Some founders chase growth. Others chase meaning. Sri Kaza chases both. After years in the corporate world, he walked away from the security of McKinsey to build something real and something his own. Along the way he learned what most entrepreneurs figure out the hard way. Plans burn fast, purpose lasts longer, and small businesses win when they lean into what makes them different. From surviving the chaos of the PPP rollout to defining his Three Ps for small business success, positioning, proximity, and purpose, Sri’s story is proof that resilience is built, not bought. Here are three takeaways every founder will relate to:
Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Small is your strategic advantage
Sri’s Three Ps—positioning, proximity, and purpose—remind founders that scale is not the only measure of success. When you know your niche, serve your closest customers deeply, and lead with purpose, you build a business that can outlast bigger competitors.
2️⃣ Release your agenda, not your ambition
Plans will burn. Markets will shift. Sri learned to let go of rigid strategy and adapt in real time. The founders who thrive are not those with perfect plans but those who can rebuild mid flight and stay focused on impact.
3️⃣ Ask for help before you need it
Every entrepreneur hits walls. The smart ones ask early, often, and without ego. Building community and mentorship is not a sign of weakness. It is what keeps you moving when things inevitably get messy.
Timestamps
00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship
03:16 Lessons from Corporate to Startup
06:12 The Importance of Community and Small Businesses
11:55 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
18:11 The Role of Small Businesses in the Economy
21:06 Myths of Starting and Scaling a Business
24:08 Personal Growth and Leadership
27:02 Overcoming Barriers in Entrepreneurship
32:01 Navigating Pricing and Customer Acquisition Challenges
35:04 The Importance of Customer Education
38:03 Learning from the Entrepreneurial Journey
40:09 The Role of Math in Business Decisions
43:15 Scaling with Intentionality
44:09 Support Systems in Entrepreneurship
46:02 Defining Success and Impact
49:26 The Power of Small Business Principles
51:05 Personal Insights and Unique Experiences
54:02 Reflecting on a Unique Journey
55:52 Embracing Diversity in Future Endeavors
🔗 Ready to build with purpose? Connect with Sri below.
Website: https://sri-kaza.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srikaza/