What Color is my Parachute? - My Journey of Strategy, Impact, and Purpose

Inspired by Prof Ira Lawrence Cohen

When I first picked up?What Color Is Your Parachute??by Richard N. Bolles, I didn’t realize how deeply it would shape my understanding of career and purpose. The book challenged me to think beyond job titles and tasks, urging me to reflect on what truly drives me. Now, as I carve my path in business analysis, I’m starting to see the unique color of my parachute—one that blends strategic thinking, data-driven insights, and a commitment to making a tangible difference.

The Turning Point: Realizing the Power of Business Intelligence

At HighRadius, I experienced firsthand how data-driven decisions could transform business outcomes. As a Functional Consultant, I acted as a bridge between business stakeholders and technical teams, implementing AI-powered solutions that reduced Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) by 20% and improved cash posting accuracy to 95%. This role highlighted the value of translating complex data into clear, actionable insights and sparked my interest in business intelligence. Seeing the impact on client satisfaction and efficiency made me realize that my parachute’s color would include a deep commitment to using data for meaningful change.

Building Expertise in Data and Strategy

My role as a Salesforce Development Analyst at Accenture helped me solidify skills in data analysis, project management, and stakeholder communication. Leading the design and implementation of Salesforce applications for organizations like the UK Health Security Agency, I saw how aligning business needs with technical solutions could make a measurable impact. By optimizing workflows and reducing quote approval times by 30%, I learned that part of my purpose is to bridge gaps—whether between teams, systems, or data. This realization added another hue to my parachute: the drive to bring strategy and solutions together to benefit both organizations and customers.

Skills That Drive My Work

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Leveraging tools like SQL, R, and Python to turn data into meaningful insights that guide strategic decisions.
• Agile & Product Management: Ensuring projects stay aligned with business goals through Agile methodologies, keeping teams flexible and focused.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Effectively conveying complex information to diverse stakeholders, fostering understanding and collaboration across teams.
• Business Intelligence Tools (CPQ/CLM, PowerBI, Amazon Connect): Utilizing advanced BI tools to develop data-driven solutions that optimize processes and enhance customer experiences.

These skills aren’t just technical capabilities; they’re the tools I use to make a real impact, helping organizations make data-informed decisions that lead to growth and efficiency.

Values That Shape My Parachute

Reading Bolles’ book made me realize that understanding my values is just as important as honing my skills. At the core of my work is a commitment to integrity, resourcefulness, and continuous improvement. One of my professors often spoke about the “optimized utilization of limited resources”—a phrase that has taken on new meaning with each project. In an industry where resources—time, budgets, and skills—are always constrained, making the most of what we have is crucial. This value of optimization isn’t just a work principle; it’s woven into the fabric of my career and guides every decision I make.

What I Love: Translating Insights into Impact

Another color in my parachute is my passion for?talking, sharing, and solving problems. I love taking complex technical concepts and translating them into plans that are clear and actionable for diverse teams. Whether it’s understanding customer pain points or brainstorming solutions, this aspect of my work is deeply fulfilling. It reminds me that business analysis isn’t just about data; it’s about making a difference for people—whether they’re clients, stakeholders, or team members.

New Horizons in Canada: Embracing Global Opportunities

Having recently moved from India to Canada, I’m excited to explore the dynamic business landscape here. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer incredible opportunities to connect with a diverse, forward-thinking professional community. Canada’s vibrant, culturally rich environment fosters both personal and professional growth, allowing me to broaden my horizons and deepen my impact in the field of business analysis. This new chapter adds another shade to the unique color of my parachute as I embrace the challenges and opportunities of a global career path.

Beyond Money: Benefits That Drive My Purpose

For me, success isn’t just measured by financial gain. Here’s what truly matters in my career:

• Autonomy and Influence: Having the freedom to make meaningful decisions.
• Purposeful Work: Contributing to projects where I can see the impact of my efforts.
• Work-Life Balance: Maintaining flexibility to stay energized and focused on both professional and personal goals.

The Mission Ahead: Making Business Analysis a Tool for Transformation

With every role, every project, and every lesson, I’m getting closer to understanding my unique purpose—the color of my parachute. I want to bridge the gap between business needs and technical capabilities, ensuring that data-driven insights lead to smarter, more impactful decisions. My journey is about more than career advancement; it’s about making a tangible difference in the businesses and communities I serve.

Thank you for reading! I’m excited to connect with fellow professionals who are also discovering the unique colors of their parachutes. Let’s share ideas, collaborate, and make a difference together.