2017 was a pivotal moment in my life. As a Computer Science graduate from NIT Rourkela with over a decade of corporate experience, particularly in PeopleStrong HR Tech, I had been contemplating starting my own company focused on data. By then, I had spent over seven years at PeopleStrong, climbing the corporate ladder to become the Engineering Head while also earning company stocks. The idea of building something I could truly call my own became increasingly compelling. When I joined PeopleStrong in October 2010, I had little idea I would stay for so long. However, my vision was clear—to be part of an Indian startup with global ambitions. The company was revamping its tech business in the aftermath of the 2008–09 downturn, and I seized the opportunity to transition from Nagarro to PeopleStrong, particularly after interacting with Vishal Saha (CTO). At that time in Peoplestrong, I was among the first few tech professional who will work to transform the HR tech landscape in India and beyond.

Captured Moments: Highlights from the Memoir

The next seven years were nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, both personally and professionally. I saw PeopleStrong as more than just a company—it was a family guided by the Indian philosophy with good Emotional Quotient (EQ). Working closely with visionary leaders like Pankaj Bansal (CEO), Late Shelly Singh (Co-founder), Devashish, and Vishal Saha, I felt a deep connection with their mission. Their leadership inspired me to dedicate countless days and nights, often in challenging situations, to uphold PeopleStrong’s values of integrity and entrepreneurship as my own. During my tenure, I played a crucial role in the development of several tech products, from core HR modules, Exit, attendance, and timesheets to launching India’s first HR tech mobile app.

Also led the complete design and development of India’s first homegrown recruitment and candidate portal, leveraging every aspect of my computer science expertise. As a SaaS-based platform, we integrated PeopleStrong HR Tech with leading corporations across India, delivering a comprehensive end-to-end HR solution—from hire to retire—even tailored to meet diverse business needs. Over the years, I conducted numerous interviews, hiring and mentoring talent who went on to contribute significantly to the company’s growth—while creating unforgettable moments along the way. Witnessing PeopleStrong’s exponential rise further cemented my optimism about the company’s future, including the value of my vested stocks.

With all these experiences culminating within a short span, I knew it was time for the next chapter. Thanks to my unwavering vision of working with startups, in 2017, I took the leap to become the captain of my own ship, embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey. The friendships and professional relationships, I built during my time at PeopleStrong remain invaluable, and I continue to stay in touch with many of my former colleagues. In my farewell email, I wrote that PeopleStrong had taught me to ‘Roar like a Lion n Fly like a Bird‘—a sentiment that holds true to this day. This memoir is my heartfelt tribute to the incredible friends, colleagues, and visionary leaders (Pankaj Bansal (CEO), Late Shelly Singh (Co-founder), Devashish, and Vishal Saha) who shaped my journey, and to PeopleStrong, where I honed my skills, embraced challenges, and ultimately found the courage to chase my dreams.

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