Deepinder Goyal Extends Olive Branch to Former Zomato Employees
In a heartfelt and candid social media post, Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal has made a public appeal to former employees, inviting them to return to the company. This move comes with an admission that the organization may not have provided the ideal environment or leadership in the past, signaling a significant shift in corporate culture.
Acknowledging Past Shortcomings
Goyal openly addressed the challenges faced by employees during their previous tenures at Zomato. He stated, "I know that for many of you, Zomato didn't have the environment, or the leadership you needed at the time." This rare admission from a founder highlights a growing trend of transparency in corporate India, where leaders are increasingly willing to acknowledge past mistakes as part of organizational evolution.
The Evolution of Eternal and Zomato
Eternal, the parent entity of Zomato, has undergone substantial transformation according to Goyal. He emphasized that the company has become more organized and less chaotic, with improvements in leadership and operational structure. Goyal noted that over a hundred employees at Eternal are currently in their second or third stints with the company, many of whom are performing exceptionally well in their roles.
"We are more organised, a little less chaotic, and hopefully, I've learned a few things along the way too," Goyal wrote, suggesting personal growth as a leader alongside the company's development.
Why Former Employees Are Valued
Goyal made a compelling case for why former employees are particularly valuable to Eternal's current ventures. He explained that the organization needs people who understand "what good looks like" at the company, and there's no better candidate than someone who has experienced the company's culture, left to grow elsewhere, and now wishes to return with enhanced skills and perspective.
"There is no better person for that than someone who has been here, left, grown, and wants to come back," he asserted, highlighting the unique value proposition of returning employees.
Addressing Leadership Concerns
Responding to potential concerns about his reduced operational role following his step down as CEO, Goyal reassured former employees that his involvement remains substantial. "Did titles ever matter at Eternal? I am still very much here," he wrote, emphasizing that his influence and commitment to the company continue despite the formal change in his position.
Social Media Reaction and Industry Impact
The post has generated significant buzz on social media platforms, with many users praising Goyal's transparency and courage. One user commented, "Not many founders have the courage to say this publicly. People grow, companies grow and sometimes the timing just becomes right again." Another noted, "Not many leaders admit they've grown. Even fewer invite people back to grow with them."
This initiative reflects broader trends in the Indian startup ecosystem, where companies are increasingly recognizing the value of experienced talent and creating pathways for former employees to return. It also highlights the evolving nature of employer-employee relationships in India's dynamic corporate landscape.
Goyal concluded his message with a memorable line that captures both the challenges and rewards of working at Eternal: "The Gurgaon pollution is still a bug, but being at Eternal is the feature." This statement acknowledges the practical realities of working in India's corporate hubs while emphasizing the intrinsic value of being part of the organization's journey.
