We recently had the opportunity to interview Sahil Khan, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Wenodo, a company simplifying financial operations for the hospitality sector with cutting-edge digital solutions. Bringing over 12 years of experience in financial service marketing, Sahil leverages his expertise to offer simplified finance and accounting processes, while offering real-time insights through Wenodo. Proving to be a game-changer for businesses in the hospitality and F&B landscape, Wenodo by Sahil Khan empowers clients to stay ahead of the curve.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Can you walk us through your professional journey and how it led to where you are today?”
Sahil shared, “With 12 years of experience in financial service marketing, operations, and people management, I have developed a passion for solving challenges and driving operational efficiency. In 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I co-founded Wenodo, a company dedicated to simplifying financial operations for the hospitality industry. Originally focused on the UK market, Wenodo has expanded to India, Sri Lanka, and Dubai, providing tailored turnkey solutions to hospitality and F&B operators.
Wenodo’s tech-driven platform streamlines finance and accounting processes, offering real-time insights and essential performance metrics that enable businesses to make informed decisions and remain agile. Its simplicity and industry expertise have made it a game-changer for businesses, allowing them to increase cost control and drive profitability.
Today, as COO overseeing multiple regions, I continue to lead Wenodo with a customer-first approach, helping hospitality businesses thrive in an ever-changing industry, with a focus on empowering clients with the tools they need to succeed and stay ahead of the competition.”
A Seamless Balance in Business
Interested to learn more about Sahil Khan’s approach to balancing visions with business requirements, we asked, “How do you balance long-term vision with short-term operational needs?”
“Striking the right balance can be challenging. In our journey, we’ve learned to harmonize long-term vision with short-term operational needs by fostering open communication within our team. We prioritize setting clear, achievable goals that align with our vision while also addressing immediate challenges. This dual focus allows us to remain adaptable and responsive. We believe that this approach not only helps us stay on track with our long-term aspirations but also motivates our team, knowing that every small win contributes to a greater purpose,” he shared.
Current Offerings at Wenodo
We requested Sahil Khan to share more about the services at Wenodo and if any exciting additions are coming up in the future.
Sahil mentioned, “Specializing in hospitality accounting, our user-friendly finance tools have simplified financial oversight like never before. We meticulously handle clients’ financial affairs, ensuring timely payments to suppliers and staff, delivering impeccable management information. Improvement is at the core of our values, as we continuously strive to enhance our products and services. At Wenodo, we embrace a lifelong learning mindset, constantly updating our knowledge, whether it’s in the realm of new compliance standards or the integration of cutting-edge technologies.”
Approach to Market Trend Analysis
We further asked, “What methods do you use to analyse market trends, and how have these influenced your business decisions?”
“Understanding market trends can truly guide our path. We utilize a combination of data analytics, customer feedback, and competitor analysis to monitor market movements. By examining sales data and social media sentiment, we gain insights into consumer preferences and emerging trends. This approach has led us to adapt our offerings and marketing strategies in ways that resonate more deeply with our audience.
For example, recognizing a growing demand for sustainable products encouraged us to enhance our eco-friendly initiatives. We believe that staying informed helps us make thoughtful decisions that benefit both our business and our customers,” he explained.
Redefining Businesses with AI
To learn more about Sahil Khan’s perspective on the impact of digital transformation on his business model, we asked him to share his perspective.
Sahil reflected, “Digital transformation has profoundly impacted our business model, allowing us to adapt and evolve in ways we never imagined. By embracing new technologies, we’ve streamlined operations, improved customer engagement, and leveraged data analytics to make informed decisions. This shift has not only enhanced efficiency but also fostered stronger relationships with our clients. We’ve seen an increase in customer satisfaction and retention, which humbly reaffirms our commitment to growth and innovation.”
Envisioning the Future
Technological advancements like AI are playing a crucial role in redefining operations across industries. Intrigued to learn more, we posed the question, “What emerging technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on your industry in the next five years?”
“In the next five years, technologies like AI and blockchain are poised to revolutionize the hospitality accounting industry. AI can automate routine tasks, refine data analytics, and enhance decision-making processes, making it easier for accountants to focus on strategic planning.
Meanwhile, blockchain technology ensures secure transactions and transparency in financial reporting, which is crucial in building trust with stakeholders. Imagine a world where your financial data is not only secure but also available in real-time, enabling quicker responses to market changes. Many early adopters are already witnessing improved efficiency and accuracy in their operations,” he explained.
A Vital Role in Success
Employees are the backbone of every business. So, we asked Sahil Khan, “What strategies do you implement to maintain high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction?”
He responded, “Employee engagement is more than just a buzzword; it’s vital for a thriving workplace. We focus on open communication, regularly seeking feedback to understand our team’s needs. We promote professional development by providing training opportunities tailored to individual aspirations.
By recognizing and celebrating achievements, we foster a sense of belonging and appreciation. Our team members often express satisfaction through informal check-ins, showcasing their commitment and enthusiasm. Ultimately, our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts.”
Building a Strong Legacy
We ended the session by asking, “How do you want your business to be remembered, and what steps are you taking to secure that legacy?”
“At our core, we desire to be remembered for our genuine commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We believe that every interaction matters, and we strive to create a positive impact on our community and clients alike. To secure this legacy, we focus on building lasting relationships and consistently improving our products and services. We dream of being that trusted name people turn to, knowing they’ll receive not just what we offer, but an experience filled with care and integrity. We want our customers to feel valued and appreciated every step of the way,” Sahil concluded.
Follow Sahil Khan on LinkedIn.
Find Wenodo on LinkedIn and visit their website www.wenodo.com.
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