Hola, my name is Pricilla!! I am a Mom, Wife, Daughter, AWS Community Builder, Postman Supernova, and WomenTech Network Ambassador. I have over a decade of Quality Assurance expertise in a variety of industries including Insurance, Healthcare, Fintech, and Pharma. So far, I've dabbled in a range of tools and technologies. I'd really like to meet new people and learn about their culture, food, and so on. I am confident that everyone is gifted, but only a few are fortunate enough to discover and develop their abilities. Invest in yourself and seek support when necessary. I can support you by sharing my knowledge, experiences, and lessons. I can educate you about APIs and what they include in order to develop your competence as a Test Engineer, overcome roadblocks in your professional path, and achieve work-life balance. I am a staunch believer in Karma. As a result, I am cautious about my actions. I am grateful for what I have now. செய்வதை துணிந்து செய். வாழ்வே வாழ்பவர்க்கு!! With ❤️ Pricilla Bilavendran
My Mentoring Topics
- Career advice to new Test Engineers
- Functional Testing
- APIs 101
- API Testing
- Postman
- Front end Automation
- Selenium
- Team Leadership
- Communication
- Interview Tips
- Personal Branding
- To improve blogging/speaking skills
- Presentation Skills
- Management Skills
- AWS
- JS for Testers
P.
2.August 2023I discovered Pricilla's profile while taking an API testing course on The Test Tribe website. After that, I reached out to her through LinkedIn for guidance and tips ahead of an upcoming interview. I was pleasantly surprised when she generously allocated time from her workday to schedule a session with me before my interview. During our call, Pricilla discussed the job description, delved into my background, and provided valuable insights into essential concepts of API testing and interviewing in general. Her explanations and guidance boosted my confidence, and I gained valuable insights. I am truly impressed by her expertise and helpfulness, and I have decided to book another session with her to further enhance my skills and create a personalized roadmap for my upskilling journey. I should definitely thank "The Mentoring Club" for a platform like this. @Pricilla, thank you for your time and consideration, I'm really happy about coming across your profile and building a great connection for years to come. I'm definitely looking forward to more sessions and gaining more valuable insights from you.
V.
5.July 2023I've been following Pricilla on LinkedIn and read articles on blogs for a bit and I see how much value she brings to the Software Testing community, and how active she is in it. Immediately I noticed her commitment and willingness to help and lead the meeting appropriately in order to receive fruitful results from it. The whole meeting with Pricilla was going in a supportive and motivated atmosphere. Pricilla planned a roadmap based on the aim that I mentioned and shared materials that help me to keep working on my testing journey and make progress. We also discussed the mental side of achieving set-up goals, which I believe is crucial in it. Thank you so much for dedicating your time. It pleasure to meet you and I hope to be touch with you.
B.
5.July 2023Pricilla has sufficient patience to listen to her mentee giving her an insight on them. Based on which she plans a roadmap. One who is positive, open-minded and happy to help anytime. In simple words, she is the reliable mentor whose inputs will shape the professional career in the way that is beneficial. Happy to meet a postman supernova :)
H.
6.April 2023It was great connecting with Pricilla. I do hesistate the fact that I was'nt able to connect with her much earlier. I would consider that she is one of the inspiring person I have met. The session was super help full and all her answers to the questions I had were very thoughfull. She was super casual,like I know her for a very long time. We talked about lot of things like work life balance, how to invest time in up-skilling yourself, how to up skill your team and how to say no to certain things in a more polished /politer way. I would like to connect with her as a contious process to learn , unlearn and share experience in work and life. This was my first mentee session ever and I do see the power of it. All the best Pricilla , keep rocking !!!
M.
15.February 2023Thank you so much for your guidance and support during our mentoring sessions. Your expertise and knowledge have been incredibly valuable to me. Your positive attitude and willingness to help have been truly inspiring, and I feel more confident about what i do. I appreciate all the time and effort you have invested in me, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow under your guidance.
A.
14.December 2022Pricilla was extremely helpful and informative, giving me great career advice and providing resources to help me with my journey in tech! Highly recommend.
I.
21.November 2022It was absolute pleasure to connect with Pricilla! She is not brilliant in her career but also has a humble & caring heart. She has vast experience of API and guided me in my aspirations. Her motivation and helping attitude is very inspiring to me. Would love to have more sessions with her. Thanks Pricilla:)
M.
