From Big Tech to Startup: Bhrighu Sareen's Leap from Microsoft to Highspot
Ever thought about ditching the comfy corporate life for the wild ride of a startup? Bhrighu Sareen did, and he shares his amazing journey from Microsoft to Highspot in a recent episode of Founded & Funded. You can listen in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or watch it on YouTube – links are below! I've summarized his key takeaways here, offering some seriously helpful advice if you're considering a similar career shake-up.
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The Startup Siren Song
Seventeen years at Microsoft! That's Bhrighu's impressive tenure, working on everything from Bing and MSN to Windows – and most notably, Microsoft Teams. He was there practically from the beginning, helping scale it to a whopping 300 million monthly active users. Wow! But even with that kind of success, he craved something more. He wanted a steeper learning curve, more agility, a chance to really make a bigger impact. He explains that while Microsoft offered tons of career paths, nothing quite compared to the intense learning experience a startup offered.
Why Highspot? A Match Made in Tech Heaven
So why Highspot? It wasn't just a random choice. First, the people. He clicked instantly with the founders – collaborative, supportive, and genuinely invested in his growth. Then there was the space; sales enablement was a totally new and exciting challenge. And finally, the product itself. Highspot had a solid foundation with enormous potential, and Bhrighu saw a chance to help build it into a major player. A long chat with the CEO, Robert, sealed the deal – it felt like a perfect fit.
Navigating the Founder Frenzy
Working directly with three founders? That’s a whole different ball game. Bhrighu stresses the importance of open communication and building strong relationships. Regular check-ins kept everyone on the same page and fostered trust. He gives a shout-out to David, one of the founders, for his amazing mentorship – showing just how crucial founder support can be, especially when onboarding a new executive. Prioritizing Highspot's success over individual egos was key to creating that collaborative environment.
Highspot's Transformation: From Good to Great
Bhrighu didn't just sit back and watch. He launched some key initiatives to boost efficiency and product development. He introduced "edge meetings," these two-week check-ins with smaller, cross-functional teams (he calls them "crews"), to tackle roadblocks head-on. This created transparency and gave everyone a voice. Plus, he strategically expanded their engineering teams in Vancouver and India, creating centers of excellence and dramatically expanding their talent pool. Pretty impressive!
AI: The Secret Sauce
Highspot’s always been an AI-driven company, but Bhrighu really turbocharged its use. He highlights features like AI-powered coaching, content summarization, and automated document generation. It's all about giving users real-time insights and a tangible return on investment – plus, making their lives easier. It’s the perfect blend of ROI and user delight.
The Future is AI (and it’s bright!)
Bhrighu sees even more exciting developments in AI on the horizon, especially AI agents and copilots. He envisions Highspot using these technologies to supercharge productivity and create even more seamless user experiences. The focus will always be on delivering measurable results and making the experience delightful for customers. Think natural language and voice interfaces – the future of sales enablement is here!
The Bottom Line
Bhrighu's journey is a powerful example for anyone considering a leap from a large corporation to a startup. His success is a testament to the power of collaboration, clear communication, and a proactive approach to challenges. His story offers valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and established companies alike, showcasing the transformative potential of AI to drive growth and innovation. Want to learn more? Check out the full podcast episode!
