Barkha Inder’s Post

We’ve all seen it—the classic Indian Jugaad: using a broken water pipe to wash cars*, finding creative ways to get things done with limited resources. It’s a mindset deeply ingrained in our culture, where making the most of what you have is celebrated. But here’s the thing—Jugaad is great for short-term fixes, not for building a sustainable business. Take the example of PepperTap, a hyperlocal grocery delivery startup that once showed immense promise. Launched in 2014, it grew rapidly, raising significant funding and expanding across India. But despite its early success, PepperTap’s reliance on aggressive expansion without a solid, long-term business model led to its downfall. By 2016, it had shut down operations, unable to sustain the pace and deliver on its promises. The lesson here? While it’s wise to make hay while the sun shines, as entrepreneurs, we must ensure there’s a solid reason—and a viable business model—behind starting a company. Rapid growth and temporary solutions may get you noticed, but only a well-thought-out strategy and sustainable practices will keep you in the game. Jugaad might get your car washed today, but will it keep the engine running tomorrow? *Video taken from internet. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #Startups #Innovation #Sustainability

Imagine walking into your favorite store, whether online or offline, and having an AI-powered personal shopping assistant that knows your preferences, style, and even your mood. This assistant doesn’t just recommend products—it curates an entire shopping experience tailored specifically to you. Here’s how it could work: 1. Mood-Based Recommendations: Using AI to analyze your recent activity, social media behavior, or even your tone of voice during a conversation, the assistant suggests products that align with how you’re feeling today. Had a long day? It might recommend a cozy loungewear set or a relaxing playlist. 2. Hyper-Personalized Offers: Based on your shopping history and browsing patterns, the AI could generate real-time, personalized discounts or bundle offers that feel like they were made just for you—because they were! 3. Seamless Omnichannel Experience: Whether you start shopping on your phone and finish in-store or vice versa, the AI ensures that your experience is consistent and uninterrupted. Your preferences, cart, and even personalized recommendations follow you wherever you go. 4. Instant Customer Support: Need help? The AI assistant can provide immediate, context-aware support, from answering product questions to facilitating returns, all while learning and adapting to your communication style. The future of consumer experience isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating meaningful, personalized interactions that turn shopping into an experience rather than a transaction. With AI, we’re on the cusp of making this a reality. What innovative ways are you thinking about using AI in your business? #AI #FutureOfRetail #reimaginingBusiness

After 20+ years of navigating the worlds of software, real estate, marketing, and media, here’s one lesson that stands out: not everyone you invest in will turn out to be an asset to your business. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but sometimes, despite all your best efforts, some people just aren’t a good fit. The trick? Recognizing this early and parting ways gracefully before things turn sour. It’s much better to cut ties amicably than to let a mismatched relationship drag down the entire team. In business, just like in life, not everyone’s meant to stay for the long haul. The sooner you make peace with that, the better off you’ll be. #Leadership #BusinessLessons #TeamManagement #WittyWisdom #BarkhaInderInsights

Back in 2008, I took my first step into the world of entrepreneurship by opening a Juice Salon franchise in Al-Qusais, Dubai—an opportunity inspired by the amazing Aduna Akhtar. It was a journey filled with ups and downs, but one that I’ll always cherish. While I didn’t walk away with a huge profit, what I gained was far more valuable: a deep understanding of leadership and the intricacies of managing people. Running a salon wasn’t just about delivering beauty services; it was about creating a welcoming space where both clients and creativity could thrive. But the real challenge—and the most rewarding part—was managing a diverse team of 15 incredible women from the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and beyond, all working together under one roof. It was a real-life lesson in what I fondly refer to as “women management.” Every day was a new experience, blending different cultures, work styles, and personalities. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me so much about empathy, resilience, and the power of bringing people together. Though I didn’t make millions, the lessons I learned were priceless. Well the key takeaways will need a post of its own! See you soon… #entrepreneurship #leadership #diversity #womensupportingwomen #lessonslearned

Ah, Saturday. A glorious day of freedom and fun. Remember when you were younger? Saturdays meant: - Sleeping till noon - Partying all night - Going out and having a blast Life was a non-stop adventure. But then, something happened. You grew older, and suddenly, Saturdays look a bit different: - Getting up at the usual time - Relaxation with a hot cup of coffee - Reflection and some quiet time Saturdays haven't changed, but we have. On the same day, a different perspective. Here's to evolving Saturdays!

Will SearchGPT Give Me More Time to Enjoy My Cup of Coffee? I've just joined the waitlist for SearchGPT, a new search tool that aims to revolutionize how we find and discover information. Here’s what SearchGPT offers: Intuitive Understanding: Handles complex questions and provides comprehensive answers. Relevant Insights: Delivers the most pertinent information without the need to sift through endless results. Time-Saving Efficiency: Quickly finds what you need. I’m looking forward to seeing how SearchGPT enhances my search experience. If you're interested in trying it out, you can join the waitlist too. Link to join in comments... #SearchGPT #Innovation #TechLaunch #JoinTheWaitlist #AI #FutureOfSearch