2024 has been a year of change. As I look back, it’s a mix of milestones I’m proud of, challenges that tested me, and lessons that shaped me. Some accomplishments came naturally, while others required effort and deep thought. It was also a year of realizations—about what I need to improve, not just in my work but also in my personal life.
Here’s a look at my 2024—the highs, the lows, and the journey in between.
Personal Milestones
1. Quit Smoking 💪
Let’s start with the achievement I’m most proud of—I quit smoking.
I wasn’t a chain smoker, but I had smoked frequently for a long time. I had tried quitting twice before, but it always felt like a battle I couldn’t win.
This time, though, it was different. It just happened.
During a 20-day trip abroad, I spent most of my time with my kids, fully immersed in taking care of them, and I simply forgot about the habit. By the time I returned home, it felt like smoking’s grip on me had loosened.
Of course, there were moments when the cravings returned—when I was stressed, excited, or hanging out with friends who smoked socially. But I resisted. Each time I said no, the urge became weaker.
Now, it’s been about 11 months, and I couldn’t be prouder. It feels good to let go of something I’ve wanted to quit for a long time.
This wasn’t just about quitting smoking—it was about proving to myself that I’m stronger than my habits. 😊
2. Bought a New Car
I’ve never been much of a car enthusiast. A few years ago, I was temporarily influenced by my brother-in-law, who is a car fanatic, and I ended up buying a fancy car. It felt exciting at the time, but over the years, I realized I wasn’t passionate about it. In six years, I barely drove the car. It was clear I wasn’t making the most of it, so midway through 2024, I decided it was time to sell it.
The decision to buy a replacement, however, wasn’t as straightforward. For someone who usually takes pride in quick, decisive action, this choice was unusually difficult. I’m known for making decisions quickly—gathering the facts, weighing the options, and moving forward without overthinking or looking back.
But this time, it was different.
For two months, I went back and forth, asking myself: Did I really need a car?
I already have another car for the family that works perfectly fine. So the question became, why do we need a second one? This wasn’t just about practicality—it became deeply philosophical. Owning a car felt like more than a purchase; it felt like a statement. I didn’t want to be defined by material possessions. I want to be known for my values and the person I am inside.
On top of that, I work from my home office, rarely drive locally, and live in Pune, where traffic has become a nightmare. So, practically speaking, a new car wasn’t even a necessity. In the end, I decided to buy a new car. It wasn’t about flash or indulgence this time. It was about aligning my choices with my values and finding something that provided safety and convenience without feeling excessive.
This decision didn’t come easily. It forced me to step back, question my instincts, and dig deeper into what truly matters to me. It was less about the car itself and more about the values behind the choice.
In the end, it wasn’t just about the car—it became a reaffirmation of how I want to live: intentional, grounded, and focused on what’s truly important. 🌱
3. Made One More Commercial Real Estate Investment
Real estate has been a solid part of my investment portfolio, especially since COVID-19 opened up opportunities to acquire distressed properties. I’ve been fortunate to see these investments appreciate by 2x to 2.5x in just three years, with annual rental yields of about 10 to 12%.
That said, I wasn’t actively looking to invest in more real estate this year. With 35% of my assets already tied up in real estate, I felt I had enough exposure in this area. But sometimes, opportunities find you when you least expect them.
In August, a great deal came up. The location was amazing, the builder was top-rated, and it was an early-stage opportunity. What sealed the deal? It’s just a few minutes walk from my home.
Sometimes, opportunities find you, and this one was too good to pass up.
4. Started Planning a New Home 🏡
Our current home is full of memories. It’s where I got married, where my kids were born, and where my professional life grew. But as the kids grow and we live in a joint family with my parents, the space has started to feel small.
Luckily, I found a bigger plot just two minutes away in the same community. It feels bittersweet to think about moving, but I’m excited to build something new—a space that fits our needs while staying rooted in the same locality.
The planning has already started with an architect, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.
5. Started Learning to Invest in Public Companies
For years, I’ve been investing in private start-ups, real estate, small businesses, and metals. Public markets, however, were never something I was fond of. I always felt they would be too volatile and require too much time tracking the portfolio. Instead, I relied on ETFs, mutual funds and AIFs for exposure to public companies.
