Akshay Cherian

Learning to deal with price sensitivity We have lost quite a few gifting orders on price. Impact, ecofriendly, handwork, quality are appreciated by majority corporates (especially senior executives). But only a few are willing to pay any kind of price premium or understood that handmade products need time. The comparison to machine made, sweat shop or cheap imports seems inevitable. Price seems to outweigh everything else put together. The festive gifting at times appeared mindless- add more items, the hamper has to look full, it's ok if fillers occupy half space but the box/ basket has to be big, branding on the face. The highly eco unfriendly packaging was fine, product quality seemed inconsequential. We have had great customers too (we rightfully called them mindful buyers) who have chosen impact making gifts. We have tried increasing brand equity, making products unique, graceful storytelling and emphasizing quality to reduce the power of price in the ultimate decision-making. Are there any other ways that you can suggest? jhappi Bhumika Marwaha Ipsita Baidya

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𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 😢 📈 Mistakes are a founder's BFF! 🤝 The greatest leaders don't avoid errors - they leverage them. While playing it safe seems easier, that pathway leads nowhere interesting. The greatest leaders are not those who avoid mistakes, but those who understand and harness their transformative power. In moments of error, true leaders illuminate the path of collective learning and unity. ✅ 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒: Mistakes aren't failures, but important feedback. When received open-mindedly, they sharpen skills and highlight improvement areas. As a leader, it is paramount to convey that we see mistakes as opportunities to grow stronger. They are never the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. ✅ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒: We must reassure teams that stumbling merely highlights the path, not defines worth. By prioritizing learning over blame, an environment empowering innovation emerges. Risk-taking is encouraged through guidance, not judgment of imperfection. Organizations that share this mindset foster a culture of growth and innovation. Risks are overcome not through fear but entrepreneurial spirit. This is how the companies of tomorrow are built. 𝐒𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 - 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤, 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝! When we reframe errors positively, unlimited potential arises. Our collective expertise grows exponentially through shared triumphs and so-called “failures.” It's time to make mistakes your new BFF - they light the fire sparking your boldest ideas yet. 💡 Who's with me celebrating failures as learnings that fuel for our future success?! 🥂 #founder #startup #siliconvalley #NoRiskNoFun

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Not many people know the amount of focus we have on Tech at GGI. I am part of a generation in which Edtech has a bad name. I genuinely think the honest objective with which Edtech started has been lost somewhere in the rounds of #funding, exits, youtubers bashing each other game. Edtech was started to ensure the child without books, infrastructure or desk studies realizes her full potential - because of the power of internet. In a world where majority of Edtech are now investing in offline centres -(too much on the name of Edtech). We at GGI are continously building larger and purposeful technology to teach #Reimagined Management and Public Policy to those who are in the remotest corner of not just India but the globe. It's been 4 years since we are building and rebuilding #TheTrinity by GGI (link in comment). It hosts few of the top masterclasses by legendary CEOs and Chairman on our internal platform (BlackRock Asia Chairman, McKinsey & Company Global CEO, BCG Chairman etc). And I always tell our scholars to not do Netflix and chill. Replace it with Trinity and chill while at GGI. Why ? Because getting entertained is easy but getting educated is tough. I am very proud of the tech interns who have contributed to our mission to only later join Google, Bain and Amazon. Hence to bring Edtech on the main map again- We need players who are focussed on mission and not driven by IRRs or short term investor game. (nothing wrong with investors if you can stay true to your long term mission). And we at GGI are proud to be contributing to India's 🇮🇳 Management and Policy #Education story with one Good Tech at a time!

