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.

Essa abordagem colaborativa promove a inovação e a eficiência. Além disso, eu sempre zoom para olhar para o cenário geral, garantindo que minhas ações se alinhem aos objetivos de longo prazo. Constantes auto-check-ins e ser meu eu autêntico têm sido vitais para manter a integridade e a paixão em meu trabalho. Confiar em meus instintos muitas vezes me guiou a tomar decisões de som em meio a incertezas. Cada etapa - engenharia, design, empreendedorismo e orientação - me transformou em um profissional versátil, pronto para enfrentar diversos desafios. The journey may have its challenges, but with solidarity and determination, it will be immensely rewarding.”

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 A troca de contextos é crucial ao fazer o malabarismo de várias funções. PRIDE@BCG Network para a região da Ásia-Pacífico. Fora do meu trabalho, eu sabia que tinha um sistema de apoio que oferecia oportunidades de crescimento pessoal e profissional. Essa rede me permitiu intensificar e contribuir através da orientação e várias atividades da comunidade, tornando meu tempo no BCG mais enriquecedor e gratificante.

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?

A capacidade de contar uma história atraente é uma habilidade crucial que eu aprimorei no BCG. Ao refinar as apresentações, nos tornamos articulados e podemos adaptar nossas narrativas a diferentes públicos. Essa habilidade é inestimável no meu papel atual, onde a comunicação clara e impactante é fundamental. Otimizar os fluxos de trabalho da equipe é outra área em que o treinamento do BCG brilha. Eu me concentro em estabelecer cadências eficientes e maximizar a produtividade da equipe. Essas práticas, enraizadas na minha experiência de BCG, continuam a influenciar como eu mentor e lidero hoje. Nas indústrias de design e tecnologia, os líderes vibrantes e apaixonados recebem discussões e colaboração (fico feliz em falar com qualquer um de vocês a qualquer momento). Toda conferência que frequento na Austrália reforça isso, com novas amizades formando e um compromisso compartilhado com o crescimento da comunidade. Ao alavancar redes como o Pride@BCG e o setor mais amplo, podemos criar um ambiente inclusivo e próspero para todos. A jornada pode ter seus desafios, mas com solidariedade e determinação, será imensamente gratificante. Conteúdo em destaque

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.