#3 Thoughtworks: My Catalyst for Purpose-Driven Consulting

A Reflection Sparked by a Recent Encounter

Recently, I had the chance to catch up with a former colleague from Thoughtworks. As we recalled about our shared experiences, I transported myself back to my time with the company. This conversation stirred something in me – realizing how profoundly my tenure at Thoughtworks had shaped my professional journey and personal philosophy.

In the fast-paced tech consulting world, pausing and reflecting on the formative experiences that mould us is rare. Yet, as I look back now, years after my time at Thoughtworks, I'm struck by the enduring impact of those years on my approach to consulting and my understanding of technology's role in driving positive change.

This isn't a nostalgic yearning for the past, nor an attempt to curry favour. Rather, it's a recognition of the lasting influence of a transformative period in my career that continues to inform my work and values to this day. As I share these reflections, I hope to illuminate my journey and the potential for purpose-driven work in the tech industry. So, let me take you back to 2016 when my Thoughtworks journey began...

In 2016, I stepped into Thoughtworks' Chicago office for an interview, unaware that this day would mark the beginning of a journey that would profoundly shape not only my career but also my personal life and philosophy in consulting.

My ThoughtWorks journey began with a unique and intense interview process that set the tone for the innovative culture I was about to enter. After clearing the initial telephone interview and case study exercise, I found myself on a plane from Indianapolis to Chicago, courtesy of Thoughtworks, for a day-long interview that would push my limits and ignite my passion.

As I walked into the Chicago office at 9 AM, a palpable energy filled the air. The day unfolded with a series of diverse interviews, ranging from culture fit and cognitive assessments to technical evaluations and consulting scenarios. By 5 PM, I was mentally drained but exhilarated. As I boarded my flight home, I reflected on the day's events, marvelling at the thoroughness and depth of the process. To my surprise and delight, I received a positive response within 24 hours.

Among all the interviews, one stood out significantly -- the Pillar 3 ( Social Justice) interview. This unique aspect of Thoughtworks' approach opened my eyes to a new dimension of consulting. The concept of balancing a sustainable business, software excellence, and advancing social and economic justice resonated deeply with me.

I learned that Pillar 3 embodies Thoughtworks' social conscience, influencing everything from client selection to internal initiatives. It wasn't just about writing code or solving business problems; it was about making a positive impact on the world. This approach to consulting -- where social impact is as crucial as technical excellence and business sustainability -- was revolutionary to me.

What struck me most was that this wasn't just a lofty ideal or a marketing ploy. Thoughtworks genuinely integrated this principle into every aspect of their operations. As I progressed in my role, I saw time and again how decisions were made with this third pillar in mind, often prioritizing social impact alongside profitability and technical innovation. Thoughtworks as an organization has evolved a lot and also evolved its Social Change framework.

As I settled into my role at Thoughtworks in 2016, I began to absorb what I now call a "comprehensive rulebook for consulting." This wasn't a physical book, but rather a collection of principles, practices, and methodologies that have guided my career ever since. This invaluable knowledge base covered ethical client engagement, practical application of Agile methodologies, strategies for driving organizational change, techniques for effective communication and stakeholder management, and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

This "rulebook" has been my north star throughout my consulting career, providing a framework for excellence that I continue to build upon.

During my tenure at Thoughtworks, I had the privilege of working with great minds who worked on groundbreaking projects that exemplified the company's commitment to leveraging technology for social good. Two projects, in particular, stand out for their transformative impact:

Bahmni, an open-source hospital management system designed for low-resource settings, and Jugalbandi, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing access to government services in rural India. These projects were more than just technical challenges; they were opportunities to make a tangible difference in people's lives. They embodied Thoughtworks' Third Pillar philosophy, showing me firsthand how technology and consulting could be powerful forces for social good.

Rubbing Shoulders with Industry Giants & Working with Great Minds

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my time at ThoughtWorks came during a consulting assignment in Michigan. Martin Fowler, a luminary in the software development world, visited us and joined us for dinner. This experience reinforced the unique culture at Thoughtworks -- a place where you could learn from the best in the industry in the most unexpected settings.

More Than Just Colleagues: A ThoughtWorks Family

My experience at Thoughtworks went beyond professional growth and innovative projects. It showed me that the company's commitment to its people extended far beyond the office walls. A particularly touching moment came when my second daughter was born during my time with Thoughtworks in 2016.

To my surprise and delight, my team in East Lansing, Michigan, organized a heartwarming baby shower for my wife. Among the presents was a special package of ThoughtWorks goodies for our newborn, playfully labelled "Future Thoughtworker." This gesture was so endearing.

This experience exemplified the human-centric culture at Thoughtworks. It showed me that the company's values of empathy, inclusivity, and care weren't just corporate buzzwords, but principles that were truly lived out in day-to-day interactions.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion

During my time at ThoughtWorks, I had the honour of serving as a committee member of the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Council. This role allowed me to contribute directly to fostering a more inclusive work environment and to witness firsthand the company's commitment to these values.

What impressed me most, and continues to impress me even now, is Thoughtworks' ongoing dedication to transparency and accountability in this area. The fact that ThoughtWorks continues to publish its D&I numbers demonstrates its unwavering commitment to progress and its willingness to hold itself accountable publicly. This level of transparency is rare in the industry and speaks volumes about the company's integrity and genuine commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. You can check the current numbers at https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-ca/about-us/diversity-and-inclusion/our-people

The Lasting Impact

My time at ThoughtWorks wasn't just about honing my technical skills or learning new consulting methodologies. It was a transformative experience that shaped my entire approach to consulting and technology and even touched my personal life in meaningful ways.

The principles I absorbed at Thoughtworks -- the balance of technical excellence, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to social impact -- became the cornerstone of my consulting philosophy. Even after leaving ThoughtWorks and starting my practice in Canada, these principles continue to guide my work.

Now, as I navigate the challenges of running my own consulting business Deuteronsoft working for all major Fintech, Insurance, Public sector & Media clients, I often find myself drawing upon the lessons learned during my time at Thoughtworks. The exposure to industry leaders like Martin Fowler showed me the importance of staying connected with the broader tech community. The impactful projects like #Bahmni and #Jugalbandi continue to inspire me to seek out work that makes a difference.

In retrospect, my journey with ThoughtWorks in 2016 was more than just a job or a career step. It was an awakening to the potential of technology and consulting to drive meaningful change in the world, while also nurturing personal growth and connections. As I continue to grow my practice, I carry with me the ThoughtWorks spirit -- always striving to balance excellence, sustainability, and social impact in every project I undertake, while never forgetting the human element that makes our work truly meaningful.

If my story resonates with you, or if you'd like to discuss purpose-driven consulting and tech for social good, I'd love to connect. My calendar is open for conversations at Topmate –let's explore how we can collectively drive positive change in the tech industry.