About this episode
SUMMARY Mahesh Guruswamy, a seasoned tech leader and author, joins the podcast to share invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, business strategy, and hiring for success. With a background in major tech companies like Amazon, Mahesh has a unique perspective on what it takes to scale a business, the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face, and how to build a winning team. Throughout the episode, Mahesh dives deep into the importance of market research, why competitor analysis is crucial, and why being first to market isn't always the best move. He also shares hard-earned lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including financial struggles and how he turned them into a driving force for success. Whether you're a startup founder or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately. CHAPTERS 02:35 - The Harsh Reality of Entrepreneurship 05:10 - Why Most Entrepreneurs Skip Market Research 07:45 - How to Identify a Winning Business Idea 10:20 - Why You Shouldn’t Always Be First in the Market 12:55 - The Power of Competitor Analysis 15:30 - Hiring Your First Tech Person: What to Look For 18:05 - The “Plumber” Approach to Early-Stage Tech 20:40 - The Biggest Lesson from Amazon’s Work Culture 23:15 - Overcoming Financial Hardships & Learning from Failure 25:50 - How to Deliver Bad News & Still Win in Business GUEST DETAILS Website: MaheshGuruswamy.com Book: How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away With It (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble) Connect with Rudy Mawer: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter