Aashna Doshi

The moment I stopped feeling like "just an intern" and realized I was a small, essential part of Google's scale✨

My journey from being a nervous Google intern to a full-time Software Engineer wasn't marked by a ceremony, it was marked by a humbling piece of code.

During my internship, I merged a small project. I was proud, but it felt like isolated "intern code."

Years later, as a new SWE, I was debugging a critical, massive system and traced a challenging issue down to a specific, simple function.

I checked the commit history, and the author was ME!

I wrote that code during my internship.

➡️The humbling realisation:

My work, no matter how small or inexperienced I felt at the time, was immediately integrated and relied upon by millions of users and entire teams worldwide.

It taught me that the quality bar here isn't just about passing tests, it's about contributing to a scale where you must always be learning because your code will outlast your current knowledge.

I'm proud to be a part of an organization where every day is a reminder that I'm still learning how to build for the world.

Question:
What was the first moment in your career when you realized the true, large-scale impact of your day-to-day work? 👀

#LifeAtGoogle #SoftwareEngineer #Internship #CareerJourney #Tech #Learning

If you want to speed up your career, you need to master the art of slowing down

By saying "No." 🛑

We often think saying 'yes' to every project or meeting proves our commitment.

But overcommitting is a fast track to mediocre work & burnout.

I used to think saying 'No' was being unhelpful. But honestly, it's about protecting your capacity for the things that matter most.

Try this technique instead of a flat rejection: The "Yes, But" approach.

Example:
"Yes, I can take on that extra task, but that means I need to push back the deadline on Project X until next Tuesday. Which is the higher priority?"

This shifts the decision-making burden and ensures your focus aligns with organizational goals.

Protect your energy, protect your impact! 🙂

What is the hardest professional request you've had to say 'No' to recently?

#CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Productivity #Boundaries #WorkLifeBalance

Applying to tech roles is exhausting.

Rejections, ghosting, never-ending job boards.

And somehow, no one teaches you how to actually navigate it all.

That’s why we’re hosting a special live session.

🎓 Navigating Tech Recruiting— a live 1-part webinar

🗓️ November 7th at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT

💻 Hosted by:

Gabriela de Queiroz — ex-Director of AI Microsoft

Aashna D. — Software Engineer Google (me!)

✨ In one packed hour, we’ll cover:

→ How to build a resume + LinkedIn that gets noticed
→ Networking + referral strategies that actually work
→ Using AI tools to level up your search
→ Prepping for interviews (without the panic)

⚡️ We got so many responses to our last post from people who wanted to join

So by popular demand, we’re making this:

→ A 1-day event
→ More accessible
→ Even more affordable

🎟️ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/djDZRFDE

(Spots are already filling up!)

One of the craziest moments from my LinkedIn journey?

My dad, who reads the newspaper every morning, opened The Economic Times and saw my face in the headlines.

He called my mom over, confused.

Then they opened Hindustan Times, NDTV, India Today, MSN … and there I was again.

They called me, completely shocked.
“How is this happening?!”

All from a single LinkedIn post I wrote:

“6 months at Google, 6 things I learned.”

I woke up to my family celebrating something I had no idea happened!

I had no PR team, no press pitch, no media plan.

Just a post I wrote from the heart.

This is the power of building in public, of showing up consistently & of sharing your learnings, even when you think no one’s watching✨

You never know who’s reading :)

#LinkedInJourney #CareerGrowth #Google #SocialMediaPower #WritingOnline #BuildingInPublic

This weekend, I barely touched my laptop, and it felt amazing.

I attended a beautiful Indian wedding, filled with color, music, late-night dancing, and SO much food.

Moments like these, celebrating love, friendship, and family, reminded me of home💕

I was also reflecting on how easy it is to take the important things for granted when you’re always in go-go-go mode.

I work hard, and I love it. But weekends like this matter.

They ground you. They refill your cup.
They make the weekday hustle feel more human.

