Key Highlights
- Deepa N Swamy is both a Chartered Accountant and an MBA graduate.
- She kickstarted her finance career in 2003 after becoming a CA.
- Deepa pursued her MBA at IIM-Bangalore in 2006, then shifted to consulting.
- A major pivot occurred in 2014 with an unexpected career hiatus.
- Alongside Shreya Prakash and Rashmi Rammohan, she co-founded FlexiBees.
- FlexiBees offers flexible job opportunities, especially for women.
- The company has collaborated with over 200 clients worldwide.
- Their team consists of 30+ dedicated women professionals.
- FlexiBees stands as a testament to a resilient and adaptable business strategy.
The Journey of a Passionate Dreamer
Once upon a time, there was a young woman who was incredibly passionate about Commerce and Accountancy. She wasn’t just proficient at it; she genuinely loved it! With her eyes set on the horizon, she realized that becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) was her golden ticket. Why? Because it promised a luminous career and, even more enticingly, the sweet taste of financial independence. For this dreamer, that was everything.
Her journey began with an Articleship at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Chennai. And let me tell you, that’s a big deal! Being at a Big 4 Service firm? It’s like having a VIP pass to the grand world of Accounting and Finance. She was exposed to the intricacies of various industries, and oh, was it an eye-opener!
2003 marked a significant chapter in her life. With the prestigious CA title now shining beside her name, she joined ITC, a renowned conglomerate in India, stationed at their headquarters in Kolkata. This wasn’t just a job for her; it was an expedition! She traveled the length and breadth of India, visiting ITC’s diverse factories and businesses. With each journey, her grasp on business and strategy became more profound.
But, as with all ambitious souls, she yearned for more. After three exhilarating years at ITC, she felt the urge to expand her horizons. So, in 2006, she took a leap of faith. She left her stable job and embraced the academic halls of IIM Bangalore, one of India’s elite business schools. Enrolling for an MBA there wasn’t just about collecting another certificate. It was an opportunity to explore new realms, like Social Entrepreneurship.
Fate, being the playful force it is, had a surprise in store for her at IIM Bangalore. She met Shreya and Rashmi, two individuals who shared her zeal and vision. Little did she know that these newfound friendships would someday evolve into a formidable business alliance.
And so unfolds the story of a dreamer, a woman with towering aspirations and the relentless spirit to turn them into reality!
Also Read: Why CA Aaditya Jain is Ranked Among the Top 1% Best Finance Gurus Globally
The Unpredictable Path of Professional Life
After getting that MBA in 2008, life was a whirlwind of new experiences. From the chaotic yet exhilarating world of new business research and incubation to the intricacies of Management Consulting and Corporate Strategy, every day was a learning experience. The sky was the limit, and the career ladder seemed endless.
But, as they say, life is unpredictable. Just when everything seemed to be going perfectly, 2014 brought a sudden halt. An unexpected career break came knocking, and just like that, everything changed.
Now, this wasn’t just a personal story. It was a narrative shared by millions of women professionals. Why do they have to hit pause on their careers? Well, the reasons are many. From age-old societal expectations about gender roles to the rigid structure of the 9-to-5 grind, from the lack of flexible work options to the absence of reliable childcare facilities. The challenges were real and daunting.
And here’s the kicker: even with an impressive resume and a track record of excellence, re-entering the workforce wasn’t easy. There was this underlying bias against women who had taken a break. Finding a full-time role that didn’t demand compromising on personal priorities? It felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. The desire was simple: a role that offered both purpose and flexibility. But the reality? It felt like being stuck in a maze with no way out.
Losing one’s professional identity is no small thing. It’s like having a piece of oneself taken away, leaving behind a void filled with frustration and questions. The most pressing one being: What’s the next step? Where does one go from here?
Also Read: From India to Dubai Akshay Kenkre Tax Journey Best in 10 Years
FlexiBees: Revolutionizing the Workforce
Imagine this: A talented professional, brimming with experience and skills, wanting to get back into the workforce. But there’s a catch. They need flexibility. They need roles that understand life happens outside of work too. This was the story of many, especially women, who had taken career breaks for various reasons.
Enter our protagonist, who had faced this challenge firsthand. She wasn’t alone in her struggle. Conversations with her pals from IIM Bangalore, Shreya and Rashmi, revealed they too saw the gaping hole in the job market. Even with their own careers soaring, they felt a pull to address this issue that countless women faced.
So, what did they do? They rolled up their sleeves and got to work! The first step? Market research. They needed to know if their idea had legs. And guess what? It did! They discovered that on one side, start-ups and SMBs were struggling to find affordable, skilled talent available on-demand. On the other side, there was this untapped reservoir of experienced professionals, especially women, craving flexible work options. It was like the universe was pointing them in a direction.
The traditional work model, with its rigid 9-to-5 schedules and office-only locations, just wasn’t cutting it anymore. People wanted more. They wanted balance. They wanted flexibility. And most importantly, they wanted to be recognized for their skills and not penalized for having life priorities.
With this newfound clarity and a burning passion to make a difference, 2017 saw the birth of FlexiBees. Their vision? Simple yet revolutionary. They dreamt of a world where work and life could coexist harmoniously. A world where flexibility wasn’t a luxury but the norm.
And just like that, FlexiBees became the beacon of hope for countless professionals, especially women, helping them reclaim their careers without compromising on life. The end? No way! This was just the beginning of a fantastic journey!
Also Read: $150Mn Leverage Edu unveils dynamic CA Aditya Arora as their new Deputy CFO
The Rise of a Flexible Workforce Revolution
Starting a business? It’s no walk in the park. But with a clear vision and a dash of determination, anything’s possible. That’s what our trio believed. With their market hypotheses in hand, backed by some insightful customer conversations, they decided to dive right in. Instead of getting tangled in the web of theoretical business plans, they embraced the Lean-Startup Methodology. And guess what? The market responded with a resounding “Yes!”
