Prakash Perumal

Professionally, one of my biggest inspirations has been my first manager, Jegan. During a phase when I felt discouraged after making a mistake, he helped me regain my confidence. He reminded me that no one can be perfect all the time and that steady progress matters more than perfection. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my journey. 

I have also been inspired by my colleague, Sridhar. I admired the way he analyzed situations and explained them with clarity. Watching him taught me the importance of communicating clearly, staying focused, and expressing only what is necessary. 

On a personal level, MS Dhoni has always been a source of inspiration. I admire the calmness with which he handles pressure and makes decisions in challenging situations. His composure has inspired me to approach both work and life with greater patience and balance. 

I am especially grateful to my former Team Lead, Nagalakshmi, for the support and guidance she gave me during the time I worked with her. That phase played an important role in my learning and growth. 

Whenever I was stuck, she patiently helped me understand the problem and guided me toward the right solution. Although she was in a Scrum Master role, she remained closely involved with the team, regularly sharing her ideas while also listening to our suggestions and encouraging good ones. 

What I appreciated most was the way she handled mistakes. Instead of simply pointing them out, she took the time to explain what could be done better and helped me move forward with confidence. During that period, I learned a lot from her, and for that, I remain truly thankful. 

Two moments of recognition have stayed with me throughout my journey. The first came during my early days in the team. Soon after I joined, I completed a task that had also been assigned to others who joined with me. After reviewing my work, my manager appreciated my clear analysis and understanding of the task and said I was a good fit for the team. That was the first recognition I received, and it has remained special ever since. 

Another memorable moment came while I was handling customer consulting. After attending a few calls with my lead, I was trusted to manage customer discussions on my own. The customer appreciated my approach and the quality of the solutions I provided. That feedback reached my lead through the sales team and was recognized within my team. 

Both these moments gave me confidence and reassured me that I was moving in the right direction. 

Earlier, I used to go to the gym regularly, and although I am not able to continue it as consistently now, I still value staying active. 

One hobby I especially enjoy is bike riding. It helps me clear my mind and recharge. Sometimes, I go on short rides just to enjoy the fresh air and unwind. Earlier, when I travelled to the office regularly, I would occasionally ride from Chennai to my native place, Pondicherry. The journey, the scenery, and the peaceful breaks along the way made those rides especially memorable. 

For me, these simple moments are a great way to relax, refresh, and maintain a balance between work and life. 

One achievement that remains especially meaningful to me goes back to my school days. In my higher secondary examinations, I secured second rank in my school. It was a government-aided school where there were not enough teachers for a few subjects, so learning came with its own challenges. 

Despite those limitations, one of my close friends and I studied together and motivated each other throughout that period. He secured first rank, I secured second, and we were the only two students in our batch to score above eighty percent. 

That achievement taught me that determination and consistent effort can help overcome difficult circumstances, and it continues to be a moment I feel proud of. 

If I could relive one phase of my life, it would be around 2017, when I had the chance to work closely with a customer team in Hyderabad. It was my first experience of travelling by flight and working in a completely new environment. 

That time introduced me to new people, different ways of working, and regular collaboration with customer teams, which naturally helped me improve my communication. It also gave me the confidence to take on new challenges as my efforts were recognized and appreciated. 

What I remember most is the enthusiasm and energy I had every day. I was always eager to learn, contribute, and make the most of every experience. Even today, it remains one of the most memorable phases of my journey, and I would happily relive it. 

My advice to young professionals is to stay curious and never stop learning. Technology is constantly evolving, so growing in your career means being willing to learn, adapt, and keep building new skills. Whenever you have the opportunity, invest your time in learning because it is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 

At the same time, remember that success is not just about work. Building a fulfilling career also means maintaining a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. Give your family and loved ones the time they deserve, because when you find that balance, you are better equipped to grow, perform well, and enjoy the journey along the way.