There’s a particular silence that settles before a hard conversation. Not the loud, dramatic kind, but a shift in the air. A flicker of unease. A glance at the clock. The sudden urge to rearrange your tabs.

These days, I try to stay in that silence. Not fill it. Just sit with it, even when my chest tightens and my brain starts offering me an out: Maybe it can wait. Maybe it’ll pass. Maybe they already know.

In my early days of managing teams, I thought design leadership meant protecting the work, like pushing back on bad calls and defending the craft. But with time, I’ve learned that it has even more to do with people. Especially when things get uncomfortable.

Culture doesn’t take shape in all-hands or OKRs. It forms in quiet, uneasy, deeply human 1:1s, often the ones you most want to skip

Here are the things I’ve been learning (and relearning) along the way to make these conversations smoother:

1. Clarity is kinder than niceness

There’s a kind of feedback that sounds kind in the moment: polite, padded, easy to hear. But it leaves the other person unsure of what to do next. It also softens the actual impact of what needs to be said.

I’ve said things like, “You’re doing well overall, just a few small tweaks,” or “Maybe be mindful of tone, but it’s probably fine.” I thought I was being gentle. But I was being unclear.

Niceness makes you feel better in the moment. Clarity helps the other person grow.

Now I ask myself: if I were on the other side of this conversation, would I know what to do next?

✔️ Say:
“In the last two reviews, I noticed you moved quickly past tough feedback without engaging. That could signal defensiveness, even if that’s not your intent. Do you feel that way as well?”

✋🏼 Avoid:
“There were a couple of moments where the energy felt a little tense in the reviews. Maybe keep that in mind next time while presenting.”

Clarity doesn’t mean cold. It just means you’re giving them the respect of being direct and the support to meet you there.

2. Real conversations don’t follow scripts

I’m a fairly structured person. I used to prep for tough conversations very carefully. A thoughtful opening, sandwiching in the praise, a measured tone.

But people don’t follow scripts. And real conversations get messy.

There’s no template for what to do when someone goes quiet. Or looks away. Or says, “I don’t see it that way,” and you know they mean it.

And in that moment, what matters is not what you memorized. It’s whether you are fully present, listening, and able to adjust.

Some people need space before they can speak. Some want the context. Others just want the truth. One person hears feedback and feels energized. Another hears the exact same thing and shuts down.

The real work is knowing how to meet them where they are, not where your script says they should be.

A few shifts have helped me stay grounded in those moments:

🕰️ Check if they’re ready
“Do you want thoughts on this now, or would it help to sit with it first?”

This respects timing. Some people need a minute to breathe before they can hear you.

✍🏼 Narrate your intent
“I want to bring this up because I care about your growth, and I don’t want to let it slip.”

This reminds them you’re not trying to catch them off guard. You’re doing this because it matters.

️️️🗣️ Addressing your discomfort
“This is a little awkward to say, but I’d regret not bringing it up.”

This softens the moment. It tells them you’re being real, not performative.

They sound simple, but they shift the tone. They make room for honesty even when the topic is hard.

3. Avoided conversations also hold a cost

Some conversations are hard because of what needs to be said. Others are hard because they’ve gone unsaid for too long.

It usually starts small. A moment you notice but don’t name. A shift in tone. A deadline that slips. You tell yourself it’s not the right time.

But silence doesn’t stay small. It spreads.

People notice when someone speaks over others, and no one steps in. When deadlines slip and nothing shifts. When the energy changes and no one acknowledges it.

You tell yourself you’re being patient and giving space. But most of the time, it’s just discomfort you’re trying to avoid. The longer it sits, the more unclear everything becomes for you, for them, and for the team watching quietly from the sidelines.

4. The hangover post the conversation

Some conversations take more out of you than you expect.

You walk out of a tough 1:1, close the tab, and try to move on. But something lingers. A lump in your throat, but with a whiff of relief. The sense that, even if the words were right, the moment was heavy.

You replay what you said, again and again. Wonder if you were too direct. Or not direct enough. If they felt supported. Or blindsided.

It took me a while to realize this feeling isn’t a signal that something went wrong. It’s just part of the work. The quiet after something hard has been said.

I see this discomfort as a reminder that I’m showing up for the hard parts and that means showing up fully.

There’s no perfect way to have these conversations. Some days I still get it wrong. Some days I over-explain. Some days I underplay. But what I try not to do anymore is disappear from the moment.

I show up. I say the thing. I stay when it’s messy.

That’s the work. That’s the job.

When considering a job, many aspects come into play, but your potential manager rarely makes it to the top of the list. Yet, those who have the privilege of working with a stellar manager, enjoy an unfair advantage in their careers.

It’s not always about having a bad manager; sometimes, it’s just a mismatch.

You have the power to evaluate the type of manager you want by your side. Know how to use it and use it often.

The 4 types of managers

From my experience, managers can generally be categorized into four distinct styles. While many combine different approaches, each one tends to highlight one primary style.

A good manager means different things to different people. This isn’t a guide to good versus bad managers; it’s about discovering the style that best aligns with your needs right now.

🛠️ Process Managers

Process managers focus on building efficient workflows and protocols that keep projects running smoothly. They thrive on bringing order to the sometimes chaotic world of design, ensuring that things run on track within and between teams.

