Sanjay Puri
CEO
Passionate about operational excellence and customer satisfaction, Sanjay utilizes his expertise in technology and domain knowledge to craft growth strategies and innovative products. A dynamic trendsetter, he skillfully manages finances and implements policies to boost efficiency. Recognized for his strategic prowess, Puri excels in leadership development and organizational governance. Specializing in Business Strategy, Sales and P&L Management, he adeptly achieves corporate objectives with creativity and ingenuity.
Below is an excerpt of Sanjay Puri’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights magazine.
Why is C1's SaaS-based Source-to-Pay e-Procurement solution favored over others, and how does it empower businesses for the future?
C1 stands out in the realm of procurement software with its SaaS-based and on-premises Source-to-Pay solutions. Renowned for its profound domain insight and adaptable workflow-driven procurement system, C1 aids clients in streamlining procurement processes across various industries, positioning itself as an essential partner for forward-thinking enterprises. Its comprehensive suite of on-premise solutions encompasses Spend Management, Indent Management, Procure-to-Pay, and C1 stands out in the realm of procurement software with its SaaS-based and on-premises Source-to-Pay solutions. Renowned for its profound domain insight and adaptable workflow-driven procurement system, C1 aids clients in streamlining procurement processes across various industries, positioning itself as an essential partner for forward-thinking enterprises.
Its comprehensive suite of on-premise solutions encompasses Spend Management, Indent Management, Procure-to-Pay, and more, all crafted on industry best practices to cater to diverse needs. With cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, and NLP integrated into its Source-to-Pay suite, C1 empowers Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) with data-driven insights for informed decision-making, thereby reducing cycle times and enhancing efficiency. Moreover, as an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, and CMMi Level 5 certified company, C1 is dedicated to upholding trust, transparency, and integrity in all its endeavors. With a rich legacy of over two decades, C1 continues to strive towards being the preferred provider of tailored e-procurement solutions, poised to lead the industry through innovation and client-centricity.
How does your leadership style reflect the balance between IQ and EQ, driving innovation at C1?
As the CEO of C1, I embody a leadership style that values both intellect and emotional intelligence, understanding that while IQ may win the race, EQ ultimately wins in life. With over three decades of experience spanning various sectors and regions, including profit center operations, sales, and startups, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Armed with a B.Tech degree and an MBA in marketing, I leverage my expertise to drive innovation and deliver high-quality solutions to our clients. Since taking the helm in 2018, my focus has been on driving constant innovation within C1, positioning us as a prominent expert in e-procurement globally. This commitment to innovation has earned me recognition, including being named 'The Most Inspiring CEO 2021' and 'Business Tycoon of the Year 2020.
At C1, we understand the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement. We embrace disruptive innovation, encouraging our team to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities. Our commitment to excellence is reflected not only in our innovative solutions but also in our dedication to nurturing talent and empowering our workforce. I firmly believe in leading by example, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and operational excellence. By setting high standards and providing the necessary support and resources, we enable our team to thrive and excel. Together, we strive to push boundaries, challenge norms, and drive meaningful change in the procurement industry.
In essence, my leadership philosophy revolves around creating a culture of innovation, empowerment, and inclusivity, where every individual feels valued, respected, and inspired to contribute their best. This approach not only drives success for C1 but also fosters personal and professional growth for everyone involved.
How does C1's focus on innovation, technology, clients/partners, and the workforce contribute to its success and client -centric app- roach?
C1's success is built on four pillars: innovation, technology, valuable clients /partners, and the workforce. By pioneering disruptive procure- ment solutions and embracing innovation, the company stays ahead in a competitive market. Its solutions, driven by decades of experience, leverage automation to reduce manual tasks and cater to specific client needs. C1 prioritizes client-centricity, understanding their requirements, and striving for excellence in product and service quality. This approach is evident in their high customer satisfaction rate, achieved through proactive customer service and a focus on feedback. Additionally, C1 empowers its workforce, recognizing their role as brand ambassadors and drivers of growth. And I stress the significance of developing forward-thinking human resources to drive the company's advancement. Collecti- vely, these foundations empower C1 to provide innovative solutions, foster enduring connections, and uphold its status as a frontrunner in the industry.
