Negotiate Anything Mediocrity Is the Only Sin — Lessons from a Founder Who Said No to Google and Built Millions
9 snips
Jun 17, 2025 Sharmin Ali, a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, shares her journey of turning down Google to build multimillion-dollar companies. She discusses the crucial role of negotiation skills and active listening in business success. The conversation delves into personal authenticity, particularly for children of immigrants navigating familial expectations. Sharmin also contrasts negotiation styles between the US and India, highlighting cultural influences. Through her story, she emphasizes resilience, mental health, and the importance of community in entrepreneurship.
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Saying No to Google to Grow
- Sharmin Ali said no to Google and joined a startup where she learned negotiation through sales and grew the company to $300 million ARR.
- She then started a Netflix-like OTT platform in India, emphasizing listening to people's stories before negotiating roles and investments.
Negotiation Begins With Listening
- Sharmin learned that people want to be heard first before they listen or respond in negotiations.
- The first step in negotiation is to genuinely understand others’ stories and needs before presenting your own.
Overcoming Family Pressure and Doubt
- Sharmin faced internal conflict with her family’s expectations but overcame it with support and a mindset shift valuing attitude over aptitude.
- She embraces her unconventional path, rejecting the typical Indian engineering to tech corporate track.
