Empowering SMBs to thrive in a digital-first world with Irana Wasti

Balancing strategic decisions with customer-centric innovation requires a deep understanding of your audience and a clear vision for impactful solutions. On this episode, Irana Wasti, Former Chief Product Officer of BILL and experienced board advisor, shares her expertise on serving small- and medium-sized businesses, driving strategic growth and navigating diverse career paths in the tech industry.Key Takeaways:(03:16) Leading GoDaddy’s EMEA region taught Irana the value of adapting strategies to cultural and regional contexts.(07:55) SMBs face inefficiencies with seven or more tech tools, highlighting the need for integrated solutions.(11:01) Proper experimentation enables rapid feedback, driving innovation and informed decision-making.(14:01) GoDaddy’s bundling experiments revealed that quick wins, like instant email setup, enhance customer engagement.(18:07) BILL’s acquisition of Divvy unified spend management and improved cash-flow insights through cohesive data.(24:12) The use of AI is shifting from enhancing features to solving SMBs’ core challenges, such as automating workflows.(27:27) Diversity means recognizing unique challenges, like balancing dual careers and parenting, to foster support.(29:56) Without female managers, Irana thrived through mentorship. She urges others to innovate despite representation gaps.(31:16) Irana now focuses on advisory roles and cherishes time with her family.Resources Mentioned:Irana Wasti -https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranawasti/BILL | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/bill/BILL | Website -https://www.bill.comGoDaddy -https://www.godaddy.com/Microsoft -https://www.microsoft.com/Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/Thanks for listening to “SMB Tech Innovators,” powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness