Manjunath Rao reflects on ten years at Swiggy, a journey shaped by continuous learning, diverse roles, and a culture of togetherness at work.
What is it like to be part of an organisation’s defining moments, growing right alongside it from its earliest days? Meet Manjunath Rao, Product Manager I at Swiggy, who has witnessed and shaped the company’s incredible journey for ten years. His work has evolved constantly, spanning diverse roles in Business Operations, Product Operations, and Product Management.
Manjunath and Swiggy grew up together in many ways. Just like Swiggy expanded its offerings, scaled teams, and pushed boundaries, Manjunath’s career evolved too, as he learnt to adapt quickly, lead fearlessly, and solve problems with empathy. He continues to be a driving force and plays a crucial role in what’s yet to come at the company. Here’s his story of growth, work, culture, and everything in between, in his own words.
Q1: From a smaller space with fewer colleagues to an 8,000-strong organisation in a massive office, how does it feel to be part of Swiggy’s incredible growth story?
A: Honestly, at first, it was difficult to explain the job to my friends and family. It was like explaining digital marketing to people who did not understand it. When I said I work at Swiggy and explained what we do, there were only two reactions – curiosity or confusion. Occasionally, people would also ask, ‘So, where is this restaurant?’. Now, when I say I work at Swiggy, there is only one reaction – pride.
Back then, we were a small team driven by ambition and a relentless desire to establish ourselves. Today, Swiggy has become a household name. I feel that the scale of what we have built is sometimes not realised as much. Becoming a household name in ten years to the extent we have is no easy feat. It’s humbling, overwhelming, and incredibly rewarding to think about where we started from and where we are right now, both Swiggy and I.
Q2: In an era of frequent job changes, what’s been the magic ingredient that has kept you at Swiggy?
A: If I had to sum it up in one word, belonging. From day one, Swiggy has felt like home. Sometimes, you just know, right? Swiggy is the kind of place where you’re surrounded by people who encourage your learning and growth. Here, the culture is people-first, and I’ve had the privilege of working with leaders who believed in me so much that I started believing in myself. I’ve never felt the need to look elsewhere.
Q3: How has your perception and description of Swiggy evolved over the years?
A: When I first joined, I was fresh out of college, a bit unsure of myself, and completely new to the corporate world. What helped me settle in was the evolution of Swiggy from a workplace to a place of continuous learning. I also felt that the work environment here enabled me to be open to learning anything and everything, and that’s probably why I have donned multiple hats in my time here. I moved from Business Ops to Product Ops and then into Product Management; I gained confidence, clarity, and a sharper sense of purpose. Today, I’m shaping user-first solutions that truly matter beyond just contributing to product strategy.
Q4: Looking back ten years, what’s the most unexpected Swiggy offering that you never saw coming?
A: It definitely would have to be Instamart. You know, before Covid, we were laser-focused on food delivery. If you had told me at that time that we would one day be delivering groceries in under ten minutes, I would have laughed it off. But the pandemic changed everything. More than just a new launch, Instamart truly reinvented how daily essentials are purchased across India. That’s something I couldn’t have even imagined being possible eight to ten years ago. Watching that pivot from the inside was simply mind-blowing!
Q5: If you had the chance to swap roles with anyone at Swiggy, who would it be and why?
A: I’d love to step into the shoes of someone from the CEO’s office, even if it is just for a day. Observing Harsha’s leadership up close would be a masterclass in vision and adaptability. It would be incredible to understand the mindset that guided Swiggy through so many phases of transformation.
Q6: What invaluable advice would you offer to someone aspiring to grow and thrive at Swiggy?
A: Swiggy is where ownership meets opportunity. It’s fast-paced, but also incredibly supportive. You’ll find yourself working on complex problems, experimenting freely, and learning every single day. If you’re someone who wants to grow with impact, this is the place to be. Embrace a ‘never-settle’ mindset. Be curious, stay hungry, and don’t be afraid to dive into things you haven’t done before. That’s where the real growth kicks in. At Swiggy, change is constant, but so is learning.
Q7: Is there a specific period during your tenure that was particularly challenging but now holds a special place in your memory?
A: The early days in Customer Support were intense. We tracked every single order, ensured things ran smoothly, and during peak hours, barely had time to grab dinner. It was chaotic, challenging, and honestly? Some of the most defining and meaningful experiences of my career.
Q8: Which Swiggy value resonates most deeply with you?
A: “Be Humble.” The culture here always reminds you to stay grounded, irrespective of your title or experience. It’s a value that creates space for learning and honest collaboration.
Q9: In what ways do you believe Swiggy delivers unparalleled convenience to its employees?
A: We talk a lot about convenience for customers, and that is quite evident in how we position ourselves, and the work we put in to make our customers’ lives easier. But what people outside don’t know is that Swiggy extends that mindset internally too. From wellness support to upskilling initiatives like the Learning Wallet, everything is thoughtfully designed to help us bring our best selves to work.