Key strengths:

• They champion the use of specific frameworks to streamline processes.
• They regularly check in on timelines and deadlines to ensure projects stay on track.
• They conduct retrospectives to evaluate processes and identify areas for improvement.
• They create detailed documentation that serves as a guiding resource for the team.

Potential challenges:

• They might struggle to adapt to new methods or technologies
• They might stifle creativity and innovation with an overemphasis on processes.
• They might overlook individual strengths and needs due to a defined way of working.
• They might slow down decision-making due to excessive reliance on processes.

🤝 People Managers

People managers thrive on building strong interpersonal connections within their design teams. They understand that successful design relies on teamwork and they actively create a culture where every voice is heard. By prioritizing emotional intelligence, they develop a deep sense of trust allowing their team members to be themselves and contribute fully.

Key strengths:

• They prioritize team members’ well-being and career aspirations.
• They regularly recognize and celebrate team achievements, boosting morale.
• They encourage open discussions, points of view, and healthy debates.
• They act as protectors, shielding their team and its work.

Potential risks:

• They might shy away from tough conversations, avoiding conflict.
• They might slow down decision-making by seeking consensus too often.
• They might experience emotional burnout from constantly prioritizing relationships.
• They risk diluting authority with an overly nurturing approach.

✏️ Hands-on Managers

Hands-on managers immerse themselves in the design process, providing real-time guidance, feedback, and mentorship. By working closely with their teams, they inspire confidence and help team members develop their skills.

Key strengths:

• They actively participate in brainstorming sessions and design critiques.
• They provide detailed, actionable feedback that enhances design quality.
• They stay informed on all projects, ensuring relevant context and support.
• They share their own experiences and insights, encouraging team growth and development.

Potential risks:

• They might micromanage, unintentionally undermining ownership through their involvement.
• They might struggle to delegate, taking on too much responsibility themselves.
• They might limit team members’ growth and creativity with excessive guidance.
• They might become a bottleneck if their involvement slows down the process.

🎯 Strategic Manager

Strategic managers are visionaries who align design work with the broader goals of the organization. They inspire their teams to think creatively and explore new ideas, connecting design efforts to the company’s mission. They help team members understand the impact of their work and motivate them to contribute meaningfully.

Key strengths:

• They articulate a clear vision, helping the team see how their work fits into the company’s goals.
• They unify different departments to work towards a common objective.
• They regularly share insights from industry trends, sparking inspiration and forward-thinking.
• They encourage a broader perspective, helping team members step back and see the big picture.

Possible challenges:

• They may find it difficult to balance long-term strategic vision with immediate day-to-day needs.
• They might lack context about individual team members’ tasks, making it hard to offer relevant support.
• They might struggle with executing the larger vision into actionable steps.
• Their feedback might lack tangibility, making it challenging for the team to implement it effectively.

Key questions to evaluate your manager

The next time you’re interviewing, take the opportunity to learn about your potential manager. Consider asking these open-ended questions:

• What does a successful design team look like to you?
• How do you approach feedback and performance evaluations?
• How do you navigate conflicts or challenges within the team?
• How would your team describe working with you?
• Who was the last person you promoted, and why?

By asking these questions, you can gain insight into your potential manager’s style and find a fit that empowers you to thrive in your design career. Remember, it’s not just about having someone to report to; it’s about collaborating with someone who can help you reach your full potential.

Don’t settle for less — seek a leader who inspires and challenges you to excel.

💌 : Twitter | Contact

Am I working with the right manager? was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

As I enter the final week of this break, I’m immersed in a swirl of emotions. Having always drawn deep meaning from my work, the decision to step away from a full-time role has been both refreshing and intimidating.

The challenge of stepping away

What do you do when you wake up to zero emails and an empty calendar? Disconnecting from my work routine was difficult at first. I decided to delete Slack, turn off my morning alarm, and step away from my desk. It felt almost rebellious but provided a rare opportunity to slow down.

I didn’t begin with a strict plan, nor did I want to. However, having some sense of direction felt useful. I set two main goals for my break: enhancing my health (embracing conscious habits) and expanding my network (connecting with people outside my bubble).

Getting into the rhythm

After Week 2, I had settled into the groove. I delved into new genres of reading, developed a genuine enjoyment for the gym, immersed myself in podcasts, explored fresh spots in my city, and connected with a diverse range of people — from sneaker designers to rocket engineers. I however did continue to work on some passion projects, albeit in a different capacity.

Over the past six months, I’ve engaged in activities and experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise planned. They’re random, eclectic, and eventually made me realize what I don’t enjoy and what I find meaningful.

A few highlights:

• Flew 12,000 kilometers to attend a close friend’s wedding
• Traveled to 4 countries
• Tried surfing for the first time
• Met/spoke with over 100 designers across the world
• Collaborated alongside people who inspired me
• Designed a project from scratch on a 2-hour flight
• Spent time with family in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi
• Walked more, averaging 8,000 steps daily
• Went from running 0 to over 5k
• Deadlifted my body weight
• Maintained an (almost) zero-sugar diet
• Got into making matcha
• Coached 2 talented designers
• Said yes to more social meetups
• Tried becoming a morning person; it didn’t stick
• DIY’d a home-office makeover
• Experienced my first driverless car ride
• Learned more about sneakers
• Wrote with pen and paper more
• Drove during the afternoons more
• Read non-fiction more
• Soaked up the sun more
• Figured out what to do next :)

Looking back, one thing I could have improved was truly unplugging from work. With so many exciting developments in the tech world, I found myself pulled back in. Despite this, the break was incredibly rewarding. Especially proud of getting my resting heart rate down from 68 to 58 BPM.