Here’s your reminder: the world won’t end if you rest. 🤍

At Google we have a code review cultulre... and I kept all my old comments from my internship. 🤯

I recently looked back at my first few code reviews as a Google intern. They were absolutely brutal, but in the best way possible. The feedback wasn't "This is bad." It was: "This solution works, but here is the single-digit latency cost it will cause at planetary scale."

That rigor taught me (as a current Software Engineer here) that the goal of a code review isn't just to catch bugs.

It's a mentorship tool focused on systems thinking and future-proofing.

It shows that high-performance engineering requires zero-tolerance for technical debt, but also 100% psychological safety for the person receiving the feedback.

I now try to pay that forward every day:

Critique the code, elevate the engineer.

💻 Question for my fellow SWEs: What's the one best piece of feedback you've ever received in a code review?

#Google #SoftwareEngineering #CodeReview #CareerGrowth #TechCulture #LifeAtGoogle

Happy Diwali! 🪔💛

This year’s celebration was full of friends, food, and the kind of slow, cozy joy that makes you feel grounded.

Potluck dinners, board games, laughter and a gentle reminder:
✨ light exists in the quiet too

Whether you’re celebrating near or far from home, I hope you’re taking a moment to rest, reflect, and recharge.

I definitely miss home extra today!

💬 What’s one tradition or memory that makes Diwali feel special to you? Would love to hear it in the comments.

#Diwali #Gratitude

Stop thinking about the year as 12 months.

Start thinking about it as 4 Quarters. 💡

I've structured my life into four distinct focus Quarters (Q1-Q4), and it has completely changed my approach to work, burnout, and growth.

✅ Q1 (Jan-Mar): The Builder. Maximum Output.

This is the time for deep, heads-down technical work, setting major project milestones, and aggressive execution. Minimize meetings.

✅ Q2 (Apr-Jun): The Connector. Maximum Network.

I prioritize coffee chats, attending conferences, and formal mentorship. It's about expanding influence and giving back.

✅ Q3 (Jul-Sep): The Sharpening. Maximum Learning.

This quarter is dedicated to acquiring new hard skills (a new coding language, a certification, or a deep dive into an emerging tech trend).

✅ Q4 (Oct-Dec): The Replenisher. Maximum Recharge.

This is non-negotiable downtime. I focus on family, travel, and personal hobbies. The goal is to come back in January with zero burnout.

Question: Which Quarter do you think you need to prioritize the most right now- building, connecting, learning, or recharging?

#CareerGrowth #Productivity #TimeManagement #WorkLifeBalance

Getting into tech is hard, not because you’re not qualified, but because no one teaches you how to navigate the system.

That’s why we’re hosting a 2-part live webinar series designed to help you land your first role.

👩‍💻 Led by:

Gabriela de Queiroz – ex-Director of AI at Microsoft

Aashna D. – Software Engineer @ Google (me!)

🗓️ When:

Part 1 – Breaking Into the Job: October 27 @ 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET

Part 2 – Cracking the Interview: November 3 @ 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET


What you’ll learn:

✅ Building resumes & LinkedIn profiles that get noticed

✅ Networking & personal projects that stand out

✅ Using AI tools to strengthen your job search

✅ Storytelling, interview prep & negotiating offers

👉 Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/d-4y2-AR

🎓 Limited spots available!
💬 Want to attend for free?

Comment “tech” below- we’ll randomly pick 2 people to receive free access to both sessions.

(If you plan to purchase, don’t wait– spots are limited, and winners will simply be refunded if already registered!)

➡️ Make sure to follow/connect with me so I can DM you if you’re chosen!

I also went back to Georgia Institute of Technology last weekend, and wow, it hit different💛

It’s homecoming weekend, and I walked through every corner of campus with old friends, full of nostalgia & laughter.

When you’re in college, it all moves so fast- exams, internships, classes, decisions.

You don’t realize how special those days are until you’re on the other side.

Revisiting my favorite spots made me feel so grateful for the people, the memories, and the version of me that had big dreams and no idea what was coming next.

