Diverse Journeys, Collective Triumph: Sirisha Saddikuti's Path to Amazon

Sirisha Saddikuti joined Amazon in 2024 as a Senior Program Manager. She is part of the dynamic Last Mile Vehicle Redeployment Team within Amazon's Global Fleet and Products division. This team is responsible for driving the seamless movement of vehicles across Amazon's extensive delivery network, ensuring that every station has the right resources to meet customer demands.

In an open and insightful discussion, Sirisha offers a behind-the-scenes look at her journey with Amazon. She begins by recounting the thought-provoking interview process, which gave her unique insights into the company's culture and values.

Sirisha also highlighted the dynamic and innovative spirit that permeates the Amazon office, which she finds deeply exciting. She credited much of this energy to the diversity and inclusion fostered on her team, explaining how this guiding philosophy has shaped her approach and contributed to her success within the organization.

Based on your recent experience being hired by Amazon, what guidance would you provide to an individual currently progressing through their hiring process?

Amazon prides itself on being peculiar, and you get a taste of that right from the interview process. What really impressed me was how the focus was on my career experiences rather than just ticking off boxes for specific role skills. Preparing for the interview took me on a trip down memory lane, revisiting projects from years ago, and it was a blast thinking about how I’d approach them differently now. It highlighted my growth in ways I hadn't even realized. Plus, the recruiting team was like a supportive pit crew, equipping me with all the resources and encouragement I needed.

The interview loop is like a mental boot camp, pushing you to give your best, then asking you to do it all over again sort of a preview of the Amazon work environment. My advice for anyone in the process? Embrace your unique skills and experiences, and weave them into Amazon’s leadership principles. It's not just about reciting them; it's about embodying them.

?Remember, no project or job is too small to showcase your leadership skills. Don't shy away from sharing experiences from recent internships or even everyday moments that might not have been financial triumphs. For instance, if you spoke up in a team meeting with an unpopular opinion and stood by your judgment, you're demonstrating the principle "Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit."

So, dive deep into your journey, celebrate your quirks, and get ready to shine.

What is exciting about the Amazon office?

The Nashville Amazon office has so many exciting perks that it’s hard to pick just one! Working on the 20th floor with the best view of Nashville? It doesn’t get better than that. But my absolute favorite perk is that I get to bring my furry friend, Asha, to work sometimes. She has a blast running around the dog park and making tons of new friends. It’s a win-win I get to save myself from the guilt of leaving her at home, and she gets her social time in.

Then there’s the coffee. Honest Coffee Roasters is my go-to, and the lovely lady at the counter never fails to remember my iced latte with Oat milk the moment she sees me. It’s the little things like that which make the office feel so warm and welcoming.

Another unique and fun feature is the Expressions Room. Since we’re in Nashville, the Music City theme fits perfectly. It’s a fantastic spot to take a break from a heavy day, try your hand at some music equipment, or even create your own artwork. It’s a great way to refresh and let your creative side shine.

Moving to a completely new city without any friends or family here was daunting, but the Nashville office has made the transition so much easier. It’s been a fun, friendly place to be, and has truly become my home away from home. Asha and I couldn’t be happier she’s got her dog park crew, and I’ve got my iced lattes, panoramic views, and creative outlets. What more could we ask for?

What is your favorite Amazon experience that spoke to Amazon’s culture?

In my second month at Amazon, I attended an internal summit where our larger team from across America gathered to discuss our product's future and current bottlenecks. During a team activity, we were grouped to roleplay different functions within the same product, brainstorming and solving their problems.

What struck me most was the genuine enthusiasm and passion from every member. Ideas flowed freely, and the best part was seeing teams address some quick wins immediately after the summit. This proactive attitude, coupled with the trust in each other's opinions and ideas, was truly inspiring.

This experience wasn't isolated to the summit; it reflects Amazon's broader culture. Trust is foundational at Amazon, earned early on, even at the interview stage. Despite being new, my opinions were valued and sometimes even led to changes in our path.

This environment of trust and ownership reinforces Amazon's culture, where every voice matters and actions speak louder than words. It’s a place where everyone is committed to getting things done, making it a standout moment for me that reinstated the Amazon culture.

What brings you passion/excitement to your role and team?

As a Senior Program Manager within the Worldwide Operations function at Amazon, I am driven by a deep passion for our mission to deliver joy to our customers. The principle of Customer Obsession is at the heart of everything we do, and it fuels my excitement for my role and team.

Every action we take, no matter how small, contributes to the seamless delivery experience our customers expect. Whether it's ensuring a gift arrives on time for a special occasion or taking care of everyday errands during a busy week, we understand that each delivery is a critical interaction that builds trust and satisfaction. This inspires us to exceed expectations with every package we deliver.

In addition to customer focus, we are acutely aware of our environmental responsibilities. Balancing the high standards of our customers with a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint presents a rewarding challenge. Our initiatives not only aim to enhance the customer experience but also to foster positive impacts on the community and the environment.

Furthermore, our team recognizes the importance of positively impacting Amazon's bottom line. Every program we manage is designed to drive financial success while aligning with our broader objectives. Creating sustainable, low-touch changes ensures that we contribute to the company's growth and profitability, making our work even more meaningful.

As a program manager, I design and implement strategies that balance these goals, ensuring that our efforts are impactful and sustainable. The dynamic nature of this role, which touches on all of Amazon's leadership principles, makes it incredibly fulfilling. Collaborating on innovative solutions in a supportive environment where every idea is valued ignites my passion to continually strive for excellence.

The pride I feel in contributing to a company that values trust, sustainability, and innovation keeps me motivated. Knowing that our collective efforts help deliver happiness to customers, positively impact the community, and drive Amazon's success is what makes this role truly special.

How do you foster diversity and inclusion on your team?

Fostering diversity and inclusion on my team is foundational to our success. Drawing from my experiences traveling to 23 countries over the past decade, I've learned to embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. At Amazon, diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's ingrained in our team culture. I work closely with teammates who bring a wealth of experience, from seasoned Amazon veterans to those new to our unique work environment after diverse professional journeys.

Our team's strength lies in this diversity ?not only in terms of experience but also in age, gender, and cultural background. We unite around best-in-class tools, leveraging our differences as strengths. Collaboration is key; we understand each other's goals and strengths, tapping into diverse expertise across various subjects. How we ensure this? Every program undergoes a comprehensive team review where every opinion is valued, ensuring our solutions are robust and free from bias, tailored to scale effectively within Amazon's dynamic environment and global presence.

Successful initiatives in our operations team hinge on seamless collaboration across functions. Thoughtful communication and Amazon's commitment to meticulous documentation facilitate cohesion among our diverse team members. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we not only build stronger processes but also cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

?To check out opportunities within the Sr. Program Manger role click here.

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