Hi, I am Sangeeta. I am a people-centric leader with 10+ years in leading and delivering projects and programs, improving processes and guiding solution development. I started as a software developer, but found that I enjoyed being the bridge between business and delivery teams. I am passionate about taking on challenges and creating solutions, while focusing on continuous improvement. I am a Senior Project Manager at QIAGEN GmbH, an organization providing sample and assay technologies for molecular diagnostics, applied testing, academic and pharmaceutical research.
My Mentoring Topics
- Project Management (Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid)
- Creative Problem Solving
- Stakeholder Management
- Team Management
- Negotiation
- Higher education
- Executive Education
- Human-centric leadership
C.
31.July 2023The session with Sangeeta was very good. She answered my questions thoroughly and one could notice she is experienced. I would recommend her to anyone seeking advice related to Project Management.
J.
27.August 2022Yes, It was helpful. Sangeeta was able articulate her thoughts very well. There was good flow to her answers which made sense for me who is an experienced manager/leader and inexperienced Project person. Thanks, Sangeeta.
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Design Thinking - A Guide to Creative Problem Solving for Everyone
Andrew Pressman
Key Facts and Insights: Design thinking is not just for designers, but for everyone who is interested in solving complex problems in innovative ways. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy in design thinking and encourages readers to view problems from the perspective of the end user. The book presents a step-by-step guide to the design thinking process, which includes the stages of empathize, define, ideate, prototype and test. Design thinking encourages embracing ambiguity and uncertainty as a part of the problem-solving process. Pressman highlights the importance of prototyping and iteration in bringing ideas to life and refining them. The book emphasizes that failure is a crucial part of the design thinking process. It's through failure that we learn and improve. Pressman encourages interdisciplinary collaboration in the design thinking process to bring in diverse perspectives and ideas. The book presents numerous case studies and examples to demonstrate the application of design thinking in real-life scenarios. Design thinking is not just a method but a mindset that can be used to approach any challenge, big or small. The book provides practical tools and techniques that can be used to implement design thinking in any field or profession. Pressman underlines that design thinking is about creating a better future and making a positive impact on people's lives. An In-Depth Analysis: "Design Thinking - A Guide to Creative Problem Solving for Everyone" by Andrew Pressman is an insightful and comprehensive guide that demystifies the concept of design thinking for both professionals and novices. It emphasizes that design thinking is not exclusive to designers - it is a versatile and effective problem-solving method that can be harnessed by anyone. At its core, design thinking is about understanding the user's needs and perspective. Pressman stresses the importance of empathy in the design thinking process. By putting ourselves in the user's shoes, we can gain a deeper understanding of their needs, desires, and challenges, which can lead to more effective and meaningful solutions. The book provides a step-by-step guide to the design thinking process, which includes five stages - empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. This process is not linear but iterative, meaning that it encourages continuous learning and improvement. One of the key messages from Pressman is to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty. Design thinking is not about finding the 'right' answer but about exploring different possibilities and learning through trial and error. This is where the importance of prototyping and iteration comes in. By creating tangible representations of our ideas, we can test them, get feedback, and refine them based on what we learn. Pressman notes that failure is a crucial part of the design thinking process. Instead of fearing failure, we should see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Each failure brings us one step closer to the solution. The book also speaks to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we can generate a wider range of ideas and come up with more innovative solutions. The book is enriched with numerous case studies and examples that demonstrate the practical application of design thinking. These real-world scenarios make the concepts more relatable and easier to understand. "Design Thinking - A Guide to Creative Problem Solving for Everyone" is more than just a book about a method. It promotes a design thinking mindset - a way of thinking that is curious, empathetic, and open-minded. This mindset encourages us to challenge assumptions, question the status quo, and strive for continuous improvement. The book provides practical tools and techniques that readers can use to implement design thinking in their own work, regardless of their field or profession. These tools include brainstorming techniques, prototyping methods, and feedback strategies. Lastly, Pressman underscores that design thinking is about creating a better future. It's about making a positive impact on people's lives and the world around us. In this sense, design thinking is not just a problem-solving method, but a way of making a difference.
