On Oct 7, Hamas carried out a murderous attack on the citizens of Israel that shook not only Israeli’s, but the whole world to its core. While I currently live in California with my family, I was born and raised in Israel and Israel will forever be my home. Being so far is surreal as it seems life goes on as usual while what’s going on back at home breaks my heart minute by minute. 

It was during these impossible times that I was brought closer to the incredible work being done by Akooda. In this blog, I want to share my experience of working with Akooda as the Chief of Staff during these challenging times and how their technology is making a real difference in a resource-constrained environment.

A Uniting Commitment

The situation in Israel, especially during times of conflict, brings forth a unique sense of unity and shared responsibility. Each person at Akooda is contributing in some way, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the well-being of the nation. Some members of our team are actively serving in reserve duty, while others are dedicating their time to volunteering projects, both for civilian and military initiatives related to the ongoing crisis. It's important to recognize that, in our tight-knit community, most of us are not more than one step of separation away from someone who has been directly impacted by the hostilities – whether through injury, kidnapping, or worse.

Challenges in Startup Mode

In the midst of this ongoing crisis, we face a unique set of challenges in running Akooda, a growing startup where every person is not just a team member but a full contributor. In a startup environment, every individual's input is vital to the company's success, and everyone's absence can be keenly felt. 

The distractions and uncertainties brought about by the crisis make it exceptionally challenging to maintain our momentum and focus. Our team members have dual allegiances – to the nation and to Akooda. We all feel a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty to Israel, but we are also aware of our role as part of the Israeli technology economy, which powers the broader landscape of the nation. 

A Temporary Role

It was in this complex and challenging environment that Yuval, Akooda founder and CEO, reached out to me and asked me to step in as the Chief of Staff while some of the core team was on reserve duty. I had been an advisor with Akooda for a couple of years, but taking on this role was an entirely new venture for me.

Yuval reached out to me on a weekend, and many of the team were out in the field fulfilling their duty, leaving me to navigate the intricacies of the company on my own. The absence of my colleagues meant there was no one to provide me with on-the-spot guidance or context.

Navigating the Challenge

Faced with this challenge, I immediately turned to the Akooda platform, a powerful AI-Powered Operations Intelligence tool. It provided a comprehensive understanding of our operations, revealing priorities, bottlenecks, and team dynamics across departments. With AI-powered summaries, I deciphered critical information, including new clients, team discussions, and key individuals.  

Akooda provided a high-level view across departments, allowing me to grasp the company's overall effort across various projects and teams. These insights allowed me to focus my efforts effectively, make informed decisions, and integrate into the team within a week.

A Message of Unity and Resilience

Amidst the chaos and disruptions of these challenging times, it has become increasingly evident that nothing in Israel is "business as usual." The bonds that tie us together, both as a nation and as a part of Akooda, have grown stronger. We're bound by a common purpose – to contribute, support, and sustain.

We are not just a startup; we are a resilient community, fueled by unwavering allegiance to our country and a shared commitment to Akooda's mission. We are determined to play our part in supporting the nation while ensuring that Akooda remains a beacon of innovation and stability in the Israeli technology ecosystem.

A Call to Action - Our FREE Offer to Israeli Businesses

In our commitment to aiding the war effort and upholding our nation's resilience, Akooda is extending a helping hand. To support those whose operations have been disrupted due to the ongoing crisis, we are offering Akooda for free - for 4 months. If you are facing operational challenges, Akooda can help you find hotspots and bottlenecks, optimize resource allocation and improve team communication across tool and departmental silos. Reach out to Inon Dinesman who will be happy to get you on board.

In Conclusion

My journey with Akooda during these extraordinary times has been marked by challenges, unity, and an unyielding commitment to both our nation and our company. Our dedication to the people of Israel, alongside our determination to innovate and adapt, has been our driving force.

We understand that these times are far from ordinary, but it is precisely during these moments that the strength of a nation and its technology industry is tested. Together, we stand firm, unwavering in our dedication to Israel's resilience. As Akooda continues to chart new horizons, we invite others to explore how innovation and unity can make a positive difference in their own endeavors.

Together, we are resilient. Together, we are Israel.