Proud to be a Yellow Jacket, always 🐝💛

#GeorgiaTech #Gratitude #CollegeDays

✨ Back at the LinkedIn NYC office today and it was such a full-circle moment.

Had the most amazing conversations & a chocolate olive oil cake that I’m still thinking about 😋

It blows my mind that this beautiful space is literally inside the Empire State Building. Iconic every level.

LinkedIn will always be special to me.

It’s the first platform I ever posted on.
The first place I started building in public.
And the reason I’ve connected with thousands of incredible people around the world.

Grateful for days like this 💙

#LinkedIn #CreatorLife #Gratitude #FullCircle #EmpireStateBuilding #NYC

If people come to the office just to sit on Zoom calls, your hybrid strategy is broken. 🏢

The office should no longer be a place for individual heads-down work. If you require people to commute, you must mandate that the time is spent on activities that are impossible to replicate virtually.

The Office Must Be for:

→ Deep, creative brainstorming (whiteboarding sessions).

→ Onboarding and Mentorship (immediate feedback loops).

→ Building social capital (impromptu hallway conversations).

→ Leaders: Be deliberate about the purpose of the office, or embrace full remote.

Anything in between is frustrating everyone.

What do y'all think? 👇

#HybridWork #FutureofWork #RemoteWork #Leadership

The single biggest mistake I see on resumes? Listing duties instead of selling impact 🚀

I see this common mistake on LinkedIn and Resumes all the time: people list their job description instead of their achievements.

❌ DUTY: Responsible for managing company social media channels.

✅ IMPACT: Led social media strategy, increasing user engagement by 45% and generating $15k in sales-qualified leads over six months

The Secret: Use the X-Y-Z Formula for every bullet point:

"I achieved X, measured by Y, by doing Z."

This forces you to think about numbers, results & the value you create (not just the tasks you were assigned)

Want more tips & tricks like this?

I’m hosting a live webinar with Gabriela (ex-Director of AI Microsoft ) on Nov 7 at 6 PM ET:

🎓 Navigating Tech Recruiting
Resumes, interviews, AI tools & more.

👉 https://lnkd.in/djDZRFDE

Don’t miss this one!

#JobSearch #ResumeTips #CareerAdvice #Hiring

My Roadmap to Google!

I get this question, all the time.

Hope this is helpful! :)

A lot of people have been asking for more behind-the-scenes, so here’s a little snapshot of my last week 💫

🎙️ Locked in an in-person podcast studio for Season 2 (!!)

📅 Finalizing guests and shoot dates + can’t wait to share who’s coming on

🎭 Caught a Broadway show that made me fall in love with NYC all over again!

📬 Spent a day working from a café, replying to a mountain of emails + life admin

🪔 Celebrated Diwali potluck-style with friends- great food, cozy chats, and many many board games

🥾 Hiked with my Google teammates to Bear Mountain (stunning views, fall colours everywhere!)

🛌 Next day = full body soreness, so I did nothing except recover and eat good food (read: tiramisu and pasta)

It wasn’t a “perfect” week but it was full of movement, meaning & little pockets of joy.

💬 What was the highlight of your week? Let me know in the comments 👇

#Update #BTS #NYC

AI Agents vs. APIs 💡

In today's day and age we're moving beyond simple, single-step API calls and into the era of AI Agents.

What’s the difference, and why does it matter for development?

➡️ Traditional API Call: A single, precise instruction (e.g., "Translate this text," "Fetch this specific user data").

It’s a transaction.

➡️ AI Agent: A system given a goal (e.g., "Plan my travel itinerary," "Research and write a summary of market trends"). It autonomously decides the sequence of tools and steps needed to achieve that goal.

It’s an autonomy.

The Power: Agents can reason, plan, execute multiple sub-tasks & correct themselves. This shifts development from coding workflows to defining objectives.

If you're tackling complex, multi-step tasks, Agents are the new framework!