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The best way to use equity capital is such, that the impact remains even when the money runs out. It is, building, enhancing that product, building distribution, talent base, which eventually pays for itself. The model of chasing that big number through unsustainable growth, in the hope of just raising your next round, is dying. #capital #startups #venturecapital

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Founders often wonder how to ensure a new project/experiment has highest chances of success. Well, for starters: 1. Have well-defined "short-term objective" - 3 month, 6 month and 9 month hard KPI that drives the project forward 2. Have "fail-safes" in place. Know what the plan is if KPIs are not hit. Reinvest or pivot - fail safes help navigate better 3. "Identify adjacencies". Successful projects often have adjacencies to core business. Most likely a successful project will piggyback on core business's customers, efficiencies or needs. 4. Have "budget constraint". This is an important one. Often successful experiments are the ones with budget constraints pushing teams hard to innovate 5. Have "dedicated management oversight". Experiments that leadership doesn't care about often linger on and fail to see day of light

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Find yourself a good one. A good co-founder that is. There are lots of articles out there about what makes a good co-founder. Complimentary skills, good communicator, aligned motivations, trust etc. And yeah, those things matter. But here's my unconventional take on what makes a good co-founder: ❤️ They are your go-to person when something goes wonky in the business or life (ie who you vent to about your kids second ear infection in a month). 👂 They are someone you can bring up your worries to (no matter how rational, data-backed or not they are). And they will listen and find a path forward with you. 👥 You can disagree productively. 🚗 They will pick you and your family and 6 months worth of stuff up at the airport with a comically full clown car (OK this one is oddly specific). 📈 They carry both high standards and deep devotion for you. Meaning they will hold you accountable AND show deep care and understanding. When you found a startup, there is no separation of work and life. Find someone who will navigate it all with you. Find yourself a Lauren Humphrey. But not her, she's taken.

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Frugality & Startups. Is being frugal an important part of an organization at the early stage? That's what we believed when we started, because we knew that resources were limited and we needed to prolong our runway. Subsequently, after a few years, we also learned there will be too many mistakes on the way and the only way to survive is that mistakes can't be costly. My growing up helped a lot in making this change, during graduation my nickname was “Pishukkan pattar”( miser Brahmin in Malayalam, for context I am not a Brahmin). Though that wasn't a nice name then, after starting up I have worn that as a badge of honor and lived every day. We came from a corporate life of flying whenever required and designated car for 7 plus years. Still, when we started up, Puru and I have always taken the train between Mumbai - and Delhi for the initial 4 years and to date only take a cab in between Pune - Mumbai when more than one person is traveling. Bla bla is my default mode of travel and I use those trips to convert co-passengers as True Elements consumers.  Coming from a middle-class household, the biggest benefit one has is we aren't scared about ZERO. We started there and if need be going back there won't be an issue. This doesn't mean failures don't scare us it does but still we are ready to take risks. When the hunger to excel and resilience is coupled with being frugal, then nothing will knock you down. You will have bruises and stitches but you won't be out of the game. Frugal is a subjective word, even Ambanis find this word relevant. The only difference between a commoner and them would be the number of zeros they are comfortable putting on the desk. So don't judge yourself with my frugality and it has to be defined by you and you only. Earlier i used to judge a fresher buying an iphone 15, though i still pass a comment but i dont judge :). In a startup biggest cause of conflict between old-timers and new members is this, who is more frugal? When frugality becomes a culture and every new member is judged on that, it becomes difficult for people joining from big corporations. But freedom for these new members is pivotal so as to check the tensile strength of frugality.  All organization needs to be frugal throughout their journey. The degree of frugality varies depending on their stage and that needs to be challenged and calibrated now and then. Ps: When we raised our first angel, we bought Google Chromebooks because that doesn't need a MS OS & Office and used to come at 17K. The image here is of my desk with my refurbished HP 14-inch with i5 and OS bought for 19k. Yes we are still frugal :)

