Every culture has its storytellers.
I’ve always held the opinion at IT By Design that our most authentic narratives aren’t those found in leadership memos or on stage. They are lived in the ordinary moments that make us who we are, silently and continuously.
On a recent episode of our Culture and Career Corner podcast, hosted by Anamika, I got to listen to one such story unfold: a story of transformation, gratitude, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This one came from our very own Service Delivery Manager, Vishal Dogra, who leads from our Chandigarh office.
From Enterprise to MSP: A Leap of Faith
Vishal’s journey is one of courage and conviction. He started his career at Convergys and later spent over a decade at Navisite before finding his way to IT By Design. For him, joining us wasn’t just a career move; it was a personal decision to come closer to home in Himachal and to be part of a culture he had long admired.
As he shared with Anamika, “I’d heard a lot about ITBD: its culture, its people-first philosophy, and I wanted to experience it for myself.”
The shift from the enterprise world to an MSP wasn’t easy: it required unlearning old rhythms, adapting to faster delivery cycles, and mastering customer intimacy. “Every day was a new challenge and a new learning curve,” he said.
But what stood out right away was how deeply the culture here is felt. “ITBD truly lives its people-first philosophy,” he said. “It’s not just something you hear about; it’s something you experience every day.”
Defining Culture: The Harmony of Hustle and Heart
Vishal, after giving it a moment’s thought, provided a very thoughtful response when asked how he would describe the culture of IT By Design.
He summarized it by saying it was a people-oriented, collaborative and uplifting culture or environment.
He pointed out how it was a culture where grit and gratitude are blended; everybody’s voice matters and holds significant value.
“Gratitude for trust, support and opportunities that we receive every day, and grit to keep learning, growing and pushing through challenges, together. That blend of heart and hustle is what makes ITBD a special place.”
He believes in empowering his team to feel confident to take initiatives, make decisions, and be accountable. He holds trust in high importance, more than exercising control.
Significant Moments: The Diwali Festivities
Significant Moments: The Diwali Festivities Of course, there isn’t any writing about culture that doesn’t include the joy of bringing teams together, and for Vishal, one of these moments was the Chandigarh Diwali festivities. As he recalls: the colors, the energy, the dancing which went on for hours!
“Sunny is personally connected with everyone,” he said. “He knows people by name, and his energy is contagious. We were on the dance floor for three hours straight, and the next morning, he was still the first one in the office!”
That line made me smile. Because to me, energy and connection are the heartbeat of leadership. They’re what turn moments into memories, and teams into families.
The Life Lessons That Shape a Leader
When the conversation turned to life lessons, Vishal’s reflections carried the kind of depth that only experience can bring.
His three guiding principles were simple, yet profound:
– Stay Grounded and Grateful.
Vishal believed that speed was strength, upon becoming a leader for the first time But he learned that true strength lies in staying grounded, especially when challenges hit. Gratitude acts as a fuel to reset your focus, keeps you humble, patient, and goal and growth-oriented.”
– Grit Matters More Than Talent.
He also firmly believes that talent may open doors, but grit keeps them open. He has witnessed persistence outperform raw skill every single time. “Consistency and resilience are what sustain you when talent alone isn’t enough.”
– People Make the Difference.
“Processes evolve. Technology changes. But people remain constant.” He says that people are the cornerstone for success.
Listening to him, I couldn’t help but think: this is exactly the kind of leadership our world needs more of. Leaders who understand that humility and perseverance aren’t weaknesses; they’re superpowers.
Redefining Leadership in the AI Era
As the conversation turned to AI, Vishal’s perspective stood out for its clarity.
He believes AI isn’t here to replace human intelligence but here to redefine it. “Those who stay curious, adaptable, and ethical,” he said, “will be the ones who thrive in the AI-powered era.”
Vishal sees AI as a leadership evolution, not just a technology shift. “The question isn’t how we use AI,” he said, “but how we lead differently because of it.”
He described how AI can shift us from relying on gut feelings to making decisions based on data, which can help leaders see risks, spot trends, and tailor growth strategies.
He strongly believes that AI will be extremely useful for service teams by preempting problems before they occur. Throughout his talk, he stressed the importance of empathy, stating, “AI should allow people to think creatively, innovate, and connect.”
This blend of insight and compassion will shape the future of leadership.
Closing Reflections
As the episode wrapped, Anamika captured it perfectly: Vishal’s story wasn’t just about a professional journey; it was about becoming.
He echoed the very sentiment that prevails I was reminded yet again that IT By Design’s culture isn’t written in handbooks. It lives in our people: in their choices, their grit, their gratitude, and their growth.
It comes alive in stories like Vishal’s-stories about leaders who remain humble as they reach higher, who embrace change with courage, and remind us where the difference lies: with the people.
Because at IT By Design, culture is not a policy but a heartbeat. And stories like these keep it alive.
