Akshita Iyer, founder and CEO of Ome, was recently interviewed on The Story Exchange, discussing her biggest lessons, wins, and challenges throughout her entrepreneurial journey. She also shared her #1 tip for other startup entrepreneurs, how she finds inspiration, and who her most important role model is.

“I hit obstacles immediately after starting up — from investor rejections, to manufacturing defects, to running out of capital. But instead of giving up, I leaned on my strong support network and mentors, and learned the importance of adaptability. I became more open to pivoting, and successfully adjusted our strategies based on market feedback and changing circumstances.”

“Speak with conviction, no matter what you’re saying. As someone venturing into the world of smart tech as a woman, it’s been quite a journey. This field is male-dominated, and as a first-time founder, I’ve battled with imposter syndrome. Being in rooms with seasoned individuals who are older and more experienced used to overwhelm me. But over time, I’ve learned that confidence has the power to change your game.”

Read the full interview with Akshita here on The Story Exchange.