ViewDoing Agile Right - Transformation Without Chaos
Darrell Rigby, Sarah Elk, Steve Berez
Key Facts and Insights from "Doing Agile Right - Transformation Without Chaos" Agile is not a goal in itself; it is a means to achieving business agility. Agile methods should be adopted where they make sense and not forced onto every aspect of the organization. The transformation towards Agile should be gradual and carefully managed to avoid chaos. Company culture plays a crucial role in successfully implementing Agile transformation. The Agile methodology emphasizes customer-centricity, continuous learning, and swift adaptation. Leadership commitment is essential for Agile transformation success. Effective Agile transformation requires balancing stability with dynamism. Agile is not just for tech or IT departments - it can be applied across various industries and functions. Measurement of Agile success goes beyond traditional metrics and includes customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and speed to market. Agile transformation is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it should be tailored to the specific needs and context of each organization. Agile methods can coexist with other management practices, forming a hybrid model that leverages the best of both worlds. An In-Depth Analysis of "Doing Agile Right - Transformation Without Chaos" "Doing Agile Right - Transformation Without Chaos" is a comprehensive guide that illuminates the path towards a successful Agile transformation. It provides valuable insights for businesses seeking to harness the power of Agile methodologies without plunging into chaos. The first key insight from the authors, Rigby, Elk, and Berez, is that Agile is not an end in itself but a tool for achieving business agility. It echoes with the core tenet of Agile Manifesto that values individuals and interactions over processes and tools. The second key insight cautions against the indiscriminate application of Agile methodologies. Instead, Agile should be implemented where it makes sense. This is an important reminder to resist the temptation of viewing Agile as a silver bullet. It is consistent with the approach of Appropriate Agility proposed by Alistair Cockburn, a co-author of the Agile Manifesto, which asserts the need to adapt agility according to the context. In the third key insight, the authors advocate for a gradual and carefully managed Agile transformation. This mirrors John Kotter's 8-Step Process for Leading Change that emphasizes the importance of planning and managing change in organizations. The fourth key insight underscores the significance of company culture in Agile implementation. This aligns with Edgar Schein's Organizational Culture Model that emphasizes the role of shared assumptions, values, and norms in shaping organizational behavior and success. The fifth key insight highlights the tenets of Agile methodology – customer-centricity, continuous learning, and swift adaptation. These principles echo the foundational values of Agile Manifesto and Lean Startup Methodology. The sixth key insight emphasizes the essential role of leadership commitment in Agile transformation. This resonates with the concept of Transformational Leadership that encourages leaders to inspire and motivate employees towards a shared vision. The seventh key insight suggests a balance between stability and dynamism for effective Agile transformation. This echoes the Paradox Theory in organizational studies, which argues for managing competing demands simultaneously for organizational success. The eighth key insight broadens the scope of Agile beyond the IT departments, suggesting its potential across various industries and functions. This aligns with the trend of Business Agility that applies Agile principles to every part of the organization. The ninth key insight discusses the measurement of Agile success, suggesting a shift from traditional metrics to customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and speed to market. This reflects the philosophy of Agile Manifesto that values customer collaboration and individuals' interaction. The tenth key insight stresses that Agile transformation is not a one-size-fits-all approach, underscoring the need for customization. This resonates with the Contingency Theory in management that advocates for an adaptive approach based on specific organizational contexts. The eleventh key insight highlights the possibility of Agile methods coexisting with other management practices. This introduces the concept of a hybrid model, a pragmatic approach that leverages the best of both worlds, a concept supported by the Cynefin framework by Dave Snowden. In conclusion, "Doing Agile Right - Transformation Without Chaos" provides a realistic and balanced perspective on Agile transformation. It offers invaluable insights for organizations embarking on their Agile journey while reminding them of the need for careful planning, gradual implementation, and customization according to their unique context.
