Financial Technologies are disrupting the way we transact, driven by factors such as digitalization, changing consumer behavior and increasing demand for seamless financial solutions.
Piyush Rohella, our next pathbreaker, Principal Product Manager at GoDaddy, focuses on solving problems related to Point of Sale (POS) systems and developing payment platforms for GoDaddy partners and third-party application developers.
Piyush talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his varied experiences in payment technologies at Amex and Amazon that fuelled his enthusiasm for FinTech !
For students, as the world is constantly evolving, especially in the field of technology, it is crucial to identify emerging opportunities and stay ahead of the curve.
Piyush, your background?
I was born and raised in Delhi, India, a vibrant city known for its rich history and diverse culture. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family of engineers and entrepreneurs, which fostered an environment that encouraged curiosity, innovation, and a strong work ethic.
From an early age, I developed a fascination with technology and its potential to shape and transform society. I was captivated by the way technology could solve complex problems, improve efficiency, and enhance people’s lives. This passion ignited my desire to pursue a career in the tech industry.
During my school and college years, I actively engaged in extracurricular activities that revolved around technology and leadership. I eagerly joined various tech clubs and organizations, where I had the opportunity to further develop my skills and explore my interests. These extracurricular activities provided a platform for me to participate in tech competitions and projects, fuelling my enthusiasm for technology and allowing me to gain practical experience.
One notable aspect of my participation in extracurricular activities was my involvement in various tech competitions. I relished the opportunity to work on challenging projects, such as building prototypes for small racing cars or designing innovative solutions for real-world problems. These experiences not only sharpened my technical skills but also nurtured my problem-solving abilities and honed my teamwork and leadership capabilities.
Being part of tech clubs and organizations also exposed me to like-minded individuals who shared a passion for technology and innovation. Collaborating with fellow members allowed me to learn from their diverse perspectives, exchange ideas, and foster lifelong connections. These networks and relationships have continued to be valuable throughout my career.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
For my graduation, I pursued a degree in engineering from Delhi College of Engineering, which is renowned for its strong technical education. This program provided me with a solid foundation in various engineering principles and equipped me with the necessary technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to further enhance my skills and broaden my horizons by pursuing post-graduation. I enrolled in a master’s program at the University of Connecticut, where I specialized in a relevant field (Project Management & Business Analytics) related to my career aspirations.
During my post-graduation, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into advanced topics and engage in research and projects that aligned with my interests. The program exposed me to advanced concepts, industry best practices, and emerging trends in the field. I acquired a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and developed critical thinking and analytical skills.
What were some of the influences that led you to choose this career?
Choosing a career in the lending and payments industry was influenced by a combination of factors, including my interests, industry growth, and personal motivations. Here are some key drivers that led me to choose this career:
Technological Impact: I have always been fascinated by the transformative power of technology and its ability to reshape industries and improve people’s lives. The lending and payments industry has experienced significant technological advancements, leading to increased accessibility, efficiency, and security. Being a part of this industry allows me to contribute to the technological advancements and drive innovation that positively impacts businesses and individuals.
Interest in Finance and Risk Management: I developed a keen interest in finance, risk management, and data analysis during my academic years. The lending and payments industry offers a unique intersection of technology, finance, and risk management. This blend of disciplines intrigued me, as it provided an opportunity to utilize my technical skills while working with financial data and developing strategies to mitigate risks.
Industry Growth and Opportunities: The lending and payments industry has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by factors such as digitalization, changing consumer behavior, and increasing demand for seamless financial solutions. This growth presents abundant opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and making a significant impact on the industry.
Impact on Society: The lending and payments industry plays a crucial role in the economy by providing individuals and businesses with access to credit and secure payment solutions. By working in this industry, I can contribute to making financial services more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. Helping individuals and businesses navigate financial challenges and achieve their goals is something that resonates with me.
·Alignment with Skill Set: The lending and payments industry requires a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and business acumen. My educational background in engineering, combined with my passion for technology and problem-solving, provided a strong foundation that aligned well with the requirements of this industry. I saw an opportunity to leverage my skills and interests to make a meaningful impact in the lending and payments space.
