LDC Top 50 2024
Sat Sanghera
CEO
IPI
After selling his technology firm Datapoint Europe, Sat Sanghera spent the day working on a market stall. “I was getting too comfortable,” he says. “I used to help on the stalls as a kid and it was the best place to learn communication skills.” He joined contact centre specialist IPI in 2019 and became CEO a year later.
The business has since doubled in size, developed its own software products and been awarded a ‘World Class’ rating by Best Companies. “We want to create the best possible environment for our people to succeed and lead purposeful lives,” says Sanghera, who is also a trained meditation teacher.
We saw a huge opportunity to pivot: instead of just partnering with technology vendors, let’s innovate and develop our own tech. We painted a new vision.”
Q&A
What was your ambition when you joined the company?
I wasn’t even thinking about getting back into tech but I knew the founders of IPI, went in as an advisor and ended up taking on the mantle of CEO. Once I do something, I tend to get fully immersed! We saw a huge opportunity to pivot and take advantage of new market opportunities: instead of just partnering with technology vendors, let’s innovate and develop our own tech. We painted a new vision. By the end of 2025, we aim to make over £4m in profit.
How do you create an inclusive culture?
When I arrived at IPI, like most tech companies, the team was male dominated. Now 30pc of our workforce are women. We’ve worked really hard to create an inclusive environment where people can be the best versions of themselves. We recruit based on values and personality as well as skills, and I interview people before looking at their CVs. We run weekly all-hands calls and pulse surveys and have an annual family day, where we host activities and invite everyone’s kids and partners into the offices.
Who has most inspired you throughout your career?
My parents are the hardest-working people I know. They built a successful textiles and fashion business with my grandparents, which takes real grit and consistency.
What do you do outside of work to relax?
I meditate for 20-30 minutes every morning and evening. I’ve been a meditation teacher for over 25 years and still do that outside of my corporate life. I have a deep interest in the human mind and helping people to unfold and find a better quality of life.
