In this episode of Raw Talks, we dive deep into the fascinating journey of Rohit Chennamaneni, the co-founder and CEO of Darwinbox, a billion-dollar company transforming the way businesses manage their human resources. Rohit’s path to success is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a story that begins with his time at McKinsey, where he discovered the importance of surrounding yourself with the best talent. McKinsey’s secret to producing so many successful entrepreneurs like Rohit? They only hire the best, those who aren’t just academically excellent but also bring unique perspectives beyond textbooks. According to Rohit, while McKinsey teaches you to break down complex problems into simple, actionable steps, the art of influencing or convincing people wasn’t something learned in training—it came from his experiences outside the firm.
Rohit opens up about the origins of Darwinbox, how the HR function in India is fundamentally different from the rest of the world, and why this disparity led him and his co-founders to create a tool that caters specifically to these unique needs. His perspective on whether an HR tool is necessary is clear: it’s a must in today’s business environment. But it wasn’t always easy. He shares the challenges of closing their first sale, the internal discussions, the late nights, and the pressure of competition. Yet, in those early stages, the market was less crowded, which allowed Darwinbox to establish itself as a frontrunner in HR tech.
A key part of Darwinbox’s culture, Rohit says, is deeply influenced by his background in sports. He believes that sports teach you there will always be someone better than you, and this mindset drives a culture of constant improvement and resilience within the company. The win-lose strategy from the sports field translates well into business, where each failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your approach. Rohit’s leadership has taken Darwinbox to over 12 countries, a journey that is far from over. But what about the challenges of scaling globally? Rohit discusses the complexities of expanding internationally, the IPO landscape in India, and how Darwinbox is leveraging AI in product development to stay ahead of the curve.
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation is Rohit’s take on the future of work. He talks about the current state of hiring and firing in organizations and offers advice to young professionals on which sectors they should consider as they plan their careers. Drawing from his extensive experience, Rohit sheds light on the shifting dynamics in the job market and how businesses are navigating the challenges of cost-cutting while still trying to innovate.
In a candid moment, Rohit reflects on how not knowing everything has actually been a huge advantage. He believes that having too much information can sometimes make you overly cautious, preventing you from taking the necessary risks to achieve success. This philosophy ties back to his love for the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which, according to him, offer valuable lessons on embracing the grey areas in life and business.
Sales, often seen as a mundane or downgraded job, is another topic Rohit is passionate about. He believes sales is one of the most critical functions in any business and should be seen as a valuable career path. In his own words, it’s time we reframe how we think about sales—it’s not just about door-to-door selling, but about relationship-building and creating value.
The episode wraps up with a look at the global vision for Darwinbox. Rohit is determined to build not just a successful company, but a world-class brand that puts India on the global map. His love for Hyderabad and commitment to creating something meaningful from India for the world is a testament to his passion and dedication.
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