Greetings and welcome back to another installment of Journey of a TTT’er, where we go in-depth to learn more about how different team members help shape TTT Studios! In this edition, I sit down with Sahil Shirodkar, TTT’s Director of Engineering & Lead Architect.
Sahil is an integral part of our team. He leads our entire engineering department, while playing a vital role in the high-level design choices and technical standards as our lead software architect.
Sahil shares more about his journey with TTT and how he likes to spend his free time.
Quick intro
Position: Director of Engineering & Lead Architect
Favourite game: Cricket 🏏
Fun fact: I love watching movies! 🎥
Last movie watched: The Matrix Resurrections – I was a massive fanboy as a kid, not too impressed with the new one. 😞
Favourite food: Biryani, next to that sushi. 🍣🍚
Tell us about yourself. What’s your story/background?
“I grew up in a nuclear household with my parents and older brother in India. My father and brother were both mechanical engineers, so I knew at a young age that I wanted to become an engineer. I’m proud to say we all attended the same college in Mumbai!
After graduating with a Bachelors in Engineering, I went on to work with the Information Technology (IT) company Accenture, where I continued to work for 11 years. Interesting fact, Tiger Woods was the brand ambassador while I was there – sadly, I never had the chance to meet him.
I really enjoyed my time at Accenture, but I knew I wanted to explore new career options, specifically ones that gave me more time to spend with my wife and newborn. That’s when we decided to move to Canada! It was a surreal moment, you can imagine how we felt at the time. My wife and I were leaving our homes, jobs, and family to start a new chapter in a different country. It was a momentous adventure and one I’m happy we took.”
How did you end up at TTT? What were your first impressions?
“Interestingly enough, TTT was the first company I worked for after my move to Canada in 2019. After being in the industry for so long, I knew what I was looking for in my next job. I wanted a long-term career with a company that was supportive, understanding, and encouraged independence.
When researching TTT, I looked into their website, projects, and company culture; I could tell they were a group that gets the work done and has fun together. After my first interview, I met Chris Hobbs as I was leaving the building. At the time, I didn’t know who Chris was. Once I got home, I looked more into Chris and realized I had just met TTT’s Co-founder & President! I was pleasantly surprised to learn that someone in a high role that has achieved so much was that kind and down to earth, it left a great impression on the company for me.
After visiting the office, I fell in love with the atmosphere! It was so colourful, modern, and attractive. The open concept, along with all the available space to unwind and relax was a major bonus!”
What is something interesting about yourself?
“I really enjoy singing in the shower! In general I do not like the sound of my own voice, but I guess the acoustics of a bathroom (hard walls, closed space & dense steam) makes my voice sound much better than it actually is.”
What’s your most memorable moment working at TTT?
“There are many, but what comes to mind is the first scavenger hunt I participated in. September marks the last month for co-ops working that term, so we end it with a pretty competitive company-wide scavenger hunt. Each team is given a list of tasks to complete, the first team that completes the entire list wins.
The items on the list were hilarious! It was something entirely new to me, I’d never done anything like that before. The funniest task had to be going to the hotel across the street from our office and accessing the hotel’s gym, where we had to wave to the window facing TTT’s office while someone in the office snaps a pic. My team came in last that year, but it was still the most memorable moment for me.”
What is your secret super power? (something you’re very good at, that not everyone knows)
“I don’t know if this is a secret, but over the years, people have told me that I’m easy to get along with, especially in work environments. I’ve been told I look intimidating, but once you speak to me, all that goes away.”
What do you enjoy working on the most?
“I really enjoy working on projects that have a changing nature. These types of projects allow me to increase my skill level and knowledge. The technology landscape is constantly changing, and it requires me to stay up to date. Working with TTT allows me to do that. I get to work on different projects continuously, so I’m always learning new things and solving new problems.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I really enjoy playing with my daughter. She’s four years old now, so she’s picking up Marathi (mother tongue) quite quickly. It’ll be fun learning English as her next language.”
Who do you look up to? (Who is your hero?) Why?
“I have an interesting philosophy regarding role models. I honestly feel that it’s challenging to keep one role model throughout your life. Of course, you’ll have a few role models that are constant in your life, like your mom and dad, but as you grow and evolve, your role model is expected to change as well.
I have to say that my current role model is from Star Trek’s Next Generation, Captain Picard. Captain Picard allows his team to work on their own to develop the best possible solutions while guiding them. I believe he exemplifies what a good leader should be. Star Trek’s screenplay and stories were ahead of their time. They demonstrated a lot of overlap between science fiction and running a team in a professional setting.”
About TTT Studios
TTT is a Vancouver-based award-winning Digital Innovation Studio focused on creating digital solutions for more than 200 clients around the world. Working with industry leaders and disruptors, we solve our client’s most complex problems, shaping their businesses through technology.
For more information on TTT Studios, please visit: ttt.studio.
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