That changed this year.
During conference conversations, I met friends who spoke passionately about investing in public companies—not just for the potential returns, but for the learning process itself. They explained how studying successful companies could provide insights into how other businesses operate, grow, and adapt.
As someone who’s always interested in learning and understanding fundamentals of different businesses and what’s happening in the market, this perspective intrigued me.
One quote from Warren Buffett stuck with me:
“I’m a better investor because I’m a businessman, and I’m a better businessman because I’m an investor.”
Inspired by this, I decided to give it a shot—not as a way to chase returns, but as a means to learn and grow.
I immersed myself in the process. I watched countless videos, took courses, and hired a financial advisor to guide me. I met other investors, fund managers, attended dinners and meetups, and dived into analyzing companies. It’s been a steep learning curve, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
What’s more, this journey has provided me with insights I can apply to my own businesses—ideas for improving operations, adapting strategies, and understanding markets better.
I’m still learning, but it’s been a rewarding and eye-opening experience, and I look forward to continuing this journey.
6. Adopted Three Kittens 🐱🐱🐱
This year, our family grew a little larger—and fluffier! In our community, a stray cat delivered three adorable kittens. Around the same time, I was dealing with a recurring rat problem that had damaged my car wires multiple times. After seeing these kittens and their mother in need of care, the decision felt natural—I adopted all three of them.
It’s been such a rewarding experience. These kittens have brought so much joy and laughter into our home, not just for me but especially for my kids, who absolutely adore them. They’ve also made friends with our other pets, creating a lively little ecosystem in our home.
We now have a wonderfully diverse pet family: 1 dog, 3 cats, and 4 chickens. 🐕🐔🐈⬛
7. Read Four Books 📚
This year, I made time to read—mainly books about investing and leadership. Here’s what I read:
- The Dhandho Investor by Mohnish Pabrai
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- Poor Charlie’s Almanack
- No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings
These books challenged my thinking and gave me fresh perspectives. I feel wiser for having read them.
8. Found a Guru
I’ve always considered myself a practical, non-spiritual person—an “Atheist Hindu,” as I like to say.
Born into a Hindu family, I follow Hinduism more as a lifestyle than a religion. For me, it’s about principles, values, and a way of living rather than rituals or deities. While it has served me well, it’s also left me without a clear sense of belief or someone to look up to as a role model.
Over the years, I’ve looked up to many inspiring people, each leaving a mark in their own way. But I hadn’t found someone whose values and way of life truly resonated with me—someone I could see as a guide or role model.
This year, that might have changed.
I came across someone whose values and worldview resonate with me profoundly—both professionally and personally. It’s too early to say for certain, but this person’s approach to life and work feels aligned with what I’ve been searching for, even if I didn’t realize I was searching.
It’s been an exciting and introspective discovery. Finding someone you can look up to—not just as a professional mentor, but as a guide in life—is rare. I’m still exploring what this means for me, but it feels like a connection that could shape how I think, act, and grow moving forward.
More on this later as I continue to learn and reflect!
9. Spent Over 100 Days Traveling
This year, travel became a huge part of my life. I spent over 100 days away from home, exploring places I’ve always wanted to visit. It was exciting, fulfilling, and challenging—especially as I tried to work while traveling.
Some highlights included:
- A road trip from San Diego to San Francisco along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, with breathtaking ocean views and charming stops along the way.
- Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle, surrounded by stunning waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic landscapes.
- Taking my kids to Disneyland and watching their faces light up with joy—it was magical to experience it through their eyes.
- Visiting Yosemite National Park, where the towering granite cliffs and serene waterfalls left me in awe of nature’s power and beauty.
Closer to home, I made trips to Goa, Lonavala, Kashid, and Coorg with friends and family. These trips were about reconnecting, slowing down, and soaking in the moments that matter most.
But this wasn’t just about leisure—I also embraced the “laptop lifestyle,” working while traveling. I’ve always wanted to integrate work and travel, and this year, I got to experience it.
