Employee Spotlight: meet Rahul Shukla, our Associate Data Project Manager

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Spotlight Cover Image Rahul Shukla

You’ve been at GPI for over 4.5 years now — what’s one thing that’s kept you going strong?

I’ve been at GPI for over 4.5 years now, and one thing that’s truly kept me going strong is the culture of collaboration and continuous growth. Being surrounded by passionate, supportive colleagues who are always willing to share knowledge and challenge each other has made every day both rewarding and motivating. It’s exciting to be part of a team where innovation is encouraged and your contributions genuinely make an impact.

Looking back, what’s a proud moment or milestone from your GPI journey so far?

One proud moment from my GPI journey has been my career growth over the years. I started as a Business Analyst, was later promoted to Senior Business Analyst, and now I’m in the role of Associate Delivery Project Manager, leading a team. Each step has come with its own challenges and learning opportunities, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It’s incredibly rewarding to grow within a company that values development and supports your career path.

What’s been the most exciting or surprising part about stepping into a managerial role recently?

Stepping into a managerial role has been both exciting and eye-opening. One of the most surprising parts has been how rewarding it is to support and empower others. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, but now I get to do that not just for projects, but for people helping team members grow, removing roadblocks, and creating an environment where they can thrive. It’s challenged me to grow in new ways, especially in terms of communication and leadership, and I’ve really embraced that learning curve.

How do you define success for yourself — has it changed since becoming a manager?

For me, success used to be about delivering high-quality work and meeting project goals. Since becoming a manager, my definition has evolved now, success also means seeing my team succeed, grow, and feel supported. It’s about creating an environment where people can do their best work, feel confident taking initiative, and know that their contributions matter. When the team wins, I feel I’ve truly succeeded.

What’s one thing you’re focusing on improving or learning in this new role?

As a manager, it’s important to keep an eye on the bigger picture while still being present and accessible to the team. I’m learning how to delegate effectively, prioritize what’s truly critical, and create space for both team development and long-term planning. It’s a continuous learning process, but one I’m really enjoying.

If you could describe your current work vibe in a hashtag, what would it be? (#NewChapter, #GrowthMode, #LeadByExample, etc.)

If I had to describe my current work vibe in a hashtag, it would be #LearnGrowLead. Every day presents new opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and with my team. Leading means continuously evolving together, supporting each other, and striving for success as one.

If your work life had a theme song right now, what would it be?

If my work life had a theme song right now, it would be ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen. It’s all about energy, teamwork, and determination which really reflects how I approach leading my team. Together, we’re unstoppable and ready to take on any challenge.

What’s one professional skill you’ve mastered over the years that you’re proud of?

I’ve honed my problem-solving skills, enabling me to quickly analyse challenges and find practical, innovative solutions. This has helped keep projects on track and ensured we deliver value efficiently.

What’s your focus or goal for the second half of the year (H2) — professionally and personally?

In the second half of the year, my professional goal is to cultivate a culture of curiosity within my team encouraging everyone to ask questions, experiment, and learn from both successes and failures. I believe this mindset fuels innovation and resilience. On a personal level, I’m focusing on embracing mindfulness practices to stay present and energized, so I can bring my best self to both work and life every day.

What’s one task or project you’ve really enjoyed recently — and why?

Recently, I’ve really enjoyed leading the ongoing project focused on reducing automation errors. It’s been exciting to work on a solution that will significantly cut down manual work in the future, making processes smoother and more efficient for the entire team. Being part of this continuous improvement effort is rewarding because it not only solves immediate challenges but also sets us up for long-term success.

What’s a routine, tool, or habit that keeps you productive and grounded?

One habit that keeps me productive and grounded is starting my day with a clear prioritization list. I take a few minutes each morning to identify the top 3 tasks that will make the biggest impact. This helps me stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

If you could automate one part of your daily work, what would it be?

I’d automate quality assurance checks in repetitive processes to ensure consistency and free up time for more strategic problem-solving.

What’s one myth about leadership you’ve realized isn’t true?

One myth about leadership I’ve realized isn’t true is that leaders need to have all the answers. I realised great leadership is about asking the right questions, listening actively, and empowering the team to find solutions together. It’s a collaborative journey, not a solo mission.

Who’s been a mentor, peer, or teammate that has influenced your journey at GPI?

I’ve been lucky to have some amazing people support me at GPI. Kunal Tambade has been a great mentor always ready to offer advice, challenge me to think differently, and help me navigate new challenges. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping how I approach both my work and leadership. My peers Rajasree, Kailash, Charvi Dhruvil and Barkha keep me motivated and inspired every day. Their support and teamwork have really made a difference in my growth and success.

If you had a day with no meetings or deadlines, how would you spend it?

If I had a day with no meetings or deadlines, I’d love to involve the team in some fun activity maybe a brainstorming session combined with a casual hangout or a team lunch. It’s a great way to recharge together, spark creativity, and strengthen our bond outside of the usual work routine.

What’s one hobby, activity, or passion you’re exploring or would love to start?

I’ve recently started going to the gym and focusing on getting fit. It’s been a great way to boost my energy, clear my mind, and stay motivated both at work and in life. I’m excited to keep building this healthy habit.

If you could instantly master one new skill (work or personal), what would it be?

If I could instantly master one new skill, it would be advanced data analytics. Being able to dive deeper into data would help me make smarter, faster decisions at work and uncover new opportunities for the team. Plus, it’s a skill that’s becoming essential across so many fields, so mastering it would be a big win professionally and personally.

What’s one bucket list item you’re hoping to tick off this year?

One bucket list item I’m hoping to tick off this year is learning Spanish. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m excited about the challenge and the chance to connect with new people and cultures.

What motivates you to come to work every day?

What motivates me to come to work every day is the opportunity to learn something new and make a real impact alongside an amazing team. Knowing that the work we do helps solve challenges and drives progress keeps me energized and inspired.

What’s one thing your team might not know about you?

One thing my team might not know is that I’m very competitive, especially in sports. I absolutely hate losing. That drive makes every game super intense and fun for me.

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