Uma Maheswari Chandrabose

During a work trip to the United States, after finishing my work, I decided to visit an aquarium in Boston by myself. I wasn't well prepared—I had no local SIM or way to contact anyone. I had arranged for a cab driver to pick me up at a specific time, but he never showed up. 

Standing there alone, I began to feel nervous. I didn't know how to contact anyone or what to do next. After asking around and walking some distance, I finally managed to find another cab. 

That's when I met a driver from Greece. After I explained my situation, he immediately reassured me. His calmness helped me settle down, and despite the traffic, he kept talking to put me at ease and made sure I reached my destination on time. 

I don't know who he is, but I will always be grateful for his kindness and for helping me when I needed it most. 

One quality that has stayed with me from childhood is that I never give up easily. 

I may move slower than others, but I stay consistent in what I do. Once I take up something, I keep going at my own pace without stopping. 

For example, when climbing a steep hill, others may move faster at the beginning, but their pace may reduce over time. I continue steadily at the same pace, and that helps me reach the top. 

For me, it’s not about speed, but about not giving up and staying consistent. This has been with me since childhood, and it continues to guide me in everything I do.

Two experiences in my journey have truly strengthened me. 

One was during the Scheduler implementation in my development phase. The project was already delayed, the team had changed, and the scope was much larger than I had planned. It pushed me to handle pressure, work through uncertainty, and take greater ownership. When we finally rolled it out successfully, after a lot of team effort, it gave me a strong sense of confidence. 

The second was when I conducted a workshop at a React conference after moving to the Growth Hacking team. Until then, I had only handled online webinars, so stepping into a live, video-enabled setting was new to me. I felt a bit nervous at first, but once the session began, everything went smoothly. Completing it gave me the confidence to step forward and take on similar opportunities. 

Both experiences challenged me in different ways, but more importantly, they helped me trust my ability and grow stronger. 

Whenever I go through something difficult, travel helps me reset. More than anything, spending quiet time in nature gives me a different kind of peace, and trekking, especially, has that effect on me. 

During that time, my mind naturally shifts into the experience - the climb, the path ahead, and the effort it takes to keep going. My focus stays only on what is happening there, and everything else fades into the background. 

By the time I come back, I feel clearer, more refreshed, and better able to handle things with a stronger mindset. 

One of the most meaningful feedback moments for me came after I completed the Scheduler component implementation. 

Vijay sir told me that I had handled it well and that it showed I could take ownership and deliver with the right approach. What stayed with me was not just the appreciation, but the trust he expressed - that I could take on more and contribute beyond development, including areas like creating video assets for the product. 

That moment made me feel that I had truly proven myself and that my work was valued.

A hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara, Kenya is a memory I always think of with a smile. 

Before sunrise, I set out into the wilderness with a quiet sense of excitement. As we drove through the landscape, we began spotting animals in the distance - hyenas and rhinoceroses - moving freely in their own world. 

Then we reached the location for our hot air balloon ride. I got into it, and as it slowly lifted, everything felt exciting. Watching the wildlife from above, seeing them move across the vast stretch of land, was such a beautiful and surreal feeling. There was a sense of calm, but at the same time, it felt adventurous. 

We then landed in the middle of the forest, where breakfast was set up for us. Sitting there, surrounded by nature after such an experience, felt simple and perfect. 

Even now, whenever I think about it, it brings back that same feeling - and an effortless smile.

Drawing and painting have always been an interest. While there isn’t as much time for them now, it’s something I still enjoy whenever possible. 

Music is another interest. Listening to it and singing have always been part of my routine. Travel is something I value as well, as it provides a break from routine and brings a fresh perspective.