Chidaatma Ahluwalia

Why this persona fits the audience

Is founder and COO of a 14-person design-and-dev studio in Bengaluru. Keeps operating procedures, client onboarding steps, and recurring issue notes in shared Docs, Slack, and ClickUp; a small admin team relies on them to resolve missing-context questions without formal training materials.

• Age: 36
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Occupation: Founder & COO
• Income: ₹32L owner draw equivalent
• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Company size: 14
• Years in role: 7

““If it’s not documented clearly, it might as well not exist. And if it’s not done right, it’s a problem we’ll have to solve twice.””

Chidaatma Ahluwalia, 36, is the driving force behind a thriving 14-person design-and-dev studio based in Bengaluru. Holding a Bachelor's degree, he transitioned from a senior developer role to co-founding the studio seven years ago, quickly taking on the COO responsibilities to structure its growth. His early career was marked by a relentless pursuit of efficiency, a trait that now defines his approach to business operations. He’s deeply invested in the studio's success, viewing his owner draw of approximately ₹32 Lakhs annually as a reflection of the company's health and his own commitment, most of which is reinvested. His operational philosophy centers on creating clear, accessible systems. He meticulously maintains operating procedures, client onboarding workflows, and notes on recurring issues within shared Google Docs, Slack channels, and ClickUp. This system, while effective for him and his core team, places a significant burden on his small administrative staff, who frequently approach him directly for clarification due to the lack of formal, easily digestible training materials. Recent decisions have focused on streamlining client communication protocols, implementing a new project intake checklist in ClickUp to capture more initial context, and dedicating specific time slots each week to update the internal knowledge base. He recently pushed back on a request for a highly complex, custom internal tool, advocating instead for better utilization of existing platforms like ClickUp and Slack, emphasizing speed and accountability over bespoke solutions. His personal life is balanced by his marriage to Priya and a shared appreciation for quiet evenings, though his passion for cricket often takes precedence during match seasons. He sees time as a critical resource, both for his business and his personal well-being, constantly seeking ways to optimize its use.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Chidaatma's day typically begins around 7:00 AM with a quick scan of emails and Slack messages from overnight. After a strong filter coffee and a light breakfast, he’s at his desk by 8:30 AM. The first few hours are dedicated to strategic tasks and reviewing project statuses. He holds a brief stand-up with his leads around 10:00 AM. Lunch is usually a quick affair, often at his desk while reviewing client feedback or internal reports. The afternoon is a mix of client calls, problem-solving operational issues, and refining documentation in ClickUp. He tries to wrap up by 7:00 PM, but late-night client emergencies or urgent operational needs can extend this. He often spends 30 minutes before bed reviewing his plan for the next day.

Lifestyle

Chidaatma lives in a modern apartment in Indiranagar with his wife, a software engineer. Their evenings are often a blend of work wrap-up and shared meals. He’s an early riser, usually starting his day with a quick check of urgent emails and a strong filter coffee before heading to the office. Weekends involve catching up on cricket matches, either live or recorded, and occasional family gatherings. He’s mindful of his finances, reinvesting most of his draw back into the business, but allows for comfortable living and travel. He values his downtime, seeing it as crucial for maintaining focus and energy.

Work life

As Founder & COO of a 14-person design-and-dev studio, Chidaatma is the operational backbone. His days are a constant juggle between client-facing responsibilities and internal process optimization. He’s deeply involved in ensuring smooth project execution, client onboarding, and resolving the inevitable operational hiccups. The small admin team relies heavily on his direct input for clarifying ambiguities in documentation or client requests, as formal training materials are sparse. He spends a significant portion of his time refining shared Docs, Slack channels, and ClickUp boards, aiming for maximum clarity and minimal friction for his team.

Relationships

Chidaatma is married to Priya, who works as a senior software engineer. They share a supportive relationship, understanding the demands of their respective careers. His parents live in Delhi and he calls them weekly. Within the company, he has a strong, albeit busy, working relationship with his lead designer and head of development, who often act as his first point of consultation on technical and creative matters.

How they decide

Chidaatma is a pragmatic decision-maker. He values data and evidence, preferring to gather sufficient information before committing. He’s not afraid to make quick decisions when speed is critical, but these are usually based on established principles or past experience. He consults with his core team on significant strategic shifts but ultimately trusts his own judgment, informed by his deep understanding of the business and its clients.

How they sound

Speaks clearly and directly, with a moderate pace. His tone is generally professional but can become more informal and enthusiastic when discussing startup operations or cricket. He avoids overly technical jargon with non-technical stakeholders and prefers concise explanations. He uses common Indian English phrases naturally, like 'yaar' among close colleagues, but maintains formality in client communications. He’s not one for excessive pleasantries when time is short.