Some conversations reaffirm why we do what we do.
Aadika Sharma and Tina Laroia, two amazing members of our IT By Design family, recently sat down with me to discuss their experiences, our culture, and the lessons they have learned. What began as a career path reflection swiftly evolved into an energizing conversation on growth, community, and the fundamental principles that support ITBD.
The ITBD Journey: Growth Through Opportunity
Both Aadika and Tina have dedicated years to ITBD, growing into leadership roles and making a meaningful impact.
Aadika, who joined in 2016, reminisced about her remarkable ternary of seven years. Starting as a fresh graduate and later transforming into the Assistant Manager of HR and now Manager- HR, she has continually learned and benefitted from an excellent mentorship.
Tina, who is near the six-year mark with ITBD, also shared a comment like this – her journey is one of transformation, self-development, and filled with incredible mentor and leadership support.
Their stories remind us that career progression is not about just changing levels and positions; it is also redefining one’s approach, undertaking new responsibilities, and working relentlessly through every circumstance.
The ITBD Culture: A Community That Thrives Together
I asked them how they would describe ITBD’s culture and their answers resonated deeply.
Tina spoke about our culture of collaboration and continuous transformation. She highlighted the growth mindset we foster, where challenges are opportunities to learn and win.
For Aadika, ITBD’s culture is rooted in community. She shared how our TCW principle—The Collaborative Way, which emphasizes being there for each other—sets us apart. Whether it’s personal or professional support, ITBD is a place where people genuinely care for one another. Aadika remarked on how our global team stood by each other, even during the toughest of times, proving that our values are strongly ingrained and are an integral part of our culture.
Lessons That Shape Careers and Lives
I love asking people about the biggest lessons they’ve learned—because growth comes from shared wisdom. Here’s what Aadika and Tina had to say:
Aadika’s Top Three Career Lessons:
- Prioritize mental and physical health: You can only take care of others if you are in healthy shape yourself. Self-care takes precedence over everything!
- Commit to lifelong learning: Growth never stops. Keep pushing yourself to learn, evolve, and adapt.
- Hard work beats luck: Don’t leave success to chance. Invest valuable efforts that drive change no matter how much hard work it requires.
Tina’s Key Takeaways:
- Don’t fear failure: Every setback is a stepping-stone to growth and learning.
- Be grateful for your health and well-being: We chase material success and forget to appreciate our health.
- Invest in self-care: ITBD’s commitment to well-being has inspired her to make health a priority—she even started a low-sugar challenge and remains committed!
A Culture Built by People
Listening to Aadika and Tina reinforced what I’ve always believed: culture isn’t built by policies or mission statements. Rather, it stems directly from what individuals are inherently comprised of.
At ITBD, our commitment to growth, community, and well-being isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we experience, together.
To everyone reading this: Keep growing, keep supporting, and keep showing up for each other. That’s what makes ITBD more than just a workplace—it makes us a family.