Tell us about your career path
My approach to planning my career path was a combination of strategic thinking, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities. I identified my interests and goals early on and developed a long-term vision for my career. I understood the importance of gaining practical experience, building a strong network, and continuously upgrading my skills and knowledge.
My first step after college was securing an internship in a prominent lending institution (American Express). During this internship, I gained hands-on experience in the lending industry, familiarising myself with credit assessment, risk management, and customer service. This experience confirmed my interest in the lending and payments industry and motivated me to pursue a career in this field. After completing my internship, I joined American Express as a Product Manager in the credit risk Systems. In this role, I focused on credit underwriting, analyzing creditworthiness, and managing risk. I developed a deep understanding of credit products and risk assessment methodologies. This position allowed me to gain valuable experience in risk management and set a strong foundation for my career.
Seeking new challenges and opportunities, I transitioned to Amazon, where I worked as a Senior Product Manager- Technical. Here, I expanded my responsibilities to include collections and delinquency management. I gained insights into the operational aspects of managing credit portfolios and honed my skills in analyzing customer behaviour and implementing effective collection strategies. Currently, I work as a principal product manager at GoDaddy. Here, I focus on building hardware solutions for Point of Sale systems and developing payment platforms. Networking and building contacts played a significant role in my career progression. I actively engaged in industry events, conferences, and professional communities to connect with like-minded professionals. These connections provided insights into potential job opportunities, recommendations, and mentorship.
Overall, my career path has been shaped by a combination of strategic thinking, continuous learning, gaining practical experience, building a strong network, and seizing opportunities. Each experience and qualification has contributed to my growth and prepared me for the roles I hold today as a principal product manager in the lending and payments industry.
How did you get your first break?
Getting my first break in the industry was a combination of factors, including my educational background, networking, and seizing opportunities. Here’s how I got my first break:
Internships: During my college years, I actively sought internships in the lending and payments industry. These internships provided valuable hands-on experience and allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Through my internships, I gained exposure to industry practices, built industry connections, and showcased my skills and potential to potential employers.
Networking: Networking played a crucial role in getting my first break. I actively engaged in networking events, industry conferences, and online communities related to my field of interest. I reached out to professionals in the industry, attended industry-specific events, and built connections with individuals who had insights into potential job opportunities. These connections helped me stay informed about job openings and provided recommendations and referrals, increasing my chances of securing my first position.
Leveraging educational qualifications: My engineering degree from Delhi College of Engineering and my master’s degree from the University of Connecticut played a significant role in getting my first break. These qualifications helped me stand out among other candidates and demonstrated my technical knowledge and dedication to the field.
Proactive job search: I actively searched for job openings in the lending and payments industry through various channels such as online job portals, company websites, and professional networks. I tailored my resume and cover letter to highlight my relevant skills and experiences, ensuring they aligned with the job requirements. By proactively searching and applying for positions, I increased my chances of getting noticed by potential employers.
Interview preparation: I dedicated time to prepare for job interviews by researching the companies I applied to, studying industry trends, and practicing common interview questions. I also leveraged the knowledge and insights gained from my internships and educational background to demonstrate my suitability for the roles I pursued.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
One of the challenges I faced was adapting to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the tech industry. Technology trends and customer expectations evolve rapidly, requiring constant learning and adaptation. To address this challenge, I prioritized continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends. I attended relevant conferences, completed online courses, and actively sought out new information through industry publications and thought leaders. By proactively staying informed, I was able to anticipate changes, pivot strategies when necessary, and ensure that my product management decisions aligned with the evolving landscape.
Another challenge I encountered was managing cross-functional teams and stakeholders with diverse perspectives and priorities. Collaboration and effective communication are crucial in such situations. To address this challenge, I fostered a culture of open communication and ensured that everyone’s ideas and concerns were heard. I organized regular meetings, facilitated discussions, and encouraged team members to share their insights and perspectives. By fostering a collaborative environment and aligning goals and expectations, I was able to build strong working relationships and facilitate smooth cross-functional collaboration.
