People-Powered Startups

by Saurabh Nigam

People-Powered Start-Ups is an essential handbook for start-up founders and HR professionals to build thriving organizations by providing actionable strategies and insights for navigating the complexities of managing people in this dynamic environment. The book covers a wide range of topics,

• Redefining HR as a strategic growth engine

• Attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market

• Building a strong employer brand and culture

• Implementing effective performance management systems

• Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion

• Prioritizing employee well-being and mental health

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

Reviews

[Aakanksha · Rating 5 out of 5]

People-Powered Startups is for the people who dream, who aspire to build something on their own particularly those venturing into competitive and innovation-driven fields. What can you do to excel and how to strategically use key engine roles in that area especially HR and people practices, which most of the time are given a backseat.

I really liked how well-written this book as technical and complex terms like these are made simple and being presented to be tackled in manageable stages. The importance of HR, and how it's kind of underutilised, it's worth more than just recruiting employees challenges in the startup world like talent acquisition, and establishing a diverse and inclusive environment are well explained and most importantly the things that many people just brush off, "employee well being", it's really commendable the author has raised voice for this and how mental health of people working tirelessly should be taken seriously, at last they are the one who gets things done, so it's really necessary to check how they are doing and taking their aspirations and problems in account.
I think what makes these kinds of nonfiction books worth reading is the personal approach and experience of the author in that sector and I really find it amazing how those insights can help a lot of people who are putting a lot of effort in this dynamic corporate environment. It feels like a much-needed helping hand.
Writing is engaging, lucid and accessible to beginners. I highly recommend it.

[Nadia Masood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your startup will fail because of people problems, not product problems. That's the hard truth in Saurabh Nigam's "People-Powered Startups," and it's something Indian founders desperately need to hear. It shifts the focus from product and profits to the people who actually make them possible. Nigam provides a practical, founder-friendly roadmap for building HR systems from day one. But what really stood out to me was the focus on intentional culture-building and employee mental health, areas that often get overlooked when burnout is quietly becoming the norm.

What makes this different from other HR books? No corporate fluff. Just useful templates, real examples, and honest conversations about building teams that actually stick around. This is perfect for first-time founders, early-stage startup teams, and anyone trying to scale beyond the initial chaos. If you're running a startup and still think HR is just paperwork, this book will change your perspective fast. Your biggest competitive advantage isn't your technology...it's keeping good people from quitting.

[Kriti Dalmia · Rating 5 out of 5]

°Book Review°

“A roadmap for building people-first organizations—equally valuable for those outside the founder’s chair.”

Saurabh Nigam’s People Powered Startups is a compelling, practical guide that transcends its target audience of founders and HR professionals. For individuals with a non-entrepreneurial background—such as early employees, aspiring managers, or even those curious about organizational dynamics—this book offers a rare window into what truly powers startup success: people, culture, and inclusive leadership.

Nigam distills 15+ years of HR leadership into actionable insights, demystifying how great workplaces are built from the ground up. The book is structured around core themes: redefining HR as a strategic growth engine, attracting and retaining talent, building a strong employer brand, fostering diversity and inclusion, and prioritizing employee well-being and mental health. What sets it apart is its conversational tone and practical checklists, making complex concepts accessible even to those new to business or HR.

For non-entrepreneurs, the book is a revelation. It clarifies why “people strategy” isn’t just an HR buzzword but a foundational pillar for any organization’s growth. Nigam dismantles the myth that HR is merely about payroll and compliance, showing instead how it shapes culture, innovation, and resilience.

The book helps non-entrepreneurs see how their roles fit into the larger organizational ecosystem, emphasizing that every team member contributes to culture and performance.

It offers practical advice for thriving in fast-paced, often ambiguous environments—something increasingly relevant even in established companies adopting startup mindsets. Nigam’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion is both timely and actionable. He provides concrete steps for fostering belonging, which can empower any employee to advocate for a better workplace.

The book’s focus on mental health, work-life balance, and psychological safety is especially relevant for women and marginalized groups, who often bear the brunt of toxic workplace cultures. By providing tools for building inclusive teams, the book empowers all employees—regardless of gender or background—to be agents of change.

There is a lot more in this book, It is an important guide for anyone who wants to grow and leave a positive impact.

Rating ~ 5✨

[The Book Times · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect guide for the people planning to start a business. This is equally important to those who are looking forward to joining a startup as an employee. This book is divided into ten sections, which are further divided into more chapters, going into details of each entrepreneurial jargon.

This book explains the concept of startups, their working and how to establish a healthy environment in simple terms. It lays down the responsibilities of each department in a company. In addition to that, it gives immense importance to the company, national and international guidelines, which are also stated at the end of the book. This guide has made it easy to understand the complexities behind building a startup by giving examples of Zerodha, Atlassian, Swiggy, Zomato and many more. It motivates the readers by saying - "If they can, then you surely CAN!". Moreover, while explaining every topic, the writer has done great research in order to point out the challenges along with their solutions.

I personally loved reading this book because of the simple language. Before venturing into the world of startups, I have found this guide to be very useful.

My key insights from this book are

🐧 Communication is the key - Startups should create a positive environment which is open for discussion and encourage healthy communication.
🐧 Difference between equity and equality - providing reforms in the system as per the demand.
🐧 Trust and Transparency - Gaining the trust of the employees and the customers is of utmost importance to create an image in the market.
🐧 Rules and Regulations - Highlights the importance of government and international laws, inorder to prevent any reputation damage or fines.

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saurabh Nigam's People Powered Startups is an inspiring manual for startup entrepreneurs and HR managers dealing with the intricacies of people management in high-intensity environments. The author focuses on the evolution of HR as a compliance-based role to that of a growth driver, providing practical tips on recruitment, talent retention, diversity induction, and employee wellness.