Question: Where do you see AI Agents having the biggest impact first: customer service, coding, or data analysis? 👇

#AIAgents #GenerativeAI #SoftwareDevelopment #TechStack #FutureofWork

There’s something about New York.

Not as a final destination, but as my right now.

A place that matches my energy, momentum & ambition.

Studies show that high-density, fast-paced cities activate something called “environmental enrichment”- the idea that when we’re constantly stimulated by new people, ideas, and challenges, our brains adapt, grow, and thrive.

And that’s exactly how I feel here.

The chaos sharpens me, the pace energizes me & the people expand what I believe is possible.

I’ve lived in Belgium, Bombay, and Atlanta.

Each one built a different layer.

But New York? It’s the one showing me who I really am when I’m in motion.

P.S. This was me before heading to a dinner engagement party for my friends, dressed up and deeply grateful for this season.

Where’s the place you’re thriving right now?
💫

#NYC #tech

The secret hack to landing job opportunities before even applying?

➡️ Posting

Sounds wild, but I’ve had recruiters, hiring managers, and founders reach out to me.

just because of something I shared on here.

0 cold emails.
0 cover letters.
Just 1 post.

✨ “We’re hiring- want to chat?”
✨ “Saw your post and thought you’d be a great fit.”
✨ “Loved your insights. Want to work together?”

All because I showed up, every single day. Shared what I was building, talked about what I was learning. Gave people a reason to remember my name before a job opened up.

If you’re in the market, or might be soon, start now. Even if you’re a student!

Let your work speak before your résumé does.

#JobSearch #Career

Want a 1-minute digital security hack that reduces 80% of your risk? 🔒

I recently spoke to a senior security engineer and he gave me a hack that seemed so underrated...I had to share it.

We all know we need complex passwords, but here’s a security habit that takes virtually no effort and dramatically reduces risk:

Review the 'Logged-In Devices' section of your major accounts (Google, Microsoft, Social Media, Banking) monthly.

Most platforms list every phone, laptop, or tablet currently logged in, often with a location and last activity time.

Why this matters:

👀 Old Leaks: You can immediately spot a device you lost or sold two years ago that might still be active.

🌍 Travel Check: Spot strange locations and instantly end the session with one click.

🧘‍♀️ Peace of Mind: You confirm NO ONE in an unknown location has persistent access.

Security isn't just about building walls- it's also about checking the doors.

Go check one of your accounts right now. Did you find anything surprising?

#Cybersecurity #TechTips #DigitalSafety #Productivity

Things we take for granted today… were once mind-blowing.

I asked Jeff Barr, the VP and Chief Evangelist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), to share one of those unforgettable moments from the early days of cloud.

He didn’t talk about revenue or market share or global scale.

Instead, he told us this story:

“Right after we launched EC2, I was presenting to a live audience. I walked them through how to launch a serve, step by step. And a few minutes later, someone in the audience yelled out:
‘I just launched my own instance. This guy’s telling the truth!’

That was the moment it clicked. This wasn’t just internal tooling. It was infrastructure the world could use.”

That moment gave me chills.

Because what Jeff was describing wasn’t just a product launch. It was a shift in who gets to build.

What used to take days in a data center…
could now be done in minutes from your laptop.

And today, we’re seeing that same shift happen again- with AI.

From EC2 to foundation models.
From command lines to command prompts.
From needing to be an expert… to just needing an idea.

And the best part?

Jeff’s still here, 20+ years later.
Making tech feel simple, and reminding us why it matters.

🎙️ Full episode with Jeff Barr is live now:

https://lnkd.in/drK_KPpp

💬 Curious- what’s one tech shift you lived through that felt surreal at the time?

#tech #podcast

💡 Life hack: Do the things that terrify you, they usually change you the most.

I used to dread public speaking.

The spotlight, the stumbles and that feeling of everyone watching.

But I kept saying yes —

• To hosting panels
• Giving talks at universities
• Recording podcast episodes (even when I hated how I sounded on camera)

And slowly, the fear became… familiar.

Now, I find joy in it. I get to connect with people and really own my voice.

