Leaders

The entrepreneurial world has gradually transformed into a level playing field. As a result we are seeing more and more women following their passion and building successful organizations across various industries. One such woman who successfully turned her entrepreneurial dream into reality is Sangeetha C, co-founder, Utkarsh Staffing Solutions and Leadership Consultant at Schatz Consulting LLP.

An experienced leadership coach and a powerful business development professional, Sangeetha has built a niche for herself in the Indian staffing industry. She possesses expertise in providing adequate internal growth opportunities and fair compensation to employees.

The perceptive business leader draws inspiration from her father who is a first generation entrepreneur himself. Sangeetha employs a technology and people-centric approach to solve critical leadership challenges and is deeply committed to driving diversity in leadership.

Other than leading her organizations, Sangeetha is also an active member of various forums such as ‘Bangalore Women Entrepreneur Networks’, ‘She Leads Tech’ & ‘Makers India’. She is active in portfolios of Venture Capitalist/ Private Equity, and Family Business Advisory practices.

Outside of work, Sangeetha enjoys reading books, experimenting with food and learning from her Gen Z daughter.

Sangeetha gives a glimpse of her motivational entrepreneurial journey in an interview with the Women Entrepreneur Team. Here are some snippets from the conversation.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What motivated you to venture in and eventually specialize in the leadership consulting & recruitment space?

I am a Mumbai University rank holder with a Master’s degree in Electronics. I started my professional journey with Crompton Greaves in the Informatics Division as a Management Trainee and then moved on to various Technology roles across Internet Commerce companies such as Webdunia and other software companies.

My father is a first-generation entrepreneur and is a massive inspiration for me. Drawing from my passion for networking with people, I started Utkarsh Staffing Solutions as a co-founder more than a decade ago. With the advent of e-commerce and startups, we reinvented Schatz consulting LLP to help fast-growing organisations and related people with positive disruptions in the ecosystem.

Throw some light on the various roles and responsibilities that your current role as the co-founder entails at Schatz Consulting LLP. In your opinion what are some of the most challenging aspects of your current role?

The company strives to become an expert partner with fast-growing organisations apart from renovating mid-sized firms. People are an important part of any business and they work towards the organisation’s purpose and for creating impact. Our expertise is in terms of research, connect with expectations of employer & employee, build sector & function expertise and finally connect aspirations.

“I adapt to new technology and keep innovating new ideas along with observing changes in the ecosystem”

My major responsibility is networking with various stakeholders such as clients/candidates/ VCs and others on different business challenges. My other responsibilities include building a strong research team to garner scientific insights towards understanding customer business, people behavioural studies, cultural alignment, innovative methods to connect with demand & supply etc.

I strive to build teams that are tech oriented for a detailed understanding of client and candidate expectations. I also invest in expanding “People Consulting” services to address the deeper needs of customers. The challenging aspect is to understand human psychology and aspirations. I help in shaping up automating repetitive jobs internally and embrace technology to enhance our value proposition.

Tell us about some of the most significant professional milestones that you have achieved so far. What has been the driving force behind your successful run as a business leader?

We were awarded as one amongst the “Top 10 Executive Search firms” by CEO magazine and have received the “Human Resource Provider of the Year Award” by Small Business Awards 2020. We have been profitable since our inception and with a high CAGR growth over three years. A good pedigree, consistent curiosity to network and excellent listening skills have been major contributors to this growth.

In a world that is constantly changing how do you keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring in your respective sector and the technology domain?

The recruitment industry has evolved from “Job role fitment” to “Power on Progress Stories”, benefitting millions of aspirational young Indians. Vibrant risk-taking capabilities along with curiosity among all stakeholders have been the key facilitator for the change. Consistent listening and transparent knowledge sharing with all business stakeholders and well-wishers has been a great excitement. I adapt to new technology and keep innovating new ideas along with observing changes in the ecosystem.

As a successful business leader, what would your advice be to young women aspiring to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Being passionate about your dream is something that helps. I would advise women to build their network and improve listening ability. It is important to be curious and work with a strong purpose in mind. Celebrate success and plan for the worse wherever possible. Embrace technology, value time and build relationships of mutual respect with internal and external stakeholders.

Sangeetha C, Co-Founder, Schatz Consulting LLP

Experienced Leadership Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the staffing and recruiting industry. Skilled in Soft Skills, Talent Management, HR Consulting, Executive Search, and IT Recruitment.