From a 3rd-Tier City Kid in India to the Top of Google | Ema Unlimited, Surojit Chatterjee

How did Surojit Chatterjee start his career?

Growing up in a modest third-tier town in India, Surojit Chatterjee was surrounded by humble beginnings. His fascination with math was evident from an early age, showcasing remarkable talent in the subject. This passion set the stage for his future pursuits.

A pivotal moment came when Chatterjee's father was advised that the burgeoning field of computer science could be a promising path. Embracing this guidance led him to one of India's top engineering colleges, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). There, he honed his skills in computer science and technology.

His journey at IIT marked the beginning of a distinguished career in the tech industry, eventually leading him to prestigious roles at companies like Google and Flipkart. This foundation in education and an unyielding love for problem-solving propelled him into significant tech contributions globally.

What were Surojit Chatterjee's contributions at Google?

• Co-founded Google's mobile ads team, growing the business from zero to $50 billion in revenue.

• Created the innovative click-to-call ads feature, now a multi-billion dollar business for Google.

• Demonstrated the courage to experiment within the company's established norms, testing features directly to speed up innovation in the rapidly evolving mobile space.

• Led efforts in tackling challenges with a conviction-driven approach, often pursuing ideas that met internal resistance but eventually proved successful.

Why did Surojit Chatterjee leave Google for Flipkart?

Leaving a successful position at Google was a surprising move. Yet, India's unique market presented rare opportunities. The mobile-first environment there caught his eye.

While visiting customers, he noticed India's leap over desktops to mobile technology. Ninety percent of e-commerce sales came from mobile, unlike in developed markets.

This mobile dominance intrigued him and promised immense learning possibilities. Solving India's logistical challenges for a billion people posed an exceptional test.

Joining Flipkart meant tackling infrastructure barriers—poor internet, limited electronic payments. It demanded innovative solutions like custom trucks for small villages.

These challenges and the chance for growth drove him to embrace this new journey.

How does Surojit Chatterjee view company culture?

In Surojit's view, maintaining a strong company culture is crucial. Company culture is not a popularity contest, and trying to please everyone can lead to degeneration of core values. To combat cultural degeneration, one must be intentional in preserving these values, even if it means making hard, unpopular decisions.

Having experienced cultural shifts at Google, he emphasizes the importance of firm stances. When cultures shift too far from their origins, it can distract from the company's main mission. Thus, leaders must remain vigilant and proactive.

By setting clear expectations and ensuring that both new hires and existing members align with the cultural ideals, companies can maintain a cohesive environment. If individuals don't fit, there are other opportunities for them elsewhere.

This approach ensures that the company doesn't lose sight of its objectives while also fostering a healthy, productive work environment. Understanding the culture and norms in an organization not only influences decision-makers but also strengthens the bond among team members.

What is EMA and its vision for AI in the workplace?

EMA, short for Enterprise Machine Assistant, represents a groundbreaking shift in workplace productivity. This universal AI assistant aims to collaborate with human employees, focusing on automating repetitive and mundane tasks.

By taking over these tedious duties, EMA frees up valuable time, allowing individuals to engage in more creative and value-added activities. The goal is to create a harmonious environment where AI enhances human capabilities, leading to greater efficiency and innovation.

Working closely with customers from the design phase, EMA's development ensured that real-world needs were met. This approach guarantees that the assistant isn't just a theoretical solution, but a practical tool for enhancing productivity across various industries.

The vision extends beyond just reducing workload—it imagines a future where small teams can achieve massive impacts, potentially transforming a single-person business into a billion-dollar enterprise with AI support. In this envisioned future, a few humans alongside AI could redefine what’s possible in the business landscape.