The fear didn’t disappear, I just learned to walk with it.

P.S. Had the best time shooting something exciting with Sajjaad Khader, can’t wait to share! 🎥

#PersonalGrowth #PublicSpeaking #TechCareer #Confidence #LifeLessons

Just wrapped up a live webinar and had an absolute blast! 🌍💻

From the US to Canada to France- it was incredible connecting with people all across the world.

Gabriela de Queiroz and I dove deep into everything tech industry:

→ how the job landscape is shifting
→ how to be a pro networker (IRL & online )
→ and how to stand out in a sea of applications.

Loved answering your questions, hearing your stories, and feeling the energy of a global community all curious, driven, and ready to grow!

Thank you to everyone who showed up live, you made it special 💫

Until next time!

The next wave of AI isn’t just about getting answers.

It’s about taking action.

That’s what ‘agentic workflows’ are all about.

Instead of just saying:
🧠 “Here’s how to schedule a meeting”….
They actually book it.

Instead of:
✍️ “Here’s a sample email”…
They write and send it.

The best tools now act on your behalf.

This shift (from passive tools to active agents) is what’s coming next.

We’re going from “ChatGPT-style responses” → to “real-world execution.”

And the people who understand this early will build the tools that actually change how we work!

💬 If an AI agent could take over ONE task for you today, what would it be?

#AItools #AgenticWorkflows #FutureOfWork #ProductivityHacks

How Google uses automation for connection (and how I learn new things weekly!) ☕️

My favorite piece of workplace tech isn't a complex AI model. it's a simple, brilliant coffee chat bot.

I'm auto-enrolled in a program at Google where an internal bot uses a simple randomizer to pair me with someone in the office (often outside my core team) for a 30-minute virtual coffee chat every week.

The ROI has been massive:

👉 I learn about a new team's project every week.
👉 I discover internal tools and best practices I didn't know existed.
👉 It combats the isolation of hybrid work and builds internal social capital.

My biggest takeaway has been:

Simple automation used for connecting people (not just managing tasks) is the key to a healthy, knowledgeable internal culture.

Does your company have any unique programs like this?

P.S. If we met through the bot, comment below!

#Google #LifeAtGogle #Networking #Career

To everyone out there recruiting, stop only applying. Start connecting✨

Early 20s checklist 🧠

You’re not behind, you’re not supposed to have it all figured out.

But here are some traits & habits that’ll compound fast if you start now:

✅ Learn how to learn

Forget what school taught you. Curiosity + resourcefulness beats memorization any day.

✅ Get obsessed with systems

Not just goals. Systems help you stay consistent even when motivation dips (and it will).

✅ Build digital leverage

Start a side project, post online, design a portfolio, write. The internet can work while you sleep.

✅ Get good at reaching ou
Opportunities often come from conversations, not applications.

✅ Find your people

The right circle will stretch your thinking, keep you grounded, and gas you up when you forget how capable you are.

✅ Be ruthlessly kind to yourself

You’re allowed to pivot, mess up, outgrow things, and want more.

And maybe most underrated of all:

✅ Protect your energy

It’s the fuel for everything you want to build. Guard it like a limited resource.

—

Your 20s are for planting seeds, not harvesting. Stay curious. Play the long game.
And don’t let Instagram rush you.

What would you add to this list?

#CareerGrowth

Happy Halloween! Don't let these three things haunt your career this weekend: 👻

We all face professional "ghosts" and "goblins," but a few are particularly scary for your weekend recharge:

🎃 The Ghost of Over-Engineering:

That project you keep polishing long past the deadline.

Solution: Ship it and stop checking the commits!

🎃 The Phantom Productivity Guilt:

The feeling you should be working instead of relaxing.

Solution: Turn off notifications. Rest is a form of productivity.

🎃 The Zombie Meeting:

That recurring meeting that slowly eats away your time but never dies.

Solution: Send an email this week proposing a simple agenda or an axe!

