Chaitanya Sharma's Story
The Journey So Far:
After masters from BITS Pilani started with ITeS in Bangalore & US, moved into technical sales & marketing in 2000, headed US Sales & Delivery for ILOG - acquired by IBM recently, led FICO sales in US, Asia Pac, China, Japan, incubated global delivery center for FICO in Blore; founded DAASL in 2009
Job Profile:
As a Founder & CEO of DAASL, my job is to define vision and strategy for the organization, build & groom the right team, expand geographically with new offerings, ensure sustained growth and 100% client satisfaction.
Career Profile:
As a Founder & CEO, I am responsible for strategy, operations & growth objectives of the company. From hiring first employee to onboarding our first client, expansiion, multi million revenue & profitability,3 year journey at is incomparable to my previous management role in a US multinational.
Degrees That Matter:
I have masters in Mathematics & Software Systems from BITS Pilani, various professional certifcations, patents. Continued learning is a must....always keep adding to your skills with new technologies, methods, streams, certifications and research work
Working Life Management:
Making the family a part of my work, my wife - in a cofounder & directoral capacity, supports me in the business. We do a lot of team events & family + kids are invited to these events which gives them a sense of belonging. I try to spend quality time with kids. No time for hobbies ...
Done Differently:
Pretty happy with the journey so fair, but if I had to choose I would shorten my US stint by a couple of years, move back to India sooner and start living my entreprenuerial dreams early.
Plans For The Future:
Continue working on my entreprenuerial venture taking DAASL to newer heights, new customers, new offerings, increased reach, bigger team and successful product launch.
Prized Accomplishment(s):
Making DAASL a million dollar profitable venture within 6 months of its inception with a sub 100K investment.
Growth Strategy:
Keep innovating, build right processes, quality and governance models. Work with honesty & Ethics in delivering best value for our clients, our employees and business partners
Other Thoughts:
Sense of responsibilty & value of hardwork incubated in early years. Scorching desert heat and shivering winters, no water, no electricity, a 2km walk one way to school, dearth of resources - right upbringing, estute guidance and countless sacrifices from parrents paved the path to success
Required Reading:
Read books on Warren Buffett, philanthropy, management strategies, decision management & entreprenuership blogs, economic times, Bhagwat Gita and various matematics/engineering journals
Advice For New Professionals:
Listen to your instinct, follow your dreams and aspirations rather than getting into the rat race. Stay committed - do not just look for cozy pay, look for a place where you get to learn and experiment.
Role Model:
APJ Abdul Kalam - a living legend role model for me. Books written by/on him, his childhood to his contributions to India in the field of nuclear science, down to earth lifestyle, committment to the society and just about everything on him is inspirational
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