In the city that never sleeps (and apparently never stops innovating), a Mumbai startup leader is upending old-school management wisdom—making waves online with their bold, human-first approach to workplace culture.
Vedika Bhaia, founder of Growth Square and Social Capital, recently went viral for her remarkably progressive stance: she encourages her employees to run side hustles—even when it means they might someday outgrow her company.
Unlike leaders who fret about losing talent, Bhaia says that employee stagnation reflects leadership failure.” Her message? Ambition isn’t a threat; it’s the whole point.
“While our agency is their main source of income right now, I secretly hope that one day we become their side-hustle,” she admitted with the kind of honesty that makes HR departments both nervous and inspired.
Bhaia’s post hit a nerve in the best way possible, with LinkedIn users applauding her for evolving the concept of employee loyalty.
“Most leaders talk about retention. You’re talking about evolution,” wrote one commenter. “Side hustles are no longer optional, they’re essential,” chimed another, glad to see a founder rooting for personal and financial growth—even beyond her own walls.
Vedika also grabbed headlines for overhauling her workplace after firing three staff members. Instead of leaving repair work to “karma” or motivational posters, she publicly detailed five changes implemented to rebuild a positive office atmosphere.
Her advice included:
Clearer communication
Fairer performance policies
Increased transparency—a refreshingly open, no-nonsense approach that quickly struck a chord with the LinkedIn crowd.
- A physical office: According to her, remote work had drained the team’s energy. Now, wins and fun are celebrated together.
- Motivated pay increases: Vedika believes that rewarding without them asking will get the word around. Who doesn’t want to work at a place where talent is valued?
- Random Gestures: She arranges ice cream or lunch alternate days. Why? Because why not? These small gestures are what uplift our moods. We get a feeling that we are cared for.
- Recognition: It is the key, and this should be used publicly in a kind manner. Who doesn’t want to be appreciated?
- Welcome passionate people: For Vedika it is passion what matters and not the degrees. Vise
This shows that Mumbai’s new generation of founders isn’t just building businesses—they’re rewriting the playbook on leadership and work-life. In an era when workers want more than just a paycheck (think growth, balance, and a little side project with potential), these founders have one thing in common: they’d rather launch dreams than clip wings.
So, What is The New Office Mantra?
Help others grow, celebrate their next big chapter—even if it makes the org chart a little more interesting.
And if that sounds scary to some, don’t worry: there’s always room for a side hustle—and a side of compassion—in the city’s startup ecosystem.
