On this episode of The Shape of Work podcast, our guest is Pranesh Chaudhary, Founder & CEO at Zunpulse (ZunRoof Tech Pvt. Ltd) - a startup solving electricity consumption and supply in Indian homes through IoT and five D2C brands.
Having worked with some of the largest financial services firms in the world across marketing strategies, risk management and leadership roles, Pranesh has plenty of experience and insights to share in this conversation:
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
The challenges the startup faced during the lockdown:
Pranesh talks about two aspects:
During the lockdown, as people started working from home, the electricity consumption increased. Thus the demand for solar products and solar rooftop services increased. However, at the same time, they faced challenges regarding the delivery and installation of the same. Plenty of changes were made in the supply process and the policies.
Moreover, plenty of orders placed before the lockdown were stuck.
Hiring in a startup:
Most startups hire people through personal connections at the beginning level. Zunpulse had their first few hires in a similar manner. When they started scaling, they realized the need to hire at a rapid pace. The company picked up freshers such that they could be more open to being trained accordingly. In tech, however, they chose experienced professionals.
Ensuring a good onboarding experience:
Someone working in a company for more than a year knows the company well. However, as a new joiner, one might feel out of place. Hence, it is necessary for companies to provide them with the right onboarding experience.
Pranesh’s company conducts a buddy program for the new joiners. They ensure trackers to see if everything is provided to them on time. In addition, everyone in the leader group interacts with the particular person. The key is to be a bit more patient with them.
People management in a startup:
During the start of Zunpulse, everything was according to Pranesh’s previous experience. Like every other startup, they had to work in a fast-paced environment and make rapid decisions. However, as they have scaled up a little, they have more objective processes in their career. They focus on the ‘right level of unlocking.’
They maintain a transparent work environment with effective performance management. They follow a simple guideline- there will always be people who will feel they are not being promoted. But whoever does, deserves it.
People management skills for entrepreneurs:
Pranesh says that people management skills are required for any field, not just entrepreneurship. One can be good in multiple skills but they need to focus on people skills the most. They should care enough for people. You should have the right empathy for people, identify with people, and be genuine.
Follow Pranesh on LinkedIn
Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast host: Rohan Mankad