Some conversations don’t just celebrate team milestones—they awaken something deeper.
In the latest from Culture and Career Corner, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two remarkable team members who work closely with me every day—Prince Chauhan and Sameer Shukla. What started out as a discussion about their experiences transformed into an amazing analysis of learning, leadership, and the spirit that unites us all.
From the Himachal Hills to the Center of ITBD
Prince’s tale exemplifies perseverance, modesty, and dedication. He told us about his upbringing in Himachal Pradesh, his early work at Apple in Bangalore, and joining IT By Design in 2015.
What stood out? The way Prince talked about every role he’s held here—not just as a job, but as a stepping-stone in his own evolution. From Consultant to Program Manager, his path is marked by curiosity, gratitude, and continuous learning. “I’m still growing and I’m helping others grow too,” he shared—and that right there captures the spirit of ITBD.
Home, Not Just a Workplace
Sameer’s journey is shorter in years, but profound in impact. He joined us in 2021, and yet it feels like he’s been part of the family forever. I hear his name constantly when I speak to the partners. They talk about his service, presence, and the care he brings to every relationship. That kind of alignment doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from shared values and purpose.
Sameer said something powerful: “It feels like home away from home. Not even for a day have I ever felt alone.” This is what a warm, empathetic culture looks like, right? The one rooted in genuine employee care and collaboration.
But What Exactly Is Our Culture?
When I asked them to describe ITBD’s culture, both Prince and Sameer pointed to the same core value: oneness.
Prince described our culture as collaborative—a place where roles don’t determine the value of ideas. “Whether you’ve just graduated or been here 10 years, your voice is heard. Feedback is welcomed. Respect is constant.”
Sameer called out the cohesiveness—the unity across teams, the alignment of purpose, and the way we rally around one another. “It’s not about hierarchy—it’s about humanity.”
And that word—humanity—sparked something deep in our conversation. I shared how I believe we are all connected. If we see others as an extension of God himself and become more spiritual, then the real transformation begins. In a world so often divided by politics, religion, and ego, work can become a place that heals, unites, and uplifts.
That’s what we strive for at ITBD. Not just collaboration. But connection, collaboration, and growth.
Lessons That Stick—Long After the Workday Ends
One of my favorite parts of these conversations is asking about life lessons. Because true leadership isn’t just what you know—it’s what you pass on.
Prince shared two profound anchors in his life: running and reading. Running, he says, teaches you to silence that inner voice that wants to quit—and if you can win that battle on the road, you can win it in life. Reading, he added, connects us to the millions who came before us—people who’ve already solved the problems we’re facing now. “There’s no new problem you could have that someone hasn’t written a book about.”
Sameer brought his 3D mantra: Dedication, Devotion, and Determination. It’s not just a work ethic—it’s a mindset for life. He also spoke about a powerful idea from Atomic Habits: “If you improve just 1% every day, you’ll be unrecognizable in 99 days.” That’s what culture looks like in motion—habitual growth, day by day.
Leadership as Reproduction of Self
John C. Maxwell often reminds me: You share what you know, but you reproduce who you are.
And in both Prince and Sameer, I see this truth in action. When leaders lead with kindness, clarity, and consistency, those qualities echo across teams. That’s why our internal culture and external partnerships feel so aligned. People-centered leadership reproduces people-centered results.
Final Reflection: When Growth Feels Like Family
This community is unique since it is based on individuals rather than procedures. Our team’s reflections on culture reinforce the idea that we are fostering mutual growth rather than merely advancing careers.
To Prince and Sameer: thank you for your integrity, your heart, and your impact.
To every ITBD team member and leader reading this: Let’s keep growing—not just as professionals, but as people. Let’s build a workplace that leads with empathy, celebrates oneness, and reflects the very best of what it means to be human.
