India, Aug. 6 -- Ten years ago, a Hyderabad founder took a chance on a Class 9 pass taxi driver with no corporate experience, hiring him as his company's first employee. Through mentorship, spoken English classes, and trust, that driver grew to become one of the most valued executives at the organisation.

"10 years ago, I hired a taxi driver as our first employee. Class 9 pass. No English. No corporate experience. No resume that would make any traditional hiring manager look twice," Hyderabad-based founder Sravanth Gajula wrote on LinkedIn.

He recalled how everyone wondered why he did it. The founder explained that, at that moment, he saw the cab driver's hunger and honesty. Hence, without thinking further, he took a bet on the man, and...