In a world marked by rapid change and global interconnectedness, the actions of a few individuals can have far-reaching consequences. These influential leaders, from the realms of politics, business, science, and social activism, are shaping the course of the human future. Their vision, courage, and commitment to positive change are inspiring millions and leaving a lasting impact on our society.
Rohin Parkar (Co-Founder & CEO of Spintly) one such leader believes that exceptional leaders stand out due to their ability to inspire, make confident decisions in tough situations, take risks, and foster a culture of collaboration. He strives to embody these qualities by maintaining a strong focus on innovation and growth while remaining flexible in execution. Rohin along with his Co-Founder Malcolm Dsouza has built an amazing company which is revolutionizing the access control and smart buildings space.
Redefining Access Control
Rohin Parkar’s inspiration for taking a leadership role in the access control industry stemmed from a desire to simplify complex and outdated security systems. Early in his career, he and Malcolm recognized that traditional solutions were cumbersome, labor-intensive, and often failed to meet the evolving needs of businesses. His motivation grew as Spintly identified the opportunity to introduce wireless, cloud-based solutions that significantly reduced cabling and improved scalability. Over time, Rohin’s focus expanded from technological innovation to empowering organizations with smarter, future-proof access control systems.
As Spintly has grown, Rohin Parkar’s motivation has been further fueled by the possibility of shaping the future of the access control industry. By working with partners, listening to customer needs, and anticipating the next wave of challenges and opportunities, his role has evolved from simply creating a product to leading a team that continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.
From Challenges to Growth
Rohin Parkar’s leadership approach was profoundly shaped during the development of Spintly’s first wireless access control solution. Faced with doubts about whether their disruptive approach could compete with established industry giants, Rohin chose not to retreat. Instead, he embraced the challenge, adopting a leadership style rooted in resilience, collaboration, and adaptability. This experience instilled in him the importance of trusting his team and remaining open to learning and evolving strategies—a principle that continues to guide his leadership of Spintly today.
Throughout his leadership journey, navigating challenges and setbacks has been a constant. One of the most significant lessons Rohin has learned is the necessity of adaptability and making swift decisions, even in the face of uncertainty. A prime example of this came during the pandemic when Spintly was forced to relocate its entire manufacturing operation from China to India due to global disruptions. While this move presented challenges, it also offered opportunities, reinforcing Rohin’s belief that setbacks often create paths for growth. His ability to take decisive actions turned potential challenges into advantages for the company.
Additionally, Rohin Parkar has found that positive thinking and manifestation are powerful tools for success. Throughout the company’s growth, there were several instances when Spintly faced dire financial situations. However, it was the unwavering belief in their ability to execute their vision and the faith that things would work out that allowed them to survive and thrive. Rohin learned the invaluable lesson of never losing hope and always maintaining a positive mindset, no matter the obstacles.
Vision for Spintly’s Future
By creating an environment where ideas are valued and empowering his team to take ownership, Rohin leads with transparency, ensuring that their collective efforts align with Spintly’s mission to revolutionize the access control industry.
One particularly memorable milestone in Rohin Parkar’s career came when Spintly secured $2 million in funding after completing an extended seed round. This achievement marked a turning point in Spintly’s journey, enabling the company to significantly enhance operations, scale its sales and marketing efforts, and expand product offerings across various market segments. It also reflected the trust investors placed in Spintly’s vision. For Rohin, this milestone reinforced the importance of leading with resilience and vision, shaping his leadership trajectory and driving him to continue innovating and growing the company.
Fostering Innovation and Empowering Creativity
Rohin Parkar places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and creativity within Spintly to maintain a competitive edge and continuously improve their solutions. He encourages open communication, where every team member feels empowered to share ideas, no matter how unconventional. Regular brainstorming sessions and cross-departmental collaborations are held to combine technical expertise with fresh perspectives. Rohin also highlights the importance of learning and experimentation, which has led to breakthrough developments like Spintly’s wireless, cloud-based access control systems. For him, innovation is the key to sustainable growth, as it drives long-term value and keeps the company ahead of market trends.
Throughout his career, Rohin Parkar has been fortunate to have influential mentors who have shaped his perspective on leadership and business strategy. Mentorship has played a crucial role in his leadership journey, with Spintly’s investors and advisors offering invaluable guidance. Notable mentors include Dheeraj Pandey (Ex-CEO and Founder of Nutanix), Deepak Kamlani (Investor and Advisor to Spintly), and Justin Barney (Investor and Advisor to Spintly).
Their insights have gone beyond financial backing, providing strategic advice that has helped Rohin and his team navigate challenges and make pivotal decisions for Spintly’s growth. Their mentorship has been instrumental in shaping Spintly’s long-term vision, offering advice on market trends, scaling operations, and global expansion. Rohin credits this mentorship with reinforcing the importance of adaptability, resilience, and innovation—essential qualities for building a sustainable business.
Steering Through Change
According to Rohin Parkar, balancing vision with adaptability is crucial, particularly during times of rapid industry changes. A prime example of this was during the COVID-19 pandemic when Spintly made the strategic decision to relocate its manufacturing operations from China to India. This move, driven by global supply chain disruptions, enabled the company to remain aligned with its long-term vision while adapting to the immediate market demands. Additionally, Spintly shifted its focus toward the Indian market and temporarily delayed its international expansion, a decision that has since been successfully implemented.
A guiding principle that has consistently shaped Rohin Parkar’s leadership journey is the belief in decisive action paired with purpose-driven innovation. As a leader, he emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision while having the courage to make bold decisions when circumstances require it. Rohin has always prioritized creating a culture where innovation flourishes and where teams are encouraged to think differently. In the fast-evolving access control industry, adaptability is key, but it is equally important to remain grounded in the values and mission that define the company. Rohin views leadership as steering the ship with confidence, even in the face of uncertainty, while empowering his team to contribute meaningfully to the company’s journey.
Agile Decision-Making
Rohin Parkar emphasizes open communication, empowerment, and diversity as key elements of his leadership approach. He fosters a culture of collaboration across all levels of the organization, ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard. Regular feedback sessions and recognition of individual contributions help to create a strong sense of belonging. Additionally, diversity and inclusion are prioritized in Spintly’s hiring and team-building processes. Rohin believes that a positive work environment directly leads to higher engagement and productivity.
When it comes to decision-making, Rohin Parkar blends data-driven analysis with intuition. He places great importance on gathering relevant information, consulting key team members, and evaluating risks and outcomes. Securing buy-in from stakeholders like co-founders, employees, investors, and advisors is critical for major decisions. However, Rohin also trusts his instincts, especially when quick decisions are required. His philosophy is to take decisive action rather than wait for the perfect solution while remaining adaptable and ready to pivot if circumstances change. This balance allows for thoughtful yet agile decision-making.
Building a Collaborative Culture
Rohin Parkar’s ultimate aim is to build a company that not only adapts to technological advancements but also sets new standards in the access control industry. From SMBs to Fortune 500 companies, Spintly is trusted to deliver secure, scalable, and innovative access solutions. Rohin’s goal is to leave a legacy of transformative leadership, where Spintly simplifies access control while empowering businesses globally and making a lasting, positive impact on the communities it serves.