Gaurish Lawande

Engineering

Accidental Engineer

Growing up in the by-lanes of old Mumbai, friends were life and cricket the religion, the young mind knew no fear and was confused. I wanted to join a culinary school (Yes, I am a damn good cook and so says my daughter ☺) but got beaten into engineering though I hated math and science. In the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s in a middle-class Indian household you were deemed successful only if you were an Engineer, Doctor or Chartered Accountant. However, the best part was that I saw it through, that I believe was my first show of grit & it instilled much needed confidence in me.

Starting out in customer support, in a short-time I realized this is what I enjoyed, loved every bit of breaking and fixing machines, interacting with customers, solving their problems, and building relationships with customers, partners and colleagues. These have stood the test of time, some of them went on to become CxO’s and have helped me learn and grow.

The lessons I have learnt…

- Invest time in relationships. I am still friends & close with my gang from school….!!!
- You can never be successful alone. When you are successful there is always someone looking after you & helps comes in different ways.
- Always…Always…Always…Be humble, help anyone you can and remember those who helped you. You are just a means to execute the plans of the almighty.
- Talent is useless without determination, grit & perseverance.
- Customer is King, never lie to them, never let them down!!!

Being comfortable in my day-to-day job made me uncomfortable. I needed a challenge, joining DevRev provides me an opportunity to build from scratch, challenge the existing systems and norms. Working with young and talented colleagues is a learning and I am looking forward to it so much…