Sudhir Agarwal firmly believes that success holds little meaning if it cannot be shared with a team and loved ones. As CEO of Everise, a global business process outsourcing (BPO) company, he champions a people-first approach, ensuring that employees work cohesively to achieve collective goals. His leadership philosophy emphasizes teamwork, passion, and dedication.
A Journey of Resilience and Growth
Agarwal’s academic journey began with a degree in Commerce from Delhi University, followed by an MBA in Strategy and International Business from Manchester Business School, UK. His first job as a door-to-door salesman selling networking cables taught him the value of resilience. Reflecting on the experience, he recalls, “After getting so many doors slammed in your face and you finally make that first sale, you think you’ve done the best job in the world!” His early lessons in perseverance continue to shape his leadership approach.
.jpg)
Everise: A Global BPO Powerhouse
Headquartered in Singapore, Everise operates across Malaysia, the Philippines, the USA, Ireland, and Guatemala. The company serves industries such as healthcare, wellness, smart homes, travel, hospitality, and financial services, partnering with Fortune 500 firms and high-growth tech companies.
Everise focuses on three core experience points: Customer Experience (CX), Digital Experience (DX), and Product Experience (PX). Its expansion includes acquiring leading CX transformation companies—C3, Hyperlab, Trusource, and Globee—further solidifying its position as a global leader in the BPO industry.
Award-Winning Workplace Culture
Everise’s commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture has earned it numerous accolades. In 2019 alone, the company won 26 industry awards for being a leading work-at-home CX employer. Its Glassdoor ratings skyrocketed from 2.5 to 4.5, with a 91% referral rate. The company has also been recognized as the Best Company to Work For (Stevie’s International), Best Place to Work (HR Asia), and one of the Top 50 Workplaces (Silicon Review).
Swift Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Everise quickly implemented social distancing measures to safeguard employees. Within two weeks, a dedicated team successfully transitioned 90% of its workforce to a remote work setup, reaching 100% shortly thereafter. The company continued expanding, hiring thousands of employees to support enterprise business continuity plans. Employees and clients alike expressed gratitude for Everise’s swift action and dedication to their well-being.
Investing in Employee Development
Everise’s commitment to its employees extends beyond the workplace. The company offers various programs to nurture talent and career growth:
• Everise University: A 24/7 learning platform available to all employees.
• Everise Accelerator: An instructor-led training program designed to fast-track high-performing employees into leadership roles.
• Everise Career Development Program: A mentorship initiative pairing employees with department leaders for career coaching and skills development.
The Qualities of a Great Leader
Agarwal believes that communication is the most crucial quality of a leader. He values passion, compassion, active listening, and the ability to maintain a sense of fun in the workplace. At Everise, dress codes are of little importance, but bias and office politics are strictly not tolerated.
His keen eye for talent has also shaped Everise’s leadership team. One notable hire is Chief People Officer Sheena Ponnapan, whose contributions have been instrumental to the company’s growth. Under Agarwal’s leadership, Ponnapan has been recognized as CHRO of the Year (International Stevie Awards).
A Visionary Conductor of Success
It has been 21 years since Agarwal’s mentor, the founder of Genpact, encouraged him to enter the BPO industry. Today, as a celebrated leader, Agarwal likens his role to that of an orchestra conductor—guiding his team toward collective success.
A CEO Who Leads with Heart
Sudhir Agarwal brings a unique blend of fun, engagement, and strategic vision to his leadership. His ability to connect with employees while driving the company to greater heights sets him apart as a top executive in the BPO industry.