29.October 2022Yes, it was very useful, valuable, wonderful session & got lots of ideas regarding career. Really liked the session the most as you provided the ways to improve myself & the career step by step. It was really great session where I was able to ask all my queries without hesitation. Thanks alot for patiently clearing all my queries. I'm so lucky to get you as my Mentor.
S.
1.August 2022Indeed, it was a great conversation. I feel confident to pursue my career in API now. Thanks for the tips.
S.
26.July 2022It was Motivative and really boosted my confidence. Thanks a lot Pricilla.
Y.
20.May 2022The session was very helpful and motivational for me. After it, I wanted immediately to go to learn everything. During this session, I already had practical information about my goals and a lot of useful links. Also, I'm glad that everything was explained and now I know how great working with Mentor can be and I'm waiting for working more with Pricilla now.
C.
19.May 2022Absolutely it was helpful when I was crazily searching out for a mentor . Pricilla was my go to person . She is enthusiastic , brings clarity , encourages you,citing examples. I see a long term collaboration with her.
S.
6.May 2022Session was very good, got some insights into how she manages her team etc.
M.
5.April 2022I was inspired and got so many tips to get progress in our domain. The session was absolutely helpful for us.
B.
5.April 2022Yes, indeed. We really loved talking to you. Thanks for sharing all your success & failures with us. Thanks for your guidance.
D.
21.March 2022Yes , The session very insightful. In fact I received a lot of inputs that will certainly help me to grow better. Thank you for taking time in guiding me.
s.
14.March 2022Yes! It was really nice talking to Priscilla. She makes it so easy and comfortable to converse and open up.
E.
14.March 2022Great session! A lot of insights! Every time talks with Pricilla give me a lot of inspiration and ideas to go forward!
A.
15.November 2021it was an eye-opening session, Pricilla shared the hurdles she faced and her career path, she is doing a great job, one best thing 2021 is getting connected with a mentor like her. Thanks alot.
M.
27.October 2021Yes, Thank you for connecting with me and sharing your valuable advice this will surely help me in a long run.
m.
6.October 2021Yes, definitely I was indeed happy it was you Pricilla Else I would not have opened up.You are brilliant
A.
5.October 2021I loved the session with Priscilla. She is such a nice person with whom you can connect instantly and have insightful conversations. Her passion and knowledge in APIs and postman are immense. I would recommend her to anyone who wishes to start their API testing journey
E.
2.October 2021The session was very helpful. I love the work your doing by offering free mentorship to people and helping others grow their skills.
P.
4.September 2021Definitely, it was so helpful. Be the way you are now. Looking for some more sessions with you. Glad that I met you...late but definitely not too late.
A.
10.July 2021The session was very helpful for me. I get information on how to be a software tester.
B.
10.July 2021Yeah it's very helpful and very informative session. I am glad to have found a mentor like Pricilla. Thanks for Mentoring Club.
E.
5.July 2021Pricilla, thank you very much for the meeting! This was so intense and helpful for me! I learned a lot about API testing, helpful resources, also I am thinking about the first article in my blog, hopefully, I will start my blog very soon! You inspired me :) I hope that we will keep in touch in the future :)
S.
3.July 2021This is the second session with Pricilla champ. She was very helpful and answering most of my questions. Would like to have a session again.