The writing skills of the author are flawless and I was engaged throughout the book without getting bored at all. There are a few points that I really like about this book and they have been explained by the author very well. The book focuses on the strategic contribution of HR in business development, particularly in startups, going beyond administrative functions to influencing company culture and innovation. It stresses the need to hire the right people by creating a strong employer brand and aligning recruitment strategies with the long-term vision of the organization.

I will highly recommend this book to people who want their startups to be a success. Saurabh Nigam talks about actionable methods to keep star performers on board by focusing on well-being, creating inclusion, and a sense of belonging in a dynamic startup culture. The book emphasizes the importance of diverse ideas in increasing creativity and collaboration, providing steps towards building an inclusive workplace. These observations turn the book into a useful handbook for founders and HR professionals aiming to develop strong and people-centric startups. So grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it as much as I did.

[Anushka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: People Powered Startups by Saurabh Nigam
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

People Powered Startups by Saurabh Nigam is an insightful and refreshing read that shines a spotlight on one of the most underrated aspects of building a successful startup: people and culture. While most business books focus on product development, fundraising, or scaling strategies, this book goes straight to the heart of what truly makes or breaks an organization—its people.

Drawing from years of experience as an HR leader in the Indian startup ecosystem, Nigam lays out practical, real-world advice for founders and startup leaders. He breaks down complex HR and people-related topics—like hiring the right talent, crafting a strong culture, creating inclusive environments, and managing people through hypergrowth—with clarity and simplicity.

What makes this book especially valuable is its founder-friendly tone and realistic approach. It doesn't drown readers in jargon. Instead, Nigam uses anecdotes, frameworks, and actionable insights that can be implemented immediately, whether you’re a first-time founder or a scaling entrepreneur.

The chapters are structured in a way that you can easily return to specific topics as your startup evolves. There’s also a strong emphasis on building humane, ethical, and sustainable organizations, which adds depth to the book and sets it apart from many other business titles.

If there’s one critique, it's that the book occasionally assumes the reader is familiar with the Indian startup scene. While this adds context for local readers, global audiences may benefit from more universally relatable examples.

Overall, People Powered Startups is a must-read for anyone looking to build a startup that thrives not just on innovation, but on the strength of its people.

[Riddhi Kishnadwala · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have had various guides covering in a nutshell subject matter expertise, and People-Powered Startups serves as a playbook for HR, especially for first time founders. It is a blueprint of the things to be kept in mind while starting out a new business, with real life examples covering contemporary companies like Uber, Zoho and many more.

The book is extremely well written, breaking down the technical concepts and practices into simple doable steps which can be easily executed. It delves upon the importance of the function of HR, and its contribution to overall success and creating a winning culture for the company and not just recruitment and salary processing.

Creating an inclusive environment, attracting and retaining top talent and maintaining a top-class culture in an organization that is just starting out is what makes HR a contributor in creating a winning business.

Saurabh Nigam has done a commendable job and has brought out his years of experience to bring out the best practices in HR making it a must read for all management and business students, managers and even general readers looking to increase their knowledge.

[Priyanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

People-Powered Startups by Saurabh Nigam is a practical and insightful guide for founders and HR professionals navigating the human side of startup culture. With over fifteen years of experience in people strategy, the author showcases that HR is not just a back-office function but a strategic growth engine which is essential to building resilient and high-performing teams.

The book covers a wide spectrum - from attracting and retaining top talent to fostering diversity, building a strong employer brand, and prioritizing mental health. What sets it apart is its real-world applicability by using case studies and scenarios that feel grounded in actual startup reality and not just theory. His clear writing makes complex HR strategies accessible even to first-time founders.

The author also makes the various concepts more relevant to the current timeline by reflecting on the ever-evolving post-pandemic workplace. The emphasis on culture-building and internal branding reminds us that employees are not just resources but the heartbeat of innovation.

While the book is rich in actionable insights, I was also wishing for a deeper dive into scaling challenges and global startup contexts. Still, People-Powered Startups is a must-read if you are serious about building a company where people aren’t just hired but they are empowered.

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

People-Powered Startups is one of those books that makes you stop and think. We often talk about products, growth, and funding, but we forget about the people behind it all. This book is a reminder that if your team is unhappy or confused, your startup won’t grow the way you want it to.

The writing is easy to follow and the examples feel real. The author talks about common problems in startups—like not having proper roles, skipping HR, or ignoring burnout—and gives simple ways to fix them. I didn’t feel like I was reading a boring business book. It felt like advice from someone who has been through the mess and learned from it.

As someone who has worked in fast-moving teams, I saw so many things that matched my experience. I kept thinking, “Yes, this happens all the time.”

If you are a founder, an early employee, or just someone tired of the startup chaos, this book is for you. It helps you see why building your people is just as important as building your product.

Very useful, very real. More startups need to read this.

[Nidhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way.

I thought it would be just another business book that I'm going to read but it’s not. It honestly feels like having a real conversation with someone who understands what it's like to build a startup and deal with people’s problems in real life.

The author keeps things very clear and practical. He covers everything from hiring early team members to building a strong, healthy work culture. Nothing felt overwhelming or too “corporate.” It’s not full of theory it’s full of things that you can actually use.

You don’t have to be in HR to enjoy this. If you're a founder, someone working in a growing startup, or just curious about how people shape a company, this book is absolutely worth picking up!

[Bhaishmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I'm reading something related to a business book, and I must say I loved reading it. With all the useful insights and powerful takeaways, this book is a must-read for any HR or business-minded people out there.

Saurabh Nigam has included every strategy, risk, challenge, benefit, and what not in this book for the success of a business or startup. He has given detailed strategies on how employees are the key in bringing success to the company and how HR plays a pivotal role in shaping a business.

• You can find case studies, examples, and strategies of successful leaders and businesses.

