WLP369 Strategy Leader with a Heart
In this episode, Pilari talks to Sagar Chandni, who describes himself as a distributed work practitioner and a strategy leader with a heart. We talk about the nuances of these terms and the evolving nature of work, particularly in India where Sagar is based.
Sagar discusses his work with startups and the challenges and opportunities they face, and shares his approach to informed leadership, ethical business strategies, and workplace inclusiveness, as well as the importance of embracing a mindset shift and approaching work in a way that fosters meaningful connections and positive impact both personally and professionally. He also gives us a view of the startup landscape in India. Yes, we cover a lot in this episode!
Sagar's self-identification as a "strategy leader with a heart" is deeply rooted in his experiences and observations over his decade-long career. It reflects a carefully considered philosophy shaped by his work with startups, his evolving understanding of remote work, and his personal principles.
Sagar launched his own travel company in 2013, operating remotely even before the concept gained widespread recognition in India. This early exposure to distributed work, coupled with his later involvement in launching a co-working space, instilled in him the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the world of work.
As he consulted with numerous startups and emerging businesses, Sagar observed a recurring theme: a disconnect between strategic decision-making and the human element. He saw companies prioritizing processes and systems over genuine connection and empathy, leading to a loss of "heart" in their operations. He recognised that building successful and sustainable businesses required more than just sharp strategic thinking; it demanded a deep understanding of people, their motivations, and their values.
Sagar Chandni
strategy leader with a heart
A "strategy leader with a heart" is someone who combines strategic acumen with empathy, compassion, and a genuine concern for the well-being of people. This concept resonated with Sagar because it encapsulated his belief that successful leadership should not come at the expense of human connection and values.
This philosophy permeates his work with startups and his advocacy for distributed work practices, both of which he sees as avenues for creating a more fulfilling and meaningful work experience for everyone involved.
A Distributed Work Practitioner
Sagar also identifies as a "distributed work practitioner" and sees this remote work as more than just a perk or cost-saving measure. He believes it requires a fundamental shift in mindset and lifestyle. This suggests he envisions a future where:
● Remote work is widely accepted and integrated into company cultures: Indian organizations move beyond viewing remote work as a temporary solution or a benefit for a select few.
● Leaders champion and model distributed work practices: This shift requires leaders who actively promote and exemplify the discipline and intentionality needed to thrive in a remote work environment.
● Employees truly understand how working remotely will change their lives.
The Indian Startup Landscape
Sagar describes the Indian startup landscape as vibrant and optimistic, fueled by a confluence of factors that have created a ripe environment for entrepreneurial ventures. India has always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, historically rooted in the prevalence of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This culture of self-reliance and business ownership laid the groundwork for the current startup boom.
India's large young population, with an average age between 28 and 34, provides a demographic dividend with the experience and resources to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, rising living standards over the past two decades have equipped many with the necessary capital and time to invest in starting businesses.
Sagar has seen the Indian government actively fostering the startup ecosystem through initiatives and policies designed to support emerging businesses. This recognition of startups' importance in driving economic growth and job creation further strengthens the ecosystem.
There is also a need to generate employment opportunities and prevent brain drain has created a sense of urgency and opportunity within the Indian startup ecosystem. This collective drive to create value and contribute to the economy adds to the dynamism of the landscape.
Sagar’s Three Guiding Principles
Sagar has developed three principles to guide his work with startups:
● Informed Leadership
Leaders should make well-informed decisions, not only for major events like acquiring clients or fundraising, but also for daily operations. Sagar helps companies implement frameworks that encourage informed decision-making at all levels.
● Ethical Business Strategies
Sagar believes that organisations should constantly evaluate their business strategies to ensure they align with ethical values. He encourages leaders to consider the ethical implications of their decisions and strive to operate with integrity. This involves regular discussions and reflection to ensure ethical considerations are embedded in the company culture.
● Workplace Inclusiveness
Sagar views workplace inclusiveness as an extension of inclusivity practised in personal life, starting with family and community. He believes that genuine inclusivity goes beyond written guidelines and requires leaders to develop their own approaches to fostering an inclusive environment based on their strengths and comfort levels. This involves recognizing personal biases and actively seeking to understand and address them.
Find out more about Sagar and his work:
Connect with Sagar on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagarchandni/
Check out his LinkedIn show Virtual Global Leadership Podcast
Subscribe to his newsletter: https://strivewithsagarchandni.substack.com/
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