Sarat Pediredla is CEO and co-founder at hedgehog lab, a Newcastle-headquartered tech consultancy.
The company secured £6.3 million investment from BGF in 2023, and acquired York-based app developer Netsells.
Here, Pediredla shares his top three influences across his personal life and career…
The person that has inspired my working career the most, and why
Brene Brown. Brene’s literature on shame and vulnerability is legendary, but they were a pivotal point for me in my leadership journey. After reading some of her work on shame, vulnerability and authenticity, I have become a better leader and a more rounded person. As most leaders are, I am a perfectionist and used to have very high standards for myself – which eventually resulted in an inner critic that used shame as a powerful motivator.
This led to a lot of mental health problems and performance issues. Understanding the subject of how shame guides us and learning to be more vulnerable, I have managed to navigate some tough times without impacting my mental health.
The place that has inspired my working career the most, and why
London. If you are in professional services in Western Europe or even the globe, London is where you have to experience both the pace and dynamics of how business happens here and the incredible market opportunity that exists at what is effectively the commercial capital of Europe. Having started a consultancy in Newcastle, it was eye-opening for me in the early days of opening our London office. It helped me improve my sales skills, networking skills, and people skills and to become more effective commercially. There is no other city in the world like London.
The thing that has inspired my working career the most, and why
The book that has profoundly inspired my working career is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. This insightful work delves into what elevates companies from being good to truly great, focusing on disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action.
A vital element of the book that profoundly resonates with me, particularly in my role as the leader of a technology consultancy, is its emphasis on Level 5 Leadership. This leadership style combines personal humility with professional will, a blend essential in fostering sustainable success and growth within a team.
Another significant takeaway is the Hedgehog Concept, after which my company, hedgehog lab, is named. This concept speaks to the importance of understanding and focusing on what you can be the best at, what you are deeply passionate about, and what drives your economic engine. It has been instrumental in shaping our company’s strategy and focus, encouraging us to zero in on our core competencies and passions. This focus guides our business decisions and aligns our team towards a shared clear vision.
“Good to Great” has been more than just an inspiration; it has provided a foundational framework for building a company that aims for long-term excellence and impact.