• Key points on building trust with the employees and fostering good plans for them.

• Being transparent and having good communication boosts the rapport with the employees and allows them to contribute to the business's success.

• On how to address employees' needs and the relationship between employees and employers in a great way.

• How leaders must be an example for the employees and embrace any mistakes.

• He has also included interview guides that seem helpful for the business.

• On how to motivate employees to own the work they do, empowering them.

• Also on achieving work-life balance.


There are so many topics that are covered in this book, and I don't think just my review would do justice. Even if you are not into HR or business-oriented, please do give this book a read just to understand how the startup world or the business world works around us. Also, being a corporate employee myself, this book allowed me to resonate with the topics that were covered in these chapters. This book is a complete guide.

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building a startup is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle with a million moving pieces. You have the big idea, the drive, the funding (hopefully), and the market—but what about the people? Often, the human side of startups is treated as an afterthought, something to figure out once the product is ready. That’s precisely where People-Powered Startups by Saurabh Nigam steps in.

With over fifteen years of experience in leading HR practices across massive organizations and an active role in the startup ecosystem, Nigam brings a wealth of real-world insights to this book. Unlike generic HR manuals, this one speaks directly to founders and HR leaders navigating the chaos of fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

At its core, People-Powered Startups is about transforming HR from a compliance function into a strategic growth engine. The book covers everything from hiring and retaining top talent to building a strong employer brand, fostering diversity, and prioritizing mental health in the workplace.

It doesn’t just highlight the challenges; it offers actionable solutions. The discussion on culture-building, for instance, feels refreshingly practical—something that can be implemented in real startups rather than just looking good on paper. The insights into performance management and employee well-being are particularly timely, given how the post-pandemic work culture has evolved.

Nigam’s writing is engaging without being overly academic. The language is straightforward, making even complex HR strategies accessible to readers who may not have a background in people management.

What stands out is the use of real-life examples and case studies, which add depth and authenticity to the advice. He doesn’t just say, “Employee well-being matters.” Instead, he walks you through scenarios where neglecting it led to disaster, and where prioritizing it led to success. This makes the book feel less like a textbook and more like a conversation with an experienced mentor.

Rather than treating employees as mere resources, the book highlights them as the core drivers of business success. It shifts the mindset from “HR is about payroll and policies” to “HR is about culture, engagement, and performance.”

The discussion on employer branding is particularly insightful. Many startups focus so much on customer branding that they forget employees are brand ambassadors too. Nigam emphasizes how a strong internal culture translates into a company that people want to work for—and stay with.

The book is structured logically, starting with foundational HR concepts and moving towards advanced strategies. The pacing is well-balanced—there’s enough depth to keep seasoned HR professionals engaged, but it’s not so dense that first-time founders feel overwhelmed.

Each chapter builds on the previous one, making it easy to see the bigger picture of how all these elements—hiring, culture, well-being, performance management—tie together.

A recurring theme in the book is that people strategy should not be reactive—it should be embedded in a startup’s DNA from day one. Nigam challenges the outdated notion that culture is something that “just happens.” Instead, he argues that it requires intentionality, leadership, and continuous effort.

Another critical message is that HR is not just about rules and policies—it’s about people. A company that understands this will have a competitive advantage, not just in hiring but in sustaining high performance over time.

If you’ve ever worked in a startup, you know that people issues can make or break a business. This book resonates deeply because it acknowledges the struggles—hiring the right people, dealing with high attrition, balancing performance with employee well-being—and offers practical, empathetic solutions.

One particularly impactful section discusses burnout in startup culture. Nigam doesn’t just acknowledge it; he provides strategies to prevent it, making this book feel like a much-needed reality check for hustle-driven founders.

Every chapter in People-Powered Startups is packed with actionable insights that founders and HR leaders can implement immediately, making it an invaluable hands-on guide. Nigam masterfully blends real-world case studies with practical advice, ensuring that concepts don’t just sound good in theory but can be applied effectively in dynamic startup environments. What truly sets this book apart is its balanced perspective—it doesn’t just focus on HR as a strategic function but also acknowledges the deeply human side of building and sustaining a thriving workplace culture.

If there’s one area where the book could improve, it’s providing more startup-specific case studies from a wider range of industries. While the examples included are insightful, a broader spectrum—especially from emerging sectors—would make the book even stronger.

As someone who has seen both the struggles and triumphs of startup culture, I found this book incredibly valuable. It doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but it also doesn’t leave you feeling helpless. Instead, it equips you with the mindset and tools to build a workplace where both people and businesses thrive.

If you’re a founder, an HR professional, or even an investor looking to understand the human side of startups, this book is a must-read.

People-Powered Startups isn’t just another business book—it’s a blueprint for building sustainable, high-performing teams. It’s practical, engaging, and full of insights that could change the way startups think about HR. Highly recommended for anyone serious about long-term startup success!

[Gaurav Jaiswal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saurabh Nigam’s People-Powered Startups is a powerful, hands-on guide for building a thriving organizational culture in a startup environment. Backed by decades of on-ground experience in leading people operations at firms like Snapdeal and Omidyar Network, Nigam distills the essence of what it takes to make people your biggest strategic asset. Rather than focusing on generic management advice, this book dives into the realities of working with limited resources, managing fast growth, dealing with high attrition, and building scalable people practices from day one. It balances theory with practice, making it useful both for new entrepreneurs and seasoned HR professionals.

Nigam emphasizes redefining human resources as a strategic growth engine, moving beyond administrative functions to become integral in shaping business trajectories. He provides insights into attracting and retaining top talent in competitive markets, underscoring the importance of a compelling employer brand and culture. The book outlines effective systems for performance evaluation that align individual goals with organizational objectives, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Every chapter contains clear takeaways. From when to hire your first HR lead, to how to conduct culture-fit interviews, Nigam includes frameworks, checklists, and real-life case studies to support every point. This isn’t a theoretical text—it’s a working manual.

