Don’t Confuse English with Talent: A Wake-Up Call from Founders Who Look Deeper
In today’s job market, English fluency is often treated as a benchmark for professionalism—sometimes even more than skill itself. But leaders like Ankit Aggarwal (Founder & CEO of Unstop) and Shubham Gupta (Performance Marketing Expert & Startup Mentor) are boldly challenging this flawed belief.
🔹 The CEO Who Chose Grit Over Grammar
Shubham recently shared a viral story from his hiring experience. A capable and determined person, with hands-on experience in social media marketing, had been rejected by multiple companies. His only “flaw”? He wasn’t fluent in English.
Instead of giving up, He wrote directly to Shubham:
“Sir, I may not speak perfect English, but I know how to get results. Please give me one chance.”
Shubham listened—not to his grammar, but to his determination. He gave him a shot. That one decision transformed his career—today, he’s one of the company’s top contributors.
🔹 Shubham Gupta: Building Talent Beyond Buzzwords
Shubham Gupta, Founder&CEO of Myfirstad known for mentoring founders and scaling digital brands, echoes the same belief. Having worked with startups across sectors, Shubham often emphasizes that skill, attitude, and execution matter far more than accent or articulation.
“I’ve seen marketers who speak fluent English but can’t optimize a single ad—and I’ve seen regional creators drive lakhs in revenue without fancy presentations,” says Shubham.
He actively supports hiring from diverse backgrounds, believing that raw talent—when nurtured right—outperforms textbook fluency every time.
Lessons for Founders & Hiring Managers
- Talent isn’t tied to English.
Don’t reject someone just because they don’t speak the corporate language fluently. - Look for intent, not polish.
People like the candidate Ankit hired may just need a shot—not handholding. - Empower regional voices.
As Shubham Gupta puts it, “Understanding local context is a superpower—especially in Indian markets.”
💬 Final Word
The stories of Ankit Aggarwal and Shubham Gupta remind us of something vital: true leadership means seeing people for who they are, not how they sound.
In a world obsessed with polish, these founders are proof that grit, heart, and performance still win.
