Puja Bharwani is the co-founder and Chief Community Officer of Wizly, a growth platform that combines the resources a business needs to build, grow, and scale effectively.  

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I bring the right people together to work, collaborate, and make magic happen for companies to grow and be profitable efficiently. 

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I have gained superpowers in identifying fake experts or 'fakesperts' as I like to call them. 

My role requires me to connect with and understand people on various levels as we are about people, not profiles. 

As much as I use technology and AI in my processes, connecting with people on a personal level and understanding what drives them on a deeper level is something that motivates me. I believe the why drives the what and how and is an important compass. 

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Meeting world leaders, innovative entrepreneurs, and regular people who become heroes of their communities because of the work they do and the mission-led approach they have. 

I spent the first part of my career as a journalist with Thomson Reuters and was exposed to many historical, pivotal moments and experiences. 

The second half had to do with tech, innovation, working with entrepreneurs, telling their stories, and eventually starting a platform with people and community at the center of it.

So hard to pick one highlight because I just feel lucky to be surrounded by inspirational people and doers as well as understanding what makes me tick. 

I am a storyteller and communicator at heart and get energy from engaging with the right people and creating content that moves and has an impact.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

The changing nature of work, hiring, and the way companies scale efficiently and effectively. 

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

Be humble, learn every day, and surround yourself with the right people and community to ensure you get the right input and guidance. Also, less is more. 

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

The psychology of what makes people act and do the things they do.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

Lessons in Chemistry.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Pistachio almond from Baskin Robbins.

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.