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Drive
Daniel H. Pink
Key Facts and Insights from 'Drive' The Power of Intrinsic Motivation: Traditional rewards aren't always effective, and in fact, can be detrimental to performance. Intrinsic motivation, the desire to do things because they matter, because we enjoy them, and because they are interesting, is far more powerful. Autonomy: People need autonomy over task (what they do), time (when they do it), team (who they do it with), and technique (how they do it). Mastery: Humans seek to improve, to master their craft. This drive is a crucial part of human nature and can be a powerful motivator. Purpose: The yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves is a key motivator. The Concept of 'Flow': Flow is a state where the challenge of the task and the ability of the performer are equal, leading to deep engagement and satisfaction. Re-thinking Rewards: Not all rewards are detrimental. 'If-then' rewards can be effective for simple tasks with clear rules, while 'now-that' rewards can be used as a bonus without harming intrinsic motivation. Carrot and Stick Approach is Outdated: Traditional 'carrot and stick' approaches to motivation are ineffective and outdated in the modern knowledge economy. Performance and Purpose: For great performance, people need to understand the purpose behind what they are doing. Goals: Goals can sometimes narrow focus and restrict possible solutions. It's necessary to have a balance between being goal-oriented and open-minded. Drive and the Business World: Organizations need to shift from controlling people to inspiring them. Detailed Analysis and Summary of 'Drive' In his groundbreaking book, 'Drive', Daniel H. Pink presents a persuasive new understanding of what truly motivates us and how we can harness that knowledge to find greater satisfaction in our lives and our work. Pink begins by debunking the traditional 'carrot and stick' approach to motivation, which assumes that humans are primarily driven by external rewards and punishments. This, he argues, is a fundamental misreading of human nature and is increasingly outdated in the modern world. Instead, he suggests that we are primarily driven by intrinsic motivation - the desire to do things because they matter, because we enjoy them, and because they are interesting. A central theme of the book is the importance of autonomy. Pink argues that people need autonomy over task (what they do), time (when they do it), team (who they do it with), and technique (how they do it). This autonomy leads to greater engagement, higher satisfaction, and increased productivity. It's a radical departure from the traditional top-down management style, and one that requires a fundamental rethinking of how we organize and manage work. Equally important to autonomy is the concept of mastery. Humans have an innate drive to improve, to master their craft. Pink argues that this drive is a crucial part of human nature and can be a powerful motivator. It's not about earning more money or climbing the corporate ladder, but about becoming better at what we do and finding satisfaction in our progress. Another key element of motivation, according to Pink, is purpose. The yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves. This goes beyond the individual and taps into the collective, creating a sense of shared purpose and mission that can be incredibly motivating. Pink also discusses the concept of 'flow', a term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Flow is a state where the challenge of the task and the ability of the performer are equal, leading to deep engagement and satisfaction. Flow happens when we are fully immersed in what we are doing, losing track of time, and producing high-quality work. While Pink is critical of traditional rewards, he acknowledges that not all rewards are detrimental. 'If-then' rewards can be effective for simple tasks with clear rules, while 'now-that' rewards can be used as a bonus without harming intrinsic motivation. In terms of goals, Pink suggests that they can sometimes narrow focus and restrict possible solutions. It's necessary to strike a balance between being goal-oriented and being open to new ideas and approaches. Pink's work in 'Drive' has profound implications for the business world. He suggests that organizations need to shift from controlling people to inspiring them, from focusing on compliance to fostering engagement, and from short-term goals to long-term purpose. This, he argues, is the key to achieving high performance in the modern knowledge economy. In conclusion, 'Drive' offers a compelling new vision of what motivates us and how we can harness that knowledge to find greater satisfaction in our lives and our work. It challenges traditional assumptions about motivation and presents a persuasive case for a more human-centric approach. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding human behavior and improving performance.
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A.
2.January 2024The session was thoroughly enjoyable and provided valuable insights Thank You, Sangeeta!