Nigam advocates for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within startups, highlighting their roles in driving innovation and reflecting societal values. His extensive background includes leading people practices in organizations with a cumulative headcount exceeding 15,000 employees. As the founder and CEO of ProGrowth People Solutions, he has been instrumental in empowering startups and SMEs to build thriving workplace cultures. The foreword by Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, adds credibility, as he praises Nigam's strategic thinking and deep understanding of people dynamics.

Nigam strikes a balance between sounding like a mentor and a seasoned consultant. He uses simple language to explain complex ideas and avoids academic or overly technical HR speak, which makes the book accessible even to readers without an HR background. The book includes real-life anecdotes, mini case studies, and personal experiences from Nigam’s career at startups and investment firms. These stories illustrate the challenges faced and how strategic people practices helped solve them—making the lessons memorable. The best part is that each chapter is modular, meaning you can pick it up and read any section independently.

The pacing is fast but purposeful. Nigam doesn’t dwell too long on any single topic. He introduces a concept, supports it with evidence or examples, and then moves on to the actionable part—perfect for readers looking for insights they can implement right away. He also offers guidance on managing remote and distributed teams, emphasizing effective communication, trust-building, and maintaining company culture despite geographical distances. These insights are particularly relevant in today's evolving work environment.

In conclusion it serves as an essential handbook for entrepreneurs and HR leaders aiming to build high-performance organizations. Nigam's emphasis on aligning HR practices with business objectives and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation provides valuable insights for navigating the complexities of the startup landscape. It is a timely, relevant, and deeply insightful book for to learn about building an organization from scratch. It does more than talk about people strategy—it helps you implement it. This book is a recommended read for those seeking to cultivate resilient and people-centric startups.

[noorthebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building A Culture Of Collaboration, Innovation and High Performance-
PEOPLE- POWERED STARTUPS
by
Saurabh Nigam.
🐧 Penguin Business @penguinrandomhouse
____
2025 #bookrelease

Best Sellers Rank
8 in #HumanResources
46 in #Businessentrepreneurship Textbooks
60 in #Economics Textbooks
on #amazonindia
___
🙋🏻‍♀️HR has evolved from "HR as an admin" in the 90s to "HR as a Value Creator". This journey has been long & transformational reiterating that they are the talent magnets & the culture cultivators who lay the groundwork for a company's success.

People are the most important resource in an organisation & this book, in the author's words;
is an attempt to be the compass that enables anyone to master the intricate art of managing people in a startup environment.

The book has X sections, further divided into 25 crisp chapters. The chapters are short, well bifurcated, the information is jotted in bullet points for easy access & my most favourite part is the case study (for example- the #netflix culture deck: freedom & responsibility in a high- performance environment) within each chapter. Also, can't miss the pro tip in the box. The self- reflection questions & test your knowledge section at the end, is very innovative & useful. The charts/ tables/ illustrations help understand things better. The case studies are about popular organisations like Zerodha, Goodle etc which piques the interest of the reader.

I really enjoyed chapter 23, Debunking Startup HR Myths: separating fact from fiction.
This book has invaluable life lessons gained by the author through his experience & real, life practical, do-able strategies that work like magic at harnessing "people" as a resource in an organisation.
____
📌
People-Powered Start-Ups is an essential handbook for start-up founders and HR professionals to build thriving organizations by providing actionable strategies and insights for navigating the complexities of managing people in this dynamic environment. The book covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Redefining HR as a strategic growth engine

• Attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market

• Building a strong employer brand and culture

• Implementing effective performance management systems

• Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion

• Prioritizing employee well-being and mental health
____
📌 About the Author
Saurabh Nigam has over fifteen years of experience leading people practices in organizations with a cumulative headcount of over 15,000 employees. As an active member of the Indian start-up ecosystem, both as a professional and an angel investor, he possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to this space.

[Aneesha Shewani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Resources for Startups - A Simplified Playbook

The best books come from experience, and Saurabh Nigam—a stalwart in Indian startups with expertise in coding, technology, and HR—delivers exactly that in People-Powered Startups. Published by Penguin Business, this insightful book is a must-read for Indian entrepreneurs and human resource professionals eager to understand the startup ecosystem through a people-centric lens.

Divided into ten sections, the book systematically unpacks the crucial role of human resources in building and scaling startups. Nigam positions HR as a "growth engine," addressing essential topics such as hiring, retention, performance management, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His well-structured narrative ties these elements into a cohesive framework, making it an accessible guide for startup founders and HR practitioners alike.

Recognizing the evolving nature of startups, Nigam provides tailored HR strategies for each growth stage. He emphasizes employee support through learning and development, fostering pride and belonging, and prioritizing transparency and trust to enhance long-term engagement. Additionally, the book highlights how social media and thoughtful organizational policies, including flexible work arrangements and perks, contribute to shaping an employer's brand, alongside practical approaches to conflict resolution, negotiation, and team building.

While some HR principles are universally established, Nigam reimagines them in the context of the digital age, a modern multi-generational workforce, and a post-pandemic world. He demonstrates the measurable impact of HR functions through metrics, data, and diagrams. Real-world case studies—such as Zerodha for HR compliance and Asana for holistic well-being—offer practical insights, enriching the narrative further.

What is a business without its people? Nigam drives home this central theme by exploring the people, policies, and practices that build great organizations. From performance improvement plans, employee resource groups, and common myths to the ever-evolving role of human resources, Nigam successfully compiles a valuable resource for not just startups but organizations across the board. Bite-sized stories, cautionary notes, tools, takeaways, self-tests, and analytical questions make the book an engaging and actionable read.

Startups may strive to deliver returns to their investors, but Nigam reminds us that the real investment lies in their people. His book is meticulously laid out, easy to understand, and an excellent reference to revisit. People-Powered Startups is the ultimate human resources guide for Indian startups seeking to make their mark on the global stage.

[Harshita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The internet is bombarded with memes trolling HRs for their non-value-added work at the companies. Amidst all the trolling, I stumbled upon this book that spoke about the role of HR in the evolving business landscape, especially focusing on the start-up ecosystem. Clearly, the HRs do have a lot of work to do at different levels of management, but they fail to make their work appear relevant. Therefore, many small businesses and start-ups do not focus on building their HR teams.

Divided into ten sections, the book highlights the crucial role of human resources in building and scaling startups. The book presents human resources as a "growth engine," covering vital topics including performance management, hiring, retention, employee well-being & mental health, employee learning & development, cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and building a strong foundation of the start-ups. The author has taken the task of busting some myths of the HR field and highlighting the relevance of HR in a company, making it an accessible guide for startup founders and HR practitioners alike while keeping in mind the changing trends of the business landscape.

The book is a blend of common knowledge (that I believe is uncommon nowadays) and subject-specific knowledge written in a manner that can be understood by all. Though there were many examples written by the author, at a point I did question the credibility of the examples as there were no references for some of the cases for me to refer to. Me being me, I would love to reach out to people who work in the companies mentioned in the book, to know more about their experience.

Recognizing the evolving nature of startups and business landscapes, the author provides tailored HR strategies for each growth stage. The supporting cases and examples mentioned in the book make the book an interesting read and easier to understand the concepts, especially if the reader is new to the subject. Also, I appreciate how the author introduces every section and puts out the intention of the content in the chapters ahead. The 'pro tip', 'self-reflection', and 'test your knowledge' questions towards the end of the chapter, and gave me a direction to reflect on the practical implications of the content I just finished reading.

Overall, I found this book to be an interesting read, and here's what I enjoyed
- Quality of the content
- Examples
- Short and crisp chapters
- Writing style
- Reflective questions at the end of every chapter
- Templates at the end of the book

[Shruti Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not just another startup manual it’s a powerful reminder that behind every successful venture lies a team of motivated, engaged, and well supported people.

While many startup guides focus heavily on product-market fit, fundraising, or go to market strategies, this book zooms into what truly makes or breaks a startup its people, and more specifically, the human resources function that governs them.

Often in startup culture, HR is misunderstood seen as a cost, a compliance function, or something you bring in only after chaos begins. People Powered Startups flips that perspective and paints HR as a strategic partner from day one. It explains how HR isn’t just about hiring or payroll it’s about shaping the organization’s heartbeat.

The book dives into practical strategies like:
• Setting clear roles from the beginning,
• Ensuring candidates know what’s expected,
• And creating systems that are not just scalable but also humane.

One of the strongest and most practical sections of People Powered Startups focuses on how to hire the right people. The book underscores the importance of:
• Having defined roles and job expectations before posting a single vacancy,
• Conducting unbiased and structured interviews,
• Looking beyond resumes to assess mindset, potential, and value alignment.

The hiring process, according to the book, should be thoughtful, inclusive, and clear. Startups can’t afford to make costly hiring mistakes and the book offers flowcharts, frameworks, and checklists to make the process smarter and more transparent.

The author argues that a strong candidate profile isn’t just about education or experience. Instead, startups should prioritize:
• Adaptability,
• Cultural alignment,
• Communication skills,
• Integrity and accountability.

One of the most appreciated features of the book is its reflective structure. At the end of each chapter, readers are prompted with self-reflection questions designed to help them apply the concepts to their own organization.

These aren’t vague, feel-good questions. They are targeted, action-driven, and encourage real introspection. Accompanied by flowcharts, checklists, and diagrams, these tools make the book not just a read, but a working manual for anyone responsible for people management.

People Powered Startups is an essential reminder that every startup’s greatest strength is its people not its pitch deck or product roadmap. The book’s power lies in its clarity

[Varsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any successful business thrives mainly due to the people who breathe life into it. Despite people being the backbone of a business, HR is often overlooked and not given the importance it deserves. People-Powered Startups by Saurabh Nigam provides the readers with valuable insights on the importance of HR in a business organisation.

Saurabh Nigam, in his book, touches on various topics- the role of HR in a business organisation, how to attract, nurture and retain talents, performance management, strategies to enable the HR department into a growth engine and a lot more.

The book is divided into ten sections, and before starting each section, we are given a brief intro about the chapters in those sections. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Twenty Mistakes & How to Avoid Them and debunking HR Myths.

As you read the book, you can see that it means business. By providing pro tips, self-reflection questions, and test-your-knowledge questions at the end of each chapter, the author ensures that the reader is able to grasp the topic fully. The readers can sense the author's earnestness to teach people and impart his knowledge about the importance of Human resources.

Providing real world case studies in each chapter has made the book interesting to read. The case studies selected ensure what an organisation must do, as well as in certain cases on what not to do.

The author also provides a toolkit in the form of templates and checklists. There is a template for almost all purposes- job description, interview guides, offer letter, employee handbook, etc. With its templates and checklists, tools & resources for further reference, this book manages to be not just an HR manual, this book is the holy grail for HR.

Through this book, the author emphasises that HR is not solely for recruitment & paperwork, and that if nurtured and utilised properly, HR will ensure the growth and success of a business.

I am pretty impressed by the book. It is a must-read for everyone who has a business. It is the perfect handbook for aspiring entrepreneurs, existing businesses, as well as HR personnel wanting to brush up on their knowledge.

[Kaashi ~ thedigitalcupid · Rating 4 out of 5]

People-Powered Startups by Saurabh Nigam is an essential read for startup founders, leaders, and HR professionals who truly believe that people are the driving force behind a company’s success. Far from being just another HR manual, this book offers a strategic and practical approach to building inclusive, resilient, and high-performing teams right from the ground up.