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We are pulling together names for the roles in our ecosystem and would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on these proposed titles and their descriptions: 1. Venture Contributor - Actively engages in various projects within the collective, contributing skills and knowledge to propel ventures forward. 2. Venture Coach - Provides holistic guidance and hands-on support, helping entrepreneurs develop their skills, refine their strategies, and navigate challenges within the ecosystem. 3. Venture Advisor - Offers strategic insights and expert advice, focusing on specific challenges and opportunities to optimize venture outcomes. 4. Venture Angel - Invests resources and capital in promising ventures, supporting growth and scalability through financial backing and strategic guidance. 5. Venture Visionary - Identifies future trends and opportunities, guiding the collective's strategic direction and ensuring long-term relevance and impact. 6. Venture Architect - Designs and structures business models and systems, ensuring that ventures are built on a solid, scalable foundation. 7. Venture Innovator - Drives innovation and creative problem-solving, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the venture ecosystem. 8. Venture Operator - Manages day-to-day operations, ensuring that ventures operate smoothly and efficiently, maintaining stability and continuity. 9. Venture Growth Strategist - Focuses on scaling ventures and expanding their market reach, developing and implementing growth strategies to maximize impact. 10. Venture Scout - Scouts for new talent and investment opportunities, expanding the collective's resources and capabilities through strategic additions. 11. Ecosystem Integrator - Facilitates the integration of various initiatives and resources within the ecosystem, enhancing synergy and collaborative potential. 12. Ecosystem Evangelist - Advocates for the venture collective's vision and values, promoting its initiatives both within and outside the community to garner support and recognition. 13. Cross-Border Specialist - Specializes in extending the collective's reach into international markets, navigating diverse regulatory environments and cultural landscapes. 14. Venture Resident Entrepreneur - Serves as a seasoned entrepreneur within the collective, leveraging deep industry knowledge and entrepreneurial experience to incubate new ideas, mentor upcoming founders, and drive strategic initiatives. This role focuses on turning innovative concepts into scalable businesses, offering a blend of leadership, mentorship, and hands-on development support. Your insights are invaluable as we refine these roles to better support our collective goals. Looking forward to your thoughts!

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If there was one trait which is common to all startup founders, that is optimism 😎 You trust yourself, your team and your idea to the core. Belief is so embedded into a founder's DNA that you start trusting other startups too 😄 Every time we need a product, consciously/subconsciously, we ned up choosing a startup. On top of my head, here is a list of startups Chezuba is a paid customer for: Frappe, Plum, Thatch, ClickUp, Mailmodo, SuprSend, Apideck, Dialpad, Apollo.io, Glyphic, Paage.io, Stable, Sonar Startups truly disrupt spaces and help push boundaries. If you are a startup founder, a nice Friday reminder that you are awesome! 🤗 #startup #founder #optimism

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Building a mission-led team? Want curated frameworks and support to help you do it? Join my new programme, final admission call! At FutureLearn, we built a team from zero to over 200, with over 65 in the product team. Since then, I’ve been advising start ups on how to grow, design, align and inspire teams. It’s hard. Lots of it is trial and error. You need to constantly be thinking one move ahead. How you organise, communicate and work changes radically from… …5 to… …15 to… …50 to… …150 people. But there’s lots of frameworks, mental models and behavioural science that can help you do it effectively and remain true to your culture. So I’ve curated a playbook to help. And I’m running weekly workshops with others in the same situation to help you think it through for your context. Plus you get some 1:1 coaching with me. I’ve you’d like to join the first cohort, we get started w/c 24 June. I’m looking for cofounders of my new programme. Get in touch if you’re interested to know more!

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Since starting the econome Climate Stream, I've had countless people ask me if there are other training options available at a more affordable price and a bit more targeted towards corporate strategy. Previously, we've run free upskilling programs like 'COP THAT!' and 'Challenges for Good' which have targeted marketing capability and individual actions related to climate respectively. Whilst the Climate Stream does target applying climate strategy in a corporate context I do realise the price point does keep some people from participating. And also, some people just want to upskill, not transition their whole career. That's why I'm very excited to announce that our first 'seed' on ESG strategy in partnership with &BLOOM Sustainability & ESG and Sydney Straver is now available and taking signups. Starting September 9th (my 30th birthday lol), it's a 5 week learning experience where you'll be given an insight into all the essential tools and frameworks to implement ESG Strategy. You'll even be able to apply these new frameworks and tools you learn with a project we'll provide you to work on. All for the price of $97. As a learning experience designer in climate, I'm very proud to be making such a high quality learning experience so accessible. We need all the people we can to be working in Climate, and if you're not sure where the best place to start is, I can tell you from my experience, it's upskilling on ESG Strategy. The ESG Strategy seed is ideal for recent graduates eager to start their careers 🎓 or mid-career professionals looking to specialise in ESG-related fields 🌱. If you want to secure your spot, you can apply at the link in the comments. If you want to learn more about it, then you can sign up for an information session Sydney and I are hosting in the links below. Come join me on my birthday as we upskill on ESG Strategy!