The biggest takeaway? Trying something new — just step away from a usual routine and it’ll surprise you.

I’m writing this with nervous excitement for what’s next, feels like the end of a summer vacation.

💌 : Twitter | Contact

I took a career break as a 28yo designer was originally published in The Startup on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On the flight back from my recent trip, I took a moment to jot down memorable experiences from my last trip, a ritual I cherish every time I travel.

This trip marked the 30th country I had visited.

Traveling has been a part of my life for quite some time now. Each destination has been unique in its own way — some met my expectations, some fell short, and others exceeded them by far. This list celebrates the latter — the destinations that truly over-delivered.

This piece is not about creating a typical itinerary or offering budget-friendly tips. These selections are more personal — they’re about places that resonated with me deeply, each holding a special significance.

While each location varies greatly in culture, landscape, and experience, they’ve all left a meaningful impact on me.

My top four countries:

• Japan
• Switzerland
• Australia
• Bhutan

Japan

Japan has reshaped my perspective in the most significant way. You know how they say travel can change you? I never really bought into it until I set foot in this country. Japan has this perfect blend of tradition and modernity. From the electric energy of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto and the hidden gems like the small town of Hakone, every corner of Japan is bursting with beauty and wonder.

Japan’s natural beauty is marvelous, and Fuji is unreal. On a cloudy day, when chances of catching a glimpse of the peak seemed dim, seeing that majestic mountain rising against the horizon is surreal.

The street food scene — it’s out of this world. I come from a place where street food reigns supreme, and Japan’s culinary offerings exceeded all expectations.

But what really makes Japan stand out is its people. They’re just…different. In the best way possible. From the moment you arrive, you are overwhelmed by their kindness, hospitality, and sense of community. And as a female traveler, I’ve never felt safer and more welcomed than I was here.

The Japanese work ethic is equally impressive. Amidst their bustling lifestyle, they maintain a graceful balance between work and play, and they do it with such courtesy and patience that it’s impossible not to be in awe. A familiar night sight there is men and women in suits at 10 PM, gathered in small hole-in-the-wall bars. After a long day of work, they’re unwinding, enjoying each other’s company until midnight, and then seamlessly slipping back into their routine the next day.

I’m a designer, and every single detail in Japan is a feast for the eyes. From the simplest bill receipt to the most intricate food packaging, is a testament to the country’s dedication to aesthetics and design. It’s a place where even the mundane is a work of art, and you can’t help but appreciate the thought and care that goes into everything.

Highlight:

I’ll never forget one particular evening in Hakone (a small countryside town). My friend and I were desperately trying to catch the last bus to the city. We were lost as the road signs were only in Japanese. We stumbled upon a small shop and decided to seek help. Despite closing for the day, and deep into paperwork, the owner walked out of his store in 10°C. Not only did he provide directions, but he also walked for 10 minutes till our bus stop and waiting until the bus arrived. A true reflection of what Japanese generosity looks like.

Switzerland

Switzerland holds the top spot for natural beauty for me. The quaint villages tucked between majestic mountains — these scenes are straight out of a story book.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Switzerland three times, each trip in a different season, and it never ceases to amaze me. There are so many hidden gems to discover on day trips, each offering its own unique and breathtaking views.

The Swiss are a people who truly embrace the outdoors, and it’s infectious! Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or cycling, they know how to make the most of their stunning surroundings.

Adding to the allure of Switzerland is the efficiency and reliability of its public transportation system. Whether boarding a train, bus, or tram, you can trust in punctuality and seamless connectivity, making this a traveller’s dream.

The cuisine may not be the most diverse, but it’s a paradise for chocolate lovers like myself. From creamy fondues to a variety of desserts, it elevates chocolate for you on all levels.

Highlight:

Zermatt, Switzerland, is special as it’s where I first experienced snowboarding. Wrapped in three layers of clothing, striving to find stability in the near-freezing temperatures, it was more than just a winter sport.

Australia

I recommend going to Australia for two things – adventure sports & wildlife.

While the country offers much more, my time felt constrained by the sheer number of activities. Also, being in good shape came in handy.

Only a bullet-point list can do justice to the thrills in this 10-day trip. Here it goes:

• Skydiving from 15,000 feet over the Gold Coast
• Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
• Swimming with dolphins
• Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge at night
• Speed boating in the open waters
• Hiking to the Twelve Apostles
• Snorkeling with colorful marine life
• Ziplining in Sydney’s adventure parks
• Canoeing Melbourne’s waterways
• Feeding the koalas
• Watching the jumping kangaroos

Reflecting, I couldn’t help but notice the unique charm of the Australians. They hold a laid-back attitude along with an adventurous spirit. Everyone from the locals to the tour guides had a genuine passion for nature and wildlife. They’re also very quick-witted, with a dry sense of humor, adding to the trip's fun.

