“Until the time it's profitable, what’s the hoo-ha about? There is no achievement,” says Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Singapore-based startup Validus, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Goel shares his journey from the son of a tea taster in Kolkata to fintech founder, his quiet leadership style and the honest feedback he’s gotten for it, and the difference between seeking collaboration and seeking consensus.Show notes00:23 Introduction01:23 Quickfire questions 05:37 Growing up in Kolkata07:36 The evolution of Validus13:27 Challenges and strategies in SME lending19:55 The future of Validas20:56 Scaling the business22:16 Doubling down on key markets in Indonesia and Thailand 23:14 Being an introverted CEO28:15 Fundraising challenges and triumphs33:41 How to collaborate with co-founders38:02 The toll of entrepreneurship39:33 Final thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.