In the mid-2000s, travel in India was undergoing a quiet revolution. Platforms like MakeMyTrip were just beginning to shape how Indians booked trips, but there was still immense scope for new ideas. It was during this time that Sagar founded Trip Par Chalo, a travel venture that would set the stage for his journey into startups, communities, and technology incubation.
In this candid interview, Sagar reflects on his entrepreneurial beginnings, lessons from building communities at 91springboard, navigating challenges during the pandemic, and his evolving philosophy on leadership and life.
Q: What inspired you to start Trip Par Chalo? What was your mindset back then?
Sagar:
When I started Trip Par Chalo, MakeMyTrip had just entered the scene. There were other possible models, but I didn’t feel acquisition was necessary in that sense. At that time, I was simply in the moment — enjoying the process of building.
My parents were supportive, though not fully convinced, but they didn’t come in the way. That was the biggest blessing. Personally, I was optimistic, confident, and good at managing relationships and networking. I enjoyed being proactive — going to events, meeting clients, building connections.
Running a business teaches you quickly — within a couple of years, I realized it’s more like a marathon than a sprint. Every “lap” forces you to ask yourself: how long am I willing to run this? That reflection became important later.
Q: How did your experience in China influence your journey?
Sagar:
During my master’s program, I had an opportunity to go to China for a project. Interestingly, I worked with a team that included the original founders of Android. It was just a two-month stint, but it gave me exposure to how a full-fledged tech startup operates.
When I came back, I had an offer to return, but I faced a dilemma — continue Trip Par Chalo, move abroad, or find something that aligned better with my long-term goals. That’s when I stumbled upon 91springboard.
Q: What drew you to 91springboard, and what was your role there?
Sagar:
I discovered 91springboard through some colleagues’ Facebook posts. When I read the job description for a Community Manager, it felt like it was written for me. Running Trip Par Chalo had already honed my skills in networking, social media, and stakeholder management.
I saw it as a chance to help startups succeed — if I could support 30 or 50 founders, I would learn why some succeed and others fail. That clarity pushed me to pause my travel venture and join 91springboard.
At 91springboard, my focus was building a sense of belonging. We weren’t just running coworking spaces with desks and Wi-Fi. We were solving problems, listening deeply, and facilitating workshops. It was about creating psychological security and community. That experience shaped my belief that customer and community experience must always be at the center.
Q: What lessons did Trip Par Chalo teach you about customer experience?
Sagar:
Two big lessons stand out. First, listening is everything. If a customer wants to go to Goa, my job wasn’t to convince them about Kerala or Rajasthan. It was to listen and deliver on what they already knew they wanted.
Second, going the extra mile. Sometimes that meant answering a call at 2 AM and booking a ticket immediately. Customers remember how you make them feel — not just polite words, but the actions you take. At the same time, I also learned the importance of balance — going the extra mile without overstepping boundaries.
Q: What did you do after 91springboard?
Sagar:
I didn’t take up anything immediately. Instead, I invested my savings into traveling and exploration. One highlight was the Jagriti Yatra — an 8,000 km train journey for changemakers and entrepreneurs. Later, I travelled across Southeast Asia, exploring collaborations.
I also started a podcast on Facebook Live (this was 2018, when it was just being introduced). In fact, I might have been among the first few Indians to use that format. Later, I joined CIBA an incubator supported by the Department of Science and Technology and consulted tech startups.
When the pandemic hit, incubation was heavily physical, so revenues became uncertain. That’s when I designed virtual incubation models — something that other incubators later adopted. It helped us sustain through the crisis, and we even attracted startups from Hyderabad and Canada.
Q: What has been your biggest learning from the pandemic years?
Sagar:
The importance of psychological and emotional safety. Startups usually focus on sales, funding, and business strategy. But the mind and body are equally important. I realized that even CEOs and founders need safe spaces where they can express fears and insecurities without judgment.
On a personal front, the pandemic was transformative. I got married, lost close relatives, and faced my own inner fears. It forced me to detach and re-examine life. I began to see leadership less as authority and more as facilitation — creating conditions where others can thrive.
Q: How has your leadership philosophy evolved today?
Sagar:
I’ve moved from being a “compromising” decision-maker to striving for an uncompromising 50-year horizon. That means designing life and work without bending to external pressures — letting go of identities, societal opinions, or doubts from others.
I am practising being a facilitative leader — detached from identity, flexible, and focused on enabling others. In today’s world, with AI and tools like ChatGPT, facilitation is more powerful than command. It’s about listening, adapting, and creating secure environments where teams and ecosystems can thrive.
Q: One final piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or leaders?
Sagar:
Enhance your perception. If you can perceive better, you gain clarity. Clarity builds confidence, and confidence helps you make the right moves in the moment.
Truth, balance, and the ability to spot blind spots are critical. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a company — it’s about building yourself.
From running a travel startup to shaping India’s coworking culture, pioneering incubation leadership, and evolving into a facilitative leader, Sagar’s journey has been anything but linear. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about creating ventures but also about discovering who you are — and learning, at every lap, how to listen better, detach from societal identity, and lead with purpose to create value for everyone.
Last Updated on: Sunday, September 7, 2025 10:06 am by kruthik Sai Gundu | Published by: kruthik Sai Gundu on Sunday, September 7, 2025 10:06 am | News Categories: Interview, News
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