Navigating Leadership, Learning and Life

Meet Samay Shah , a dedicated and driven professional who joined Sikich as an analyst 3.5 years ago and now proudly serves as an assistant manager. From his early days diving into major projects to being recognized on stage for his team’s incredible contributions, Samay’s journey at Sikich is one of continuous growth, challenges, and invaluable lessons. In this interview, he shares his experiences, insights on Sikich’s supportive culture, and his personal story of balancing work with life’s unexpected turns.?

Please share a couple of highlights of your journey at Sikich so far.?

I joined Sikich 3.5 years ago as an analyst and now I'm an assistant manager. One standout moment for me was diving into a big project just days after joining and presenting on the traction book—something I still remember vividly. I've also loved participating in team events and annual functions. Along the way, I’ve faced challenges but gained valuable lessons. The best part? Working with colleagues who make collaboration easy and enjoyable, no matter their position.?

?Why would you recommend Sikich as a workplace for young talent???

Sikich is an excellent platform for young talent to learn and grow, especially in the early stages of their professional careers. The leadership here is incredibly supportive, guiding you through every step of the journey. The well-structured onboarding and client-specific training sessions make it easy for new team members to settle in quickly, creating a smooth transition into the work environment.?

Share a few lines about your family & what you enjoy in your spare time.??

Born and raised in Ahmedabad, I live with my mother, with whom I’ve grown even closer since my father’s passing in 2020. I have two brothers, both married, and I love spending time with them. My bond with nieces, nephews, and friends is something I truly cherish. In my downtime, you’ll often find me watching inspirational or motivational films, or indulging in a good comedy, no matter if it’s Gujarati, Bollywood, or Hollywood. I also love dancing, listening to music, and catching a game of cricket—whether on TV or on the field.?

What do you do when you face a difficult task???

Whenever I encounter a complex task, I focus on understanding the root cause of the challenge before diving into solutions. I stay calm and patient, using research and analysis to get to the bottom of the issue. My approach is to not only resolve the current problem but to implement long-term fixes by adding checkpoints in the process. This proactive step ensures that similar difficulties are either avoided altogether or minimized in the future, leading to greater efficiency and time-saving in the workflow.?

How does Sikich help you in ensuring work-life balance???

Sikich has been instrumental in promoting work-life balance, even with the challenges of working across time zones. When we have late-night meetings with the US, we're allowed to leave early and handle them from home, which is a huge relief. Recently, due to a medical issue, I was given the flexibility to work from home, and the support from management and my colleagues made all the difference. It’s reassuring to know that the company truly cares about our well-being.?

A work situation that made you feel valued.??

I’ve had several moments at Sikich that made me feel truly valued. One highlight was when I had the honor of announcing a core value shout-out on stage for my team, recognizing their incredible dedication to a major project in front of a large audience. When I was promoted to assistant manager, I felt even more empowered, as I was entrusted with decision-making authority, allowing me to contribute my perspective with confidence.?

A few lines on your interaction with US colleagues - the differences and how you work through them.??

The major challenges I faced were with pronunciation during meetings and understanding the expectations for my work. To address this, I began using transcription tools to avoid misunderstandings and followed up with notes or agendas to ensure alignment with US team members. Regarding work expectations, I first focused on understanding the project, noted my questions, and clarified the roles of the US team. This helped me align my tasks with the overall project goals, ensuring efficiency by adding checkpoints to prevent duplication of work.?

Samay works as an assistant manager at Sikich India, and he manages a team of 10+ members. Apart from that, his responsibilities include handling multiple projects, and resolving technical and non-technical queries that his teammates come across.?

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