Some conversations don’t just reflect the spirit of a company—they help shape its soul.
I recently sat down with two incredible leaders from IT By Design, Nitin Singh and Gaurav Vaid, for a heartfelt chat on our Culture & Career Corner podcast. What began as a conversation about career journeys quickly turned into something deeper—an honest, uplifting look at growth, values, and the power of community.
From Engineer to Leader: Nitin’s Career Journey
Nitin’s story is the kind of story we live for at ITBD. With over 21 years of experience in IT across companies like Microsoft, EPS, and Convergys, he brought a wealth of knowledge when he joined us over six years ago. But what stood out to me most wasn’t just his résumé—it was his mindset.
Nitin started here as an engineer and has since grown into a leadership role as Technical Services Manager. He shared how much he’s learned and groomed himself professionally at ITBD—I’ve seen it firsthand. His work ethic, his leadership, and even his hidden talent for singing at our retreats are just some of the things that make him special.
And I meant what I said to him on the show—his journey isn’t just continuing, it’s accelerating. Because at ITBD, growth is mutual. When you invest in your people, the return is exponential.
Gaurav’s Journey of Growth and Gratitude
Then there’s Gaurav, who joined IT By Design in November 2016. As he recalls his very first day, the vivid memories still shine bright—his commute to the Chandigarh office, the excitement, the anticipation. “The entire picture is still so clear in my eyes,” Gaurav shared. “It was so beautiful.”
Nearly nine years later, Gaurav reflects on a career filled with growth, energy, and endless learning opportunities. “It’s been amazing so far,” he said. “I’ve acquired so many new skills and knowledge, and one of the standout experiences has been the leadership training sessions every Friday. They’ve truly been invaluable.”
But it’s not just the technical and leadership growth that stands out to Gaurav—it’s the culture. When asked to describe what IT By Design’s culture means to him, Gaurav was clear: “We genuinely value our employees. The focus on work-life balance, mental and physical health, and overall well-being is something I’ve never seen at this level before.”
He emphasized that the commitment to employee wellness doesn’t just stay at work. “What’s most amazing is how these sessions and values ripple into my personal life. I share what I learn with my family, making sure we all benefit from the knowledge and habits I’ve picked up here.”
For Gaurav, IT By Design’s culture is rooted in the belief that happy, healthy employees are the most productive. “We recognize and reward contributions, and it truly feels like a place where people are seen and appreciated.”
What Culture Means—In Their Words
When I asked about our culture, both Nitin and Gaurav said something that stopped me in my tracks—because it echoed everything I believe as a founder.
Gaurav described ITBD’s culture as deeply value-driven and community-oriented. He pointed out that our core values aren’t just words on the walls—they’re brought to life by the people living them every day. He mentioned how, from the very first interaction with a team member, it’s about connecting through shared values. That’s the essence of strong culture—it binds people before processes ever do.
For Nitin, the word was community. “We work together, we party together, we care for each other professionally and personally,” he said. And he’s right. Culture isn’t an initiative—it’s a way of being. And when we have over 600 people across the US, Canada, India, and the Philippines, it takes every leader to carry the torch.
I can do my part, but it’s leaders like Nitin and Gaurav who truly bring that culture to life at the grassroots.
Life Lessons Worth Sharing
One of my favorite questions to ask: What are the top life lessons you’d share with the world?
Because leadership isn’t just about KPIs or technical excellence—it’s about wisdom, and the courage to pass it on.
Here’s what Nitin shared:
- Focus on your health – “Energy is everything,” he said. And I couldn’t agree more.
- Never stop learning – Lifelong learning is the only way to stay relevant and inspired.
- Love your community and family – Whether at home or at work, relationships matter most.
- There are no shortcuts – Sustainable success is earned, not hacked.
Gaurav added his own thoughtful perspective:
- Live by core values – They create belonging and purpose.
- Stay disciplined – Discipline sharpens focus and boosts productivity.
- Be resilient – Strength and perseverance are key to navigating challenges.
Both of them embody what it means to lead—with purpose, humility, and a commitment to lift others as they rise.
Final Thoughts
To end the conversation, I had to make a small request—because no episode with Nitin would be complete without a bit of music. And sure enough, he closed it out with a few lines of “Hotel California,” proving once again that leadership comes in many forms—and sometimes with a melody.
To Nitin and Gaurav: a heartfelt thank you. For showing up. For stepping up. And for reminding us that real success is shared success.
To everyone reading this: wherever you are in your journey, keep learning, keep leading, and always remember—when we grow, everything around us grows, too.