Highlight:

Watching a kangaroo for the first. As basic as it sounds, it’s a truly unique experience. Their non-arched backs and powerful hopping make them unlike any other animal. It almost feels like encountering a fictional creature brought to life.

Bhutan

Bhutan, with its landscapes and rich cultural heritage, was a revelation. As an Indian accustomed to certain assumptions about neighboring countries, I was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered during my visit in March, especially amidst the unexpected snowfall.

Traveling with my basketball team of 12 people, we were embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people at every turn. Whether interacting with locals or exploring the bustling markets, we were met with kindness and respect, reinforcing the sense of inclusivity and equality that permeates Bhutanese society.

One striking aspect of Bhutan was the sight of women in the workforce. Unlike some other places where gender disparities are more pronounced, in Bhutan, it was refreshing to see women playing active roles in sectors predominated by men, police officers, night watchmen, bodyguards, tour guides, and hotel owners. It also made it safer.

Sampling Bhutanese cuisine was delightful. While there were subtle influences of Indian flavors, the distinct Bhutanese dishes offered a unique and flavorful spice that left a lasting impression. One standout dish was ema datshi, a spicy chili and cheese stew served with rice.

And no trip to Bhutan is complete without the iconic Tiger’s Nest trek. We trekked through the rugged terrain in the snowy weather, and you couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by a sense of reverence for this land of serenity, and progressive values. I’m not the biggest fan of treks, and this was a challenging one, but worth every ounce of energy.

Highlight:

The king of Bhutan declares a national holiday on the first day of snow of every year, which just so happened to be our second day in Paro. Schools were closed, shops shut their doors, and the streets suddenly transformed as locals engaged in impromptu snowball fights. We couldn’t resist joining in, and for two hours, we did nothing but wait for snow to collect and have snowball fights.

Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone just starting to explore the world, may this inspire you to embark on your next unforgettable journey.

💌 : Twitter | Contact

Seven years ago, I ventured into the world of design, and it quickly became clear that this was more than a career choice — it was my calling. Despite dabbling in other areas like product and business, I find myself continually drawn back to this field.

This reflection is inspired by conversations with professionals who feel they’ve discovered their purpose, as well as my personal journey.

Signs that affirm your profession is more than a job:

Consistent curiosity:

While everyone experiences curiosity from time to time, the key here is the unwavering nature of this curiosity.

You exhibit an unfeigned inclination to stay engaged in your profession beyond the requirements of your job.

Do you find joy in learning and exploring ideas outside of your regular job?

When discussing topics related to your profession, do you feel genuinely excited and eager to share more?

Do you seek to understand the journeys of top professionals and companies in your field?

Inner peace:

You find deep personal satisfaction and peace in your work, driven by an intrinsic motivation that transcends external opinions.

Despite facing challenges, you love putting in the sweat every day because the overall experience is a net positive.

Would you remain committed even if your contributions went unnoticed by the world?

Even if you’re working intensely, do you feel energized and excited rather than drained?

Beyond financial considerations, do you feel a sense of purpose in your work?

Are you proud of what you do, even if others may not fully understand its significance?

Genuine care:

You demonstrate immense thoughtfulness in every aspect of your work, going the extra mile driven by personal fulfillment rather than external recognition.

Do you find yourself prioritizing the finer details of your work without being asked to?

Have you gone against at least one person because you felt strongly about something?

Do you feel dissatisfied when you see gaps in others / your work?

Natural talent alignment:

You can trace back what you do today to your natural talents and aptitudes as a child.

Think about your interactions with friends and the roles you naturally assumed in group activities, when external validation mattered less. For example, if you often planned group events or stuck to schedules as a child, you might have inherent leadership or organizational skills that influence your career.

In childhood, what activities or interests intrigued you the most? What did you find yourself most involved in or passionate about?

How would your friends describe you during your formative years? Were you seen as a leader, organizer, problem-solver, or creative thinker within your social circles?

What types of challenges or tasks sparked joy in you as a child? What did you dislike?

What disagreements or common ground did you share with your parents?

Were you more inclined to follow rules or push boundaries as a child?

Is my Profession my Passion? was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

While I like to believe I stumbled into loving sports serendipitously, my upbringing had a significant role to play in it. My mother, a former college athlete, ensured I was a part of every sporting event. Be it a sack race in school or a cricket match in our colony, I was there. Growing up with cousins (3 brothers), my childhood was a mix of playing outdoors, watching cricket, and collecting WWE cards.

My father taught me how to swim at 7. I was playing badminton at the age of 8 and roller-skating by the time I turned 10. Those early days set the stage for a lifelong love affair with sports — swimming, badminton, tennis, volleyball, basketball — you name it.

The courts weren’t just where I played; they were my home turf. Grounds where friendships solidified, victories felt legendary, and losses turned into invaluable life lessons.

For two decades, my connection with sports has profoundly influenced my approach to life — how I navigate work, relationships, and life in general.

Shifting gears to my perspective on work and life, sports has been a transformative force. Here’s how:

The resilience

Sports, in its purest form, is meritocratic — you put in the effort, you see results. I dedicated four years to playing basketball for my college team, a commitment that reached its peak during the rigorous preparations for InterIIT (the annual sports meet among IITs). For six months each year, we immersed ourselves in five-hour practice sessions, daily, on top of our regular classes. Picture hitting the court from 5 to 7 AM and then returning for another round from 5 to 8 PM — a routine that initially felt daunting but evolved into a grind worth every drop of sweat. This regimen not only shaped skills but instilled discipline, emphasizing that, unfortunately, there are no shortcuts.

