Srini Neralla

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Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit

Meet the alumni:
Srini Neralla, SIA Solutions, LLC

 

Why did you apply to the program?
I was impressed by the intensive curriculum designed for a short-term program and applied for it knowing that I would benefit immensely from such a program. Based on the curriculum, I was sure that I would enjoy and learn from at least three modules if not more:

  • Money and Metrics (Financial)
  • Leadership
  • Action for Growth (Growth Plan) - helped me with a "process-oriented" approach to growing and managing growth.

 

What growth have you experienced since graduating?
We have grown four times larger in revenues during the year of graduation (2016) and have grown five time larger this year (2017). Our growth in 2017 is attributed to an acquisition. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program provided the much-needed confidence and courage in me to become a better leader and being able to handle the acquisition and the consequent growth.

 

How has that growth impacted you and your business?
The growth has been wonderful for the business and we have been able to assemble a highly qualified and experienced team of professionals that are absolutely critical in project delivery.

 

How have you, as a leader, grown?
One of the biggest changes I have seen since the program is that I have become a more assertive leader, which is important when the growth is fast-paced.

 

How would you summarize your program experience?
Outstanding program that helped me reinvent myself as a good leader capable of handling fast-paced growth challenges and create a successful, sustainable and profitable company resulting in creation of jobs and improving our local and national economy in our own “small” way.

 

What advice would you give to the other small business owners preparing for growth?

  • Create your “vison” first.
  • Understand your clients’ needs and serve them well.
  • Surround yourself with people you trust and build a network of resources to support and guide all aspects of your business.
  • Hire great staff and take care of them. The rest takes care of itself (for the most part).
  • Learn to delegate and work “on” your business and not “in” your business.
  • Hard work is imperative for success. But don’t simply work hard – work hard at being productive…nothing comes easy…so be prepared. 

 

How are you supporting the local community?
We engage in our communities through our staff and their involvement. This is the best way to make meaningful impacts to the communities in which we have our greatest presence. Our main offices in Houston, Baltimore, DC, Chicago, and Sacramento and our staff support both professional organizations and grass root efforts via their local organizations that help our communities. On a national scale, we support the Wounded Warrior Foundation to show our appreciation to our military who defend the country and have sacrificed for our freedom.