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and truly disconnected weekend! :)

Question: What is the scariest (i.e., most time-consuming or complex) project monster you're slaying this week? 👀

#Halloween #Career

"I'm really bad at names!!" I used to say this all the time.

It sounded like a harmless flaw. Until I read a book that changed my mind completely.

This chapter in Dale Carnegie's timeless classic ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People’, moved me

📕 The Lesson: A person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.

Why is remembering and using someone's name so powerful in a professional setting?

✅ It signals respect. It tells the person that they matter enough for you to dedicate memory space to them.

✅ It creates instant rapport. It immediately shifts the interaction from transactional to personal.

✅ It's a foundational skill for influence- people listen better to those who make them feel recognized.

Actionable Tip: Don't just hear the name, repeat it back when you're introduced to solidify it (I do this all the times & it helps!)

Have you noticed this difference? What's your best hack for remembering names?

#BookReview #Leadership #SoftSkills #CareerAdvice #PersonalDevelopment

As we wrap up the year with Christmas parties and end-of-year dinners, I always find myself wondering… why do companies do this?

Is it just a formality? A calendar event with catered food and some awkward small talk?

Or is it something more?

This year, I saw it differently.

At Google, I realized these gatherings aren’t just about the party, they’re about closing loops.

They’re a moment to pause and look around at the people you’ve solved hard problems with. To laugh about bugs that nearly broke us, celebrate launches that actually shipped, and see teammates as humans beyond the code, the decks & the deadlines.

In a world of remote-first work, async comms, and distributed teams, we rarely get the chance to say:

→ Thank you for showing up every day.
→ I appreciate how you handled that tough moment.
→ You made this year better!

End-of-year parties are a ritual of closure, recognition, and togetherness.

And after a long year- we all need a bit of that :)

Wishing you warmth, rest, and joy as 2025 winds down. ✨

#WorkCulture #TechLife

One of my favorite things about working at Google?

You can walk into any office in the world.

Swipe your badge, grab a coffee, and instantly feel at home.

Whether it’s New York (where I’m based), London, Singapore, or Tokyo… every office has its own vibe, yet the same shared energy of innovation and curiosity.

It reminds me how global this company really is.

And how connected we are — no matter the timezone or team.

P.S. The cafés don’t miss either ☕🙂

If AI took over 40% of your current job tomorrow, what would you spend the extra time actually doing? 🤝

The future of work is not human versus AI- it's human with AI.

If you woke up tomorrow and an AI co-pilot was automatically assigned to your role, capable of handling 40% of your administrative and data-heavy tasks:

➡️ What is the one creative, high-value project you would finally start? (Your DREAM project)

➡️ What's the one skill you would use that extra time to master? (Something uniquely human, like complex negotiation or deep client empathy)

This is the mental shift we need to make. We must focus on the high-judgment, high-touch areas only we can deliver. The time will be freed up, but are we really ready to use it strategically?

#FutureofWork #AICopilot #CareerStrategy #Leadership

🚨 Most people don’t get rejected because they’re not smart, they just don’t know how the tech recruiting game works.

That’s exactly why I’m hosting a webinar to break it all down for you.

🎯 How to stand out
🎯 Making your resume 10/10
🎯 Using AI to land roles faster
🎯 And the biggest mistakes we see every day

🗓️ November 7th at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT
💻 1-hour live session with Q&A + recording
🎟️ https://lnkd.in/djDZRFDE

✨ Giveaway update: We picked TWO people to attend for free from our last post

check your DMs if that’s you 👀
(And if you didn’t win, there’s still time to grab your spot!)

You don’t want to miss this. Especially if you’re applying to tech roles right now.

We’re gonna close out soon so grab your spot ASAP :)

#TechJobs #CareerTips #JobSearch #WomenInTech #Webinar #AI #ResumeTips #GabrielaDeQueiroz

AI is moving fast, but don’t let it move without you.

This year, I made a mindset shift:

From: “AI is interesting, I should learn more about it.”

To: “AI is a teammate, let me actually use it every day.”

