In this episode of Sunny Side Up, Rory Costello interviews Prashant Bhatia, a seasoned professional with over 25 years in enterprise software, on navigating modern leadership hurdles and fostering organisational expansion. From starting in product management to transitioning into product marketing and eventually embracing executive leadership roles, Prashant highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. He discusses the challenges of moving from a smaller company to a global enterprise, emphasising trust, transparency, and accountability as keys to professional networking. As he outlines his current role at SpendHQ, Prashant’s vision for the high-growth SaaS company’s future shines through.
Prashant Bhatia has been in the enterprise software industry for 25+ years, most recently joining SpendHQ as Chief Marketing Officer responsible for global go-to-market strategy. Prior to SpendHQ, he was CMO at Blue Ridge Global, and prior to that, he was with Radial as SVP of Technology Services.
Throughout Prashant’s career, he has been focused on value selling and value creation, whether that be via Product Management, Product Marketing, or serving as an executive leader focused on go-to-market functions.
“Be open to change and be willing to embrace it.”
– Prashant Bhatia
Over 25 years, Prashant’s career in enterprise software has spanned three phases. Initially, he worked in product management, especially as a supply chain expert. He then transitioned to product marketing, diving deep into go-to-market strategies and holding leadership roles. Currently, in his executive phase, Prashant serves as either the chief product officer or the chief marketing officer, focusing on leadership and career development.
Navigating one’s career often presents moments of uncertainty and introspection. Many of us start with roles straight out of education, only to face crucial decisions about our professional direction soon after. It’s common to grapple with choices. However, embracing challenges, even when the path ahead isn’t clear, can lead to game-changing opportunities in our careers. Taking on roles not defined or explored before requires adaptability and a knack for change management. The crux of progressing in any field is about being open to change and ensuring that your decisions benefit both the organization and the people you serve.
Prashant spoke about his significant career shift from a smaller company, where he was the 40th employee and was deeply networked, to a much larger global firm with 50,000 employees. This move highlighted the challenges of creating a network in a vast organisation. He emphasised the importance of trust-building in professional relationships. For Prashant, transparency, accountability, and delivery are the cornerstones of trust. Whether with customers, peers, or his team, his focus remains consistent: communicate clearly about actions and intentions and then deliver quality.
Navigating your career requires a steadfast commitment to trust, transparency, and accountability. Although specific roles might offer unique lessons, these core principles are universal and serve as foundational pillars for success. As you progress in your profession, remember the importance of building a solid network. The relationships you cultivate can be transformative, regardless of your role or industry.
The primary objective of SpendHQ is to analyse customers’ spending patterns and identify savings opportunities in procurement. Initially emerging as a software tool from a consulting firm, SpendHQ matured into a standalone entity. It now offers services extending beyond spend analytics, including procurement performance management. Having joined SpendHQ about six to seven months prior, Prashant is keen on scaling the marketing needs of this high-growth SaaS company. Drawing from his past experiences, he aims to lead the company to new heights.
Entering a leadership role demands more than just confidence; it requires adaptability, active listening, and a genuine understanding of the diverse needs of different stakeholders within an organisation. As you transition into leadership, it’s vital to remain humble, prioritise trust-building, and be receptive to feedback, ensuring that you address both internal and external requirements effectively.
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