Rogue Startups

RS344: 12 Years to Overnight Success with Amar Ghose


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What does it really take to lead a company for over a decade—and still be growing?

In this episode, Craig chats with Amar Ghose, founder and longtime CEO of ZenMaid, about the challenges, lessons, and evolution that come from running a SaaS company for 12 years. From market leadership and internal conflict to personal growth and productivity, Amar shares candid insights into the realities of long-term entrepreneurship.

Whether you're scaling a startup, feeling stagnant in your leadership role, or just wondering if AI is going to eat your SaaS lunch, this conversation delivers.

 

Highlights from Craig and Amar's conversation:
  • Transitioning from following trends to becoming a category leader
  • Navigating internal disagreements and managing tough decisions
  • Running a "benevolent dictatorship"—and why that sometimes works
  • How to deal with boredom, complacency, and staying sharp as a CEO
  • The productivity paradox: what being "productive" means at the top
  • Entertainment vs. distraction: protecting your focus
  • How coaching reveals your blind spots (and helps you evolve)
  • Staying out of cruise control—how to keep leveling up, year after year
  • Is AI a threat to SaaS companies, or a tool for growth?
  • Takeaways and Vision

    Longevity in SaaS isn’t about coasting. It’s about evolving. Amar Ghose proves that staying in the game for 12+ years means embracing discomfort, sharpening your focus, and leading with intention. Whether you're one year in or a decade deep, this episode is a reminder: real leadership isn’t about avoiding boredom, it’s about leveling up through it.

    Resources and Links from This Episode

    • ZenMaid – Amar’s SaaS for maid service businesses
    • Follow Amar on LinkedIn
    • Rogue Startups Podcast Archive
    • Connect with Craig on Twitter/X: @TheCraigHewitt
    • If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. 

      Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me:

      • Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt
      • LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt
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