Sarat Pediredla.

• Sarat has a natural ability to inspire not only those who work with him, but around him. His passion is contagious, making you want to push the boundaries of the possible and find exciting new ways to drive business growth. But what truly makes him an exceptional leader, is his empathy, kindness and humility. His default position is to always see the good in people, to always be open to learning, to be self reflective and aware and honest to the core. Working with him for almost 5 years I had the opportunity to learn what true leadership in action looks like. He'll roll up his sleeves and help with a project the team is stuck on, or will always be available to talk and advise or coach you on dealing with an issue whether you are a member of staff or a client going through a challenging time. I have moved on from my time at hedgehog lab, and yet he is still my first call if I'm in need of inspiration or advice.

• Sarat Pediredla sets the kind of leadership standard that should be non-negotiable.

  I worked with Sarat during a high-growth period, and what stood out immediately was how human he is in the way he runs a business, without ever compromising on outcomes. He leads with humility, clarity and calm. He listens properly, stays curious, and is genuinely receptive to feedback; not in a performative way, but because he's committed to learning and getting better. Even in difficult moments, he stays grounded, takes accountability, and focuses on what's right for the team and the work.

  What I respect most is that Sarat doesn't just model this style, he expects it. The leaders he surrounds himself with are held to the same behavioural bar: people-first, high standards, integrity, and continuous improvement. That materially changes what it feels like to work in the business.

  If you're considering joining the lab, know this — Sarat's leadership isn't a nice-to-have, it is the operating system, and it sets the tone for the culture you'll be stepping into.

• Sarat is one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders that I have been fortunate enough to work with. His enthusiasm and passion for building apps and exceeding customer expectations is infectious and he has created a company with a brilliant team, culture and product. He genuinely cares about customers and colleagues and has the most loyal team I have ever seen. He's always striving to learn and grow. Can't wait to see what he does next!

• I worked with Sarat as Head of Delivery at hedgehog lab for just over 2 years. Sarat really supported me in this role, as it was my first time in a position at this level. Sarat mentored me around team and people management, along with operations and financial/commercial strategy. The thing that I always admired most about Sarat was his want and willingness to listen. Sarat always made time for everyone, regardless of their role and practiced active listening along with empathy. Sarat is an ambitious and considerate leader, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities he provided me in my role, along with the encouragement and advice. I think other CEOs should adapt Sarat's approach of being people centric, driven, considerate but also not afraid to challenge and ask the tough questions in order to find the best solution.

  I am grateful for the learnings I gained at hedgehog lab, and some of the coaching provided to me by Sarat will remain with me for the rest of my career, and help me excel in the future!

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