You have been an engineer by training, a strategic designer by profession, an entrepreneur, and an active mentor for teams and professionals. Having worn so many different hats in your career so far, please share how you have navigated each chapter. What have been some key learnings you’ve gained through each experience?

Navigating my career has been quite a journey. Throughout, I have embraced a philosophy of never saying no to opportunities. This openness has been pivotal in my career, allowing me to explore diverse roles and responsibilities.

Initially, I pursued engineering because it was almost a given if you score well in your high school. But my creative side kept nudging me, so I dabbled in design and marketing internships throughout college.

The real turning point came when I decided to quit my software engineering job at Accenture. With a three-month notice period ahead of me, I dove into creating design case studies and landed a role at Times Internet, where I launched Dineout and Filmipop. This leap opened doors to a global adventure with Human Factors International, consulting clients and teaching design courses in various countries. Then, over a casual coffee chat, a friend at BCG suggested I apply for a strategic design role with BCG Platinion, and that’s how I shifted into that field. Throughout this time, freelancing on the side helped me refine my craft and earn extra money, keeping my entrepreneurial spirit alive.

A couple years ago, I found myself mentoring peers and professionals on design, product, and digital strategies, leading to formal mentorship roles through ADP List. This mentoring experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to share my journey and insights with others. Investing genuinely in people has helped me build a robust and supportive network, crucial for personal and professional growth. It has also taught me that leveraging the diverse skill sets everyone brings to the table is essential.

This collaborative approach fosters innovation and efficiency. Moreover, I always zoom out to look at the big picture, ensuring that my actions align with long-term goals. Constant self-check-ins and being my authentic self have been vital in maintaining integrity and passion in my work. Trusting my instincts has often guided me in making sound decisions amidst uncertainties.

Embracing continuous learning and staying adaptable to change have been significant in navigating each chapter of my career successfully. Each step—engineering, design, entrepreneurship, and mentorship—has shaped me into a versatile professional, ready to tackle diverse challenges.

As a full-time strategic designer and mentor, how do you prioritize your goals and opportunities while managing multiple career endeavors simultaneously?

One invaluable lesson from BCG is the importance of context switching. Being comfortable with switching contexts is crucial when juggling multiple roles. Managing my calendar first thing in the morning and spending an hour on Sunday evening to set up my week helps in prioritizing tasks effectively. Booking time for workouts and self-improvement activities ensures that health and personal growth do not get sidelined. Treating these as essential meetings helps maintain a balanced lifestyle.

While at BCG, you were the functional leader for the Pride@BCG network for the Asia-Pacific region. How did the network support you and your growth—professionally and personally—during your time at BCG and even after, in terms of the relationships and opportunities encouraged by the network?

Being part of Pride@BCG helped me build stronger connections within BCG. Outside my case work, I knew I had a support system that offered both personal and professional growth opportunities. This network allowed me to step up and contribute through mentorship and various community activities, making my time at BCG more enriching and fulfilling.

As a functional leader for the Pride@BCG network in the Asia-Pacific region, I had the opportunity to engage in conversations with Maike (who led the EU network for the Business Services cohort) and her team in Europe and colleagues in Australia and Tokyo. Managing those different time zones wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. I learned a great deal from the initiatives in different regions, contributed my insights, and played a role in growing the network. This role was truly cherished, and I still miss the dynamic interactions and the continuous learning that came with it.

When I moved to Australia, the network proved invaluable. Alan Wong, who led ANZ Pride@BCG at the time and now leads the network from an APAC regional perspective, played a crucial role in helping me navigate the different work cultures and systems within the ANZ region. His support and the resources he provided were instrumental in helping me settle in—and we eventually became good friends. He also introduced me to other members, many of whom have become close friends.

The relationships and support from Pride@BCG continue to benefit me even after my time at BCG. I keep in touch with friends in Australia and meet up with Pride@BCG India members whenever I’m in India. This network has provided me with a lasting community that extends beyond professional boundaries, enriching my personal life with meaningful connections and ongoing support.

Are there any lessons that you took with you from your time at BCG that continue to influence how you mentor and lead your current team? How do you leverage your BCG skill set in your role today?

The ability to tell a compelling story is a crucial skill I honed at BCG. By refining presentations, we become articulate and can tailor our narratives to different audiences. This skill is invaluable in my current role, where clear and impactful communication is key. Optimizing team workflows is another area where BCG training shines. I focus on setting up efficient cadences and maximizing team productivity. These practices, rooted in my BCG experience, continue to influence how I mentor and lead today.

What do you envision for the future of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in leadership, particularly in the design and technology industries?

I envision a future where members of the LGBTQIA+ community thrive as their authentic selves, supported by strong networks and leadership. In the design and technology industries, the vibrant and passionate leaders welcome discussions and collaboration (I’m happy to speak to any of you any time). Every conference I attend in Australia reinforces this, with new friendships forming and a shared commitment to community growth.

While some regions still face challenges, collective effort and mutual support can overcome these barriers. By leveraging networks like Pride@BCG and the broader industry, we can create an inclusive and thriving environment for all. The journey may have its challenges, but with solidarity and determination, it will be immensely rewarding.