Empowering SMBs to thrive in a digital-first world with Irana Wasti
Balancing strategic decisions with customer-centric innovation requires a deep understanding of your audience and a clear vision for impactful solutions. On this episode, Irana Wasti, Former Chief Product Officer of BILL and experienced board advisor, shares her expertise on serving small- and medium-sized businesses, driving strategic growth and navigating diverse career paths in the tech industry.
Key Takeaways:
(03:16) Leading GoDaddy’s EMEA region taught Irana the value of adapting strategies to cultural and regional contexts.
(07:55) SMBs face inefficiencies with seven or more tech tools, highlighting the need for integrated solutions.
(11:01) Proper experimentation enables rapid feedback, driving innovation and informed decision-making.
(14:01) GoDaddy’s bundling experiments revealed that quick wins, like instant email setup, enhance customer engagement.
(18:07) BILL’s acquisition of Divvy unified spend management and improved cash-flow insights through cohesive data.
(24:12) The use of AI is shifting from enhancing features to solving SMBs’ core challenges, such as automating workflows.
(27:27) Diversity means recognizing unique challenges, like balancing dual careers and parenting, to foster support.
(29:56) Without female managers, Irana thrived through mentorship. She urges others to innovate despite representation gaps.
(31:16) Irana now focuses on advisory roles and cherishes time with her family.
Resources Mentioned:
BILL
Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/
Thanks for listening to “SMB Tech Innovators,” powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness