A dynamic leader isn’t just at the helm; she’s the conductor, harmonizing the talents of her team. Her success isn’t a solo performance but a beautiful symphony orchestrated by trust, respect, and unwavering belief in the collective power she’s assembled. A true leader understands that her brilliance is amplified by the brilliance of those she empowers. That’s why she keeps her team close to her heart – she recognizes that the team is the heart of her leadership.

“We’ve been recognized as 37th on Forbes’ prestigious America’s Best Startup Employers 2024 list – a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment. This award is a collective triumph,” beams Megha Singh Nandiwal, Foundation AI‘s Vice President of Strategic Operations. “Since joining this dynamic organization in December 2022, I’ve witnessed our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation. We create a workplace where everyone feels valued, inspired, and empowered to make a real difference.”

The Power of “We”

Foundation AI thrives in a truly global environment, spanning two continents with teams working across opposite time zones. This logistical marvel wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of exceptional leadership and the extraordinary team spirit that permeates its ranks. Megha says, “Every day, we see the magic of collaboration unfold—fostering a problem-solving mindset where we identify challenges and tackle them head-on, together.”

When asked how she made it to the Forbes, Megha says, “I didn’t. My people at Foundation AI made it to the Forbes.” She adds that in a year where a record-breaking 5.5 million businesses emerged in the United States, standing out demanded more than a unique idea—it required a comprehensive approach to growth.

At Foundation AI, their journey wasn’t solely about profits; it was about creating a workplace where everyone felt valued, inspired, and capable of realizing their full potential.

“Building a diverse and passionate team wasn’t just a task; it was our foundation, recognizing that our company’s strength lies in our people’s collective brilliance and dedication,” Megha emphasizes. Read the full Forbes report here.

A Culture of Growth

In the dynamic realm of startups, achieving success transcends mere financial metrics or market dominance—it hinges on cultivating a culture that thrives on transparency, inclusivity, and relentless innovation. This ethos was ingrained in the DNA of Foundation AI right from its inception, where the emphasis lay not just on driving business growth but also on nurturing employee satisfaction and well-being. “At the helm of this endeavour stands our founding team—a shining example of synergy and alignment, setting the standard for the entire organization,” says Megha. The triumvirate of Foundation AI’s Co-Founders—Vivek Rao as CEO, Victor Gebhardt as COO, and Venkatesh Pagidimarri as Chief AI Officer—exemplifies this alignment. Together, they embody our company’s core values and vision, guiding us towards our collective goals.”

Their synchronized efforts at the executive level serve as the blueprint for cohesion and harmony throughout the company, fostering an environment where every individual feels empowered and valued.

In essence, Foundation AI isn’t just about pioneering cutting-edge technology—it’s about building a community where innovation thrives, diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard. It’s a testament to our commitment to redefining the future of AI and reshaping the landscape of workplace culture—one that prioritizes people as much as it does progress.

Megha further states that Forbes’ recognition as one of America’s Best Startup Employers validates their commitment to their employees’ growth and happiness. “This acknowledgement is a sign of our relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our operations.”

Megha’s journey itself exemplifies Foundation AI’s commitment to employee development. She joined as Chief of Staff and has since harnessed the opportunity to learn much about business expectations and key deliverables. “This growth mindset is a cornerstone of our company culture, where we invest in our people to unlock their full potential,” she says.

The Matrix of Merit

Revealing more about their selection process, Megha says that Forbes evaluated Foundation AI and other companies for the “America’s Best Startup Employers 2024” list based on three primary criteria: company reputation, employee satisfaction, and growth.

They partnered with market research firm Statista to identify privately-held U.S. companies founded between 2014 and 2021, employing over 50 people. These startups had to be established from scratch, not as spinoffs of larger corporations. Statista analyzed articles, blogs, and social media posts mentioning each employer to assess company reputation, focusing on phrases like “corporate culture” and “employee engagement.” Text analysis categorized these phrases as positive, negative, or neutral.

Employee satisfaction was evaluated through online reviews, retention rates, and company policies concerning diversity, parental leave, and workplace flexibility. Over two years, growth was assessed by examining website traffic, job openings, and headcounts. This comprehensive evaluation process, involving millions of data points, determined each company’s scores. Foundation AI earned its place among the top 500 startups with the highest scores, making it one of America’s Best Startup Employers for 2024.

“Wow, this sounds huge. How do you prepare for all this each day? What does a typical day look like for Megha? How different is it from weekends?” I asked.

Megha laughed, “Haha! No one ever asked me this question. Let me see if I can answer that. But you must show me before putting that into the final print.” The simplicity in the answer from Megha here wins the heart. Her approach to her role at Foundation AI is both pragmatic and insightful. She leverages her Google Calendar to its fullest potential, ensuring every task is meticulously planned to avoid oversights. Recognizing the significance of operating in diverse time zones, Megha easily navigates this complexity, maximizing productivity across borders.

In her multifaceted role spanning Compliance Management, Strategic Projects, Human Resources, People Management, Finance, Accounting, and Global Strategic Management, Megha’s days are characterized by strategic brainstorming sessions and focused execution.

She dedicates much of her time to brainstorming, allocating six to seven hours daily for execution. Weekends serve as a period for rejuvenation, preparing her for the continuous demands of her role.

A key lesson she’s imbibed from CEO Vivek is the importance of managing workload sensibly, recognizing that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Megha prioritizes staying ahead of her mailbox, ensuring the seamless continuation of work processes in her absence—an indispensable aspect of her role.

Beyond task completion, Megha actively engages with investors and the executive leadership team, addressing their challenges and devising innovative solutions. She finds profound fulfilment in the culture and mission of Foundation AI, with every aspect of the company captivating her since her initial interview. This enduring passion fuels her commitment to the organization’s journey.

