How I Built This with Guy Raz ClassPass: Payal Kadakia
Jun 29, 2020
Payal Kadakia, founder of ClassPass, shares her incredible journey from corporate worker and dancer to billion-dollar entrepreneur. She discusses the initial failure of her fitness concept and the challenging pivots that led to her subscription service. Payal reflects on the vital role of human engagement in fitness, overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated fundraising environment, and adapting strategies during the pandemic. Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and the importance of embracing one's unique identity.
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Immigrant Roots
- Payal Kadakia's parents emigrated to the US from India in the 1970s with only two tickets to America, a gift from her uncle.
- They worked multiple jobs and lived in small apartments to establish themselves, emphasizing education and cultural connection for their daughters.
Dual Identity and Dance
- Growing up, Payal felt a dual identity, balancing American activities like soccer and cheerleading with Indian dance practice on weekends.
- Dance became her way of connecting with her heritage and expressing herself confidently, even facing teasing for her cultural difference in elementary school.
Trip to San Francisco
- Inspired by a trip to San Francisco where she met entrepreneurs, Payal decided to explore her own entrepreneurial path.
- She gave herself two weeks to come up with an idea, ultimately leading to the concept of ClassPass after a frustrating experience trying to book a dance class online.