We asked Rohan Sivajoti about his role, what he’d like to change about the profession, and why he’s in love with Jennifer Lopez.
What do you like most about your role?
Working with a wonderfully diverse community of brilliant people who all understand collaboration over competition, and who continue to strive to make themselves better.
The main aspect of my role is helping people pre-start-up and within their first 18 months of business to ensure that they have the support and guidance required to make it out the other end thriving. It’s the kind of support I wish I’d had before starting my own advice firm back in 2015.
What's been the most successful change you've made to your business?
The hire of our operations director Clare Delaney. She has a skillset that’s crucial to the business running in a functional fashion and keeps us all in line (as well as being constantly upbeat).
Before Clare’s arrival, our systems and processes weren’t quite working and were documented to an average level. Clare’s helped to make the business more robust and to tick along smoothly.
What's the best piece of tech you've introduced to your business?
Calendly. No more back-and -orth on dates for availability for meetings. Love it.
If you could change one thing about the profession, what would it be?
Capital adequacy lowered for new start-ups. There are so many delays in launching because of the current high barrier to entry from a cash perspective. It would help innovation and new small independents thrive.
What would you be doing if you weren't in your current role?
Cricket coaching. I’m getting through my badges at the moment and hope to one day coach at a decent level within the sport I love the most.
What one word sums you up and why?
Positive. I like to see the best in everything and everyone and try to make everyone’s day just that little bit brighter.
Which three people would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Tiger Woods – although he certainly has parts of his life that I don’t admire, there’s much that I admire about his relentless pursuit of greatness and overcoming some big barriers along the way.
Ricky Gervais – the bloke’s a genius. The Office, Derek, Life’s Too Short, Extras, Afterlife just make me smile so much. In some of the latter series the ability to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions is astounding.
Jennifer Lopez – my first childhood crush and poster on my bedroom wall and she’s still absolutely sensational to this very day!