Thangavel Ellappan

Coming from a biology background and a rural village, I entered college with very little exposure to computers. Initially, everything felt unfamiliar, but that uncertainty gradually changed as I began learning programming and discovered that I genuinely enjoyed it.

A defining moment came when I worked on the Radial Menu component in the Mobile team. Building it involved mathematical concepts, logical thinking, and exploring different approaches to make the component work as expected.

That experience helped me recognize a strength I hadn't seen in myself before. The mathematics I had learned was now helping me solve technical problems and build something meaningful. It gave me the confidence that I could find my own path in this field.

For someone who had once wondered whether a career in technology was right for me, that realization meant a lot. I was no longer trying to find my place in an unfamiliar field—I had discovered how my own strengths could help me belong there.

One thing that has stayed with me since childhood is the desire to always do better. Once I complete something, I naturally start thinking about what I can improve the next time. That mindset continues in my work today. Whenever we release a product or feature, my next thought is, "How can we make this even better in the next release?"

What has changed is the way I express myself. Earlier, I was hesitant to voice my thoughts, but over time, my managers encouraged me to communicate more openly, which gradually helped me overcome that hesitation.

Today, if I have an idea or see an opportunity to improve a product, I'm comfortable bringing it into discussions, even with senior managers and during Product Owner meetings. The suggestion may or may not be taken forward, but I've learned that contributing my perspective matters. What once held me back has gradually become one of the ways I contribute with confidence.

When I face a difficult situation, I don't always try to force an immediate solution. Sometimes, I step away for a while and give myself the space to think, because staying focused on the same issue continuously doesn't always lead to a fresh idea.

Even a short break of ten minutes or half an hour can make a difference. Although I've stepped away from the task, my mind continues to process it in the background. When I return, I often see the situation from a different perspective and have a clearer sense of what to try next.

I've learned that not every challenge needs to be solved immediately. Sometimes, a little distance and patience are all it takes to find the way forward.

To me, leadership is mainly about understanding people. Every person in a team is different, so the way we guide them and assign responsibilities should also be different.

When a leader understands each person's strengths and approaches them in a way that works for them, it becomes easier to bring out their best. I believe good people management naturally leads to better quality in the work the team delivers.

When I think about my greatest personal achievement, it's how far I've come from where I started.

When I was in fourth standard, I had a gap in my education and spent that time helping my parents with work on our land and grazing goats and cattle. I still remember watching other children going to school wearing ties and thinking, "One day, I want to wear a tie and go to school like them." It was a simple wish then, but today, that memory means much more to me.

From those days in my village to completing my education and building a career, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. Even today, people in my village sometimes say, "He used to graze goats, and look where he is working now." Hearing that gives me a quiet sense of pride.

For me, my real achievement isn't just where I am today—it's the distance I've travelled to get here and the life I once could only imagine.

Beyond work, I enjoy spending time on my land. Working there involves physical effort, but it gives me a different kind of satisfaction and helps me step away from my usual routine.

Family time is equally important to me. On weekends, I especially enjoy being with my child, playing together and making the most of the time we have. These simple experiences help me relax, recharge, and stay connected to what matters most to me.

One person I will always be grateful to is my headmaster. During my early school years, circumstances made it difficult for me to continue my education for a period of time. At that crucial stage, my headmaster personally reached out to my family and encouraged me to return to school. His intervention helped me continue my education and became an important turning point in my life. Even today, I remain grateful that he saw the importance of my education and took the effort to guide me back at the right time.

Professionally, I'm grateful to Saravanan G, who has always been someone I can turn to whenever I face a challenge or need guidance. Whether it's a question at work or even a situation in my personal life, I value his perspective and the advice he shares with me.