Uttam / Sheshu 1:1
Date: February 16, 2026 Source: Granola Meeting ID: 01a1e59d-da92-4ef5-ba09-b3fbab1e114f URL: https://notes.granola.ai/t/01a1e59d-da92-4ef5-ba09-b3fbab1e114f
Participants:
- Uttam Kumaran (Brainforge)
- Sheshu Chandrasekar (Brainforge)
Summary
Performance Review Discussion
- Sheshu presented operations initiatives dashboard and planning board
- Capacity dashboard for EPS hour tracking and project allocation
- Role-specific digest summaries for team members
- Accounts receivable alerts for outstanding payments
- Cost margin revenue dashboard development
- Uttam expressed concerns about technical implementation requirements
- Team lacks engineering resources for Omni/Snowflake setup
- Manual processes needed until Mustafa has availability
Leadership Expectations Gap
- Uttam emphasized need for team leadership over project management
- Wants to see how Sheshu will lead Rico and Eliza specifically
- Requested concrete changes to standups, weekly processes, reporting
- Sheshu’s response focused on building rapport and understanding working styles
- Plans for Friday planning sessions and Monday execution
- Proposed 1:1s with Rico and Eliza for growth discussions
OKR Alignment Concerns
- Uttam noted initiatives don’t tie to current quarter OKRs
- Margin observability not current priority - margins already healthy
- Team should focus on established objectives only
- Current team capacity questioned for proposed workload
- Individual items would take weeks to complete
- Need to demonstrate ability to exceed expectations, not just meet them
Role Transition Decision
- Uttam determined Sheshu not suited for operations leadership role
- Feedback from Robert, Clarence, and other team members
- Company moves too fast for learning-on-the-job approach
- Operations role is pure expense without 5x efficiency gains
- Role requires step-function improvement in team performance
- Current pace unchanged from Q4 when Uttam led operations
- Taking time from leadership without demonstrable progress
Next Steps
- Sheshu to email Uttam and Robert with alternative role proposals
- Identify other positions at Brainforge based on observed skill set
- Consider delivery or other client-facing roles
- Send proposal by end of morning