Navigating Innovation - Saket Saurabh - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 026

In this week’s episode of Shift and Thrive, Natalie sits down with Saket Saurabh, Co-Founder and CEO of Nexla. Saket, a seasoned entrepreneur and technologist, shares his journey from his early days at NVIDIA to leading a Gartner Cool Vendor company. They explore the massive impact of generative AI, how it reshaped businesses, and the importance of data integration. Saket offers deep insights into fostering an innovative culture, balancing innovation and scaling, and the role of patience in achieving long-term success. They also discuss the nuances of go-to-market strategies in both pre and post-funding scenarios and the common challenges organizations face when scaling. 

Takeaways:

• Leaders should gain a deep understanding of how AI technologies like ChatGPT can influence both internal operations and customer interactions. Encourage a balanced approach to avoid over-reliance on technology.
• Invest in training teams to understand and leverage AI while ensuring they maintain their foundational skills and expertise.
• Engage with the market early. Founders and leaders should be directly involved in early sales and customer interactions to better understand market needs and product fit.
• Exhibit patience and avoid the pitfalls of rapid scaling. Focus on ensuring the business foundation is solid before expanding aggressively.
• Stay adaptable to market changes and be willing to pivot strategies as needed to stay aligned with evolving market demands.
• Foster a culture of innovation and ownership within the organization. Encourage employees to take initiative and drive innovative solutions.
• Promote continuous learning and stay updated with the latest technological advancements to keep the organization competitive.

Quote of the Show:

• “ We overestimate what can happen in one or two years and underestimate what can happen in ten years.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sakets/ 
• Website: https://nexla.com/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=company-page   

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change 
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 
• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClf9QxGUxZw_Sv8_4bZP34Q 

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. 

Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com