Image Source: Jagran Josh
In a welcome departure from the standard startup jargon, boAt co-founder and CMO Aman Gupta has openly confessed he doesn't treat his employees like family. Instead, he follows a culture of co-creation, flexibility, and meritocracy—a philosophy that is helping boAt disrupt India's audio space, as well as startup office culture.
Co-Creation Rather Than Family
Aman Gupta emphasizes that boAt staff are "co-creators" rather than family. It gives rise to mutual respect, accountability, and imagination, and not the often exploitative presumptions from "family" terminologies in startups.
Flexible Work Culture:
boAt staff members are motivated to work at their own pace and time, encouraging true work-life balance. This is also replicated by Gupta himself by often going on holiday and taking breaks to avoid burnout, demonstrating that personal well-being and productivity can go hand in hand.
Hiring for Fit, Not Skills:
boAt's hiring philosophy is to hire the right individual for the right position and then retain and engage him/her. According to Gupta, talent alignment to job is more critical than seat filling, which minimizes attrition and strengthens the team.
Interns as Change Agents:
Interns have spearheaded boAt's success in introducing new ideas and dynamism that push the experienced leadership to think beyond the box. Some of the most critical team members were first hired in unconventional methods, including through Internshala, and today form the backbone of boAt's energetic culture.
Leadership by Example:
Gupta's leadership philosophy is marked by logical decision-making, motivating teams, and maintaining integrity. He firmly believes in learning from mistakes and views entrepreneurship as a way of paying back to society, and not just for the sake of making profit.
Resilience and Data-Driven Growth:
boAt's story has been one of resilience when it comes to overcoming market issues. Gupta credits the brand's success to customer-focused, data-driven strategy and the power of connecting with Gen Z through affordable, trendy, and long-lasting products.
Recent Developments:
Sameer Mehta, co-founder, is elevated to CEO and Managing Director, and ex-CEO Vivek Gambhir becomes Chairman, with a focus on organizational growth and strategy—chronicling the professionalization of leadership as boAt scales up.
"We don't want to be a large company. We decided to employ a professional team who can run a company in the best possible manner." – Aman Gupta
boAt's approach is shaking up India's startup culture, demonstrating that valuing employees as empowered co-creators, not "family," can drive innovation just as much as loyalty.
Source: Inc42, YourStory, People Matters, Economic Times, Chegg India, Storyboard18
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