That simple reframe changed how I work.

Here’s how I use AI weekly- not in theory, but in practice:

🧠 Idea generation

From podcast topics to product features, I use LLMs to explore angles I’d never think of alone.

📄 Docs & writing

Speed isn’t the only gain. AI helps me get past the blank page, structure faster, and punch up drafts.

📊 Data & coding

I’ve used AI to debug Python, generate scripts, and even mock up dashboards based on plain text input.

📈 Growth

Audience insights, trend spotting, CTA optimization. If it can be tested, AI can help scale it.

🧰 Stack: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Notion AI, GitHub Copilot, Midjourney, Rewind (and custom GPTs I’ve built for specific workflows)

None of this happened overnight.

But if you want to level up your productivity, creativity, and output, I genuinely think building your personal AI stack is the best investment you can make right now.

Start small:

→ Pick 1 area where you’re stuck
→ Choose 1 tool to help
→ Try it for 1 week
→ Iterate, compound & build from there

This isn’t about replacing you — it’s about augmenting what you already do best.

AI isn’t the future. It’s the multiplier for the present.

What’s your AI stack looking like right now? Drop a tool or use case you’re loving👇
#AItools #Productivity #BuildInPublic #WorkSmarter #CareerGrowth #FutureOfWork

When LinkedIn connections become real-life friends ☕

Had the best time meeting John Kraski in person a few weeks ago.

He stopped by the Google NYC office and we instantly clicked.

We’ve followed each other’s content for a while, and it was so refreshing to take the convo offline. From creator journeys to startup life to just laughing over coffee, it reminded me what this platform is really about.

Not just jobs.
Not just networking.
But actual relationships.

Grateful for the people I’ve met here who’ve turned into real friends.

And yes, the espresso at Google didn’t hurt either😂

Have you ever met someone from LinkedIn in real life? It’s honestly worth it.

#LinkedIn

Ever wish the best in the world could personally mentor you?

That’s what MasterClass feels like.

I’ve been loving it as a way to keep learning, even during busy work weeks 🙌

If you’ve been curious too…
Comment “MasterClass” and I’ll DM you the link! ✨

(Make sure to follow me so I can DM you the link!)

🔗 https://lnkd.in/d-Xcx6aU

#ad #MasterClassPartner

MasterClass X, The Moonshot Factory

I’ve been reflecting on what sets the boldest people apart

The ones who take unconventional paths, build cool things & somehow make it look effortless.

It’s not just intelligence or hard work or luck.

It’s mental agility/adaptability

Here are some of the patterns I’ve noticed:

– They’re okay being misunderstood for a while
– They value clarity > consensus
– They don’t confuse motion with progress
– They choose long-term bets over short-term validation
– They can zoom out (big picture thinking) and zoom in (details that matter)
– They protect their time like it’s their most valuable asset (because it is)
– They’re not afraid to start over
– They seek out environments that challenge their ideas
– They don’t outsource their decisions to trends or algorithms
– They ask, “What feels authentic right now?” and act on it

And honestly, the most impressive people I’ve met don’t spend time proving they’re impressive.

They just quietly, consistently do the thing.

What’s a quality you admire in someone you look up to? 👇

#Mindset

At Google, we don't just innovate with code- we innovate with our donations ❤️

One of the aspects of being an SWE here that makes me the proudest is the culture of giving back & the incredible way the company amplifies our personal impact.

It's not just donating, it's actually a Matching Gift Program. Let me explain!

When I choose to support a cause I believe in, Google matches my donation dollar-for-dollar.

Instant double- My $100 donation immediately becomes $200 for the nonprofit.

Agency- I choose the cause (e.g., education, arts, environmental, or disaster relief).

Culture- It makes philanthropy a core, automated part of the workplace.

This program acts like a multiplier on every employee's passion. It's a powerful reminder that corporate social responsibility works best when it's employee-driven.

This is one of my favourite perks here.

Does your organization have a matching program, and if so, what cause are you most excited to support this year? ✍

#LifeAtGoogle

The networking message no one talks about.