How does C1 utilize research and development to innovate and stay competitive in the procurement industry?
At C1, Research and Development (R&D) are pivotal components of our strategy to maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic procurement industry. Recognizing the significance of emerging technologies and market shifts, we leverage actionable intelligence to
As the CEO of C1, I embody a leadership style that values both intellect and emotional intelligence, understanding that while IQ may win the race, EQ ultimately wins in life. With over three decades of experience spanning various sectors and regions, including profit center operations, sales, and startups, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Armed with a B.Tech degree and an MBA in marketing, I leverage my expertise to drive innovation and deliver high-quality solutions to our clients. Since taking the helm in 2018, my focus has been on driving constant innovation within C1, positioning us as a prominent expert in e-procurement globally. This commitment to innovation has earned me recognition, including being named 'The Most Inspiring CEO 2021' and 'Business Tycoon of the Year 2020.
By setting high stan- dards & providing the necessary support & resources, we enable our team to thrive & excel
At C1, we understand the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement. We embrace disruptive innovation, encouraging our team to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities. Our commitment to excellence is reflected not only in our innovative solutions but also in our dedication to nurturing talent and empowering our workforce. I firmly believe in leading by example, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and operational excellence. By setting high standards and providing the necessary support and resources, we enable our team to thrive and excel. Together, we strive to push boundaries, challenge norms, and drive meaningful change in the procurement industry.
In essence, my leadership philosophy revolves around creating a culture of innovation, empowerment, and inclusivity, where every individual feels valued, respected, and inspired to contribute their best. This approach not only drives success for C1 but also fosters personal and professional growth for everyone involved.
How does C1's focus on innovation, technology, clients/partners, and the workforce contribute to its success and client -centric app- roach?
C1's success is built on four pillars: innovation, technology, valuable clients /partners, and the workforce. By pioneering disruptive procure- ment solutions and embracing innovation, the company stays ahead in a competitive market. Its solutions, driven by decades of experience, leverage automation to reduce manual tasks and cater to specific client needs. C1 prioritizes client-centricity, understanding their requirements, and striving for excellence in product and service quality. This approach is evident in their high customer satisfaction rate, achieved through proactive customer service and a focus on feedback. Additionally, C1 empowers its workforce, recognizing their role as brand ambassadors and drivers of growth. And I stress the significance of developing forward-thinking human resources to drive the company's advancement. Collecti- vely, these foundations empower C1 to provide innovative solutions, foster enduring connections, and uphold its status as a frontrunner in the industry.
How does C1 utilize research and development to innovate and stay competitive in the procurement industry?
At C1, Research and Development (R&D) are pivotal components of our strategy to maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic procurement industry. Recognizing the significance of emerging technologies and market shifts, we leverage actionable intelligence to
drive efficiency and introduce innovative solutions. Our R&D efforts are exemplified by the development of our Vendor Network, addressing a critical challenge in procurement: vendor enablement.
By collaborating closely with vendors, we ensure seamless integration and maximum adoption of our procurement system, facilitating improved business collaboration, reduced cycle time and costs, and the reallocation of resources to strategic procurement activities. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also positions us to anticipate and adapt to evolving trends. Through continuous development, refinement, and enhancement of our products, services, and technologies, we remain at the forefront of innovation, ensuring sustained growth and leadership in the market.
How does C1 prioritize and foster a supportive and inclusive culture to inspire and retain talented individuals effectively?
At C1, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture is paramount to our success in inspiring and retaining talented individuals. We provide a comprehensive toolkit, robust learning opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and respected for their unique contributions. As the CEO, I recognize the significance of diversity, embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds, and valuing their unique attributes.
