My Journey at CARS24: Satakshi Jaiswal

When I joined CARS24 back in 2021, I knew it was going to be special. After all, it began with an ambition to drive more than just cars. CARS24 isn’t only about buying and selling used cars. There is a lot more to it and being in the People & Culture team, I get to not only witness it closely but also play a key role in it. For me, each day feels like a new road, filled with unseen challenges, valuable insights, and amazing milestones. This outlook has shaped my career and owes a lot to my company's culture. 

It’s truly exciting to be in a space where dreams come true: owning a car is a big deal in our country and to be part of an organisation that makes it possible for millions of individuals and families, is quite a flex. 

A Drive to Innovate

So, what exactly do I do? I see myself as an innovative gatekeeper who carries the responsibility of letting in the right people. To make this happen at scale, I craft engaging job descriptions and enhance onboarding experiences. My ultimate mantra has always been clear: to put people first. No matter what happens, this doesn’t change. Be it Autonauts (that’s what we call ourselves here at CARS24) or customers or our dealers/partners, people matter. 

One of the things I am proud of doing is embracing innovation: I transformed our ATS by infusing it with AI-driven insights, creating an experience that was more than just transactional. This was interesting because we involved technology to make things more humane. The move turned out to be transformational. I empowered my team, and myself, to go beyond traditional HR boundaries, embracing tech and creativity. 

Precision in Process

In this high-speed lane where hiring is as important as retaining the talents, there is no room for missing the mark. Whether curating feedback mechanisms or structuring interviewer training, I ensured every step we take brings us closer to a more cohesive and inclusive workplace. Even minor details like customising rejection mails or optimising our internal job postings, became integral to our collective goal of achieving continued excellence.

Communication from Heart

From announcing our Thursday induction programs to playfully introducing our crèche facility by ‘baby Autonauts,’ I am genuinely proud of the role I’ve played in adding that much-needed human touch to every message. I wasn’t just sharing information; I was building connections, fostering engagement, and adding a bit of joy to every employee’s day. This is essential to me, in adhering to our seven core values (Spark Love, Be Ambitious, Raise Standards, Feel Accountable, Practise Humility, Take Action, and Remain Passionate). 

Championing Culture

We are nothing without the culture we profess and practise. Standing up for our values was my north star from day 1 itself. In fact, I led cultural interviews with a lens on our core values and addressing workplace issues with empathy and resolve. Through it all, I’ve learned to stay committed to ensuring safety, dignity, and respect for every individual. One of the key highlights in recent memory in this regard has been the launch of the CARS24 Compassionate Policy, which provides support to employees during tough times. It’s a real desire to help those in need during crises. Such initiatives make me proud of being an Autonaut. 

Celebrating our Journey Together

Being in the People & Culture team means we are always trying our best to raise standards. With every new initiative, I hope to infuse our CARS24 spirit – dynamic, compassionate, and innovative. Whether it’s setting up all-women hubs or adding a splash of creativity to LinkedIn posts, I’ve always sought to make our workplace a true reflection of the values we hold dear. And this process is continuous. Our organisation takes pride in the fact that it cares, and my team is at the frontline of putting this philosophy into action.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, my journey so far has been all about personal (I’ve made lifelong friends out of colleagues) and professional (upgrading and upskilling is a norm here) growth, and of pushing boundaries on all sides, and of creating a workplace that thrives on excellence as well as empathy. We listen and learn.

I count myself as fortunate to be a part of this growth story. It’s been an incredible ride, and the road ahead only gets more exciting. Here’s to the next chapter, where we’ll continue to reach new heights and make CARS24 not just a company, but a community.