What can entrepreneurs learn from bootstrapping a startup, leading with empathy, and embracing the mindset of “Why not?” even when the odds are slim? In this episode, Natalie Nathanson sits down with serial entrepreneur Sanjay Manandhar, whose journey from Nepal to Massachusetts is filled with resilience, creativity, and servant leadership. Sanjay shares how bootstrapping shaped his approach to business, why every founder should learn sales, and how embracing the philosophy of “Why Not” can unlock opportunities that seem out of reach. From running Nepal’s first ISPs to founding AI-driven cybersecurity startup Zifino, his story is a masterclass in perseverance, empathy, and innovation.
Takeaways:
- Bootstrapping builds discipline. Running lean forces founders to focus on cost control, deliberate hiring, and creative solutions for sustaining both business and personal life.
- Founders must learn to sell. Sanjay’s success started with direct outreach, proving that understanding your customers firsthand is a non-negotiable skill.
- Channel partners create scale. Moving from direct sales to partner-first strategies can expand reach, leverage existing networks, and accelerate growth.
- Servant leadership pays dividends. Prioritizing employee well-being through fair compensation, full health coverage, and stock options builds loyalty and innovation.
- AI should be embraced, not feared. Leaders who support retraining and reallocation of talent can help teams thrive in times of disruption.
- Adopt a ‘Why Not’ mindset. Pursuing low-probability opportunities often leads to surprising success; commitment greatly increases your odds.
- Balance sustains entrepreneurship. Building relationships, prioritizing health, and making time for passions outside of work prevent burnout and keep leaders grounded.
Quote of the Show:
- “Always take care of your people—not only for the loyalty, but for the motivation and innovation that comes from a relaxed and appreciative workforce. It enables you to come up with all sorts of new products and ideas”.
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaymanandhar/
- Website: https://zifino.com/
- Email: sanjay@zifino.com
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
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