landscape.