When I ventured into the professional world, I wholeheartedly embraced the idea of putting in extra hours. Post-work became a time for me to delve into new skills, seeking to upskill and accelerate my learning. I’ve dedicated countless hours to learning new things, not out of obligation, but driven by my ambitions. To this day, I still find joy in the process. Late nights never felt like a drag, they were just my practice sessions.

The humility

There’s nothing that grounds you more than facing defeat. In sports, the ebb and flow teach you that losses are inevitable. Enduring defeat toughens you up and builds character — how you handle the loss, learn from misses, and maintain respect for opponents.

Reflecting on my first InterIIT tournament, my freshman year ended with a loss in our first match despite solid preparation and a team in peak condition. The disappointment hit hard, breaking down the 18-year-old version of myself who had invested everything. Now, it’s easy to say it was a character-building experience, but in that moment, it felt unfair, disheartening, and even sparked anger. The impact of the second defeat was less severe. Since then, I’ve tasted both victory and defeat, but that initial loss lingers.

Gradually, you extract valuable insights from such experiences, echoing setbacks in life — like not getting the promotion or appraisal you’ve been eyeing. When hard work and dedication don’t materialize as expected, it’s tough to swallow. You’ll win some, you’ll lose some, and as long as you’re putting in the work, don’t blame yourself for the outcomes.

The rhythm

As someone who craves novelty, preferring new dishes over the tried and tested, seeking unexplored locations rather than the familiar, and striving for freshness in various aspects of life, adhering to the same routine seemed extremely mundane to me. When you play a sport competitively, you engage in a similar regimen for at least 200 days a year. It’s undeniably repetitive. What I found helpful was developing hacks to set mini goals for myself that kept it interesting. Can I beat my previous 5k speed? Can I make 10 of the 20 basket shots? Can I lift more than I did last month?

Work and relationships also weather dull phases, revealing highs after lows. Not every project brings thrills, nor is every month a whirlwind of excitement. Yet, the commitment remains for the overarching goal — a net-positive experience.

A wise person said “The secret of success can be found in the daily routine” and I’m increasingly resonating with this wisdom.

It appears that within the consistent beats of daily life, there lies a rhythm that leads to success — a rhythm to show up, a rhythm to put in the work, a rhythm to persist.

The composure

Maintaining emotional composure is crucial — a skill cultivated through experiences rather than instruction. We all have our moments of fumbling the ball, literally and metaphorically. But on the court, it’s all about maintaining your cool when the pressure’s on, giving crystal-clear directions, rolling with feedback, making split-second decisions, and keeping emotions in check. Captaining a team is a dynamic role; they seek your support and solutions, especially when you’re on a clock. They observe your presence and absence alike.

Transition to leading a team in the office, and the scene isn’t all that different. Your leadership style isn’t just your thing; it sets the entire tone and becomes the culture of the group. How much effort you put in, your core values, and your approach to navigating chaos — collectively guide the team’s energy.

The balance

It teaches you when to push, and when to pause. Initially, breaks felt like a compromise, a sign of weakness. But over time, I’ve realized they’re not a step back; they’re a strategic leap forward.

I’m not afraid to step back from work when needed, recognizing its necessity just like in training. The constant grind wears down productivity. Yes, I’m known for pushing at work, but it’s balanced by longer breaks spaced out. It’s not about how long the breaks are; it’s about giving both the body and mind a chance to recharge. Frequently.

My basketball coach had this ingenious trick where she’d make us switch sports to volleyball for a few days when training reached its peak. A very different type of break that led to a deliberate shift in working different muscles and engaging distinct parts of the brain. A similar concept applies to our daily work. Finding a hobby or a side pursuit that helps you take a break does wonders. The amusing part is that now playing basketball is that much-needed “break” for me :)

In a nutshell, those sack races from my childhood turned out to be life-changing. Working alongside fellow sports enthusiasts (or those who share this mentality) is an absolute joy; they embrace a mindset of less complaining, more solution-oriented thinking, a long-term perspective, adept team rallying, and, above all, a genuine enjoyment of every “match” in life.

This list is a collection of everyday joys — sounds, sights, smells, and sentiments — that reveal the beauty in the ordinary.