What sets this book apart is how accessible and easy to understand it is—even for readers like me who aren’t well-versed in HR or startup management. Nigam’s writing is clear and jargon-free, breaking down complex concepts into digestible insights. The book is thoughtfully structured into ten sections, each beginning with a helpful overview of what to expect in the upcoming chapters.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of real-life anecdotes and startup case studies, which bring the lessons to life and make them incredibly relatable. Nigam doesn’t just preach best practices—he illustrates what happens when companies ignore employee well-being, and conversely, how prioritizing it can drive success. These examples make the book feel more like a one-on-one mentorship session than a dry instructional guide.

Chapters like “Twenty Mistakes & How to Avoid Them” and the debunking of common HR myths are particularly insightful and memorable. At the end of every chapter, there's a short quiz to test your understanding, which adds an interactive element to the reading experience. Plus, the HR toolkit filled with templates and checklists is a treasure trove for any startup building their people practices from scratch.

What I appreciated the most is how action-oriented the book is. Nigam delivers real strategies—not just theories—on attracting top talent, fostering a healthy company culture, and creating effective performance systems.

Overall,People-Powered Startups is more than just a business book; it’s a comprehensive guide to creating sustainable, people-first organizations. Engaging, practical, and deeply insightful, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to build a successful startup with a strong foundation in human capital.

[Achu Aswathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been one of the most refreshing reads in the startup/HR space. I started the book expecting typical management theory, but what I found instead was a very real, down-to-earth perspective on what truly drives a startup forward — its people.

The book is practical and is not filled with generic motivational lines. Every chapter has some takeaway rooted in real-life examples from startups — things like building trust, nurturing teams, managing chaos, and evolving leadership styles. It doesn’t shy away from talking about failures either — which is rare and valuable.

This isn’t just for founders or HR professionals. If you're part of a small team, leading a project, or even just trying to understand how work cultures shape us, this book gives you plenty to think about.

One of my favorite insights? That culture is not created in boardrooms or policy documents — it grows in everyday moments, choices, and conversations. The language is simple, but the thoughts linger.

One part that really struck a chord with me is how the author talks about feedback. He doesn’t frame it as a formality or something that only happens during performance reviews. Instead, he calls it a gift — a tool for growth, not judgment. That really stayed with me. There’s so much focus on creating a culture where feedback is not just tolerated, but encouraged, and where people feel safe giving and receiving it regularly.

I also loved how the book emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for building company culture. Every startup needs to align its people practices with its own purpose, while still respecting legal and ethical frameworks. That balance is tricky, but the way it’s explained here feels both practical and inspiring.

The writing is conversational and relatable — like listening to someone who's been there, done that, and is now generously sharing what worked and not. It’s the kind of book that you want to gift your founder friend, your HR head, or even your team lead — not because it tells them what to do, but because it reminds them why they started in the first place.

[Bookmist24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to think culture was just about how nice people were or the office vibe. This book opened my eyes to culture as something you plan on purpose. Nigam shows that everyday choices shape culture: who you hire, what you reward how you deal with problems, and how open bosses are. I liked how he turns fuzzy values into specific actions you can see and measure. The part about managing performance struck me. Instead of yearly ratings, the book pushes for ongoing coaching talks clearer targets, and both sides being responsible. It sees paperwork — often thought of as a waste — as a way to be fair and clear, not controlling. The book gets that startups move fast and change a lot. But it says having a framework cuts down on stress and mix-ups. One big idea is that culture doesn't start with HR; it starts with how leaders act. The way bosses talk, choose, say sorry, and follow through becomes the unwritten rules everyone else follows. After reading, I realized even small choices add up to create the work environment. This awareness just grows on its own.Nigam emphasizes that true leadership maturity sets great leaders apart. These are the leaders who genuinely listen, communicate with transparency, share the spotlight, take responsibility, and foster an environment where ideas can flourish. The link between psychological safety and innovation really struck a chord with me. When employees feel secure enough to express themselves and take risks, creativity tends to blossom. I found the sections on managing conflict and giving feedback particularly enlightening; they illustrate how avoiding issues can lead to even bigger problems down the line. The self-reflection exercises prompted me to take a hard look at my own biases, my reactions when under pressure, and whether I sometimes prioritize getting things done over caring for people. What I love most about this book is that it doesn’t make grand promises. Instead, it champions consistent systems, ethical decisions, and trust-building practices that grow over time. By the end, success felt redefined—not just as quick growth, but as creating organizations where people can truly thrive and make meaningful contributions.

[Nidhi Malhotra · Rating 5 out of 5]

People Powered Startup

This book highlights a very important aspect to which well established companies owe their success to and that's the human resource.

From page one this book has emphasized on the fact that it's the people who fuel the success of an enterprise and understanding how such a great resource can be used to create a successful business was the core of this book.

I really liked the emphasis on employees and their well being, because their inclusion and wellness is a big deciding factor for the success of any entity.

The complex HR strategies used in established enterprises won't necessarily suit the start ups and dynamism of the HR strategies is an important aspect to encash employees talent for the success of an entity.

After reading this book, i genuinely feel that, employee engagement and development is equally beneficial for the business entity as that for an employee.

Employee hiring for a business is much more than getting quality work done, it involves culture building, alignment of their goals with that of the company and it has been beautifully depicted in the book.

Working on employees to encash their best is like working on the soul of the business and it's a win win situation.

Over the years, the evolution of HR says a lot about the stage where a company's success highly dependends on the work force.

This book is a literal road map for creating HR strategies and the entire learning has been broken down into small elements and a step by step approach for actually understanding the procedure first and then using it in a way to get the desired results.

Every business strategy which is designed for its success is driven by the work force be it customer acquisition, customer satisfaction or customer retention and how to attract and develop and retain a work force which can actually help in building a successful business can be understood with the content in this book.

