Meet Mohan Pradhan! Hailing from New-Delhi, India, he joined inDrive in 2019, and was one of the first team members driving inDrive’s development in India. Currently he’s serving as Business Development Representative for inDrive. Here are some of his victories and challenges along the way, along with advice and inspiration.
Describe yourself in three words: Sincere, patient and friendly.
How (and when) did you join inDrive?
Before joining inDrive (which was then InDriver) I was working as a Sales Manager, doing similar kinds of stuff for a very long time. In 2019, the day came when I decided that I needed a change and a more challenging profile where I could motivate myself more effectively.
When I stepped into the role of a DA Assistant Manager in 2019 for inDrive, it was my first experience in the ride-hailing Industry. I would like to thank Prokopy Fedorov - he is a true mentor who helped me to understand how ride-hailing works and how we can increase its efficiency for the Indian market. Under his guidance, we successfully launched Chandigarh, Bhopal, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Jaipur and many more cities in India.
In 2021, I got another mission in inDrive, to serve as a GR Coordinator and Business Development Representative for India. Since then, I am the contact point to research new cities to launch inDrive’s service, as well as grow all active cities. Now it’s my responsibility to ensure smooth coordination with the core team, improve product in an effective manner, and increase its efficiency on a daily basis.
What have been some of the biggest challenges?
As I stepped into the role of a DA - Assistant Manager, the challenge ahead was crystal clear – build inDrive's presence in India from the ground up. Our mission was to empower drivers and passengers with the freedom to negotiate fares in real-time.
The early days were filled with excitement, anticipation, and the thrill of pioneering a service that was about to redefine the way people commuted. inDrive's model allowed passengers to set their own fares, and drivers could accept or negotiate based on their preferences. It was a game-changer in an industry dominated by fixed pricing.
My role involved not just recruiting drivers but also fostering a community of partners who believed in inDrive’s vision. Building relationships with drivers, understanding their needs, and effectively communicating the benefits of joining InDrive were crucial elements of my daily routine. It wasn't just a job; it was a mission to create a platform that empowered both drivers and riders.
The challenges were abundant, from navigating regulatory landscapes to building trust in a market dominated by established players. However, the resilience of the team and belief in our product kept us going. Slowly but steadily, we witnessed the first few drivers signing up, eager to be a part of something new and exciting.
Looking back, the journey was not just about professional achievements; it was about being part of a movement that changed the way people perceived transportation. From the initial struggles of starting from scratch to witnessing our exponential growth, every step was a testament to the dedication of the team and the acceptance of a groundbreaking idea.
As 2019 drew to a close, InDrive had firmly established its roots in India. As a DA Assistant Manager, then GR coordinator and BDR, I felt a profound sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing that I had helped shape this narrative of transformation in the Indian ride-hailing industry.
What do you think makes for a good work environment?
In my opinion, there are several factors that contribute to creating a positive and effective work environment: clear communication, recognition and appreciation, work-life balance, opportunities for growth, and health and safety.
Best career advice: Get out of your comfort zone, and keep learning.
How well do you maintain a balance between work and personal life?
I am quite positive and I always make sure to prioritize my work, as well as set the boundaries for both aspects of life.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
My biggest motivation is my father, who is still working. I am driven to be like him.
What’s the foundation of career success?
I would say problem-solving skills and staying informed about trends. You should update your skills and be open to new challenges.
Dealing with failure can be challenging, but it's a part of life. Acceptance and learning from mistakes always helps me to overcome failure.
Favorite inspirational saying: The only way to do great work is to love what you do. When you genuinely love what you do, you are more likely to invest time and effort into it.
Where in the world would you like to visit next?
There are many, because the world is very beautiful – but my favorite places are New York, Edinburgh & London.
Define success: Success, to me, is going beyond or meeting a challenge before a deadline.
Over the past 5 years, we started from scratch with a few teammates. We now have a huge team in India, and inDrive is very well known in the Indian market. I think this is called success.