1. Reflection of water in a swimming pool

2. A well-formatted text

3. Shape of a serif “g”

4. Smell of fresh ink

5. Full-length mirrors

6. A silent late-night walk

7. Tall brick walls

8. All kinds of rooftops

9. Long hand-written notes

10. Sound of autumn leaves crunch

11. Brown-paper cover on books

12. The number 4

13. Netflix’s ta-dum sound

14. XXL t-shirts

15. Smell of freshly cut grass

16. Sun rays seeping through window slits

17. Form of a split philodendron leaf

18. Mini wooden teaspoons

19. A clean pair of sneakers

20. Raindrops on the car windshield

21. Aloo paratha with butter and chai

22. Office’s (the show) intro sequence

43. Texture of wet clay

24. Witty writings on Paperboat’s packaging

25. Good usage of a semicolon

26. Sound of a flowing stream

27. A clean basketball shot

28. 80% dark chocolate

29. Uniball pens

30. Nike’s logo

31. Fresh burrata cheese

32. A good usage of the em dash — especially in poems

33. Resting in Dadi’s (grandma’s) lap

34. French windows

35. The ✨ emoji

36. Soft filament bulbs

37. Crisp sound of a sharp knife chopping

38. Eating mangoes with bare hands

39. Fleece blankets

40. Meaning of the word tiramisu

41. A no-meeting day at work

42. Well-crafted ligatures

43. The (old) Twitter’s branding

44. Diet Coke with lemon and ice

45. Vintage postcards

46. Spotify’s icons

47. Sheer curtains

48. Comfortable silences with loved ones

49. Hearing infectious laughter

50. The color heliotrope

51. Lists :)

I’ve been managing a team for over 2 years now. It started with leading a pod with 2 designers, to currently overlooking multiple product verticals with a team of 12 designers.

Here are my learnings, in no particular order –

• There’s going to be constant context-switching — different tasks, projects, priorities, even multiple times an hour.
• You’ll have to interact with a lot of people. Even on days when you don’t feel like it.
• Prepare for a lot of unsexy, yet crucial administrative tasks and meetings.
• Without realising, you’ll shape a mini culture within your team. This drastically affects the overall internal and external dynamics.
• Every designer and peer you work with has a preferred style of working. Embrace it and help them become more productive.
• Every team member will expect a different time commitment, involvement, and support from you.
• Effective delegation is an underrated tool.
• During specific periods, you won’t actually ‘design’ anything yourself.
• Days oscillate between extreme predictability and complete newness and fun. over time, you’re ready for anything and nothing surprises you.
• Brace yourself for a wide range of questions. especially in 1:1 meetings.
• Get ready to do a lot of writing: feedback, comments, action item lists, reviews…
• Designers often don’t recognize their own strengths. It’s your job to identify it and communicate it regularly.
• Take the time to genuinely appreciate good work. It’s a great morale booster.
• Set a high bar for work, but also be forgiving. Everyone makes mistakes.
• Managing up is a crucial skill. How you communicate the work and information directly influences how it is perceived.
• Being a storyteller becomes a regular part of your role, effortlessly getting the team pumped and excited on many days.
• Tough conversations and decisions are a part of your role.
• There are more reasons for people to not like you (yeah).
• You’ll have to respectfully navigate a pool of sub-par ideas and suggestions. directly shooting them down every time might not be the best approach.
• The team will pleasantly surprise you on some days. On others, they’ll fall short and disappoint. We’re all human.
• The thrill of a new launch never loses its excitement. You get to witness more of them now.
• A lot of your contributions become intangible. It may become difficult to quantify your impact at times.
• A highly motivated team is an absolute blessing — nothing beats intent, not even skills.
• The buck stops with you. Own up to decisions and outcomes.

With the onset of the virus right before summer, and humans locked down at homes, it seemed that the world was shutting down, one company at a time. Amidst this chaos and uncertainty, there was one domain that was booming. Social media. Now, more than ever, the world was craving human connections and looking for ways to emulate real-life experiences.

Being enthusiastic about this space, and excited to tackle this interesting problem at hand, I decided to spend my summer Airtime — a fast-paced growth-stage silicon valley startup. 🚀

This blog outlines my experience as a first-time product manager, touching on my challenges, experiences, and learnings in a remote internship.

The backstory

I come with a background in user-experience design and psychology. Having been in the tech space for a couple of years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of products ranging from hyperlocal delivery apps and enterprise software to experiential AR spatial designs. Despite loving every bit of my creative design job, I always craved to be part of the ‘behind the scenes’ process where major product decisions and calls were made. This summer, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and move away from the intricacies of “how” product experiences are created and delve into “why” these experiences matter in the first place.

One notion I was bullish about was working at a small growth-stage startup. Smaller teams ensure the wide-ranging variety of responsibilities, and building for a pre-PMF growth-stage company keeps you on your feet, where you’re shipping and learning through fast sprint cycles.

After my interview rounds and learning about the team and culture, Airtime checked off all the boxes and seemed like the perfect fit for what I was looking for.

The experience

I onboarded remotely from my home in Cambridge and set off the internship zoom-ing my way through team introductions throughout the day. Off the bat, I could see how passionate everyone was; beaming about the latest release or filling me in about what’s next for Airtime. Scattered across the globe (even before COVID), the team consisted of people from diverse backgrounds and phases of life. The one common thread that tied everyone was the enthusiasm, which was palpable.

My internship was structured in a manner that comprised of direct product responsibilities with fixed objectives, along with flexibility in picking up ambitious open-ended projects. Having a knack for design, my tasks during the first phase of the internship involved design-heavy, consumer-facing features.

