What if your best hire wasn’t just an employee—but a leader who redefined your company’s future? In this episode of My Best Hire, we uncover powerful leadership lessons from Janhavi’s incredible journey. From taking bold career risks to leading groundbreaking aerospace innovations, she proved that technical skills are just the beginning. Discover how trust, resilience, and an ownership mindset can turn a great employee into a game-changer—and what every leader can learn from her story. If you’re building teams or growing your own career, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!
Summary
This episode of My Best Hire features Girish Mudgal, co-founder of TimeTooth Technologies, as he shares the story of his best hire, Janhavi. Girish recounts how Janhavi joined TimeTooth as one of its first employees, leaving behind a secure job offer at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to take a bold leap with a fledgling startup. Over the years, Janhavi has played a pivotal role in the company’s success, leading groundbreaking projects in defense, aerospace, and civil aviation.
Girish highlights Janhavi’s exceptional technical expertise, ambition, resilience, and trustworthiness. From developing India’s first mine-blast-resistant seats for combat vehicles to heading the country’s first certified aircraft passenger seat project, Janhavi has consistently delivered innovative solutions. Her ability to manage remote teams as early as 2012, balance personal milestones like marriage and motherhood, and even complete a full marathon exemplifies her grit and determination.
The conversation also explores Girish’s growth as a leader and recruiter. He reflects on how working with Janhavi reshaped his approach to hiring by prioritizing attributes like ambition, trust, and resilience over technical skills alone. Girish shares valuable advice for professionals aspiring to stand out: adopt a pseudo-entrepreneurial mindset and embrace challenges with boldness.
This inspiring episode offers lessons on leadership, career growth, and fostering talent that will resonate with both leaders building teams and individuals seeking to make an impact in their organizations.
Timestamped Chapters
[00:00] Introduction to the Podcast
[01:09] Girish’s Professional Journey
[02:30] Introducing Janhavi: The Best Hire
[03:48] Leading a High-Stakes Defense Project
[06:31] Traits That Make Janhavi Exceptional
[09:11] Remote Work Before It Was Mainstream
[11:05] Resilience Through Personal Milestones
[12:05] The Story of Hiring Janhavi
[15:02] Trusting the Vision During Tough Times
[18:04] Leading India’s First Aircraft Seat Project
[20:28] Supporting Career Growth at TimeTooth
[22:34] Fitness Culture and Personal Growth
[24:35] Leadership Lessons from Working with Janhavi
[28:46] Advice for Aspiring Professionals
[29:46] Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
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