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Life of a founder! (MUST READ for aspiring entrepreneurs) Last year I took a break from being a founder and worked as a Product Manager for a couple of months. Very similar to a founder's work, my job was to put out daily fires. One MAJOR difference between then and now is that when I used to check mark a task as 'Completed' on my to-do list, I used to feel a sense of relief. I used to read my completed tasks at the end of the day and feel the pride of being a problem solver, an efficient employee. And there used to be a strong feeling of achievement after every task that I honoured with this 'Completed' label. These days, I have a similar(bigger) to-do list, but now every task I complete contributes to the growth of my OWN company, it solves a problem, mostly big problems that seemed impossible a while ago. But now, I don't feel like reading the completed tasks. Now, I would rather just delete them from the list altogether. Don't get me wrong, it will feel like achievement, you will feel good but there's this feeling that finds you after a day of hard work, a feeling of relief. This particular feeling would be pretty hard to get by (to say the least). It would mostly be overpowered by a strong feeling of tasks (problems) that lie ahead of you. Personally, I wouldn't trade being an entrepreneur with anything else, I love my job. But in all honesty, I do miss that feeling sometimes after a 13 hour work day. And most of the time when I speak to aspiring entrepreneurs, they often talk about how rewarding it would "feel" to run their own company. To all of you out there, you have my full support but know this, not everyday :) All the founders and aspiring founders out there, what do you think?

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Why Publishing a Community Newsletter is the Perfect Solo Entrepreneur Venture" In the era of digital communication, solo entrepreneurs are constantly seeking innovative ways to carve out their niche. One such avenue, often overlooked but brimming with potential, is the community newsletter. Far from the traditional bulletin, today’s community newsletters offer a dynamic blend of personal connection, flexibility, and scalability that make them ideal for solo entrepreneurs. Here's why: 1. Low Startup Costs, High Impact Unlike many ventures, starting a community newsletter doesn’t require a hefty investment. With basic software skills, a computer, and an internet connection, you're set to launch. Yet, the impact you can create – providing a platform for local voices, stories, and businesses – is profound. 2. Flexibility and Creative Freedom As a solo entrepreneur, you dictate the content, style, and frequency of your newsletter. This autonomy allows for creative expression and the ability to quickly adapt to the changing needs and interests of your community. 3. Building a Loyal Community Community newsletters thrive on the personal connection. As you regularly engage with your audience, you build trust and loyalty. This isn't just satisfying; it's also good business. A dedicated readership can translate into more consistent revenue streams. 4. Diverse Revenue Opportunities Speaking of revenue, newsletters offer various ways to earn. Whether it’s through subscriptions, local business advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing, you have the flexibility to explore what works best for your and your community's needs. 5. The Power of Networking Running a newsletter puts you at the center of a network of local businesses, community leaders, and residents. This network is invaluable, providing not only potential content but also opportunities for partnerships and growth. 6. Ideal for Digital Nomads If you love the idea of working from anywhere, a community newsletter is perfect. As long as you have internet access, you can manage your business, whether you're at a local café or on the other side of the world. 7. Making a Real Difference Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of running a community newsletter is the ability to make a real difference. Highlighting local stories, supporting small businesses, and bringing attention to local issues all contribute to the well-being and vibrancy of your community. In conclusion, for the solo entrepreneur keen on making a mark, offering value, and building a sustainable business, the community newsletter is a path worth exploring. It’s more than a business – it's a way to connect, inform, and enrich your community, all while building a brand and livelihood that reflects your passions and values. www.northstarba.io

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#CEOdiaries #EdTechfounder. TODAY, I AM Dr. AAA, THE DIGITAL MARKETING EXPERT Yesterday, I sat and looked at our numbers. We spend heavily on Meta Ads for marketing. As the head of the Marketing dept, my number one job is to keep track of data. When I mean data, I mean money. Is the money we are spending on Ads giving us the maximum ROI? Do we need to cut Ads spend on some campaigns and set up new campaigns with different objectives? Look, I may not wear the title "digital marketer", but trust me, I have expertise from running a tech-enabled business in I-Train Africa that spends millions on Ads monthly. I do this myself. From drafting our marketing campaigns and budgets to setting up the campaigns to optimising them. I recently started training a team member on set-up and optimisation, so I focus solely on strategy. Let's say marketing is the job of a CEO. Do not be fast to delegate it. Delegate some aspects if you must, but be responsible for the strategic approach to it.

