Suresh Sambandam , Chief Executive Officer , Kissflow
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Suresh Sambandam , Chief Executive Officer , Kissflow
wWhat would you describe as your most memorable achievement ?
In May 2013 , our team consisted of approximately 30 – 40 people . Due to some internal challenges , we were compelled to downsize to just 18 of us . Amidst the turmoil , a key member left , expressing his concerns to our investors .
This was the challenging situation I encountered when I assumed Kissflow full-time leadership , overseeing technology , marketing , and sales . It felt like steering a sinking ship through a storm . Within a year , the team ' s collective hard work paid off , and we achieved a significant milestone : securing our first hundred customers ! This success also marked the beginning of a new phase for our company . We started to grow more and our team expanded , reaching 30 – 35 team members within a year .
That year was a turning point , transforming a critical challenge into a foundation for our success .
What first made you think of a career in technology ?
I didn ’ t consciously choose a career in technology ; honestly , it chose me . My journey began when I
started programming at a very young age . Much like how someone who plays with mechanics as a child might naturally become a mechanic , my early fascination with computers and programming set the course for my future .
I began programming seriously around the age of 17 , and it quickly became a central part of my life . Unlike many whose career paths are directed by advice or circumstances during college , my journey was driven purely by passion . No one guided me towards a career in software ; I discovered my love for it independently .
For me , programming wasn ' t just a subject to study or a job to land ; it was an organic process that seamlessly integrated into my life . My passion for coding naturally evolved into my profession . For me , unlike those who view their job and passion as separate entities , they are one and the same . My work is a direct extension of what I love to do , and this has made all the difference .
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position ?
I believe in the efficacy of self-managed teams . There ' s a significant difference between management and leadership . Leaders define the vision and strategy ,
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