“We avoid bad news because we hate discomfort. Yet, all growth begins with discomfort. Without it, there is no reason to change. We start our journey of maturity when we finally realise that life is not about achieving absolute peace but about effectively managing tension.”
Culture eats strategy for breakfast.
A book that was originally written as a corporate handbook for new Zomato employees, gives an insight into how one of India’s most exciting and successful companies works, and what it does to create the culture of excellence that makes it break barriers – time and time again.
Presented as an orientation manual / survival guide to adapt to the organisation’s culture, and chart one’s journey to success, this book captures the principles and standards of how Zomato works and their key policies. It also includes the company’s history – how it was created, its purpose, and evolution into what it has become today.
As an organisation with a flat structure, Zomato employees are encouraged to be self-driven, uncomfortable, willing to take risks, and to show consistent commitment irrespective of results. Deepinder Goyal refers to company principles as everyday reminders that, in addition to creating a productive work environment, also bring measurable results.
The book covers the organisation’s steps towards Corporate Social Responsibility, finding and retaining talent, employee benefits, awards and recognition, ethics and integrity as well as political sensitivity. As a public limited company, the author also stresses on the importance of the sunshine test: passing public scrutiny with respect to the employee and the company.
I loved how the book is styled as a visual guidebook with simple illustrations and text designed using clean, bold fonts. It is a quick and easy read that succinctly delivers the message it set out with.
CULTure at Zomato serves both as an employee’s rules of engagement as well as a manual for entrepreneurs/start-ups to identify and streamline their vision and culture. As I see it, it is also a self-help book to a way of life that will benefit your professional goals as well as your personality.
CULTure at Zomato: How to Rewire Your Brain for Greatness by Deepinder Goyal. Published in September 2023 by Juggernaut Books. This copy courtesy of the publisher.
Book 6 of 2024.
Aquamarine Flavours Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.
Available on Amazon*.
*Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link which means, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Aquamarine Flavours 
Thanks for the insightful review, Ashima! The concept of a corporate handbook being so transparent and accessible is definitely intriguing. Zomato’s emphasis on self-driven, risk-taking employees is refreshing, and the discomfort aspect could spark interesting discussions. However, the constant pressure to perform, even without guaranteed results, might be a turn-off for some readers. I’d love to hear more about the work-life balance perspective at Zomato. Overall, it sounds like a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in startup culture.
Elevating Brands
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