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Sunrise Group - Empowering Innovation with Data & AI, Cyber Security, Project Management, IT Consulting, and Professional Staffing - Committed to Sustainability and DEI.

Writer's picture: KLSKLS

In this post, we cover our interview for our "Together Talks" campaign, with Sunrise Group and Founder, NeeTu Sadhwani. Sunrise Group is one of the top IT consulting firms focused on complex enterprise project management, IT consulting and staffing. They help business leaders with their organization's most critical issues and opportunities. Together, they create enduring change and results. Their mission is to help clients set new standards of excellence in their industries, not follow the pack with off-the-shelf solutions. They are known for their holistic perspective: they capture value across boundaries and between the silos of any organization. Sunrise Group is a woman owned and minority owned equal opportunity business.


 

"Together Talks" feature # 154: Sunrise Group presented by KLS - Dedicated Logistic Services for Excellence -Driven Businesses In The USA

 
 

Story of how it was created?

I started my company in 2008 as an immigrant facing numerous challenges when I moved to the U.S. and searched for a job. While working for a consulting company, I noticed they often placed candidates in positions based solely on availability, not suitability. This "plug-and-play" approach led to projects failing because the right skill sets were not matched to client needs.


When I had the opportunity to start my own company, I committed to doing things differently. I wanted to ensure that the right people were matched to the right projects for an optimal fit, creating successful outcomes for clients.


A major driving force behind starting my company was fostering inclusivity for minorities and women in the workplace. Over 15 years ago, when I entered IT, opportunities for women and minorities were scarce. I wanted to create a company that shattered those stereotypes and provided an equitable, inclusive work environment.


As a mother of two girls, I feel a deep responsibility to build a future where they—and other women—can pursue their careers without facing the barriers I experienced in IT. While progress has been made, there are still stereotypes to break and challenges to overcome.

What have been the biggest challenges?

One significant challenge has been overcoming the perception that, as a small business, we cannot handle large projects. Many potential clients hesitate because they're unfamiliar with our brand, even when I share our capabilities and highlight the big names we've worked with.

For years, our growth was driven by word-of-mouth referrals, but recently, we’ve focused more on media promotion and marketing to address these misconceptions. A memorable example is when a client asked during an interview, "Why haven’t I heard of you before?" They didn't realize that many of the resources powering big-name companies' projects came from small businesses like ours.


Goals for upcoming year + Next phase of the company?

For 2025, my primary goal is to retain the clients we currently serve. With so many competitors providing similar services, our focus is on demonstrating the exceptional quality, attention, and personalized service that Sunrise offers—qualities they won't find elsewhere.

While growth is important, I believe in setting realistic goals. For me, success means not only expanding our business but also ensuring our clients and employees are happy. A successful business begins with happy employees.

What were your concerns to transition to starting your own business?

I started my company in 2008, shortly after receiving my green card, which allowed me to work for myself. At the same time, I had just become a mother. Balancing a new business with raising a family was daunting.

In those early days, I had limited funding and only my partner to rely on, so I took on planning while managing my responsibilities as a mom. Starting a business while learning to navigate life in a new country felt like being thrown into the ocean without knowing how to swim. It was overwhelming, but I was determined to succeed.


What have you learned from being an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship runs in my blood—I grew up helping my father with his business in India. But starting my own business taught me resilience and persistence. There were many doors closed,  but every small opportunity felt like a light at the end of a long dark tunnel.


As a woman in business, I’ve faced doubt and challenges. Despite tempting offers to sell my business, I've stayed true to my vision. Authenticity and passion have been key to building trust and relationships with clients.


One of the most rewarding aspects has been meeting other women entrepreneurs through certification programs. The camaraderie and support I’ve found have been invaluable. I only wish I had pursued certification sooner.


What aspect of entrepreneurship do you appreciate the most?

I've met all kinds of people. It's because I am the face of my business. I am the first person that they see. If they talk about Sunrise, they see me and then they see Sunrise. That's how I feel. What I've learned is there are all kinds of people in the world. I have met some amazing people and I have met some ridiculous people in the world. This entrepreneurship has taught me to not let me take things personally. It's okay to have a no because if you are getting 99 no's, one yes is good enough. It's more than enough. That's how I'm keeping my business afloat because I obviously have had some yes's that's keeping me going right now.


I have learned that there are all kinds of people. You will meet good people. You will meet people who are meant to support you, I run my business through my heart. I feel like if I meet somebody and if they are meant to be in my business life, then they will stay. If not, then they'll just leave. I don't see people as competition. I have had so many small businesses who are smaller than mine who are starting and if they want to learn from me, I'm more than happy to pass forward the knowledge that I have learned from last 16, 17 years now.


What is your why?

My "why" is rooted in ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. A memorable example is when a client needed a network engineer but had strict requirements, including being based local in Texas. When I submitted two anonymized profiles, one candidate—a woman—was hired within 20 minutes.


The manager later admitted they never imagined hiring a female engineer for the role, yet she has been excelling for over three years now. This story encapsulates why I emphasize skills and talent over stereotypes.

Do you have a moment that brings you the most joy?

Signing our Master Services Agreement (MSA) with CG was one of my proudest moments. Competing against much larger vendors and securing this client showed that small businesses can deliver exceptional value. It reinforced my confidence and validated our approach.

Piece of Advice

Don’t give up. Every "no" is one step closer to a "yes." If you have passion and a strong "why," stay focused on that, and everything will fall into place. Remember, it’s not a sprint but a marathon. The journey is long, but every small win makes it worth it.

In Closing

KLS wants to thank Sunrise Group and Founder, NeeTu Sadhwani for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for their journey with their social handles below!

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