It's a must read for all business enthusiasts and HRs.

[Aditya Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘People Powered Startups’ by Saurabh Nigam is a comprehensive guide that underscores the pivotal role of human resources in the success of startups. Nigam, with over fifteen years of experience leading HR practices in organizations exceeding 15,000 employees, brings a wealth of practical insights to the table.

The book challenges the common misconception that HR is a concern only for large enterprises, emphasizing its critical importance for startups at every stage, from inception to scaling and securing funding. Nigam illustrates how strategic HR practices are foundational in building an organization's purpose and values, which are essential for sustainable growth.

Structured to address various phases of a startup's journey, the book offers actionable strategies on attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a strong employer brand, and implementing effective performance management systems. It also delves into fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prioritizing employee well-being and mental health, elements that are often overlooked in the fast-paced startup environment.

The inclusion of a checklist template towards the end serves as a practical tool for monitoring HR growth within an organization. This aligns with Nigam's belief that intentional people strategies should be embedded in a startup's DNA from day one, rather than being reactive measures.

Nigam's writing is engaging and accessible, enriched with real-life examples and case studies that add depth and authenticity. He effectively shifts the perception of HR from being merely about payroll and policies to being central to culture, engagement, and performance. His insights into employer branding are particularly compelling, highlighting how a strong internal culture translates into a company that people aspire to join and remain with.

The emphasis on employee development, conflict resolution, and performance management not only enhances the employee-employer relationship but also contributes to building a solid brand image for the recruiter.

[Kriti · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where start-ups would tend to preoccupy themselves with products, funding, and technology, this book provokes thoughts in the direction of establishing HR as one of the strategic growth engines and not just a back-office unit. The book's central thought is toward creating a people-enabled organization that adopts good people practices and highlights the role of HR in fostering the business's longer-term success. Among other topics, the book dwells on attracting and retaining good talent, establishing an excellent employer brand based on good culture, and implementing a productive performance management system. The author talks about diversity, equality and incorporating mental health which are all completely relevant in today's business world.


What makes the book exciting is its practical nature. Instead of theoretical models, it gives implementable tactics to do right things within the organizations. It sets out a full pathway toward creating a person-first culture, leading to the attraction, retention, motivation, and feeling of value and support for the best talent. Here the author moves from the discussion of recruitment deeper into employee engagement and retention, which are again some of the hardest hurdles for growing companies to overcome..  To top it all, with mental health and well-being placed at the forefront, this discussion also adds a layer of warmth and importance, reminding us that a healthy, happy team is at the center of every successful start-up. 


People-Powered Start-Ups should be read by anyone with thoughts of building a company that will succeed financially but more importantly provide a workplace where people can grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully. Herein lie insights and applications that can equip leaders to build their business around what really matters-their people. This book is hence a must read for start-up founders, HR professionals, and anyone serious about actually trying to create a people-first business with its holistic approach, actionable prescriptions, and human-centered leadership focus.

[ANMOL JAUHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

People-Powered Startups by Saurabh Nigam is a clear and practical guide that reminds us of a powerful truth—great startups are built by great people.

Nigam draws from his years of experience in HR leadership and walks the reader through the entire employee lifecycle—from hiring and onboarding to performance management, conflict resolution, and culture-building.

Some standout aspects include:

•⁠ ⁠Founders as Culture Carriers: Nigam makes it clear that the tone for company culture is set at the top. Founders and early team members need to lead by example—whether it's how they communicate, handle pressure, or support each other.

•⁠ ⁠Hiring for Fit and Potential: The book emphasizes hiring not just for skills but for alignment with the startup’s values. Nigam also offers frameworks to help avoid common hiring mistakes, especially when teams are scaling fast.

•⁠ ⁠Onboarding and Growth: There’s an entire section on onboarding, which many startups overlook. Nigam shows how effective onboarding can reduce attrition and boost early productivity. He also discusses the importance of learning and development in keeping employees engaged.

•⁠ ⁠Tackling Toxicity: A bold yet necessary part of the book is about addressing toxic behaviors early. Nigam urges founders not to ignore red flags just because someone is a high performer. The cost to culture and morale can be huge.

•⁠ ⁠Simple, Actionable Tools: What sets this book apart is how easy it is to put into action. With templates, checklists, and practical examples, it’s more of a handbook than a theory-heavy read. You can pick up a section and apply it directly to your team.

On the flip side, the book relies heavily on case studies from large global companies like Google and Amazon. While those examples are interesting, more stories from Indian startups or homegrown challenges would’ve made the insights feel even more relevant for local readers.

It’s a gentle, insightful reminder that people aren’t just “resources”—they’re the heartbeat of every successful startup.

[Parvathavarthini Parthiban · Rating 5 out of 5]

“People Powered Startups” by Saurabh Nigam is a practical, insightful guide that redefines how we think about human resources in the startup ecosystem. More than just a handbook, it’s a compelling case for why people—not just products—are the real engine behind sustainable startup success.

At its core, this book is a strategic roadmap for founders, HR professionals, and team leaders who want to build intentional culture, high engagement, and long-term trust from day one. The chapters are well-structured and cover critical areas like:

✅ Employer Branding – Crafting an authentic narrative to attract the right talent.

✅ Compliance & Trust – Establishing transparency that forms the backbone of startup integrity.

✅ Feedback Culture – Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and honest growth.

✅ Diversity & Flexibility – Embracing inclusive and adaptable practices for innovation.

✅ Employee Well-being – Recognizing mental health and holistic care as productivity drivers.

✅ Learning & Mentorship – Building growth mindsets through continuous development and support.

What sets this book apart is how it treats HR not as a support function, but as a strategic partner. It emphasizes that a startup’s success is about it’s people, culture, and values.

