This interview is with Manasvini Krishna, Founder at Boss as a Service.

Manasvini Krishna, Founder, Boss as a Service

Manasvini, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an expert in accountability?

I'm a lawyer by education and training, but somewhere along the way, I discovered a passion for coding and began to build startups that combine technology and the human touch. Through all of this, I struggled on and off with akrasia (procrastination) and got fascinated by all the different ways in which people teach how to overcome it and work on your goals.

Accountability stuck out the most. But every accountability solution I looked at was a little too tech-driven and missing the human touch needed to provide an extra nudge to get people to let go of reluctance and work. That's when I built Boss-as-a-Service to combine technology and real accountability.

What key experiences or insights sparked your passion for helping others become more accountable?

Consider my career. I've studied law, dabbled in coding, built tech solutions and startups, and am still actively trying to make my businesses work. All of this would not have been possible if I didn't hold myself accountable for my goals and actions and push myself at every step. I've also had others depending on me to complete my goals—friends, partners, colleagues—which made them accountability partners to me. All this really solidified my belief in the power of accountability.

For someone new to the concept, what are some practical first steps to find the right accountability partner and establish a mutually beneficial relationship?

Accountability partner platforms like Boss-as-a-Service are gaining traction, so there are a lot of options for people to find professionals that are ready to help them become productive. But an accountability partner can come from anywhere—they can be your classmates, roommates, online communities, or even within your family and friend circle. They should simply match certain criteria to be effective: honesty, reliability, positive attitude, motivating and supportive, and an ability to keep it real.

You've highlighted the 'Boss as a Service' platform. How can such a service be tailored to different personality types or work styles?

Customized accountability is one of the USPs of Boss-as-a-Service. Our human bosses have only one agenda—to get your goals done. This means that whether you need help with work or health goals, with daily or periodic check-ins, you can just let us know, and we'll create a schedule that is convenient for you but also keeps you on your toes.

Besides using platforms or partners, what self-accountability techniques do you recommend for individuals who want to stay on track with their goals?

The rewards system has proven to be a pretty good technique for self-accountability. To implement this, you can break your big goal into smaller, more measurable steps and promise yourself little rewards every time you finish a step. The closer you get to the finish line, the more meaningful or high-stakes rewards you can allow yourself to keep up the motivation.

Many people struggle with staying motivated. How can accountability, either through external support or self-regulation, help maintain momentum even when facing challenges?

Consistency is key to keeping motivation through accountability. It's never enough to just promise someone you'll do something and then go radio silent. You should be in constant touch with your accountability partner, and let them question your moves to ensure you're doing what you promised. Regular check-ins keep you consistent and maintain the momentum.

In your experience, what are some common pitfalls people encounter when trying to establish accountability, and how can they overcome them?

The most common misstep people make while trying to establish accountability is doing too much too soon. It's really not a numbers game—focus should be on finishing one task and using that to propel you onto more goals. Start small, and build bigger.

Looking ahead, what emerging trends or tools do you find exciting in the realm of accountability and personal development?

The idea of establishing an accountability system in professional settings—beyond the conventional boss-employee or team leader-team member equations—seems interesting to explore. Peer accountability can have many benefits, including encouraging team bonding. It's exciting to think how different organizations implement it. In terms of tools, body doubling, or the accountability system where two people sit side by side and do their work, is gaining traction. Platforms like Caveday and Focusmate are built on this concept.