Dhaval was invited by Naresh, this is what Naresh says about Dhaval.

I first met Dhaval when he came for an interview at one of my previous companies. I was blown away by his humble attitude, passion for craftsmanship and eagerness to learn. Since then, Dhaval has been a close friend and mentor. With the help of Dhaval, ASCI (Agile Software Community of India) organized various conferences in India. But for his support, handwork and enthusiasm, we would have not been able to spread the agile bug in India. Dhaval is an extremely hands-on technologist and coach, always bubbling with new ideas. If you are in Mumbai, don’t miss your opportunity to meet The Man in person.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?

Life is a journey and many people have influenced me and will continue to influence me. Right from my childhood to present, from parents to teachers to co-workers and friends have played that role. However, during the formative career years, my Mom, a vigilant observer, was the key-player, she noted my inclinations and appropriately created the environment where I was able to grow and nurture myself. Further, my engineering professor, inventive by nature, was my source of inspiration. I learned that being creative requires you to be open to something higher than you to be able to receive those idea ‘dew drops’.

If you would not have been in IT, what would have become of you?

I would surely be in some creative field as I like to create things and enjoy making things ground-up, so it does not matter as long as it gives me that pleasure. However, having said that I enjoy cooking…so probably I would have been a chef. I also enjoy music, so maybe I would have been a Composer/Singer.

What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?

To constantly uncover myself and understand the inner currents that drive me is the biggest challenge. I believe that one has to take oneself apart, analyse each and every part, and then transform it to something different. It is a daunting task.

What drives you ?

Constant improvement and bettering my own-self – “Progressed while Progressing”

What is your biggest achievement?

I was able to discover what drives me so that I can steer my career and life in the direction I want to rather than being captive of circumstances. Having said that, it is not always that I get what I want, but that I can rise above those circumstances and be able to do what I set out to. That is my biggest achievement, much like how a chicken breaks out from egg-shell – for instance, moving from a regular job to consulting.

What is the last book you have read?

It has been quite some-time since I read a book, but my last book was: Groovy In Action.

What question do you think I should also ask and what is the answer?

IMO you should ask

• How do you sustain yourself with what drives you?
  This according to me is a very difficult question and it does not have a straightforward answer. My answer to this is very philosophical as I subscribe to that approach: Life, just like design takes one step forward and two steps backward, only to propel ahead with greater force like a catapult.

Who do you think I should ask next?

You can talk to Conan Dalton, a good friend of mine and a very pragmatic person.

If you liked these answers, please buy our book: who is agile