Traveling with kids while trying to stay productive was a challenge, to say the least. It required planning, flexibility, and a lot of patience. I wasn’t as productive as I usually am, but I found ways to make it work. Some days were frustrating when things didn’t go as planned, but other days felt incredibly rewarding when I managed to juggle both worlds.
The biggest takeaway? The laptop lifestyle isn’t perfect, but it’s possible. These 100+ days of travel were more than just trips—they were opportunities to see the world, bond with my family, and prove to myself that work and life can coexist in meaningful ways.
10. Giving Back ❤️
This year, I consciously made an effort to give back, focusing on my village—a place that holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my roots are, and I’ve always felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to its growth and well-being.
Planted 25 Trees
One of the most fulfilling things I did this year was planting 25 trees in my village. I didn’t want to just plant them and walk away—I wanted to ensure they were nurtured and cared for. I checked in on their progress and ensured they had enough water and protection, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see them grow. 🌳
Helped Build School Infrastructure
I contributed to building new infrastructure in the school in my village, something I hope will make a positive impact. 🌟
Found My Path to Giving Back
This year, I also spent time reflecting on how I want to contribute back to society in a broader sense. The year helped me start figuring out a structure and focus area for my future efforts. While I’m still working on the details, I’m excited about shaping this path further in the years to come.
Professional Milestones
1. A Transformative Year for Brainstorm Force ✨
2024 was a year of big changes at Brainstorm Force. One of the most impactful was the complete restructuring of how we work. For years, we operated as a matrix organization—where some teams such as design and marketing worked fluidly across multiple projects, with overlapping roles. While this gave us flexibility, it started holding us back as our team and product portfolio grew.
So, we made a bold move to shift to a decentralized and autonomous structure. It was a big undertaking that required rethinking our processes, redefining roles, and reorganizing teams—but it’s already paying off.
2. What We Changed 🔧
- Decentralization and Autonomy: 2024 was all about giving our teams wings to fly. Each product now has its own dedicated team with full ownership and control. No more waiting for approvals or juggling across projects—teams can move fast, stay focused, and deliver results. Accountability has skyrocketed, and it’s amazing to see how empowered the teams feel.
- New Product Strategy Function: With our growing portfolio, we needed someone to think big picture. Previously, product strategy was spread informally across teams. Now, we have a dedicated function focused solely on shaping each product’s vision and roadmap. The result? Products that are better aligned with both our goals and user needs.
- Simplified Processes and Clearer Roles: We cut the clutter! Streamlined workflows, no unnecessary steps, and clearly defined roles mean no more confusion or inefficiencies. Add to that new systems for smoother communication and better clarity—it’s a win all around.
- Adopted the OKR Framework: We embraced OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), and they’ve been a game-changer. They give us crystal-clear goals, keep everyone aligned, and help track progress transparently. Regular reviews keep us focused and accountable.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Data became our secret weapon. Whether it’s product usage or team performance metrics, we’re using data to prioritize smarter, execute better, and deliver results that truly matter. It’s been a huge shift toward making informed, impactful decisions.
3. How These Changes Are Paying Off 🎉
- Teams are more motivated and confident because they have clarity and ownership over their work.
- Decisions are being made faster, and projects are moving ahead without unnecessary delays.
- Processes are simpler, roles are clearer, and teams are working more efficiently.
- The OKR framework and data-driven approach have brought focus, accountability, and transparency across the board.
4. Growing Our Portfolio
While 2024 was a year of restructuring, it was also a year of significant growth for our product lineup. We focused on launching new tools and enhancing our existing solutions, all aimed at making life easier for Web Creators.
New Launches
- SureForms: A design-first form builder that combines power with simplicity, ensuring users can build engaging forms in minutes without getting bogged down in complexity.
- SureDash: A platform that integrates courses, discussions, notifications, and events, making it easier than ever to nurture and grow online communities.
Upcoming Projects
- SureMails: This SMTP plugin will simplify and improve email deliverability, ensuring that important messages don’t get lost in spam folders.
- SureRank: SureRank will be our foray into SEO optimization. Designed to help users improve search engine visibility without getting tangled in technical jargon.