Within our ecosystem, employees are empowered to lead and take ownership, fostering high-performing teams through collaboration and mutual support. Our leaders encourage innovation and exploration, preparing our teams to navigate uncertainties with creativity and resilience. During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, we prioritize employee wellbeing by implementing remote work arrangements and creating innovation centers to support clients effectively. Upholding strict safety and hygiene standards, we ensure that our employees feel safe and supported, reinforcing our commitment to their growth and success.
How did C1's vision to disrupt procurement in India lead to its remarkable journey of success and recognition?
C1 embarked on a journey to disrupt procurement in India, a bold vision that reshaped the landscape of e-Procurement. In an era where digital governance was nascent, C1's founders foresaw the potential to revolutionize public procurement processes. With an adaptive SaaS-based platform, we pioneered the Government of Andhra Pradesh's e-Procurement project, garnering prestigious accolades like the Golden Icon Award and the United Nations Public Service Award. This success catapulted us into prominence, leading to the implementation of award-winning systems across diverse sectors and multinational organizations. However, our journey is far from over.
With a solid client base in India and the Middle East, we aim to expand into Europe and North America, tapping into burgeoning markets for procurement and supply chain solutions. We possess extensive expertise with the Middle East region, having success fully executed nationwide procurement projects in Oman and Bahrain, with numerous additional opportunities on the horizon. With a continued focus on innovative technologies and client centric approaches, we are poised to make further strides in reshaping the future of procurement on a global scale.
Sanjay Puri, CEO, C1 India
Sanjay Puri, CEO of C1 India, is a visionary leader driving innovation and operational excellence in procurement solutions. Passionate about technology and customer satisfaction, he leads with strategic acumen.
By collaborating closely with vendors, we ensure seamless integration and maximum adoption of our procurement system, facilitating improved business collaboration, reduced cycle time and costs, and the reallocation of resources to strategic procurement activities. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also positions us to anticipate and adapt to evolving trends. Through continuous development, refinement, and enhancement of our products, services, and technologies, we remain at the forefront of innovation, ensuring sustained growth and leadership in the market.
How does C1 prioritize and foster a supportive and inclusive culture to inspire and retain talented individuals effectively?
At C1, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture is paramount to our success in inspiring and retaining talented individuals. We provide a comprehensive toolkit, robust learning opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and respected for their unique contributions. As the CEO, I recognize the significance of diversity, embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds, and valuing their unique attributes.
Within our ecosystem, employees are empowered to lead and take ownership, fostering high-performing teams through collaboration and mutual support. Our leaders encourage innovation and exploration, preparing our teams to navigate uncertainties with creativity and resilience. During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, we prioritize employee wellbeing by implementing remote work arrangements and creating innovation centers to support clients effectively. Upholding strict safety and hygiene standards, we ensure that our employees feel safe and supported, reinforcing our commitment to their growth and success.
How did C1's vision to disrupt procurement in India lead to its remarkable journey of success and recognition?
C1 embarked on a journey to disrupt procurement in India, a bold vision that reshaped the landscape of e-Procurement. In an era where digital governance was nascent, C1's founders foresaw the potential to revolutionize public procurement processes. With an adaptive SaaS-based platform, we pioneered the Government of Andhra Pradesh's e-Procurement project, garnering prestigious accolades like the Golden Icon Award and the United Nations Public Service Award. This success catapulted us into prominence, leading to the implementation of award-winning systems across diverse sectors and multinational organizations. However, our journey is far from over.
With a solid client base in India and the Middle East, we aim to expand into Europe and North America, tapping into burgeoning markets for procurement and supply chain solutions. We possess extensive expertise with the Middle East region, having success fully executed nationwide procurement projects in Oman and Bahrain, with numerous additional opportunities on the horizon. With a continued focus on innovative technologies and client centric approaches, we are poised to make further strides in reshaping the future of procurement on a global scale.
Sanjay Puri, CEO, C1 India
Sanjay Puri, CEO of C1 India, is a visionary leader driving innovation and operational excellence in procurement solutions. Passionate about technology and customer satisfaction, he leads with strategic acumen.