Intrigued? Dive Deeper!

Sharing more about their office and present recruitment, Megha says their office is located in Hyderabad, specifically at the iLabs Centre. “Currently, we are actively seeking talented individuals in the fields of Data Science, Engineering, and Analytics. We’re looking for individuals who are not just looking for a job but are driven by a sense of achievement, possess great attention to detail, and take ownership of their work. If you’re interested in joining our team and believe you have what it takes to contribute to Foundation AI’s mission, please feel free to contact us at careers@foundationai.com. Additionally, we encourage you to explore our website, www.foundationai.com, and visit the careers section for any open positions and further information.”

She says, “We look forward to welcoming new members to our team who share our passion for innovation and excellence.”

A Saga of Success

Furthermore, sharing her inspiration to pursue a career in the tech industry and her journey from the beginning to the current role, Megha says that growing up, she was always fascinated by the potential of technology to drive positive change and innovation. This passion led her to pursue a career in the tech industry, where she has had the opportunity to work on exciting projects and collaborate with brilliant minds. Her journey eventually brought her to Foundation AI, where she was drawn to the company’s mission of pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating a workplace culture that values excellence and empowerment.

“At Foundation AI, we value understanding and supporting our team members beyond their professional contributions. We recognize that each individual brings unique perspectives, experiences, and circumstances to the table, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.”

“One way we demonstrate this commitment is by actively soliciting input from team members and encouraging diverse viewpoints. We understand that innovation thrives when different perspectives are heard and respected, so we prioritize creating opportunities for open dialogue and collaboration.”

Fostering a Vibrant Environment

Additionally, they recognize and celebrate individual achievements to show their appreciation for their team members’ hard work and dedication. Whether it’s a small win or a major milestone, they believe in acknowledging and rewarding accomplishments to foster a positive and supportive work culture. Furthermore, they prioritize the well-being and growth of their team members by providing opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Megha adds, “We understand that ongoing learning and skill development are essential for personal and professional growth, so we offer training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development resources to empower our team members to reach their full potential.”

Beyond professional growth, they also pay close attention to the personal well-being of their team members. They understand that life can be demanding and strive to support their employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance. This includes being attentive to factors such as off-shift hours, leaves taken, and overall happiness levels, “We believe that understanding and addressing the needs of our team members is essential for creating a positive and supportive work environment.”

Core Value #Win Together

When we asked, “Who is her favourite person at Foundation AI?” Megha was alarmed. “I am not falling into this trap. Anyone who has a spirit of winning together and works thinking from a mindset of owning this company as much as the CEO does is my favourite person. That’s the sole idea behind one of my favourite company core values: #Win Together.”

Further providing insights into their digital marketing strategy, Megha says they actively involve their employees in the digital marketing process, encouraging them to share their experiences and insights on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn. “Through employee advocacy programs and training, we empower our team members to be brand ambassadors, amplifying our message and reach within their networks.”

Overall, their digital marketing strategy for employee branding focuses on authenticity, engagement, and empowerment strictly organically. By leveraging the collective voices of their employees and showcasing the company culture transparently, they aim to attract top talent, foster brand loyalty, and maintain a positive reputation in the digital sphere. Megha adds, “I have two very strong pillars: Arbaaz Khatri and Pavan Joy Bezawada, whose collective efforts make up the strong presence. I am also blessed by all the guidance from Melanie Pita, our chief strategy officer, who is brilliant and has an eagle’s eye on everything.”

Marching Towards their Collective Mission

When asked as a member of the executive team at Foundation AI, collaborating closely with top management and investors, what her experience is like, and how she perceives her role and contributions within the organization’s leadership structure, Megha smiles and says that being a part of the executive team at Foundation AI and having the opportunity to work closely with top management and investors is incredibly rewarding. It’s a dynamic environment where strategic decisions are made, innovative ideas are discussed, and transformative initiatives are implemented. Collaborating with talented individuals allows for rich insights, meaningful discussions, and impactful outcomes. “As an executive team member, I feel privileged to contribute to shaping the company’s vision, driving growth, and creating value for our stakeholders. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m motivated by the collective effort to drive Foundation AI towards its goals and fulfil its mission in the AI industry.”

The Message

In her message to the readers, Megha says, “I invite everyone reading this to embark on a journey with Foundation AI, where innovation meets empowerment, and success is measured not just in profits but in the growth and happiness of our people; which is what we call #Win Together. Our commitment to nurturing a culture of excellence and inclusivity has propelled us to new heights, earning us the prestigious recognition among Forbes’ America’s Best Startup Employers 2024. At Foundation AI, we believe in the power of collaboration, transparency, and relentless innovation. Our team members are not just employees—they are valued partners in our collective mission to redefine the future of AI and reshape workplace culture. I encourage you to explore opportunities to join our team and be part of this exciting journey. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of innovation, celebrate diversity, and build a community where every voice is heard and valued.”

The Work-Life Equilibrium

Although Megha enjoys her role immensely, balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal life is certainly a priority for her. She says, “I ensure that boundaries are set, self-care is prioritized, and regular breaks are scheduled to recharge and rejuvenate. Additionally, I lean on my support network of friends and family for encouragement and perspective, helping me maintain perspective and stay grounded amidst the demands of my role.”

In her free time, Megha enjoys exploring new cuisines, travelling to exotic destinations, and immersing herself in nature through hiking and outdoor adventures. “I also have a passion for photography, capturing moments and memories from my travels and everyday life.” These hobbies not only provide a welcome escape from the demands of work but also inspire creativity and personal growth. Megha’s next travel destination is Tel Aviv, Israel. Sharing the specific reason, she says, “To explore life and beyond.”