At OLX, one of the world's largest marketplace ecosystems, innovation and growth are not just business goals, they are part of the company's DNA. We recently had the opportunity to interview Manjuri Sinha, the Vice President of Talent Success and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OLX.
In this insightful conversation, Manjuri shared her perspective on OLX's mission, values, and culture, highlighting what makes OLX a dynamic place to work. From fostering sustainability to embracing cutting-edge technology, OLX is a company that's redefining the future of commerce while keeping its people at the center of everything they do.
Can you tell us a little about your role at OLX and the company?
My name is Manjuri Sinha, and I’m the Vice President of Talent Success and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OLX. I globally head everything related to talent, including talent branding, acquisition, development, management, engagement, and DE&I. It’s a very exciting role, and I enjoy the diversity of tasks that come with it.
OLX is a global leader in facilitating commerce through technology-driven marketplace ecosystems. We interact with millions of people on a daily basis, helping them buy and sell cars, find housing, get jobs, and more. Essentially, we’re in the business of fulfilling dreams and putting smiles on people’s faces.
You mentioned OLX’s mission to make people’s dreams come true. Are there other key values you prioritize?
Beyond our customer-focused mission, we have a strong commitment to sustainability. We’re dedicated to building a more sustainable world through trade. Our platforms support the circular economy by encouraging people to reuse, recycle, and renew. At OLX, sustainability isn’t just a part of what we do: it’s at the core of who we are. This belief drives the way we think about the impact we have, not just on our customers but on the planet.
At OLX, we help people fulfill their dreams and put a smile on their faces
How do these values shape the work culture across your offices?
Our values play a huge role in shaping our culture across all our offices. While each office - whether it's in Berlin, Barcelona, Lisbon, or our tech hubs in Poland - might have its own local culture, OLX speaks the same language when it comes to our core values. We always start with the customer, think big, and act bravely when it comes to innovation. One of my favorite values is “acting with care and integrity,” which emphasizes the importance of putting people first in all our decisions. OLX has a fast-paced, agile environment, but we are also a global organization with the power to make big decisions that have a global impact.
How have you stayed motivated and involved in your role at OLX?
One of the reasons I’ve stayed with OLX for almost five years - longer than I’ve stayed at any other company - is the constant evolution. Every year, it feels like I’m working for a new company because of the exciting changes we go through. I love how OLX continuously pushes me beyond my comfort zone, and I thrive on the learning curve and new challenges. My career here has been one of growth, taking on new responsibilities, and experimenting with fresh ideas. The company has always supported my team’s ideas, and that freedom to innovate keeps me motivated.
What kind of people thrive at OLX? What does an OLX employee look like?
At OLX, we look for three key traits in our employees. First, you need to be anti-fragile: able to handle constant change and challenges, and see these as opportunities. Second, we value innovation. OLX thrives on creative, out-of-the-box thinking. And third, collaboration is crucial. OLX is a complex organization, and success requires working closely with others. No one operates in isolation here.
You mentioned innovation earlier. How important is innovation at OLX, and how does it manifest in the company's operations?
Innovation is absolutely critical at OLX. One of the biggest drivers of innovation right now is our focus on AI. We’ve been working on AI for quite some time, and it plays a major role in areas like fraud detection and improving customer experience. For example, if you’re selling a mobile phone, our system can now auto-populate details using a GEN-AI model, reducing the steps you have to take. We also have an internal portal where employees can submit AI-related ideas, which can be reviewed by our AI initiative team. This openness to innovation is embedded in our company culture.
Aside from innovative technology, what are some of the unique perks and benefits of working at OLX?
While we offer competitive compensation, some of our standout benefits go beyond monetary rewards. For instance, we have a BetterUp Care program where all employees have access to professional coaches for personal or career development, which has been incredibly well-received. We also support reskilling and upskilling through platforms like Udemy and Udacity Nanodegrees. Additionally, our internal mobility program, OLX Explore, helps employees grow and move within the company. We prioritize looking internally for talent before hiring externally, which speaks to how much we invest in our people’s development.
What exciting projects can you tell us about, particularly regarding the future of OLX?
One of the most exciting things happening right now is the development of our GEN AI hub in Barcelona. This hub is a major initiative that will continue into next year as we onboard new employees and ramp up operations. While I can’t reveal all the details just yet, I can say there’s a lot of excitement around AI and upskilling opportunities for our employees. We’re also partnering with Gallup for leadership development and rolling out more programs like Nanodegrees and Skillsoft training. It’s an exciting time to be at OLX.
Conclusion
OLX is a company that thrives on change, innovation, and a strong set of core values. Under the leadership of executives like Manjuri Sinha, OLX continues to push boundaries, not only in the world of commerce but also in how they care for and develop their people. Whether it's creating a sustainable future or embracing the latest in AI technology, OLX remains a forward-thinking organization where talent is nurtured, and big ideas are encouraged. As Manjuri puts it, "At OLX, we help people fulfill their dreams and put a smile on their faces," and that mission drives both their external impact and internal culture.