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Atomic Habits - the life-changing million-copy #1 bestseller
James Clear
The book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear is a must-read guide for anyone seeking to cultivate good habits, break bad ones and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. As a professor with many years of experience in the field of behavior change and habit formation, I find Clear’s work an insightful and practical contribution to the growing body of literature on the subject. Key Facts and Insights Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement: The smallest habits, when consistently practiced, can lead to significant transformations over time. Focus on systems, not goals: Clear argues that the system of actions we follow is more important than the goal we are striving for. The Four Laws of Behavior Change: Clear presents the laws of Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward as the fundamental process of habit formation. Environment matters: Our surroundings play a massive role in shaping our habits and behaviors. Identity-based habits: The most effective way to change your habits is to focus on who you wish to become, not what you want to achieve. Making habits attractive: The more appealing the habit, the more likely it is to become ingrained. Use habit stacking: Pairing a new habit with an existing one can make it easier to adopt. Make habits easy: The easier a habit is to start, the more likely it is to stick. Immediate rewards: Habits are more likely to become ingrained if they are immediately rewarding. Continuous improvement: Focusing on getting 1% better each day can lead to significant growth over time. Tracking habits: Keeping track of habits helps maintain consistency and creates a visual cue to prompt action. In-Depth Analysis 1. The Power of Atomic Habits: The book begins by introducing the concept of atomic habits, which are small, routine behaviors that, when practiced consistently, can lead to significant changes in our lives. This concept is reminiscent of the Kaizen approach in Japanese management theory, which emphasizes continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. 2. Systems vs Goals: Clear posits that focusing on systems rather than goals is more beneficial to long-term success. This echoes Peter Drucker's management by objectives (MBO) approach, which emphasizes the importance of process over outcome. While goals are about the results we want to achieve, systems are about the processes that lead to those results. 3. The Four Laws of Behavior Change: Clear presents the Four Laws of Behavior Change - Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward - as the basis of habit formation and modification. This model is similar to B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning theory, which also uses cues (antecedents) and rewards (consequences) to shape behavior. 4. Environment and Habits: Clear emphasizes the importance of environment in shaping our habits, an idea supported by numerous studies in environmental psychology. By manipulating our environment to make good habits easier and bad habits harder, we can influence our behaviors more effectively. 5. Identity-Based Habits: Clear suggests that habits are more likely to stick when they align with our self-identity. This is consistent with the Self-Perception Theory by Daryl Bem, which posits that people infer their attitudes and beliefs from observing their own behavior. 6. Making Habits Attractive and Easy: Clear suggests making habits attractive and easy to start. He advises to use 'temptation bundling' and 'habit stacking' to make new habits more appealing. This is in line with the Premack's Principle, a psychological concept that suggests more probable behaviors will reinforce less probable behaviors. 7. Immediate Rewards and Habit Tracking: Clear stresses the importance of immediate gratification in habit formation. This is consistent with the concept of 'delay discounting' in behavioral economics, which suggests that people are more likely to choose immediate rewards over delayed ones. Habit tracking is recommended as a method to provide this immediate gratification and visually cue action. In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" offers a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for understanding and shaping our habits. It serves as a bridge between academic research and practical application, offering readers actionable strategies to transform their habits and, thereby, their lives.
ViewThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Mark Manson
Key Insights from "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" Embrace the Struggle: Struggle is an inevitable part of life, and the key to success is not avoiding struggle but rather selecting the struggles that are worth the effort. Values: It’s crucial to choose good values to measure success, such as honesty, innovation, vulnerability, etc., rather than unhealthy ones like material success. Finding Happiness: Happiness is not about always being positive, but rather about being comfortable with negative experiences and emotions. Responsibility: We should take responsibility for our life and actions, irrespective of whether we are at fault or not. Acceptance: Accepting the reality of our mortality can help us live a more meaningful life. Freedom: Freedom is not about having no limitations, but rather about choosing our limitations. Rejection of Entitlement: We are not entitled to a perfect life and accepting this can lead to personal growth. Failure: Failure is a part of growth. We learn from our failures, not from our successes. Uncertainty: It’s important to accept that we don’t know everything and uncertainty is a part of life. Commitment: Commitment to our values and passions is the pathway to satisfaction. An In-Depth Analysis of "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson is a profoundly counterintuitive self-help guide that challenges conventional wisdom about happiness and success. The book provides a refreshing perspective on personal development, focusing on embracing negatives in life and understanding that struggle is a critical part of growth. The first key insight from the book is about embracing the struggle. Manson asserts that problems are a constant in life. Life is essentially an endless series of problems and the key to happiness is solving these problems. The idea is not to avoid problems or struggle, but to find the problems worth struggling for, the ones that align with our personal values. This leads us to the second insight on values. Manson suggests that we often choose inappropriate values to measure our success. Our society tends to encourage values like wealth, fame, and beauty, but these are outside of our control and thus lead to dissatisfaction. Instead, we should choose values that are within our control, like honesty, innovation, standing up for oneself, vulnerability, etc. The third insight is about finding happiness. Manson challenges the widely accepted notion that a happy life is a life full of constant positivity. Instead, he suggests that happiness comes from the ability to manage and be comfortable with the negative experiences that inevitably occur in our lives. The fourth insight revolves around the concept of responsibility. According to Manson, we need to take responsibility for our life and actions, even when we are not at fault. By doing so, we empower ourselves to change our circumstances and our responses to them. The fifth insight, acceptance, is one of the most profound and challenging. Manson asks us to accept the reality of our mortality. This can be a deeply unsettling thought, but according to Manson, it can also spur us to live in the present and lead a more meaningful life. In the sixth insight, Manson redefines freedom. He argues that real freedom is about self-imposed limitations, not an absence of limitations. It's about choosing what we want to give a f*ck about. Manson also rejects the notion of entitlement in the seventh insight. He argues that believing we are entitled to a good life just because we exist is a destructive idea. Instead, we should strive for growth and improvement. In the eighth insight, Manson highlights the importance of failure. He argues that we learn more from our failures than our successes, and that failure is an integral part of growth and improvement. The ninth insight is about uncertainty. Manson emphasizes that we should accept that we don’t know everything. This acceptance of uncertainty allows us to be more open to new experiences and ideas. Finally, the tenth insight is about commitment. Manson notes that satisfaction comes from commitment to our values and passions, not from avoiding discomfort or seeking pleasure. In conclusion, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson provides an unconventional yet insightful approach to living a good life. It challenges us to embrace struggle, choose meaningful values, accept our mortality, and take responsibility for our lives. While it may be uncomfortable to confront these ideas, doing so can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
ViewThe 5AM Club - Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.