The first project I picked was building video filters in the app. The north star metric was simple and straightforward — increase user engagement. ‘Filters’ was something the team was curious to build-out for a while now, and entrusted me with driving this from the ground up. Surfacing in the main experience of the app, this challenge was really exciting. My strategy in approaching this was to build upon from my learnings in design — Determine why are we building this. Identify user demographics. Establish where to surface in the app. Estimate the impact. After a fairly intense process of researching, ideating on the design, hypothesising the metric bump, and estimated dev impact, I drafted (my first ever) spec document. Before kicking off the feature with the teams, I decided to run it by the PM group and get some initial insights. Comments and suggestions starting pouring in, from considering backend details to novel ways of instrumenting the data. It dawned upon me that there were multiple essential touchpoints crucial in building products I hadn’t considered, segments that aren’t generally part of a general design process. To assist me with a direction, my mentor Bushra assisted me with putting together these missing pieces. We discussed at length about how to balance between hygiene and ambitious details, prioritisation techniques, when and where to conduct A/B tests, and most importantly scoping. The biggest learning from this exercise was the underrated skill of breaking down a mammoth task into small chunks. Setting mini-milestones and tackling them piece by piece lent in structure and made the process much smoother. The filters project involved immense collaboration with design, engineering, and analytics. From being a data noob, I became the person who kept a close eye on the company’s core metrics on a daily basis. I don’t want to let out too many details, so do keep an eye out for some fun filters on the Airtime app!

In a month, I had wrapped up two more app features and then entered into the second phase of my internship. Airtime was transcending into a web-version, and I had the opportunity to work with the Airtime Web team. Building features inside a polished product was one thing, but building an entirely new experience on a different platform felt like launching another startup of its own. With a stringent timeline in place, and a brand new team entirely dedicated to this project, I was ready to embark on this new challenge. Every week commenced with a 5-day agenda with regular check-ins with design and engineering. The process of building the web MVP involved working on anything and everything that was necessary for the project — testing iterations, working with the designers to create journey maps, instrumenting web events in the backend or even adding tasks to JIRA. I was part of the daily syncs and partook in the product, strategy, and go-to-market discussions. From its inception to releasing the staging build, I witnessed one of the fastest spring cycles I’d ever been a part of.

The third and final phase of my internship was all about growth experiments. A great strength of Airtime is the continuous experimentation of new ideas, trying, and testing unique, even traditionally risky features. My mission was to identify and collate interesting growth concepts that the team could quickly test. Being in a crowded market that was evolving quickly due to the pandemic, finding a niche was crucial. To shape this vision, I immersed myself completely in learning about the industry. I become a power user of tens of social apps from across the globe, curated my learnings from blogs, podcasts, Twitter, indulged in psychology to further understand digital identities and subcultures, and even spoke with a couple of startup experts. One of the most insightful discussions was with Turner Novak, who shed light on how investors evaluate the “next big thing”. Riddled with interesting social themes and fun domains, this research ended in shortlisting some key themes Airtime could venture into, and ideas relating to experiments to test the space.

What marked the highlight of my days were the PM team sync ups, reserved for every Friday. The team of 6 would come together and share their weekly learnings, intertwined with conversations around gaining feedback on the features they were driving, brainstorming their upcoming releases, sharing the newest products in the space, and seeking feedback on the releases. This catch-up of sorts was my mini weekly PM boot camp session. By observing each of the PMs approach and tackle issues, drive consensus, and lead teams, it assisted me in learning the intricacies of the role, and the wide variety of skills this role entails. Furthermore, the strengths and backgrounds of each individual were so distinctive — legal, arts, history, literature, economics, which added a unique flavor to everyone’s working style. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in these sessions, jotting away my learnings, sometimes nuggets of prioritization approaches, or congenial conflict resolution secrets, hopeful to implement and these in my day-to-day.

My learnings

There are multitudinous definitions of what really defines the role of a product manager. While everyone has their own variation of it, one attribute that is ubiquitously agreed upon is the sheer amount of valuable company resources PMs get to align. My action-plan to optimize the responsibility this role gave me, was to structure my work in a way that made the best use of the company’s efforts.

The 3 core learnings to drive this:

1. Be a great communicator

You’re working with multiple teams to get stuff done. With zero people reporting directly to you, the responsibility of representing and championing the feature falls on your shoulders. Why should the engineers spend x hours of the week working on this? Why should the designer prioritize y over z? Is the A/B test even required? Questions, advice, queries, and ideas will pour onto you, and you’re meant to ensure that everyone who’s a part of this is on the same page.

Being a thorough and persuasive communicator helps everyone feel heard, understands their impact your team is having, and eventually, feels valued. Now this answer is different for each team, and even for each person. What helps in this process is being brutally honest, and understanding and being thorough with the ‘why’. Setting the right expectations by being sincere always turned out to be the best approach.

2. Know the ins and outs

A great way to identify potential areas of improvement for the product is to become a superuser. As for me, I swapped Facetime with Airtime, created group chats with my closest friends on the platform, and binge-watched content here instead of Youtube. I also made sure to be a part of the regular user interviews and testing sessions, keeping an ongoing excel sheet with the common themes of annoyances they were facing.

Airtime also hosts daily ‘Watch Parties’ — events by artists, creators, influences, musicians, and performers on the platform, for everyone in the company to tune into. From watching afternoon bukwangs to late-night ghost stories, these Watch parties covered a gamut of genres, demographics, and emotions (and also a great means to peek into the GenZ life).

3. Leverage your strengths

The role of a PM is sometimes over-glorified; stated as the “CEO of the feature”, or someone who is great at everything. In reality, this role is super murky and very difficult to put a label on. I believe that instead of mastering all the skills out there, identify your forté. What are the core strengths that differentiate you? Be interested in turning these strengths from good to excellent, and leveraging these as your superpower as a PM.

