Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy
Life at Zoho
What is your current role within the company?
I have been building Zoho for Startups along with a lean yet fabulous team. I work in collaboration with incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, and government bodies globally. This journey, everyday, has been in equal measures both challenging and gratifying.
What does your work space currently look like?
I work from anywhere quite literally; at home. Sometimes my workspace is on the balcony, with the view of my tiny garden; or sometimes from the kitchen table, as I multi-task and prep for breakfast or lunch.
What were your expectations when you started and how have they changed over time?
I had just one expectation when I started—to be able to enjoy both the power and responsibility that comes with freedom. The freedom to ask questions, understand the culture, principles, vision, and mission of this growing organization, and to experiment with new ideas even as I were to contribute to its growth. Even after 12 years, this remains the same—the freedom to experiment, that comes with responsibility and the allowance to make mistakes.
What role does Zoho’s company culture play in your identity and the work that you do?
Zoho’s culture is primarily defined by its people-first approach, simplicity in the hierarchy, and its everyday focus on employee well-being and customer delight. This kind of culture has provided reassurance, a sense of belonging, and a purpose to my everyday work at Zoho. I have been able to sync my individual beliefs and principles with that of the organization without much ado or concern. All of this has immensely helped me in representing Zoho in the best possible manner, and quite confidently that I belong to an organization with strong ethics and a people-first approach.
At Work
Is there a project or an accomplishment at Zoho you’re proud of?
The accomplishment that I am most proud of is building Zoho for Startups from scratch. It takes time to create something meaningful and profitable. Resilience, patience, self-motivation, and conviction are quite important as we set out on this journey. I am proud because I am enjoying this everyday-metamorphosis, with a team that quite enjoys the founders’ mindset too.
Your most embarrassing blunder?
This is from many years ago. I edited a very important file right from the attachment, instead of downloading it first and then editing it. (Very grateful to the forgiving and generous boss)
Tell us about a time you overcame a challenge you didn’t think was possible?
In 2016, one of the flagship products of Zoho had released its newest UI, an important milestone for Zoho. Things went wrong due to an incorrect link shared and the session was continuously getting interrupted. It was an unimaginable chaos providing for complete disappointment for the attendees and a sheer waste of time.
Taking stock of the situation, I focused on what was in my control. Since the webinar had global attendees, we had chosen a time that’d work for all, and it was wee hours in the morning, in India. I completed the webinar in the best way possible, and returned to work in a couple of hours; recorded a neat presentation with all the info; and the team emailed the recording to all the attendees.
We all thought we’d receive brickbats and negative feedback for the sloppy show; however, on the contrary, we received many emails appreciating my honesty in confessing that we messed up; and that we quickly fixed it by sending a neat recording almost instantly.
Getting Personal
Are there any habits or routines you take part in, to refocus or to keep yourself motivated?
Yes, I volunteer. Working with the less-privileged humans, especially the girl children has helped me understand life in new depths, and also in being mindful and grateful. I also spend at least 20 minutes everyday, learning new skills and for introspection.
What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?
I thoroughly enjoy baking, reading, painting, and writing. Planning, creating things with the key ingredients called love and joy, involving others’ opinions and choices, and the awareness that it takes time to get better at whatever we are doing—these remain the same, be it life or at work. I try my best to make sure my activities outside of work only help get better at work, and vice versa.
Words of Wisdom
Invest enough time in taking care of your mental health and physical health.
Don’t take yourself too seriously—have fun asking silly questions.
Be self-aware. Be kind to yourself.
The fact that we all are tiny specks in this magnificent universe should set you free. An everyday reminder of this helps put things in perspective.
Gallery