Robin Sharma
Key Insights from "The 5AM Club - Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life." Early rising: The foundation of the book lies in the concept of waking up at 5AM and making the most of the morning hours. 20/20/20 formula: Sharma proposes the 20/20/20 formula which breaks down the first hour of your day into three 20-minute segments for exercising, planning, and learning. Exercise as a catalyst: The first 20 minutes of the day is dedicated to intense exercise, which releases endorphins and sets a positive tone for the day. Reflection and planning: The next 20 minutes are for reflection and planning, which could include meditation, journaling, or contemplating the day's tasks. Learning and growth: The final 20 minutes are dedicated to learning something new, such as reading a book or watching an educational video. Mental and emotional self-mastery: Sharma emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional self-mastery as a key component of success and happiness. Four Focuses of History-Makers: Sharma introduces the Four Focuses of History-Makers framework, which includes capitalization IQ, freedom from distraction, personal mastery practice, and day stacking. The Twin Cycles of Elite Performance: The book explains the Twin Cycles of Elite Performance, which are alternating periods of intense performance and deep recovery. Heartset, Healthset, Mindset, and Soulset: Sharma emphasizes the importance of nurturing not just one's mindset, but also one's heartset, healthset, and soulset. Power of consistency: The book underscores the value of consistency in personal and professional growth. In-depth Analysis of the Book's Contents "The 5AM Club - Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life." is an enlightening book by Robin Sharma that presents a radical idea: waking up at 5AM can transform your life. This idea is not new, but Sharma presents it in a fresh and engaging manner, using a narrative style that combines fiction and personal development. At the heart of the book is the 20/20/20 formula, which Sharma argues is the key to maximizing productivity and achieving success. The first 20 minutes of the day, according to Sharma, should be dedicated to intense physical activity. This aligns with numerous studies indicating that morning exercise can boost mood and cognitive function. The next 20-minute segment is allocated to reflection and planning. This stage is about introspection, meditation, and setting a clear path for the day. As an experienced professor, I find this concept very similar to the idea of "metacognition" in educational psychology, which involves thinking about your own thinking and planning for learning. The last 20-minute segment is dedicated to learning. Sharma suggests that we should spend this time reading, listening to podcasts, or watching educational videos. This concept resonates with the idea of lifelong learning, a key element for personal and professional development in today's fast-paced world. Sharma goes a step further by introducing the Four Focuses of History-Makers and the Twin Cycles of Elite Performance. The former includes capitalization IQ, freedom from distraction, personal mastery practice, and day stacking. These concepts are about harnessing your potential, staying focused, continuously improving, and making each day count. The Twin Cycles of Elite Performance, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of balancing periods of high performance with periods of recovery. This is akin to the idea of "work-life balance," but Sharma presents it in a way that is more attuned to the realities of high-achieving individuals. Perhaps one of the most profound insights in the book is the idea of nurturing not just one's mindset, but also one's heartset, healthset, and soulset. Sharma argues that real success and happiness come from a holistic approach to life that encompasses physical health, emotional well-being, intellectual growth, and spiritual fulfillment. Lastly, the book underscores the importance of consistency in achieving personal and professional growth. This aligns with my own experience as a professor: consistent effort, rather than sporadic bursts of activity, is key to mastering any subject or skill. Overall, "The 5AM Club - Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life." offers a compelling blueprint for personal and professional success. By adopting the practices outlined in the book, readers can take control of their mornings, gain clarity and focus, and ultimately elevate their lives.