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Why Are We Still Running Fundraising Campaigns via WhatsApp? The other day, I was speaking to my mother, and the conversation veered into how she was able to coordinate my sister’s wedding fundraiser back in 2017. 💡 Side note: I still do not understand why parents are okay with organizing fundraisers for weddings but not for entrepreneurial ventures… but anyways I digress. 😅😅😅 The practice of fundraising from family and friends for different purposes has a long history across Africa. In my experience it is not just weddings I have seen WhatsApp being used for everything from burials to hospital bills to communal expenses. It is estimated that crowdfunding in sub-Saharan Africa could potentially reach $2.5 billion by 2025 Despite the efforts of innovative platforms like MTN in Uganda and Safaricom’s M-Changa which dubbed itself “Africa’s largest online fundraising platform” and offers services for everything—from construction, businesses and weddings to churches. We still rely heavily on WhatsApp groups for something as critical as fundraising. In fact, just last week, we were fundraising for a colleague’s medical bills here in Kenya using… you guessed it, WhatsApp. 🤔 My question for this week is; Even as digital payments and fintech evolve in Africa, why have we not found a more efficient, secure, and scalable solution for these everyday challenges? Is it about trust, convenience, or something deeper in our social structures? #Fundraising #Fintech #Innovation #WhatsApp #Community

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Scaling 10x in just 3 years requires total transformation in every area of the business. But it's just as important to take time to recharge through the process. Follow me for more insights on achieving insane growth while maintaining sanity! #EntrepreneursMBA #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateInvesting

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You don’t need to be in tier 1 cities now! We're seeing innovation expand beyond metro cities, with significant contributions from Tier 2 & 3 cities. Startups are no longer just about launching products—they're patenting technology, pushing boundaries in AI, robotics, agritech, and more. So, what can startups do? [1] Expand your focus- There’s untapped potential in smaller cities. Whether it’s sourcing talent or targeting local markets, now is the time to explore beyond metro areas. [2] Invest in R&D- Innovation is key. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or agriculture, developing unique solutions can set you apart. The simplified patent process means protecting your ideas is easier than ever. [3] Leverage collaboration opportunities- With incubators, accelerators, and government-backed programs, there’s plenty of support for growth. Plug into these resources to gain mentorship, funding, and visibility. ‌ Are you a startup? I help people invest in startup that sustains and grow! Reach me out to discuss!

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Echoing thoughts of legends! Prashant it was a pleasure meeting you and listening to some really useful advice from your wisdom bouquet. One of the top reasons why startups fail is that they focus on building products or services that customers simply don't want. It's a hard truth, but a necessary one - the most innovative idea is worthless if it doesn't solve a real problem for your target audience. Startups often fall into the trap of developing what they think is cool or groundbreaking without validating their assumptions with potential customers. This approach can lead to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and ultimately, failure. To succeed, startups must prioritize customer centricity and customer experience management from the very beginning. This means engaging with your target market early and often, understanding their pain points, and iterating based on their feedback. Building a customer-centric culture isn't just a strategy - it's the foundation upon which successful businesses are built. Remember, it's not about what you think your customers need; it's about listening to them and delivering real value. In the end, your customers are the ultimate judges of your product’s worth. Huge thanks to Sridevi, Gunasundaram and the outstanding Dubai Tech Talks community for organising and bringing like minded people together. Shoutout to Silas and AstroLabs for hosting this event. #Startups #CustomerCentricity #CustomerExperience #ProductDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #MarketResearch #CustomerFeedback #LeanStartup #cx

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This is a really insightful piece, so valuable and worth a read.

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