Meet Gayathri Venkatraman, a senior project manager based in Chennai, India. She has been with Perficient for eight years, and during that time, she has had the opportunity to grow professionally, take on leadership roles, and mentor others in their own career journeys.
In this People of Perficient profile, we’ll get a glimpse into Gayathri’s role as a senior project manager, learn about her proudest accomplishments both personally and professionally, and discover how her experiences at Perficient have shaped her growth.
What is your role? Please describe a typical day in the life.
In my role as a Senior Project Manager, a typical day involves balancing a mix of leadership and individual responsibilities. I start the day by reviewing ongoing projects, ensuring deadlines are on track, and addressing any issues. I often have meetings with my team to collaborate on project goals and offer guidance where needed. Mentoring plays a significant part in my day, whether during one-on-one sessions or informal conversations where I help team members with career advice and skill development.
How do you explain your job to family, friends, or children?
I help teams plan and organize their work to complete projects on time and within budget. It’s like being a coach — making sure everyone knows their role, keeping track of progress, and solving any problems along the way. I also ensure we follow all rules and regulations, similar to a referee in a game. I review processes and policies to ensure we’re doing things the right way and avoiding any legal issues.
What are your proudest accomplishments, personally and professionally? Any milestone moments at Perficient?
One of my proudest personal accomplishments is that I’m pursuing my passion for dance while working full-time. This involves effectively managing my time, dedicating evenings and weekends to classes and rehearsals, and finding ways to integrate creativity and rhythm into my leadership style. I use the discipline from dance to enhance my organizational skills.
I am deeply passionate about dance and teaching underprivileged children. Dance allows me to express creativity and maintain a sense of balance and joy, while teaching children gives me the opportunity to make a direct impact on their lives. I find immense fulfillment in helping them grow, learn, and discover their potential, especially in situations where resources or opportunities may be limited. It’s a way for me to give back and contribute to my community.
I’m also proud of being a working mom. I balance family and career by prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and staying organized while also making time for self-care and involving my family in the planning.
Professionally, I’m proud of being a good leader and prioritizing team development as well as process improvements. One milestone moment I’ve had at Perficient is when I received an Extra Mile Award for my contributions, which validated the hard work I put in.
What has your experience at Perficient taught you?
My experience at Perficient has taught me the importance of adaptability in a fast-paced environment. I’ve also learned the value of collaboration in problem-solving and how to communicate complex technical concepts clearly. Additionally, my experience has emphasized the significance of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends to drive innovation and efficiency.
What advice would you give to colleagues who are starting their career with Perficient?
Focus on continuous learning, build meaningful connections, and always be open to feedback and new opportunities. You are in the best place to grow, so make use of the opportunities!
Learn More: Perficient’s Award-Winning Growth For Everyone Program
What is the culture like on your team and at Perficient?
The culture at Perficient emphasizes open communication, continuous improvement, and a strong sense of mutual support. My team is dynamic and diverse in terms of skill sets, which helps bring fresh perspectives to problem-solving and innovation. We maintain a balance between being results-oriented and fostering a positive, relaxed atmosphere where all ideas are valued. Overall, the culture promotes inclusivity, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance.
See More: Perficient Prioritizes a People-Centric Culture
Why are you Proudly Perficient?
I proudly represent Perficient because of its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and colleagues’ professional growth. The company fosters an environment where creativity and diverse perspectives are valued, allowing me to meaningfully contribute to impactful projects.
Additionally, Perficient’s focus on work-life balance aligns with my personal values, enabling me to pursue passions outside of work, such as teaching underprivileged children and dancing. Being part of a team that prioritizes both colleague development and community impact makes me proud to be a part of this organization.
Read More: Discover How Perficient Colleagues Are Giving Back
What motivates you in your daily work?
I find motivation in solving complex problems, collaborating with talented colleagues, and learning new skills. Knowing that my contributions help drive success and growth — whether it’s for the company, clients, or my personal development — provides a sense of purpose and keeps me energized. The culture of support and recognition encourages me to push boundaries and improve every day.
How have you grown your career with Perficient?
I’ve focused on taking advantage of the opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and hands-on projects. I’ve sought out challenging assignments that allow me to expand my skills and take on more responsibility.
I’m proactive in learning new technologies and methodologies, which align with my team’s goals and the broader business objectives. Through this, I’ve been able to steadily progress in my role. Additionally, the support from leadership and access to a collaborative network of colleagues have been instrumental in my growth within the company.
With Perficient’s mission statement in mind, how do you shatter boundaries?
I consistently push myself beyond my comfort zone, take calculated risks, and embrace challenges that require innovative thinking. By staying curious, asking questions, and learning from those around me, I’m able to break through limitations and discover new opportunities for growth.
I look for ways to collaborate across different teams and disciplines because diverse perspectives often lead to groundbreaking solutions. Staying open to feedback and being adaptable are key components that help me continue to challenge and exceed expectations.
If you had to define yourself using one Perficient value, which would it be and why?
Pride. I take great satisfaction in the work I do, the values I uphold, and the positive impact I strive to make. Pride, for me, stems from knowing that I am always giving my best effort, supporting my team, and growing both personally and professionally. It’s about having confidence in my abilities while remaining humble and eager to learn. I am proud of the resilience, curiosity, and adaptability I bring to challenges, which helps me push boundaries and continue evolving.
What’s one thing you wish your colleagues knew about you?
One thing I wish my colleagues knew about me is that I’m always eager to mentor and support them in their professional growth. I enjoy helping others navigate challenges, share insights, and develop their skills to advance in their careers.
It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.
Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!
Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Source: Read MoreÂ
