About Alok

Alok Sharma is the founder of Sharma Analytics, a company he’s successfully led for over 14 years. Alok has been a key contributor to impactful initiatives like the Council of Districts, National Day of Civic Hacking, Detroit Startup Drinks, and Detroit Synergy. His work bridges data, civic engagement, and community growth.

Episode Summary

Alok Sharma explores his entrepreneurial journey, early life experiences, and insights into networking and public speaking. Alok shares his transition from a technology background to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs and the value of planning. The conversation also touches on personal growth, living in Detroit, and practical recommendations for listeners.

Takeaways

• Public speaking can be learned through practice and experience.
• Overcoming social anxiety is a gradual process that involves curiosity.
• Networking is essential for business success and can be facilitated through social media.
• Understanding client needs is more important than technical skills in service-based businesses.
• Planning is crucial for achieving goals and managing projects effectively.
• Living in a community fosters connections and opportunities for personal growth.
• Transitioning to entrepreneurship requires adaptability and a willingness to learn.
• Time management tools can significantly improve productivity and efficiency.
• Continuous learning and self-reflection are key to personal and professional development.

Chapters

• 03:06 Childhood Memories and Public Speaking
• 05:45 Curiosity and Social Interactions
• 07:56 Networking and Remembering Names
• 10:51 University Experience and Major Choice
• 13:26 Challenges in Computer Engineering
• 16:00 First Job and Career Transition
• 18:22 Resume Insights and Job Market
• 20:55 Entrepreneurial Journey and Sharma Analytics
• 26:19 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Entrepreneurs
• 28:43 Navigating Business Growth and Client Evolution
• 30:24 Personal Aspirations and Life Choices
• 32:06 The Journey of Moving to Detroit
• 35:24 Building Community in a Changing City
• 36:14 Life Changes and New Excitements
• 37:06 The Importance of Planning
• 39:46 Tracking Time and Efficiency
• 46:37 Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

Recommendations

• Book: ⁠Getting to Yes⁠
• Blog: ⁠538⁠
• Documentaries: ⁠Boogie Man⁠, ⁠The War Room⁠
• App: ⁠SoundCloud⁠
• Music: ⁠Pontchartrain⁠, ⁠Future Classic⁠
• Destination: Northern Michigan
• YouTube Video: ⁠Crying About Pokemon Go⁠

From Alok to You

• Sharma Analytics

(Intro and Outro guitar riffs courtesy of my dear friend, Kevin Vitale)