True leadership is not about titles or ego, it is about humility, curiosity, consistency, and building people up while driving performance at the highest level.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Rishan Barat, General Manager at Microsoft US Mid-Market, blends humanity and excellence in one of the most competitive environments in the world.
Originally from South Africa and now leading across the US market, Rishan shares the lessons that shaped him as a leader, from navigating cultural shifts and making family sacrifices, to learning through failure and staying grounded in values and faith.
He and Daniel unpack what it means to coach with trust, show up with consistency, and build teams who think for themselves and thrive long-term.
You’ll hear powerful insights on performance management, hiring, feedback, personal development, and the mindset needed to excel as a leader in sales and corporate environments.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Rishan Barat
02:07 From South Africa to the US
03:53 Adapting to New Cultures and Appreciating the American Spirit
07:30 Advice for Anyone Moving Abroad for Work
09:05 Lessons in Leadership and Learning from Failure
10:43 Managing Ego and Staying Grounded in Humility
12:58 How Faith Shapes Rishan’s Leadership Philosophy
14:50 The Difference Between Coaching and Managing
17:41 Building Trust and Leading with Empathy
22:09 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Clarity
23:11 How to Give and Receive Feedback Effectively
24:56 What Makes a Great Sales Leader
27:53 Balancing Individual Success with Team Growth
30:31 How Rishan Hires and Builds High-Performing Teams
34:14 Understanding Different Sales Profiles and Motivations
38:32 The Role of Technology and AI in Leadership Success
41:21 Rishan’s Go-To Books, Podcasts, and Tools for Growth
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars on your listening platform!
Would you like to be a guest on Because Growth Matters or learn more about working with Growth Matters International? Fill out the application form HERE.
Connect with Daniel:
LinkedIn: Daniel Robus
Website: https://www.growthmattersintl.com
Connect with Rishan:
LinkedIn: Rishan Barat