Their first fans? Startups and SMBs. But that’s not all. Some big players in the industry began to see the light. They realized the goldmine that is a contingent workforce. Be it for short projects, filling up vacancies in a jiffy, managing those busy seasons, or even during those pesky hiring freezes, flexible talent was the answer.
The team’s first hires? All remote. And while there were initial hiccups (as is the case with any new venture), they soon found their groove. The demand for flexible and contractual talent was on the rise, and they were right there to meet it.
Fast forward four years, and their portfolio is as diverse as it gets. From Manufacturing and Logistics to the futuristic realms of EdTech and AI, they’ve dipped their toes in it all. Because, let’s face it, every industry needs the basics: Sales, Marketing, Finance, Content, and the list goes on.
With over 200 clients from all corners of the world, from Asia to Europe to the Middle East, they’ve truly made a mark. And the cherry on top? They’ve transformed the lives of countless women and families, offering them the gift of meaningful, flexible work.
Today, their team is a force to be reckoned with. Over 30 women professionals, each choosing flexibility to fit their unique lives. Spread across different time zones, they work in perfect harmony, much like an orchestra creating a beautiful symphony.
Their dream? To be the go-to name globally, both for businesses hungry for flexible talent and for women eager to work on their own terms. And given their track record, that dream doesn’t seem too far off!
The Realities and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship. It’s often painted with the brush of glamour, thanks to those dazzling success stories. But the reality? It’s a rollercoaster, with its ups, downs, twists, and turns. Think of it like parenting. Just when you think you’ve got the hang of one phase, a new challenge pops up. And as entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to keep those eyes on the prize, ensuring that the allure of short-term gains or crises doesn’t derail the long-term vision.
One of the earliest hurdles? Perfecting the talent-matching technology. The initial approach was pretty straightforward, mirroring the ‘access’ model popular in most marketplaces. It was all about keyword-based matching and basic screening. But soon, it became clear that this method had its flaws. Matches weren’t always on point, leading to a few hiccups.
But as with any challenge, it was an opportunity in disguise. The process underwent a transformation, evolving into a more comprehensive system. The new approach was threefold:
- Dive deep into the requirements, breaking them down into specific skills and sub-skills.
- Implement a multi-touch-point selection process, assessing various work and life parameters to pinpoint the perfect fit.
- Offer unwavering post-placement support, be it through tools or human interventions when necessary.
But here’s the secret sauce: the bond between the three co-founders. Being friends first, they brought to the table a diverse mix of skills and personalities. And when the going got tough, their trust in each other was the safety net they could rely on.
Of course, the journey was made smoother with a team of dedicated women professionals. Their natural alignment with the vision was the fuel that kept the engine running, propelling the business forward, one success at a time.
FlexiBees: A Timeline of Success
2017: The birth of FlexiBees! This was the year the dream took flight. With their Minimum Viable Services in place, they began to understand the intricacies of their business models. And in true FlexiBees style, they made their first “flexible” hires, bringing onboard team members who were ready to learn and grow alongside them.
2018: Growth was the name of the game this year. It was a time of organic expansion, with a focus on strengthening core areas like Sales, Marketing, Delivery, and Finance. This was also the year they had an epiphany: the magic of flexible hiring wasn’t just about value. It was a game-changer, bringing agility to the growth trajectories of both startups and established enterprises.
2019: With a solid foundation in place, it was time to scale up. The teams expanded, and the bonds with existing clients deepened. These clients, having experienced the FlexiBees magic firsthand, often returned for more roles. FlexiBees wasn’t just a service provider anymore; they were now seen as trusted talent partners.
2020 and beyond: The world faced unprecedented challenges with the onset of Covid. But FlexiBees? They thrived! They became the guiding light for clients and consultants, helping them navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic. And with an eye on the future, they ramped up their efforts on international expansion.
From its inception to its current success, FlexiBees’ journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and adaptability. And the best part? This journey is far from over!
Embracing the Future of Flexible Work
The pandemic? It wasn’t just a health crisis. It was a global experiment in remote working. And guess what? The world passed with flying colors. The age-old belief that work can only happen within the four walls of an office? Shattered. Today, there’s a newfound confidence in the power of remote work.
Enter the Future of Work: Flexibility. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s the way forward. Businesses that embrace this new norm, that understand and respect the diverse needs of their team members, are the ones that will shine. They’ll attract the crème de la crème of talent, no matter where these talents are located.
FlexiBees isn’t just a part of this revolution; they’re leading it. Through their webinars and newsletters, they’re spreading the word, educating entrepreneurs about the goldmine that is flexible hiring. They’re showcasing the myriad benefits of tapping into this pool of experienced professionals who crave flexibility.
And to all the mothers and women out there, yearning to work on their terms? The message is clear: Keep that passion alive. Even when the road seems bleak, invest time in sharpening those skills. Opportunities will come, sometimes from the most unexpected quarters. And when they do, seize them with both hands. Every experience, every challenge, every success, it all adds up, often in ways one could never have imagined.
At its heart, FlexiBees.com is a bridge. On one side, businesses hungry for top-notch talent, looking for quick and cost-effective hires. On the other, women professionals eager to strike that perfect balance between work and life. And as this bridge connects the two, magic happens. Businesses thrive, women soar, and the definition of work? It gets a much-needed makeover.
Also Read: CA Ojas Rajani: From CA to Top Makeup Artist, Defying 10,000+ Homophobic Taunts
0 Comments