Harnessing Entrepreneurial Spirit for Social Good with Kedar Deshpande

Harnessing Entrepreneurial Spirit for Social Good with Kedar Deshpande

Author: Sanjay Puri May 22, 2024 Duration: 1:10:50

On this episode, Kedar Deshpande, former CEO of Zappos and Groupon, joins me to share his insights on leadership, entrepreneurship and redefining success. Kedar’s perspective on curiosity and questioning the status quo has led him to make a significant impact in various sectors.


Key Takeaways:


(01:02) The importance of looking for disproportionate impact.

(04:33) Redefining success: it’s about the journey.

(13:00) The influence of an entrepreneurial family background.

(20:26) Transitioning from software engineering to project management.

(30:28) How financial challenges shaped Kedar’s career decisions.

(40:47) Improving strategies for financial assistance.

(50:19) Inspiration from Tony Hsieh’s book "Delivering Happiness."

(51:31) The significance of company culture at Zappos.

(56:09) Questioning fundamentals to understand core issues.

(58:56) Taking opportunities in different sectors without a background.

(01:02:53) Finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

(01:06:09) Defining Indianness as hospitality and authenticity.


Resources Mentioned:


Kedar Deshpande -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kedard/


Zappos -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/zappos.com/


Groupon -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/groupon/


“Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh -

https://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446576220





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Hosted by Sanjay Puri, The Indianness Podcast creates a space for nuanced conversation with Indian and Indian-American leaders who are shaping industries. This isn't about generic success stories; it's a deep exploration of the specific journeys, cultural insights, and strategic decisions that define high achievement across business, entrepreneurship, and professional careers. Each episode features candid discussions with founders, executives, and innovators from diverse sectors like healthcare, education, and public service. You'll hear firsthand about the challenges of scaling a venture, the realities of navigating corporate leadership, and the personal philosophies that guide these individuals. The focus is on practical wisdom and authentic reflection, offering listeners more than inspiration-it provides a real-world look at the resilience and adaptability required to excel. By sharing these varied narratives, the podcast aims to illuminate the many paths to impact and leadership. Tune in for a series of thoughtful dialogues that connect cultural heritage with global ambition, all through the unfiltered voices of those who are building, creating, and leading today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 62

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
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