Chakri Gottemukkala on o9's Social Impact Vision: A Personal Mission for Opportunity and Growth

For o9 CEO and Co-Founder Chakri Gottemukkala, the drive for social impact is deeply personal. In a recent episode of the o9 GoodCast, hosted by Cristina Andreou, Global Lead of Sustainability and Social Impact, Chakri shared a compelling story that reveals the core values fueling o9's purpose-driven approach. At the heart of his vision lies a belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not.

Reflecting on his journey, Chakri described a personal initiative where he supported young students from underprivileged communities in India by providing access to coaching and resources for golf—a sport typically out of reach for many. Over five years, these students not only mastered the game, becoming national junior champions, but also gained confidence and life skills. "There is a lot of talent out there, but the talent does not always get the opportunity," Chakri emphasized. "Some of those talented people will put in the hard work more than anyone else, and what can come out of it is extraordinary."

This story is more than a personal triumph, it represents Chakri’s broader vision for how individuals and organizations can make systemic change. As he put it, "o9 is a vehicle to give a lot of talented people who don't have those opportunities the chance to thrive."

o9 as a Vehicle for Positive Change

Chakri sees o9 not just as a company, but as a platform to scale this philosophy. By creating high-value, knowledge-based jobs, o9 has the power to uplift individuals who might otherwise lack access to such opportunities. This mission aligns closely with the company’s core values and extends beyond personal efforts. Many o9ers, he noted, are contributing in their own ways, reinforcing a collective culture of empowerment.

He believes that the value o9 creates extends in two directions: outwardly, to customers and partners who benefit from smarter, more efficient supply chains, and inwardly, to o9ers whose professional growth positions them to give back in meaningful ways. "The biggest contribution that we could make is to create a lot of o9ers," Chakri said. "If they are getting professional and financial success from o9, I know the goodness in people’s hearts will lead them to contribute in many, many ways."

Scaling Impact Through Collective Action

The evolution of o9’s social impact programs over the past four years underscores a deliberate effort to institutionalize giving back. From modest beginnings, these initiatives have expanded significantly. A standout example is the o9 Walks program, which grew from 300 participants in 2021 to over 4,000 in recent years, including employees, their families, and partners. For every mile walked, contributions are made to impactful causes, transforming a simple act into meaningful support.

"It’s not just walking," Chakri remarked. "Every mile walked translates into contributions to a variety of causes. That collective effort has grown exponentially."

Chakri also highlighted the expansion of the Service Week initiative. What began as a single day of volunteering has evolved into a week-long global event where o9ers contribute their time to a range of causes. From local charities to international programs, the initiative fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose across the company’s global footprint.

Financial support through o9 Grants and partnerships with organizations like Make A Difference further amplify impact. These collaborations help accelerate mentoring programs and streamline the implementation of grassroots initiatives, driving tangible results in communities around the world.

The company also continues to scale its physical presence. Cristina mentioned a new in-person event in India, the Walkathon, to be held during the o9 Walks initiative in May. "We hope to get thousands and thousands of people to participate," she noted. This event, supported by Make A Difference, will bring together o9ers, families, and partners for a larger cause.

Why Social Impact Matters at o9

Chakri's perspective on why social impact is a core company value is rooted in a belief that business success and social good are not mutually exclusive. By delivering value to customers, enabling resource efficiency, and creating high-value employment, o9 is already making a difference. But the potential for positive impact multiplies when individuals and organizations align their values.

The virtuous cycle he describes begins with empowering o9ers to succeed. As they grow professionally and financially, their ability to contribute to society increases. This amplification effect—individual success leading to broader societal benefit—is what Chakri sees as the true power of o9.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Chakri embraced the concept of a "net positive" company, as championed by sustainability leaders like Paul Polman. This vision challenges companies to leave a lasting legacy that benefits the planet and its people. For o9, being net positive means leveraging its global reach, innovative capabilities, and diverse workforce to create enduring value for future generations.

Chakri stressed the importance of embedding this mindset across all levels of the organization. Encouraging every o9er to contribute, collaborate, and align around common values can drive performance and deepen impact. It is not just about doing good externally, but also about building a stronger, more cohesive company culture.

"We have an incredible opportunity," Chakri noted. "We are global. We have people from different cultures, backgrounds, and customers driving different initiatives. What binds us together is this value of social impact."

The Role of Responsible AI in o9's Impact Agenda

As AI becomes central to o9's business, Chakri emphasized the importance of ethical and responsible deployment. AI, he noted, will be transformative, especially in enterprise management. But with innovation comes responsibility. Educating customers and users about AI's potential to augment human roles, rather than replace them, is critical.

"There's a lot of apprehension about what AI means for jobs," Chakri acknowledged. "But I believe those who embrace it as a tool will actually thrive and be able to drive greater value to their companies and to society."

He believes that the people who embrace AI will become change agents in their companies. "Those who fear it are the ones most at risk. But those who use it as a tool will thrive," he said. o9 is committed to providing educational support to help its customers and their employees understand and adapt to AI's potential. Moreover, ensuring AI reliability is vital.

Amplifying Good at Scale

Chakri Gottemukkala’s vision for o9 is both ambitious and inspiring. From empowering young athletes in India to leading a global enterprise with a conscience, his message is clear: opportunity should be available to all, and business can be a powerful force for good. With initiatives like o9 Walks, Service Week, and responsible AI development, o9 is not just imagining a better world; it is actively building one.

The challenge and opportunity ahead lie in continuing to scale these efforts, deepen their impact, and embed a culture where every o9er sees themselves as a catalyst for change. In doing so, o9 is paving the way for a legacy that goes far beyond business success. As Chakri put it, "It's a virtuous cycle. The more we do, the more we are able to do."

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