Aman Gupta is a name synonymous with success and innovation in the Indian electronics market. The co-founder and CMO of boAt Lifestyle, an influential figure on Sony TV’s Shark Tank India, and a serial entrepreneur, Aman’s journey from a 9-5 employee at giants like KPMG and Citi to a revered entrepreneur is well-known.
However, the lesser-known aspects of his journey, particularly the critical role interns played in building boAt, were revealed during his enlightening session at the People Matters TechHR India 2024.
During his session titled “The Shark’s Playbook: Speed, Action & Winning Decisions,” Aman shared the unconventional yet crucial role that interns played in boAt’s meteoric rise. These interns didn’t just support the company; they pushed Aman and the senior team to work more creatively and energetically, ultimately driving the company to new heights.
Interns at boAt weren’t just doing mundane tasks. They brought a fresh perspective and energy that was instrumental in boAt’s success. Aman highlighted that the right mix of creative advertising, strategic decisions, word-of-mouth marketing, and most importantly, the people, were the core reasons behind boAt’s success. These elements combined to create a dynamic and thriving work environment.
Aman’s approach to building his team was as unconventional as the roles they played. During the early days of boAt, Aman juggled multiple roles, including CTO, CMO, CIO, and CHRO at his organisation. This hands-on approach required him to bury his ego and take on tasks outside his comfort zone.
Initially, Aman found his team through unconventional means. He revealed, “Initially, I played multiple roles at my organisation such as CTO, CMO, CIO, and CHRO by burying my ego. Later, I picked people from Internshala, a career-tech platform helping college students and freshers get the best start to their careers.”
The entrepreneur described the hiring process in the early days as particularly challenging. Startups were not as fashionable as they are today, and it was tough to attract the right talent, especially when financial resources were limited. Despite these challenges, he persevered and continued to believe in the potential of interns.
“I still love interns and it’s super exciting to work with them even today. I keep telling the HR team, no matter how experienced or senior people you bring on board, never stop bringing in or investing in interns,” added Aman.
The significance of networking
Aman also emphasised the importance of networking. Once he found the right person for the right role, he relied on the references these interns brought in. This networking helped him build a robust and reliable team that was pivotal to boAt’s success.
The 42-year-old also revealed that for certain teams, such as the marketing team, he prefers working with new talent in their 20s. This strategy ensures that the team remains innovative and in tune with the latest trends, which is crucial in the fast-paced world of consumer electronics.
Apart from discussing his unique hiring strategies, Aman also talked about the rise of leadership and entrepreneurship in India. He stressed the significant role HR can play in promoting fresh minds to step up and become leaders who inspire the world and people around them. Networking, according to him, is a vital skill for any entrepreneur. He revealed how his interns, once integrated into the company, played a significant role in expanding the network and bringing in more talent. This network of young, enthusiastic professionals became the backbone of boAt’s innovative culture.
You can also read:
IWD: Women dominate SUGAR’s leadership for a reason – Vineeta Singh discusses strategies & rewards
Exclusive: Shark Tank India’s Ghazal Alagh recalls facing bias in male-dominated sector, shares how she overcame it
IWD: Is gender parity an issue in your organization? Ghazal Alagh advises on transformation priorities
Key takeaways from Aman Gupta’s session
Unconventional hiring: Don’t shy away from hiring interns and freshers. They bring energy, creativity, and a fresh perspective that can drive the company forward. For dynamic roles like marketing, consider hiring young talent who are in tune with the latest trends and technologies.
Multi-role leadership: Be prepared to wear multiple hats, especially in the early stages of a startup. This not only saves costs but also provides valuable insights into various aspects of the business.
Invest in training and development: Continually invest in the training and development of interns. This ensures they are well-equipped to handle challenges and contribute effectively.
Embrace networking: Use networking to your advantage. A strong network can help bring in the right talent and open doors to new opportunities.
Promote leadership: Encourage and nurture leadership qualities in your team. This not only helps in their personal growth but also contributes to the overall growth of the company.