I Made the 40 Under 40 List — But This Is Really About Baya
by Helma Zargarian
Introduction
I’m incredibly humbled to be recognized as a 2025 Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree! The award celebrates career achievements, as well as leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making an impact beyond the workplace. While it’s a meaningful personal milestone, it’s truly a testament to the people, opportunities, and community that have shaped and supported my journey.
Baya is a place where people shine, and I’m living proof. This company gives people the foundation to move mountains, the clarity to focus, and the culture to thrive. I’ve never seen a team operate with such intensity and heart, where accountability, agility, and vision are more than words on a wall. They’re how we win.
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Culture That Enables Impact
That efficiency isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about clarity. We prioritize what matters; we move fast, and when we fall, we learn faster. There’s no time for politics or ego. Every person here has a clear purpose, and that unlocks extraordinary creativity and execution.
Leadership with Heart
I lead with care not because it’s trendy, but because it works. High-performing teams aren’t driven by pressure; they’re fueled by trust, humility, and shared purpose. I believe in intentional culture, the kind built through clear expectations, consistent feedback, and, yes, even small moments of human connection. When those elements are in place, people don’t just deliver; they soar.
A Place That Let Me Be All-In
This is a radically transparent company where everyone knows where we’re headed, why it matters, and how they contribute. Clear communication builds trust. Trust fuels momentum. And momentum leads to success.
This Award is a Mirror of the Team Around Me
Thank You
To Sailesh Kumar, our CEO—thank you for creating a culture where performance and humanity coexist. Where speed meets soul. Your clarity of vision and commitment to building with purpose have shaped not only the company, but all of us in it.
And to my entire Baya family—thank you for proving every day that the best teams aren’t just efficient. They’re inspired. They’re aligned. They’re unstoppable.
This 40 Under 40 recognition is a milestone—but more importantly, it’s a reminder. When you build a culture where people can do the best work of their lives, magic happens. I’m proud to be part of that magic.
