Pivots That Matter: Trace back 2024

In a world of constant flux, mastering the pivot may be our most valuable skill.

Pivoting with resilience isn't just about survival; it's the engine of growth and evolution. While resilience has been extensively explored, the major pivots that define our trajectories—whether for individuals, nations, or economies—deserve deeper examination. Pivots aren't simply navigated; they're orchestrated, forced upon us, or stumbled into as unexpected choices.

The art of pivoting raises intriguing questions: How do we spot the need? How do we prepare, plan, and maintain resilience throughout? This is a thesis ripe for exploration, though not one I'll delve into today.

Pivots are the fulcrums of change, the moments that redefine trajectories. I happened to come across this pattern in 2024, in my own life, and my annual reflections are nothing but a commentary on the series of pivots I navigated this year.

Annual Reflections

2024 was a year of pivots: some smooth, some challenging. Some planned, some unexpected. These pivots aren't about immediate success, but about initiating changes that will unfold over the years.

Instead of my usual monthly diary-like entries, I'm taking a more holistic approach. We're not here to check boxes, but to connect dots and truly understand our journey.

This year, my reflections will be different. Let's begin.

Professional

The year began with a spirit of rebellion against the familiar. After mastering Google's landscape, I found myself colliding with systemic barriers I longed to challenge. The company's receptiveness to my ideas had waned, creating an impasse between my aspirations and what Google could offer my restless soul. Looking ahead, I saw a path that no longer ignited my passion.

NVIDIA presented an opportunity for growth. I rationalized this move as beneficial for both my Google team and myself. However, uprooting after nine years shouldn't be underestimated. My heart still resonates with Google's influence, and its values remain ingrained in me.

The transition to NVIDIA has been transformative, offering fresh challenges. These tech giants differ greatly in culture, operational rigor, and technical execution, providing the diverse experience I sought. I'm embracing patience, empathy, and strategic thinking in my new role, focusing on excellence while appreciating NVIDIA's exceptional speed and lack of bureaucracy.

I'm gradually settling into my new role, embracing patience, empathy, and strategic thinking as a crucial companion. My focus is on raising the bar of excellence for my teams and peers but with a newfound emphasis on patience and empathy for both current and existing processes and people. I've evolved from a "go-go-go" mentality to a more measured approach. Lastly, I am grateful for the trust, transparency, and teamwork that I have experienced in NVIDIA. Its exceptional focus on speed and bashing bureaucracy is very refreshing.

As you navigate your career pivots, remember that leaving a long-term position isn't just about new opportunities—it's about reconciling your personal growth with the deep connections you've built. It's a delicate balance between honoring your past and embracing your future. And the most important fit you are seeking is not of a role, but of values. Roles can evolve, but values are our anchors.

Personal

Growing up in India, religion is often an intrinsic part of one's upbringing. However, this wasn't necessarily the case in my household. My encounters with spirituality have been largely accidental, surprising, and self-directed. In 2024, I found myself on an unexpected journey, akin to Alice in Wonderland. I'm cautiously yet swiftly embracing my spirituality, carving out a unique path to integrate it into my life—unapologetically and free from labels.

When I left Google, I felt rudderless, in need of anchors. Serendipitously, I found these anchors on my way out. While I felt the boat shaking as I departed, since the afternoon of March 14th, I've been enveloped in what feels like divine grace and protection. This isn't mere coincidence; it's exactly what I needed as I left the comfort of familiar shores for choppier waters.

A wise mentor once told me, "Boats are safest in the harbor, but that's not what they're built for." In my case, I left the shore, but new anchors appeared along the way, precisely when I needed them most.

Discovering new rituals that now punctuate my calendar is a novel experience. This spiritual pivot has taught me to balance the demands of modern life with the wisdom of ancient practices. It's not about adhering to rigid religious doctrines, but about finding a personal connection to something greater than myself.

As I continue to navigate this spiritual dimension, I'm learning that it's not about dramatic transformations, but about subtle shifts that enrich my daily experiences and decision-making processes. This unexpected pivot has become a source of strength and guidance, helping me navigate life.

This pivot towards a more holistic approach to success is a long-term journey. The dividends may not be immediate, but I believe they'll be profound. As I ascend in my career, I'm equally focused on transcending the narrow definitions of success often championed in Silicon Valley.

Will I succeed? Will I stray from this path? It's uncertain. This is one of those pivots that will unfold over time, and the true outcomes aren't meant to be realized in the here and now. What's important is the commitment to maintaining this balance and staying true to myself throughout the journey.

Social

Years of executive coaching, generously provided by Google and my mentor Shankar, have led me to intimately identify my core values and true purpose. While these may evolve, three fundamental pillars currently define my existence:

Financial Security

Achieving a level of financial stability that eliminates concerns about necessities, allowing me to focus on higher pursuits.

Impactful Communication

Harnessing the power of words to catalyze change and amplify my voice in meaningful ways.

Human Impact

Enriching the lives of those around me through acts of service and nourishment, whether they be team members, friends, peers, mentors, or strangers

These core objectives serve as my compass, guiding my decisions and actions.

My professional pursuits comprehensively cover financial security and human impact. However, the aspect of using words to create change was somewhat lagging. While I've been a blogger for two decades, I felt compelled to address topics we often shy away from discussing openly. I believe that every reasonable human voice matters in learning how to live a good life, not just expert opinions.

To address this, I launched a podcast with my co-host, Igor, called The Real Women in Tech. It's our humble attempt to initiate dialogues with everyday women leaders about navigating life and careers.

In these dialogues, I practice unabashed honesty. Sometimes, post-recording, I feel apprehensive about how my comments might be perceived. But I was taught early that genuine thoughts should be expressed, without fear. I also enjoy encouraging our guests to speak candidly about their choices, pivots, and life stories. Our podcast isn't a platform for sharing glorified narratives. These are real stories lived by real people, and it's inspiring to witness the challenges our guests have overcome and the lives they've carved out of adversity and tribulations.

Though still in its early days, we've published four episodes and are committed to growing our presence in the coming year. A pivot again, from closed forum dialogues with mentors and friends to an open platform for idea exchange. And an attempt to find more meaning and purpose in life and professional connections.

Family

At the heart of my life is my family, whom we affectionately call the Three Musketeers—though "Three Monkeys" might be more fitting as we evolve together. This family team is the best I've ever been part of. This year we've embraced our values: Food, Travel, and Books quite comprehensively. While we didn't have any major pivots this year, the top 10 memorable moments stand out:

1. Tara turned 10!!

2. Summer with the grandparents - Hawaii, Yosemite, and Family Reunion in San Diego

3. Our Spanish conquest in December

4. Tara’s green belt in Tykondo

5. Agam’s new job with Cerebras. How the two of us land in hardware companies with identical cultures, that are drastically different from anything either of us has ever experienced, is beyond my comprehension.

6. The India trip in April - short fast sweet

7. Cozy fondue evenings at home

8. Movie nights with Tara's friends

9. Over two dozen weekend hikes with our friends

10. Ganesh Puja in November

2025 - Looking Ahead

As I enter the new year, I'm shifting my approach from being outcomes-driven to embracing a "go with the flow" mindset. This change marks a significant departure from my previous strategies, and while I can't predict the results, I'm excited to face 2025 with an open mind. I've come to realize that I am exactly where I need to be right now, which gives me peace and readiness to adapt. If change comes my way, I'm ready to go with it, trusting the journey instead of clinging to a specific destination.

My resolution for 2025 is simple: to become better at being me. I'm focusing on trusting the process and embracing change while staying true to my core values.

Here’s to a year of being unapologetically myself, wherever that may lead.