Our Monthly interview with one of the ADAPTOVATE team. Each month we ask one of our team from around the world to answer a few questions. While not in the same league as The Proust Questionnaire – we think it’s a great way to share our stories with you.
This month we sat down and spoke with Ash Patil- a consultant in our Singapore office.
1. First up – how long have you worked with us?
I joined in 2019.
2. Why did you join us? Were you in the industry previously, or looking for a new career direction?
I was working at a Big 4 for about 7 years and had taken a break to complete my Masters. Post that I joined ADAPTOVATE as it was a new challenge where I could also apply my consulting skillset.
3. How has your previous experience and career helped define where you are now? Would you have done things differently?
I spent 7 years as technology consultant in various industries from pharmaceuticals to government institutions and this experience has definitely help shape my career. I frequently collaborated with business owners in these domains and helped them on their digital journey. If I had to do things differently, I would definitely focus on working in startups from initial days and exploring a bit more of the technology world.
4. How do you balance your work life with your ‘real’ life – Do you have a good balance and how important is it to you?
I do have a decent work life balance and it is very important to me to cutoff from work in the evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset in Singapore. I run thrice a week and that’s one constant I follow no matter how busy I get.
5. With so many of our team remote working, we always like to ask how do you have your home office/desk set up? Organised or chaos? Any top tips?
I am a minimalist. So my office desk is pretty organised with my notebook laptop, mouse and a small plant.
6. Do you play music during your Agile workshops with clients? What do you recommend on your latest playlist?
Yes I do. I love the ADAPTOVATE Spotify playlist. I stick to it most of the times. (Editor: here is a link to our Spotify playlist!)
7. How do you think technology has best helped humanity and do you have any concerns about our future?
Specially in the COVID-19 situation technology has helped humanity a lot. Staying in a different country and being able to check on my parents everyday who are miles away in India gives me good night sleep. I do worry about the future of technology specifically the pace at which it is evolving. As we are busy in developing new things every day, our lives are becoming very dependent and controlled by technology and it might be reaching the peak very soon with kids all over the world using gadgets so regularly that they are losing out on the time they should be playing out in the backyard!
8. Strategic Foresight allows companies to detect changes early and ensure action is taken quickly. Which companies have you seen able to change and adapt quickly. (and hopefully using Agile methods to do so)
Two companies that pop-up instantly are Amazon and ZARA and yes both are extremely agile. Amazon has been continuously innovating and adapting to the global change due to COVID-19 and improvised its last mile delivery system extensively to cater the new normal. When Zara started out it was the leader of ‘fast-fashion’ and broke all the traditional thinking in which supply chain operated. Zara adapted to the fast moving market and was able to cater to its ever changing audience.
“The company can design, produce, and deliver a new garment and put it on display in its stores worldwide in a mere 15 days. Such a pace is unheard-of in the fashion business, where designers typically spend months planning for the next season” – Forbes
9. What does success mean to you personally?
Following my dreams and making genuine connections with people while on this journey.
Dream, Dream, Dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
10. Finally – You’ve time travelled back to your 10- year old self – What advice would you give?
Travel more! definitely something I missed growing up. Specially in the COVID situation I regret not visiting places earlier.
Special 11th Question – How have you found 2020, and working through life and work during COVID?
2020 has definitely been a difficult phase of life with so many uncertainties around. It definitely took some time to get used to the routine of getting dressed and sitting for your morning standup calls from home. However, as humans we adapt to change pretty fast and now I love my schedule and the fact that after work I have so much ‘Me’ time that I don’t have to spend on commute. And I am sure like me, most people out there are now loving this new normal of staying home, working in a routine and giving time to their loved ones.
For more THE BACK STORY interviews – keep reading!
