I was picked from my college by a small technical writer outsourcing firm in Mumbai in 2007. They said I was hired because my writing was well-structured and concise. I got trained on the job. Little did I know how this would shape my mindset and help me grow the way it did. The key elements I learned and owe to this profile are – asking the right questions, paying attention to details, reaching the depth of the topic, and understanding the needs of the audience. 

I have been a part of the IT industry for the last 17 years. I have worked in different profiles like Technical Writing, Instructional Designing, Scrum Master (SM), and Technical Program Manager (TPM). 

Over the years, I have pursued the mentioned roles in different organizations, which has also significantly contributed to inspiring me - Change has been the only constant. In 2017, while working as a technical writer at a healthcare MNC, I witnessed the company’s paradigm shift to Agile. Due to a resource crunch, I was asked to function as an SM till one was hired. It was a golden opportunity, and I had to grab it. Learning something new has always thrilled me. Luckily, I also got to take up the required certifications for the role. I cleared PSM1, immediately followed by PSM2 with flying colors, and moved to the dedicated role of a Scrum Master. The role of a Scrum Master is more of organizing, coaching, and facilitating. Spending enough time with my teams in this role helped me get a good idea of the feasibility of agile methodology. It groomed me to become a people person. Here, my communication skills played a key role. 

It motivated me to expand my boundaries and explore more. As a TPM, my responsibilities have broadened, including driving cross-functional programs, managing complex initiatives, and delivering strategic outcomes.

There is a lot more for me to learn and explore, and I am on my way to navigating in and out of my comfort zone. We are sure to meet various people through the transitions of our lives. Some encourage, some don’t. Self-doubt is the worst demeanor; change is a mindset more than a physical state of being. It begins within before it manifests outwardly.