My manager, Bushra, put her own spin on this definition -

“You’re like a chef. There’s an eclectic array of ingredients at your disposal and it is upto you to pick the right ones, in the right quantity, in the right order, and cook up the most delicious medley one has ever seen.”

No two PMs are the same, and beauty lies in identifying what you, finding a zone, and optimizing for that.

All in all, my learning from this has been phenomenal. Working on a great diversity of projects, with some of the smartest people, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to transition into product management. With so much to learn and explore, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

What’s next?

I head back to my academic life to complete my final year at Harvard. It’s been one amazing journey to work with Airtime, and I can’t wait to work with this lovely bunch again.

PM Intern Experience at a Growth Stage Silicon Valley Startup was originally published in The Startup on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

What’s Dunzo all about?

Dunzo is a technology company, that connects you to the nearest delivery partner, to shop, pick up or deliver products right at your doorstep. Your daily chores, the last minute gift you need to purchase or even picking up your laptop charger left at work — Dunzo gets it all delivered.

At Dunzo, our mission is simple: to be the logistics layer of every city.

UX design touches all parts of Dunzo — we’re equipped to build a design that works for our users, partners and last, but not least, our merchants, both large and small. We’re essentially taking the offline world and translating that to the online world using technology — and we literally build for mini-cities within our app.

We were recently voted #3 on LinkedIn’s Top Startups in India and here’s why. The Dunzo team gets an on-ground opportunity to shape a product for users across cities. It takes a lot of hard work, long hours and sweat, which is why we seek passionate problem solvers, because we hope to solve a tough problem, with the very best of minds.

What’s designing at Dunzo like?

Think of the startup as a new teenage kid on the block who is relishing in the newfound freedom and independence. He’s out on this journey of self-discovery and exploration and wants to try out every trend and fad that exists, in this journey of self-discovery. Similarly, at Dunzo, in our war against exponential growth, we relentlessly aim to test out multiple ideas, experiments and campaigns until we find what works best for our consumers. And yes, we exist in one of the most complex business spaces entailing a three-sided consumer approach consisting of our users, partners, and merchants.

We’re building something that aims to change how people live and get-by their daily lives in a city and you literally have the superpower of designing the daily life of an urbanite.

Designing at this hyper-growth startup is not a cakewalk. Every day comes with its own set of challenges, there will be days where you may not design anything at all and spend your time troubleshooting an issue with the PMs. One afternoon you might find yourself designing in the back of a cab, on another, shooting a video and sometimes actually doing deliveries on the road.

You get to build something that’s never been built before and seeing your work have a real-world impact on millions of users, partners and merchants is what Dunzo is about. This not only means parallel projects and tight deadlines, but also tons of coordination and collaboration with teams ranging from engineering and product to marketing, sales, operations, and even the CEO.

It might sound taxing, but all of this becomes worthy when you see little things around you — grandkids teaching their grandparents the app, our delivery partners showing off their swag to their children or a simple appreciation tweet from a happy user at 3 AM. These are experiences each one of us at Dunzo would have had and it goes without saying is definitely the best form of satisfaction one can have.

What problems are we currently tackling?

👑 One app to rule ‘em all

We’re on a mission to perfect the blend good UX and psychology to make people’s lives easier. Spanning over eight categories, we want to make Dunzo a part and parcel of everyone’s lives — thereby becoming a habit.

🚀 Bets on the Future

While we wait for someone to build a time machine, Dunzo imagines a world in the future and builds for it today. Could we use voice assistants to place and track orders? What would shopping in a virtual reality environment look like? Can we make payments smooth and seamless?

🇮🇳 Unorganized to organized

We envision a product that works perfectly for someone wanting to start a home business in the midst of a metropolitan city to someone trying to sell coconuts on the streets with limited internet connectivity.

👌 Best experience for our holy trinity

We’re equally obsessive about our partners and merchants as much as we are of our users. A given transaction is considered five-star experience only if it holds true for all three consumers. And how do we ensure that every delivery is a five-star one, is something we’re striving for.

You as a designer will get the opportunity to bring this abstraction to reality.

Core values we live by

1. We’re customer obsessed

Being regular users of Dunzo ourselves, we’re passionate about delivering a great experience to our consumers- users, partners, and merchants. We believe that you can’t create exceptional experiences until you’ve been in the shoes of the user, and performing deliveries on the road, personally tackling support issues and talking with users on a regular basis helps us understand problems from all perspectives.

2. We believe in 100–100

Everyone’s voice matters! We believe in 100–100 ownership, which means that we are collectively responsible for the outcome. If you spot a better way of doing something, you get to work on that project and help better Dunzo. This is what drives us every day and inspires us to do better.

3. In data we trust

At Dunzo, if you don’t have data, you just have an opinion. We make sure that every conversation is data led — be it a new feature, an icon change or a sale campaign. The secret is to test, measure, learn and repeat.

4. We celebrate

We work hard, and party harder. It’s crucial for us to celebrate our wins — generously and together!

Interested? Let’s have a chat.

Send your application to workwithus@dunzo.in.

If you want to know more about being a designer at Dunzo — reach out at charmie@dunzo.in or any of my social media handles! 😄

📝 Read this story later in Journal.

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