My Journey with CARS24: Ambika Kataria

When I walked into CARS24 a little over four years ago, I already knew I was stepping into the high-speed world of a growing startup. However, what I didn’t know back then was how much the culture here would shape my journey, both professionally and personally.

Like any new joinee, my first instinct was to understand stakeholders and their unique ways of working. The environment was demanding, but I quickly found one constant: people here were invested in each other’s success. That early support gave me the confidence to experiment, take ownership, and set the foundation for where I am today.

A Culture of Flexibility and Safety

Flexibility has never been just a buzzword at Cars24. From day one, I was entrusted to deliver results. The freedom to balance critical in-person meetings with remote work when needed, empowered me to focus on impact.

CARS24 also places a strong emphasis on women’s safety and comfort. From providing period leave to expanding shuttle services, the organization has been proactive in addressing women’s needs. Such a culture really matters when working in a fast-paced environment.

No Room for Stereotypes

One of the standout aspects of my experience so far has been the gender-agnostic approach to roles and responsibilities. I’ve never felt that certain roles were meant for men and others for women. It’s always been about how you work, how you think, and the value you bring to the table. Yes, it’s true that women are a minority in the auto space, but at the same time, there is a conscious effort to bridge the gap, and this mindset stems from our founders themselves. 

Whenever I was entrusted with new responsibilities, the encouragement from leadership wasn’t about questioning my ability but about trusting me to rise to the challenge. Conversations often ended with, “Why don’t you give it a shot?” a simple but powerful nudge that gave the confidence to push boundaries and grow. That balance of trust and support is what has made my journey both demanding and deeply rewarding.

Leading by Example

Today, I manage a team of close to 20 members (we call ourselves autonauts). While the responsibility is heavy, it comes with a deep sense of intellectual satisfaction. Every time we step into a problem-solving meeting, the energy in the room is incredible. The floor is always intense, focused, and collaborative. I haven’t worked at a more fulfilling place. 

What I deeply value most is the non-hierarchical culture. At CARS24, even the newest member of the team has a voice. A person who joined just a year ago is heard as much as a leader who completed 5 years last month. In many companies, that’s unthinkable. But here, ideas matter more than titles.

Hiring with Purpose

We hire people who align with our long term vision. Our value system and the set culture determine who gets in. The qualities that matter most are curiosity, creativity, and commitment. Personally, I look for candidates who can think beyond the obvious, challenge the way things have always been done, and connect the dots across teams. There is no point working in silos. 

Yes, resumes matter, of course, but I try to read between the lines. During interviews, I want to know if someone has shown the willingness to stay and contribute meaningfully.

Finding Satisfaction in the Chaos

Working in a startup comes with inevitable stress, and I will be the first to admit it. It’s not easy building something, and not just working for a paycheck. There are frequent changes, evolving strategies, and aggressive targets. But I can’t deny that that is what makes it worthwhile. We have a strong culture of support and problem-solving. We are all in it together. And that makes me want to show up every day.

My journey at CARS24 has been more than just a story of professional growth; it’s also been about breaking stereotypes, building trust, and finding a meaningful purpose.