The addition of real-world templates, checklists, and actionable insights makes this book incredibly useful. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll find value in the frameworks around equity compensation, investor relations, and even social media authenticity.

One of my favorite aspects is how the book champions experimentation and celebrates failure—something every startup should normalize. That message alone is gold✨

While some parts feel more suitable for HR professionals than general readers, the tone is approachable and the takeaways are universal.

✨ A must-read if you're building a team from scratch or redefining your company culture.

[♡ Diyasha ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 - 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐏𝐒 
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐇 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐌

🖇️ 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 - 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐏𝐒 : 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 is a refreshing and practical guide for anyone looking to build a scale startups with a strong people centric approach. The author brings his years of HR and leadership experience to offer actionable strategies.

🖇️ This whole plot makes the book more approachable to the readers as well as the HR professionals, startup leaders and founders. 

✦ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓?

√ 𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬
This book obviously does a great job of breaking up the complex HR and organizational challenges into some simple and actionable stages. The author provides 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 on attractive, managing and retaining talent in this fast paced 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 

√ 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐑 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 
Most startups prioritize product development and funding but often neglect HR. The author focuses on the importance of HR as a strategic partner. He also focuses on strong people practices to create a successful startup growth. 

√ 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 
This book is constructed around common people-related challenges startups face, including
𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: how to attract the right talent in competitive markets
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: how to set up a culture of accountability and growth
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠: why mental health and work-life balance matter
𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: the importance of building a fair and inclusive workplace. 

Each section and points comes with real-world examples that can be applied on the spot.

🖇️ Not to mention, the writing is exclusively 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 to convey through the reader's mind. The 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 is conventional to engage its readers that's why it doesn't feel like a dry HR textbook but rather this book feels like a 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 guiding the entrepreneurs through various scenarios. 

🖇️ If you're already in your entrepreneurship or managing a company you'll feel it is similar to deal with. Most of the parts of the book are common but practical guidance will be exceptional for them. To give the oxygen to deep rooted startup ecosystem with additional resources, this book plays a significant role in startup success.

[Varma Shagun · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"In the dynamic world of startups, where innovation and agility are paramount, having a strong HR foundation can truly transform organisations from being good to great."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
Having briefly worked in the HR domain, I’ve always been intrigued by the profound impact HR can have on an organization's performance. When a former colleague recommended this book, I knew it was worth exploring.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The book cover is simple yet aesthetically appealing, with a focused design that clearly conveys the theme. The straightforward title instantly hints at the book’s core subject matter.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The writing is direct, concise, and engaging. The language is lucid, making complex ideas easy to grasp.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓ The book highlights how HR can drive strategic growth by implementing effective performance management metrics and fostering an inclusive work culture.
✓ One of its strongest aspects is its relevance to the modern workplace. The examples and subtopics are timely, insightful, and highly relatable.
✓ The use of charts, bullet points, and illustrations makes complex concepts easier to understand and retain, enhancing the overall reading experience.
✓ It provides a comprehensive overview of HR functions—covering everything from compliance and ethics to employee well-being and mental health—ensuring a well-rounded perspective.
✓ The content is not only practical but also logically structured, backed by sound reasoning and real-world applications.
✓ I highly recommend this book to anyone—whether you're an employee looking to understand HR better, a startup enthusiast navigating multiple roles, or someone aspiring to build a thriving organization.

[Scube · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely informative and knowledge-driven book. It’s especially helpful for individuals looking to start a startup or for those working in the HR department or any people-centric team in the corporate world. The book offers valuable insights into mastering the art of managing people and provides essential tools to build a thriving organization.

The book is divided into 10 well-structured sections, beginning with the role of HR and its importance in building a startup, and ending with a very handy HR checklist.
Each section is content-rich yet easy to follow, making the book both comprehensive and reader-friendly. The first section introduces the basics of the HR department and how its role has evolved over time, emphasizing its impact on employee performance and overall business outcomes.

Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking questions and a short quiz to help readers test their understanding.

I particularly appreciated the visuals provided throughout the book—charts and diagrams are used wherever necessary, making it easier to grasp the core concepts and summarize the key points effectively.
As someone who had no prior knowledge of HR, I found Chapter 3 especially engaging. It discusses important labor laws established by the Indian Constitution, such as the Industrial Disputes Act, Maternity Benefit Act, and Payment of Wages Act, among others.
Chapter 24 was another standout—it served as an HR toolbox, offering a list of targeted questions to ask when hiring for specific roles, such as software developers or sales representatives.

All in all, this book feels like an incredibly affordable MBA in HR, right in your hands—a complete and practical guide to human resources.

[Mandrita · Rating 5 out of 5]

'People Powered Startups' is a detailed guide to redefine and develop HR of startups as a mover towards success, by harnessing human resources to their utmost potential by nurturing such work culture, values and opportunities for growth of the people associated. Even though I am not associated with any such organisation yet, i gained quite a lot of knowledge from this book, and being an engineering student, it was fascinating and intriguing to learn about the management side of businesses. At first all of it felt like jargon, but as I settled at a steady reading speed, all of it seemed so interesting. Especially the analysis of various businesses, what policies of their work and what doesn't. I got a soft reminder about the vast amount of effort that goes into managing and utilising human resources, all while focussing on the well being of both the organisation and the working individuals.
After each chapter, there are sections with Self Reflection questions and a section that checks the knowledge of the readers. This encourages the readers to flip the pages backward and try to understand the concepts again if they don't understand something in one go. The writing is straightforward and neutral, and despite being very informative, the writing doesn't feel fact heavy at all, making it a breeze to read through the book, understand and apply the learnings in real life scenarios. I got to know about many new strategies that are very applicable to today's world to take startups to the next level of success. I would definitely recommend this to any professional or any person who is even remotely interested in this subject matter, the quality and quantity one can get from this book is great.