“You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”
Data is what powers industries worldwide. The IT industry is a one, big Wonderland where the magic between hardware, software, and people happens. Computers rule here instead of magic wands, and from a string of characters, numbers, and letters, chains of dependencies are formed to give rise to physical images. But behind this magic in an AI-driven world, there is always a human. A real person who, in collaboration with other people, creates software that helps businesses work more efficiently. One of those people is Abhi Anantha, whose desire for growth and passion for collaborating and supporting others we can observe on the Dynatrace Community. Let us introduce you to the Employee member of the month for June 2023, @abhi ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can you share some details about your past? What is your story, how it happened that you decided to work in the IT / APM area, and how you became a Dynatracer?
I was a sporty and outgoing kid. I played basketball, tennis, and swimming, which kept me active and built my confidence and personality. I pursued engineering in university, and during my bachelor's degree, I had the exciting opportunity to be a part of a project involving an image processor-based automated driving vehicle. Fun fact: Did you know that the first fully autonomous car was tested in 1986? This experience sparked my interest in software development and gave me a glimpse into the future of coding, inspired by the movie "The Matrix" (which introduced me to such concepts like virtual reality and artificial intelligence as a kid). I knew there was much to learn and explore in the field of software development, which motivated me to pursue further knowledge and expertise.
After completing my bachelor's degree, I began my career as an analyst at EMC, a backup domain software company. Another fun fact: Did you know that the very first product EMC shipped wasn't a Storage device? They sold computer furniture first, then became an IT Storage powerhouse. As I gained experience, my interest shifted toward business analytics, leading me to pursue a master's degree in Australia. I continued my career, transitioning from an automated test engineer to a software developer. However, I needed to expand my knowledge beyond a single technology. This desire for growth led me to discover Dynatrace. In 2019, I embarked on my journey with Dynatrace as a product specialist, and since then, I have embraced the opportunity to learn something new every day.
Can you tell us a little bit about your job? What interesting things you’re working on that you can share?
As a Senior Product Specialist in the Dynatrace ONE team, I ensure customer success and satisfaction throughout their product journey. I serve as a bridge between customers and the company, using my technical expertise and strong communication skills. I collaborate closely with customers to understand their unique needs and guide them through product onboarding and implementation. This includes offering technical assistance, configuring systems, and resolving any issues. I build strong relationships with customers and act as a trusted advisor, proactively addressing their challenges and ensuring they derive maximum value from our product or service.
I also conduct training sessions and workshops, creating educational resources to enhance customer understanding and maximize product usage. I collaborate with the sales team to identify opportunities for upselling or cross-selling to existing customers. Customer success is my top priority. I gather feedback and insights from customers to drive product improvements. I serve as the voice of the customer within the company and passionately advocate for enhancements and new features that align with customer requirements. This further strengthens our partnership with customers
What makes you excited about being a part of the Dynatrace?
Being a part of Dynatrace, a company that makes a difference and has a positive impact on its customers and the industry, is what motivates me the most. I am excited and fulfilled to contribute to meaningful projects and see the results of my efforts. I am also energized by being surrounded by talented and collaborative colleagues who share a common vision and work together toward shared goals. I am excited to learn from others, contribute to a supportive team culture, and collaborate on exciting projects. I am inspired by aligning with a company's values and mission. I believe in the purpose and vision of Dynatrace, which ignites a sense of passion and enthusiasm for my work.
Dynatrace Community? What best advice can you give someone who just started using Community?
Joining the Dynatrace Community presents numerous advantages, making it a worthwhile investment of time and involvement. This Community amalgamates a broad spectrum of professionals, such as users, specialists, and Dynatrace staff members. Engaging in this Community grants you access to a vast pool of knowledge, industry best practices, and practical experiences shared by fellow users.
The Community also stands as a trustworthy data source on Dynatrace product updates, newly launched features, product ideas, and the product's future plans. Through active participation, you can keep pace with the latest trends, learn to utilize new features, and give feedback to shape forthcoming improvements.
For newcomers to the Dynatrace Community, the best advice is to allocate time to navigate through the various sections, categories, and resources the Community offers. Get acquainted with the structure, rules, and community decorum to understand how to navigate and contribute effectively. Instead of solely absorbing information, make sure to participate actively by sharing your own experiences, insights, and solutions. If you possess expertise in a specific area, lend a hand to others who might be dealing with similar questions or challenges. Sharing your knowledge benefits others and simultaneously elevates your professional standing within the Community.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know. What is your biggest joy or passion in life?
Feeling strong, energized, and physically fit brings me immense joy. I prioritize sufficient sleep for my well-being and regularly engage in exercises that I genuinely enjoy. Activities like hiking, cliff jumping, and off-road dirt driving provide satisfying adventures. Beyond work, I nurture not only my physical health but also my mental and emotional well-being. I find solace in meditation and mindfulness and indulge in hobbies such as reading, which bring relaxation and joy. Cultivating a positive mindset and achieving mental clarity, emotional resilience, and inner peace fulfill me in profound ways.
What’s one thing on your bucket list? Your dream?
Despite my fear of heights, I relentlessly seek adrenaline rushes and the thrill of pushing limits. Skydiving, bungee jumping, and paragliding are on my adventure-packed bucket list, as it offers a sense of exhilaration that transcends boundaries. I want to conquer my fears, embrace extraordinary experiences, and unleash the true essence of living on the edge! ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Abhi, stay active and continue your growth and passion for collaborating with people. Embrace yourself in every area. We are looking forward to seeing even more of you on our Community! And remember, whatever is on your bucket list today, can become a beautiful memory tomorrow.