Existing Products Got Even Better
- SureTriggers: We added more integrations and improved automation features, making this no-code powerhouse even more versatile.
- ZipWP: With enhanced AI capabilities, ZipWP now makes website creation faster, smarter, and more intuitive, saving users time and effort.
- SureCart: We rolled out advanced eCommerce features that users love, further cementing its reputation as a robust and reliable solution for online stores.
- Spectra: Spectra hit a major milestone, crossing 1 million users and building its position as the most popular block builder for WordPress.
- Astra Theme: Astra continues to dominate as one of the most popular WordPress themes, now powering over 2.5 million websites worldwide.
- Collectively, we rolled out over 200 updates across all our products with new features, performance optimizations, bug fixes and improvements.
Through these new launches and updates, we’re reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, user-friendly products. Whether it’s forms, community management, email deliverability, SEO, or e-commerce, our goal remains the same: to empower Web Creators with the tools they need to succeed.
5. Connecting with the Community 🤝
This year, I had the chance to attend some incredible conferences:
- CloudFest: I was honored to be invited as a panelist here where we discussed using AI for the web.
- WordCamp EU: This year, it was in Italy. I had the opportunity to connect with my WordPress friends and learn about how their companies are innovating.
- Cloud Leaders Network: I joined this exclusive, invite-only group for CEOs of companies doing exceptional work in cloud technologies. I attended their retreat in Coorg, where I had the opportunity to connect with many new people and gain valuable insights. It was a great experience that expanded both my network and knowledge.
Attending these events and connecting with people in person gave me fresh insights and ideas that are already shaping our strategies.
6. Looking Ahead with Brainstorm Force
This year for Brainstorm Force was about building a foundation for the future. By decentralizing teams, simplifying processes, and becoming more focused on data and OKRs, we’ve set ourselves up to grow faster and smarter.
The results are already showing, and I’m excited to see how these changes continue to help us innovate, empower our teams, and create even more value for our users in 2025. It’s been a fun and rewarding journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.
Want to join us? We’re hiring.
Some Failures
While 2024 had its fair share of wins, it also came with lessons—important reminders of areas I need to work on.
1. Gained a Few KGs
This is a tough one to admit.
I started the year with good intentions—I joined a fitness studio and planned to make exercise a regular part of my routine.
But life, as it often does, had other plans. Constant travel and shifting schedules made it difficult to stay consistent.
As a result, I now weigh 90 kg—the heaviest I’ve ever been. This isn’t just about numbers on a scale; it’s about how I feel physically and mentally.
I don’t feel great, and I know I need to make some changes. 🏋️♂️💪
2. Wasn’t My Best Self with Loved Ones
Work has always been a big part of my life, and while I’m passionate about what I do, it often takes center stage.
This year, there were too many moments when I let work overshadow my time with family. Whether it was being distracted or glued to my phone, I sometimes wasn’t fully present.
It’s something I deeply regret because my loved ones deserve my best—not what’s left after work. ❤️
3. Made Mistakes of Omission
Generally, there are two types of mistakes:
- Mistakes of Commission are the wrong actions you take, like making a bad decision. These are the mistakes we often notice and talk about because their consequences are visible.
- Mistakes of Omission, on the other hand, are about inaction—things you didn’t do but should have, like delaying an important decision.
While both hurt, mistakes of omission are often worse because they’re harder to spot. Sometimes, you only realize them when it’s too late—or worse, you never realize they happened at all.
This year, I made several mistakes of omission.
One prime example is, I failed to hire for few key roles at Brainstorm Force on time.
This mistake of omission slowed us down, limiting our progress in areas where we could have made significant strides.
Had we hired the wrong people, it would have been a mistake of commission, something visible and fixable.
But by not hiring at all, the costs are harder to measure—opportunities lost, delays, and the impact on momentum. These are the hidden costs that make mistakes of omission so dangerous.
Moving forward, I’ll focus on being more proactive and ensuring we don’t let inaction hold us back.
Final Thoughts
As I step into 2025, I’m determined to improve—to be healthier, more present, and to continue growing personally and professionally. Here’s to another year of striving to be better. ✨
