RS344: 12 Years to Overnight Success with Amar Ghose
Manage episode 486867174 series 3661112
What does it really take to lead a company for over a decade—and still be growing?
In this episode, Craig chats with Amar Ghose, founder and longtime CEO of ZenMaid, about the challenges, lessons, and evolution that come from running a SaaS company for 12 years. From market leadership and internal conflict to personal growth and productivity, Amar shares candid insights into the realities of long-term entrepreneurship.
Whether you're scaling a startup, feeling stagnant in your leadership role, or just wondering if AI is going to eat your SaaS lunch, this conversation delivers.
Highlights from Craig and Amar's conversation:
- Transitioning from following trends to becoming a category leader
- Navigating internal disagreements and managing tough decisions
- Running a "benevolent dictatorship"—and why that sometimes works
- How to deal with boredom, complacency, and staying sharp as a CEO
- The productivity paradox: what being "productive" means at the top
- Entertainment vs. distraction: protecting your focus
- How coaching reveals your blind spots (and helps you evolve)
- Staying out of cruise control—how to keep leveling up, year after year
- Is AI a threat to SaaS companies, or a tool for growth?
Takeaways and Vision
Longevity in SaaS isn’t about coasting. It’s about evolving. Amar Ghose proves that staying in the game for 12+ years means embracing discomfort, sharpening your focus, and leading with intention. Whether you're one year in or a decade deep, this episode is a reminder: real leadership isn’t about avoiding boredom, it’s about leveling up through it.
Resources and Links from This Episode
- ZenMaid – Amar’s SaaS for maid service businesses
- Follow Amar on LinkedIn
- Rogue Startups Podcast Archive
- Connect with Craig on Twitter/X: @TheCraigHewitt
If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.
Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me:
- Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt
- LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt
- Email: [email protected]
50 episodes