Sachin Srivastava’s career trajectory is anything but conventional; it doesn’t adhere to a single path. Starting out as an underwriter in India and transitioning to IT product development in the United States, Sachin has skillfully integrated business acumen with technical capabilities, creating a remarkable, interdisciplinary career.
With each new position, he adapted and absorbed knowledge, driven by principles steeped in resilience, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.
Here are eight insights derived from Sachin’s journey that can guide professionals seeking to bridge the gap between business and technology while aiming to make significant contributions.
Embrace Lifelong Learning and Flexibility
Sachin approaches each day with the belief that “each day offers potential for a new learning.” To him, remaining relevant means treating every role as a chance to grow—not just within his immediate responsibilities but also in related areas.
Beginning with a solid foundation in underwriting and risk management, he leveraged this expertise to guide his IT roles in insurance product management. This flexibility enabled him to transition from a focused underwriter to a leader at the crossroads of insurance and IT.
His approach illustrates the importance of viewing each job as more than just its title or functions. Instead of confining oneself to specific responsibilities, immerse yourself in the broader ecosystem of your position, particularly in areas that intersect with your work.
Establish Core Values Early and Let Them Direct Your Journey
For Sachin, values are not empty phrases; they form the bedrock of his professional existence. The lessons of resilience, diligence, and community service imparted by his parents have continued to guide him steadfastly.
“Born to a middle-class family in India, and having seen the scarcity of resources, my parents always taught me the importance of giving back to society. I have always heard that hard work and education never go to waste while growing up.”
Through these guiding principles, Sachin has discovered clarity and direction, helping him maintain focus amid career transitions and challenges. As he moved from India’s Property and Casualty market to roles in the U.S., these values served as his anchor, ensuring he approached every opportunity with integrity and dedication.
Utilize Your Past Experience to Enhance Your Current Role
Sachin’s transition from Insurance Underwriting to IT Product Management may appear to be a significant leap, yet his prior experience proved essential. The insights he gathered in underwriting and risk assessment allowed him to analyze decisions through both technical and strategic lenses, providing a distinctive perspective in his IT roles within the insurance sector.
His understanding of claims and risk management reinforced his IT strategies. “Don’t underestimate the knowledge gained from previous roles, even if they seem unrelated to your goals. Leverage that expertise as each new position offers a chance to apply and expand on what you’ve learned, particularly in managing people, processes, or technology,” Sachin advises.
Balance Perfection with Purpose
When Sachin speaks of “perfection and purpose,” he refers to the pursuit of excellence while maintaining an awareness of the broader implications. For him, perfection signifies striving for excellence in details, whereas purpose entails grasping why those details hold significance.
In his various projects, including the development of The Hartford Insurance Group’s Agency Management portal ‘ICON’ and supporting NJM Insurance Group’s digital initiatives, his objective extended beyond mere task completion to enhancing the protection of individuals and businesses through improved digital solutions.
While achieving technical proficiency and quality is crucial, having a more significant purpose can amplify your impact. Focusing on a larger mission can influence how you tackle daily responsibilities and long-term projects, especially in industries like insurance where products act as safety nets.
Remain Open to Unexpected Growth Opportunities
Sachin’s journey from India’s Property and Casualty sector to the U.S. insurance industry highlights the rewards of embracing uncertainty. Transitioning to new environments presented challenges but also propelled him forward, offering experiences that molded his career.
Working with major players such as Berkshire Hathaway, Allstate, The Hartford, Munich Reinsurance, and U.S. firms like Insurity and Valuemomentum, he gained diverse insights into the insurance landscape, refining his expertise while expanding his industry knowledge.
His experiences underscore the value of remaining open to unfamiliar roles or situations. Such opportunities, even if seemingly disconnected from your current focus, can yield significant avenues for growth. Embracing the unknown fosters flexibility and can accelerate career development.
Acknowledge the Societal Impact of Your Work
For Sachin, insurance transcends mere employment; it is a dedication to enhancing societal welfare. “By working in the insurance industry, I am able to make a difference as we are always insuring and compensating against damages and liabilities not only for organizations but also individual people, and this I feel keeps me on track to give back something to society.”
For him, the work is not solely about policies; it is about fostering security for individuals and businesses. This sense of purpose motivates him to innovate, improve, and add value in his field.
In any profession, contemplating how your work influences people’s lives can deepen motivation and purpose, steering you towards decisions that benefit both your career and the communities you engage with.
Master Communication Between Business and IT
A crucial skill Sachin honed was bridging the communication divide between business and IT teams. He recognized that combining underwriting knowledge with IT strategy results in products that effectively address both customer needs and corporate objectives.
By articulating business requirements as technical specifications and vice versa, Sachin was able to create products that met essential client needs while aligning with strategic goals.
For those working at the junction of business and technology, strong communication skills are indispensable. Professionals who can relay business needs to tech teams or distill complex technical ideas for business stakeholders are vital to achieving project success, particularly in roles that balance technical feasibility with usability.
Contribute to the Industry and Think Long-Term
Sachin maintains a forward-looking vision for his contributions to the insurance sector. He aspires to grow within the industry, fueled by his passion for developing solutions that safeguard and benefit individuals. With plans to launch his own venture, he aims to advance the field and provide innovative solutions for clients and organizations alike.
Instead of concentrating solely on personal achievements, consider how your talents and experiences can help your industry. Whether through mentoring, innovating new products, or starting your own company, focusing on a more extensive impact creates a career journey that aligns with purpose and contributes significantly to the field.
Conclusion: Cultivating Purposeful Growth in an Interdisciplinary Career
Sachin Srivastava’s professional journey offers a valuable framework for individuals blending business insight with technical expertise. His distinctive path illustrates that integrating “perfection and purpose” with a commitment to learning, adapting, and giving back can lead to a rewarding career.
By centering on core values, seizing daily learning opportunities, and dedicating oneself to a mission that transcends personal gain, professionals can develop careers that not only excel but also inspire and contribute broadly.