People often ask me:

“How do you actually stay in touch with people without it feeling forced?”

“What do you even say if you don’t have an ‘ask’?”

Here’s my go-to:
Message people on big holidays.

Thanksgiving. New Year’s. Diwali. Eid. Whatever feels personal to you.

It takes 10 minutes.

You don’t need a pitch.

You’re just showing up with a simple:
“Hey! Just wanted to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Hope you’ve been doing well :)”

That’s it.

It keeps the thread warm, shows you care and it opens the door for organic reconnection.

This is the perfect example of somethjng human, yet effortless. And this is my go-to strategy.

This week’s your reminder:

✨ Take 10 minutes. Send those messages.
You never know what doors it’ll quietly open later.

#Network

Time to hit the reset button! I’m taking time off mid-December and travelling back to India🇮🇳

After a busy year of solving scale challenges as an SWE at Google, I'm officially going offline to recharge, focus on family & explore.

I'd love to use this opportunity to meet brilliant minds and discover hidden gems!

I’m looking for connections and recommendations in:

People: Developers, founders, or researchers doing groundbreaking work in AI/ML or large-scale systems in India.

Places: Must-see spots or unique experiences (outside the typical tourist list).

Food: Best recommendations! (lowkey spots encouraged)

If you know anyone incredible I should meet or have a can't-miss recommendation, please tag them, drop a comment or DM me! :)

#Networking #India #Travel

Sundays are for slowing down… and checking in.

This morning, I opened up my 2025 goals doc. It’s honestly wild to realize how many of them have shifted.

Some I’ve already hit, some I’ve evolved.
And a few? I’ve completely let go of- and that’s okay.

We talk so much about setting goals but not enough about updating them.

So here’s your gentle reminder:

You still have 73 days left in the year.
Plenty of time to finish strong or rewrite the plan entirely.

Both are valid.

🧘🏽‍♀️ How are your 2025 goals looking?

#CheckIn #Reflection #Productivity

At Google, one of the most valuable concepts I’ve learned is something deceptively simple: SLOs.

Service Level Objectives define what reliability actually means for a system.

Not just vague aspirations, but clear, measurable targets that help teams balance innovation and stability.

✨ You want your app to be “fast” but how fast?
✨ You want uptime to be “good” but how often is failure acceptable?
✨ You want customers happy but how do you quantify enough reliability without burning out your engineers?

That’s where SLOs come in.

They force alignment between product expectations & engineering realities.

And they introduce a concept I now swear by: error budgets.

Instead of aiming for 100% perfection, you define an acceptable threshold (say, 99.9% uptime). If you’re within budget, you can ship faster. If you’re breaching it, you pause and stabilize.

It’s a powerful reminder:

🚫 Not every incident is a fire.
📈 Not every improvement is worth the cost.
💡 Tradeoffs are inevitable and intentionality matters.

If you’re building something and haven’t defined what “good enough” looks like…
You might be over-engineering, under-communicating, or just running blind.

⸻

Would love to hear how others think about reliability- do you define your SLOs? Or are you chasing 100%?

#Tech

At Google, we don’t really do big end-of-year product drops the way you might expect.

Instead? We enter what’s called a code freeze ❄️

It’s a period (usually toward the end of the year) when teams are asked to pause most production pushes unless absolutely necessary.

Why?

Because at this scale, stability matters more than speed.

With so many users globally, even the tiniest bug during the holidays could ripple out to millions! And with teams out on break, fewer hands are around to fix things fast. So we shift gears from building → maintaining

🔹 Infra teams focus on reliability
🔹 On-call rotations tighten
🔹 SLOs (service-level objectives) become top priority
🔹 We reflect, document & plan for the year ahead

It’s been one of the most underrated lessons I’ve learned at Google:
T
Not all progress is forward motion. Sometimes it’s stability, pause, and prep.

Curious to hear: Does your company do a year-end freeze or push harder in December?

#Tech #LifeAtGoogle