Leadership Journeys [233] - Bidhan Baruah - " I spend 70% of my time in one-on-ones with my teams"

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast. I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name. What does it take to grow a company from a basement startup to a 400-person powerhouse? In this episode, Bidhan Baruah, co-founder and COO of Taazaa Inc., shares how he chose leadership not as a position, but as a mindset—grounded in empathy, accountability, and bold vision. We dive into how he spends 70% of his time in one-on-ones, why balancing psychological safety with performance matters, and how he’s future-proofing his business through AI. If you're a leader feeling stuck or navigating change, this conversation is a practical and inspiring nudge forward. Tune in to be reminded that you can lead with heart, and still build something extraordinary. You can find Bidhan Baruah at the below links https://www.linkedin.com/in/bidhanbaruah/ https://www.taazaa.com/ In the interview, Bidhan shares “Leadership is a choice—and Bidhan Baruah chose courage over comfort when he left the safety of a stable job to build a company from a basement.” “Empathy isn't a buzzword for Bidhan—it’s a strategy. He spends 70% of his time in 1:1s to build trust, reduce attrition, and create loyalty.” “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask the hard questions while making people feel safe to do the same.” “In a world rushing toward AI, Bidhan is not just adapting—he’s educating. Because future-proofing means teaching before transforming.” “Culture isn’t created by accident. It’s built moment by moment—in how you listen, how you lead, and how you show up for your team.” “From off-roading to running a 400-person tech company, Bidhan thrives at the edge of risk and precision. That’s where real growth lives.” “True leadership is being willing to step into the unknown—with empathy in one hand and accountability in the other.” “If you want to build something that lasts, start by understanding your people—not just their skills, but their stories.” “AI might be the future, but leadership remains deeply human. That’s Bidhan’s secret: embracing both.” “Choosing leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about taking ownership, staying curious, and committing to continuous reinvention.”