In recent years, the employee engagement landscape in India has been shifting, especially in regions not traditionally recognized as hubs for technology and innovation. One of the standout success stories is the rise of Vantage Circle, a company that has successfully harnessed the untapped potential of Northeast India, specifically Guwahati, under the leadership of its co-founder and CEO, Partha Neog. The story of Vantage Circle is not just about building a business; it’s about fostering talent in a region often overshadowed by larger cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad and creating an environment where employee engagement thrives.
The Vision Behind Vantage Circle: From Modest Beginnings to HR Tech Leadership
Partha Neog’s journey with Vantage Circle began with a simple yet ambitious vision— to create something impactful in the internet domain without the necessity for significant capital investment. The company’s origins lie in the corporate deals space, which was initially their primary focus. However, over time, Neog recognized the growing demand for holistic employee engagement solutions, leading the company to pivot to the HR engagement space. This pivot was strategic and timely, positioning Vantage Circle as a key player in the HR tech sector, not only in India but also in North America and Australia.
In the competitive landscape of HR technology, building a successful brand out of a small city like Guwahati is no small feat. Neog’s vision, however, was not just limited to market expansion but also to transforming the local talent ecosystem. His leadership style, combined with a clear sense of purpose, has been instrumental in achieving what many considered improbable—creating a recognized HR tech brand from a region often seen as lacking in industrial infrastructure.
Building a Talented Team in a Small City
One of the significant challenges Neog faced was recruiting and retaining talent in Guwahati, a city with good infrastructure and educational institutions, including reputable engineering colleges. While the pool of talent is available, especially with strong English communication skills, competing with the allure of larger tech hubs and remote work opportunities from global companies has been an ongoing challenge. Despite these hurdles, Vantage Circle has maintained a remarkably low attrition rate, with a team of 150 employees.
What’s particularly noteworthy is Neog’s approach to talent acquisition. Rather than focusing solely on experienced hires, he has prioritized hiring individuals with basic skills and the right attitude. His experience shows that with proper guidance and an emphasis on learning, even those without extensive professional backgrounds can grow into valuable contributors. The success of this strategy is evident in the team’s stability and the company’s growth trajectory.
Openness and Flexibility: The Cornerstones of Leadership
A key factor in Vantage Circle’s success has been Neog’s leadership style, which is centered on openness and flexibility. In a dynamic and evolving field like HR technology, being open to feedback and adaptable in decision-making is crucial. Neog has fostered a culture where re-evaluating choices and shifting direction when necessary is not seen as a weakness, but rather a strength. This openness to change has allowed Vantage Circle to remain agile in the face of market fluctuations and emerging challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work reshaped the entire industry.
Flexibility, both in leadership and in the organizational culture, has enabled Vantage Circle to navigate through uncertainties and capitalize on opportunities. It has also cultivated a work environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the company’s evolution.
Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Role in Employee Engagement
One of the most compelling aspects of Neog’s leadership is his focus on creating a sense of purpose within the company. For Vantage Circle, the goal is not merely business growth; it’s about becoming a catalyst for change in the region, much like Bangalore in the 1980s. This broader vision has been a powerful motivator for employees, driving not only engagement but also a deep sense of commitment to the company’s mission.
When employees feel they are part of something larger than themselves, their level of engagement and loyalty tends to increase significantly. This is particularly important in a region like Northeast India, where opportunities for growth in the tech sector have historically been limited. Vantage Circle’s ability to provide employees with a sense of purpose has played a crucial role in improving retention and driving long-term organizational success.
Experience is Not Everything: Hiring for Potential
Another unconventional yet highly effective approach at Vantage Circle has been its hiring philosophy. Neog has emphasized that experience, while valuable, is not always the most important factor in recruitment. Instead, he focuses on hiring individuals with the right mindset—those who are dedicated, willing to learn, and able to grow with the company. This strategy has allowed Vantage Circle to tap into a broader pool of talent, including individuals who may not have a traditional tech background but possess the drive and enthusiasm to succeed.
Inexperienced hires, when given the right support and opportunities, can deliver exceptional results over time. Neog’s long-term perspective on talent development has enabled Vantage Circle to build a team that not only meets immediate business needs but is also poised for future success.
Capturing Untapped Potential in the Market
From a business perspective, Vantage Circle sees significant untapped potential in both the Indian and global markets. While competition exists, particularly from large HR tech players, Neog believes that only a small fraction of the market—about 5%—has been captured by competitors. This presents a tremendous opportunity for growth, particularly as companies worldwide continue to prioritize employee engagement as a key driver of organizational success.
Despite the inevitable ups and downs that come with building a business, Neog remains optimistic about Vantage Circle’s journey. He is confident in the company’s ability to capture market share and expand its presence in key regions, including India, North America, and Australia.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Employee Engagement Success
Vantage Circle’s story offers valuable insights into how companies can achieve employee engagement success, even in regions that may not be traditional tech hubs. Under Partha Neog’s leadership, the company has built a talented, committed team, fostered a purpose-driven culture, and remained agile in the face of change. Through openness, flexibility, and a focus on hiring for potential rather than experience, Vantage Circle has created an environment where employees are engaged, motivated, and poised for long-term success.
For organizations looking to improve their own employee engagement strategies, Vantage Circle’s approach provides a powerful example of what’s possible when leadership is both visionary and grounded in the realities of the market. With the right mindset and strategy, success can be achieved even in the most unexpected places.
