Welcome to inside the manager’s mind — a space where leadership meets reality. Explore the highs, lows, and everyday decisions that shape teams and drive success. From strategic thinking to people management, this blog offers raw insights and practical wisdom for those leading or aspiring to lead. In this feature we’d like you to meet Sagar!
Sagar : At Mercari India, rapid expansion is more than just scaling numbers—it’s about intentional leadership that fosters clarity, unlocks potential, and nurtures an empowered culture. For me, effective management isn’t just about driving performance; it’s about guiding with steadiness, leading with empathy, and creating a foundation of trust.
As we continue to grow, I find myself leaning on a set of principles—some expected, some unconventional—that have shaped the way I support my team. Whether it’s welcoming new talent, refining HR initiatives, or championing individual growth, these values remain at the core of how I lead.
1. Anchor in Calm Amidst Chaos
Change fuels innovation, but it also brings uncertainty. In high-growth environments, teams don’t just look to their leaders for solutions—they look for steadiness. My guiding principle: My calm creates their safety; my clarity gives them direction.
What I do: Every one-on-one starts the same way—with a genuine “How are you doing?” before diving into work. This small act of care fosters trust and sets the tone for a culture of support.
2. Empower Through Context, Not Control
Momentum thrives when people feel empowered, not micromanaged. Providing context allows teams to move with confidence and make decisions independently.
What I do: During onboarding and team syncs, I take extra time to explain the reasoning behind our goals—not just what we’re doing, but why it matters. The result? A team that thinks critically, acts decisively, and continuously grows.
3. Normalize “I Don’t Know”
Leadership isn’t about always having answers—it’s about knowing the right questions to ask. Some of the most transformative ideas emerge when we simply say, “What do you think?”
What I do: I lead with curiosity over certainty, trusting that the collective intelligence of the team will lead to better solutions than any one individual’s perspective.
4. Fuel Growth with Empathetic Feedback
Feedback is more than a performance review—it’s an investment in potential. Growth happens when individuals feel safe, supported, and trusted.
What I do: I give feedback early and often, always with empathy. One phrase I return to: “This isn’t criticism—it’s an investment in you.” When feedback is framed with care, it becomes a catalyst for growth.
5. Celebrate Small Wins Loudly
Amid rapid scaling, it’s easy to overlook everyday victories. But small moments of recognition compound over time, fueling motivation and reinforcing culture.
What I do: I’ve made it a practice to include a ‘shout-out’ segment in my one-on-ones, celebrating even the smallest wins. A culture of appreciation creates ripples of positive energy.
6. Lead Authentically, Lead Humanely
Authentic leadership isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about showing up as yourself. Some days leadership means diving into data, others it means sharing a joke, and sometimes it means embracing vulnerability.
What I do: I lead with heart as much as I lead with strategy. Perfection isn’t the goal—being real is.
“Management is a continuous journey, not a destination. There’s no fixed formula, no end point—only the commitment to show up, listen, learn, and evolve.”
At Mercari India, we’re not just building a business; we’re cultivating a culture of thoughtful, human-centered leadership. And that begins with the choices we make every single day.
And if you are inspired to be part of an organization that values growth, learning, and collaboration, we encourage you to look out for more opportunities on our careers website.
Stay tuned for more stories, lessons, and reflections as we continue to learn and grow together.
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