Where do you work now? Can you tell us about your current role?
I currently work at GoDaddy as a principal product manager. In my role, I focus on solving problems related to building hardware solutions for Point of Sale (POS) systems and developing payment platforms for GoDaddy partners and third-party application developers. I aim to create efficient and secure payment processing systems that enhance the checkout experience for businesses and their customers.
What are some of the skills needed to achieve your responsibilities?
The skills needed for my job include strong product management skills, technical knowledge of payment processing systems, strategic thinking, leadership, and effective communication and collaboration. I acquired these skills through a combination of education, professional experience, and continuous learning. My engineering background provided a strong technical foundation, while my advanced courses in Product Management and leadership programs enhanced my strategic thinking and leadership abilities. On-the-job experience at American Express and Amazon further developed my product management skills and provided insights into the complexities of the lending and payments industry.
Can you tell us what a typical day is like?
A typical day as a principal product manager at GoDaddy involves a mix of strategic planning, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and execution of product initiatives. I spend time analyzing market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to inform product strategy. I collaborate with designers, engineers, and stakeholders to define product requirements and guide the development process. I also engage in customer research and feedback sessions to ensure that our solutions align with their needs. Additionally, I participate in meetings, provide guidance to team members, and track the progress of ongoing projects. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the products and services we offer.
What do you love about your work?
What I love about my job is the opportunity to work on innovative solutions that directly impact businesses and their customers. Solving complex problems in the lending and payments industry and creating products that make a tangible difference is highly rewarding. I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams, leveraging their expertise, and collectively driving the product vision forward. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the tech industry keeps me engaged and continuously learning. The fast-paced environment challenges me to think creatively, adapt to changes, and stay ahead of industry trends. Overall, the combination of solving real-world problems, collaborating with talented individuals, and the ever-evolving nature of the job is what I find fulfilling and enjoyable.
How does your work benefit society?
My work in the lending and payments industry has a direct impact on society by making credit and lending facilities more accessible and efficient for individuals and businesses. At American Express and Amazon, my role focused on designing and implementing products and services that provided financial support to customers during times of financial distress. This involved creating solutions that offered flexible payment options, lower interest rates, and personalized financial assistance. By providing these resources, we aimed to help customers manage their finances more effectively and overcome challenges they might face.
In my current role at GoDaddy, I contribute to society by ensuring that businesses have access to the best and fastest Point of Sale (POS) solutions. The checkout experience is crucial for businesses as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and conversion rates. By developing efficient hardware solutions for POS systems and building robust payment platforms, we enable businesses to streamline their payment processes, reducing checkout time and enhancing the overall customer experience. This, in turn, helps businesses increase sales and grow their customer base.
Additionally, at GoDaddy, we strive to offer these services at the most economical rates possible. By keeping the cost of accepting credit cards low, we support businesses in maintaining higher profit margins. This is particularly important in today’s economy, where businesses need to optimize their operations and maximize their profitability.
Overall, my work in the lending and payments industry contributes to the betterment of society by providing accessible and efficient financial solutions to individuals and businesses. By empowering them with the tools they need to manage their finances and improve their customer interactions, we contribute to the growth and success of businesses and the overall economic well-being of society.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Embrace continuous learning: The world is constantly evolving, especially in the field of technology. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and seek opportunities to upgrade your skills and knowledge. Stay curious, be open to new ideas, and actively pursue professional development through courses, certifications, and industry events.
Gain practical experience: While academic education is important, gaining practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or projects can provide valuable insights and help you develop essential skills. Seek out opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and build a strong foundation for your future career.
Build a strong network: Networking is crucial in today’s professional world. Connect with professionals in your field of interest, attend industry events, and join relevant professional organizations. Building a strong network can open doors to mentorship, career opportunities, and collaborations.
Future Plans?
Continuously stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in the lending and payments industry. This will enable me to identify emerging opportunities and stay ahead of the curve. With my background in engineering, product management, and leadership, I may consider exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the fintech or tech industry. Starting my own venture can provide a unique platform to apply my skills, creativity, and industry knowledge while having a direct impact on shaping innovative products and services.