Bhawna Patkar

Bhawna Patkar is the founder, president, and CEO of Ziphawk Inc., a rising technology service provider for the rideshare industry.

Bhawna created Ziphawk Inc. to solve the problems relating to transportation that many Americans face on a daily basis. Ziphawk is an equitable platform that recognizes the inherent value in its workers. So-called “ridesharing” companies are built on the hard work of their drivers, and Bhawna Patkar understands that better than anyone. That’s why she created a real ridesharing company that isn’t afraid to put its people first.

As a serial entrepreneur, Bhawna uses her MBA and Master’s in Human Development every day. Patkar truly believes there is nothing more enjoyable than solving a diverse set of problems from a wide array of industries. During the workday, she can be found working spreading cheer and ideas.

A Seasoned manager and leader who achieves business results by translating business goals and customer needs and using effective technology, mindful prioritization, and efficient processes. With over 15 years of experience in sound operations, leading product strategist, and leading small and large teams. Always ready to help provide value and empower others through technology or otherwise.

Passionate about:
• using technology and services to empower others
• customer satisfaction obsessed
• building and serving community in as wide range as possible
• Volunteer at CASA, Isha Foundation, Red Cross and wherever help is needed

Identified as a leader with high energy, problem solver, strategic thinking, service and customer-driven approach, creativity, leadership, and relationship building coach.

Where did the idea for Ziphawk come from?

Ziphawk Inc. saw an opportunity to do something good. Multi-billion dollar companies have been built on top of drivers who do all the hard work. Why should we take a major portion of their earnings just because we can?

We recognized the mistakes that Uber and Lyft were making. We saw room for a company that puts people first. Our goal is to make our platform the best and provide value to those working hard for it.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Waking up an hour early every day has helped me tremendously in getting most things done.

Sunshine, setting up intentions, and taking action are the keys to making every day more productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Whenever I am taking action or massive steps, I do have doubts many times. I ask, “Why am I doing this?”, and have to face many challenges, but I never give up and won’t accept failure until I try. I have been creative since childhood and have always been a doer as well. So a good combination of both helps me bring ideas to life.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Elon Musk sending people to Mars excites me. I hope I am able to go someday and come back 🙂

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I would say it has to be waking up early.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would say that learning to navigate emotions and learning to love yourself first are a few lessons learned with time. So I would tell my younger self not to be too critical and to not get as upset with myself.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That I can challenge giants, and that I have solutions that work.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Persevere, persevere, persevere.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

My greatest strategy is making things easy and adding value to people’s lives. Companies and people who succeed make things easy for you — not harder — so it is my continuous effort to make things easy and give value that supersedes all expectations.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Sometimes, the perception that you know it all (especially if you have a strong sense of conviction as an entrepreneur) can come in the way of your better senses. So it’s important to listen to others and have the right mentors and people around you.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I would love to work on this someday: A Peer-to-Peer Property Listing and Selling Platform.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I just spent $113 on books in SF. I saw my first Amazon Store, and I went in and bought books there instead of online. I actually picked up more books than I would have online.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Slack and Google.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Good to Great by Jim Collins. To go from good to great requires transcending the curse of competence.

What is your favorite quote?

Every morning, you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them.

Key Learnings:

• Pay people what they’re worth — you will ultimately get more value from them.
• Wake up and early and set your intentions for the day. It can make your day far more productive than you expect.
• Don’t be too critical of yourself — always practice self-love.