Rikesh Thakrar
(a.k.a. Ricky)
Life at Zoho
Describe your current role in the organization.
I currently lead the Account Management team in the US region. We mainly focus on retaining, consulting, and growing our largest customers. I started as a Presales Engineer. I also experienced being a solutions and sales manager at Zoho. Having been in four different roles over 10+ years has given me tremendous technical knowledge, business skills, and leadership opportunities. These past experiences have been helpful in incorporating process improvement, data analysis, team training, and solving complex customer challenges.
This is only possible here, thanks to the amazing company culture. While it is difficult to describe to an outsider, Zoho's unique culture allowed me to thrive and gave me a chance to truly test myself, and grow out of my shell. This organization has done a lot for me in terms of personal and career growth, so I continue to give back to the company as best as I can. I am excited to see where Zoho takes me in the next 10 years.
How does the work culture impact your job and identity?
The work culture at Zoho is special. It is the reason I love waking up each morning to come to work. On the first day at the Austin office, I became part of a company with just four people. I had yet to see the operations in Chennai, but even working with these four people was enough to appreciate the work culture. It was business but approached with fresh eyes, with a philosophy that others preached but did not follow.
Arun Sasikumar, our presales director, had come from the Chennai office to train me. His training and his stories of what the main office was like kept me motivated and counting down to the day we would visit. During my first experience in Chennai, the people that worked there were the most down-to-earth, friendly, genuine, and smart colleagues I had ever been around. I was surrounded by people I could relate with, work with, and grow with. That is when I saw what 'Zoho culture' meant. It's hard to describe, but as I said, it's special and something I will always protect.
At Work
What were the highest and lowest points of your journey with Zoho?
I am glad that I have had many highs over these 10 years. My first high was visiting the India office for the first time, being able to be at the Zoho headquarters, and meeting my colleagues and managers. Another high came six months into my career: the first US Zoholics. I had never had a chance to speak live to an audience, let alone answer questions, and meet customers for the first time.
Since there are too many more to discuss, I will end with meeting the Zoho senior leaders. Each person I have met has motivated me to climb higher, has given me new ways to think and approach problems, and has shared past Zoho stories, helping me appreciate the company's history and seeing how far we all have come since then.
My lowest points at Zoho—I wouldn't consider this to be negative—but sometimes I get lost in a frustrating problem either with a customer or a colleague, failing to see the big picture. Thankfully, there are so many mentors here at Zoho to help me with a new perspective and discover a solution to push forward.
Is there a project or an accomplishment at Zoho you're proud of?
I can't point to a specific project, but overall I am proud of the US office's growth and my involvement with that. When I started, there were merely four people in the Austin office. After a few months, I referred my good friend, Tejas Gadhia, and he has also continued to thrive here over the past ten years. I helped grow presales and sales in the US, we added excellent talent, and we also faced ups and downs throughout the journey. Seeing where we are now from where we started, I am glad to see many of the people I personally interviewed, hired, and trained are still here and successful in their roles.
Getting Personal
Tell us about the people you admire outside Zoho.
Shigeru Miyamoto - As a gamer myself, I look to Miyamoto-san for his creativity, keen sense of observation, and unique vision in creating new games and characters that are pure fun, rather than continuing to make generic sequels in a trendy genre.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - The self-proclaimed hardest worker. I have been a fan since he was wrestling and became an actor, and now, a very accomplished businessman. He has created one of the strongest human brands in the world. Anything he touches becomes successful.
Mark Cuban - A successful businessman, investor, visionary, strategist, and an entrepreneur.
What are your hobbies or favorite activities outside of work?
I have a passion for working out, which I refer to as training rather than exercise. I love playing retro video games and own quite a proud collection. I also enjoy cooking fusion meals—taking Indian spice palettes, and reinventing other countries' cuisines. I also like traveling to other countries, learning about food, culture, and, most importantly, history.
What are some books that you recommend?
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
The One Thing by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Words of Wisdom
I strongly believe in non-linear work without focusing too much on the '9-5' lifestyle.
Take extra time to think and self-reflect, read, and speak to people not in your circle—especially when you travel. This is where your growth will come from, and then reapply your experience to work.
ABC - Always be curious.
"The single most powerful thing I can be is to be myself." — Dwayne Johnson
Don't take advantage of the situation if you discover a loophole. What comes around goes around!
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