ViewIkigai - The Japanese secret to a long and happy life
Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
Key Facts and Insights Ikigai: The term 'Ikigai' is a Japanese concept that translates to 'reason for being'. It's a lifestyle that balances the spiritual with the practical. Longevity: The book highlights the longevity of the inhabitants of Okinawa, Japan. They attribute their long and happy lives to their Ikigai. Physical Well-being: Regular, moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and a balanced diet play a significant role in achieving a long and happy life. Purposeful Living: Living a life that has purpose and meaning, where one can find joy and fulfilment in everyday tasks, is at the core of Ikigai. Stress Management: The book emphasises the importance of managing stress effectively through meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxation techniques. Social Connections: Strong social connections and community interactions are essential for mental health and well-being. Maintaining a Positive Attitude: A positive attitude and outlook towards life contribute significantly towards happiness and longevity. Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning keeps the mind active and engaged, contributing to mental health and overall well-being. Balance: Ikigai promotes a balanced lifestyle that encompasses all aspects of life – work, relaxation, social interactions, and self-care. Retirement: The concept of retirement is non-existent in Okinawa as people continuously find purpose in their work and daily activities. Book Analysis and Summary "Ikigai - The Japanese secret to a long and happy life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles delves into the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai', which, as mentioned, translates to 'reason for being'. The book is a profound exploration of the lifestyle choices and attitudes that result in a long, fulfilling, and happy life. The authors present us with a set of guidelines derived from the inhabitants of Okinawa, Japan, known for their exceptional longevity and overall well-being. Ikigai is more than just a concept; it's a lifestyle that balances the spiritual with the practical. The authors argue that the secret to a long and happy life lies in finding one's Ikigai. This requires discovering what truly brings joy and meaning to one's life, aligning it with daily activities, and finding a sense of purpose in what one does. The book emphasises the importance of physical well-being. Regular, moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and a balanced diet are essential components of a long and happy life. The authors cite examples from Okinawa, where locals maintain active lifestyles and eat a diet rich in vegetables, grains, and fish. Purposeful living is another core tenet of Ikigai. The authors stress the importance of finding joy and fulfilment in everyday tasks, whether it's work, hobbies, or domestic chores. This aligns with the psychological concept of 'flow', where one becomes so engrossed in an activity that they lose track of time. Stress management is also a significant aspect covered in the book. The authors highlight the importance of managing stress effectively through meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxation techniques. They argue that maintaining mental peace and calmness are keys to a happy and long life. Social connections play a vital role in mental health and well-being, another concept emphasised in the book. The authors illustrate this through the Okinawans' strong community interactions and social bonds, contributing to their overall happiness and longevity. The book also emphasises the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards life. A positive outlook is not just beneficial for mental health but also contributes to overall happiness and longevity. Continuous learning is another significant aspect that the book highlights. Lifelong learning keeps the brain active and engaged, contributing to mental health and overall well-being. This aligns with the neuroscience concept of neuroplasticity, which argues that the brain can continue to grow and change throughout life. Balance is a central theme in the book. Ikigai promotes a balanced lifestyle that encompasses all aspects of life – work, relaxation, social interactions, and self-care. This holistic approach to life contributes to overall happiness and longevity. Finally, the book discusses the concept of retirement. In Okinawa, the concept of retirement is non-existent as people continuously find purpose in their work and daily activities, contributing to their sense of fulfilment and overall well-being. In conclusion, "Ikigai - The Japanese secret to a long and happy life" offers a comprehensive guide to living a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life. It provides valuable insights into achieving physical and mental well-being, promoting lifelong learning, and maintaining social connections. It emphasises the importance of finding one's Ikigai and living a life aligned with it.
View
I.
19.September 2023I am so greatful for this platform and Pricilla! She took her time and made sure she was available for our meeting even though she wasn’t feeling well. If you are new to the software testing community, or just need a thought leader in the industry to lean on as you shift careers, Pricilla is the one to call.