Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Discusses Leadership Challenges
Deepinder Goyal, the founder of Zomato, talked about his childhood struggles and leadership challenges on a podcast.
He shared that he was bullied for being short, dark, and having a stammer.
He also mentioned that he didn't do well in school, scoring only 42% in his 11th grade.
Despite these challenges, he built Zomato into a successful company worth $33 billion.
Goyal revealed that he still struggles with stammering and prefers writing over speaking in public.
He hasn't addressed his entire company in a live town hall for 8 years, opting for written communication instead.
He believes that his stammering has actually helped him build deeper connections with people.
Additionally, Goyal discussed his leadership style, including a method he calls 'rock bottom,' where he pushes employees he believes have potential but are facing obstacles.
He also talked about the challenges he faced after Zomato's acquisition of Blinkit, including asking the founder, Albinder Dhindsa, to leave the company twice.
Deepinder Goyal discussed his childhood struggles with stammering and bullying on Raj Shamani's podcast.
He scored 42% in his 11th grade and was often told not to be friends with him.
Goyal built Zomato into a $33 billion company and acquired Blinkit, expanding into quick commerce.
He prefers written communication over public speaking and hasn't done a live town hall in 8 years.
Goyal believes his stammering has helped him build deeper connections and trust within his company.
Goyal revealed he asked Albinder Dhindsa to leave Blinkit twice after the acquisition due to leadership issues.
He described his 'rock bottom' coaching method, where he pushes employees with potential but facing obstacles.
Zomato's acquisition of Blinkit faced criticism over pricing and conflict of interest due to Goyal's ties with Dhindsa.
Despite initial challenges, Blinkit has become a leading player in the quick commerce industry.
Goyal expressed his belief in the potential of Blinkit, describing the service as addictive and convenient.
- Who
- Deepinder Goyal, founder and CEO of Zomato
- What
- Deepinder Goyal discussed his childhood struggles and leadership challenges on a podcast
- When
- During an appearance on Raj Shamani's podcast, 'Figuring Out'
- Where
- The podcast interview
- Why
- To share his personal journey and leadership experiences
- Name
- Deepinder Goyal
- Role
- Founder and CEO of Zomato
- Podcast
- Figuring Out with Raj Shamani
- Stammering
- Has struggled with stammering since childhood
- Education
- Scored 42% in 11th grade
- Company Value
- $33 billion (as of 2021 IPO)
- Communication Preference
- Prefers written communication over public speaking
- Last Town Hall
- 8 years ago
- Blinkit Acquisition
- Zomato acquired Blinkit in 2022 for ₹4,447 crore
- Leadership Conflict
- Goyal asked Albinder Dhindsa to leave Blinkit twice
- Rock Bottom Method
- Goyal's coaching style to push potential employees
Sources
‘Even if I stammer, people listen’: Zomato’s billionaire Deepinder Goyal opens up about childhood struggle
No town hall in 8 years: Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal opens up on insecurities over stammering, ‘Makes me nervous’
‘Nobody listened to me’: Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal recalls childhood bullying over skin tone and the ‘biggest hurt’ before his success
Swiggy vs Zomato: Deepinder Goyal explains why his company fell behind, ‘When your own friends…’
Deepinder Goyal reveals he asked Albinder Dhindsa to leave twice after Blinkit takeover: ‘He was not…’
Deepinder Goyal Reveals Most Common "Scams" Customers And Delivery Riders Try On Zomato
