5 minute read
In the latest edition of our “Meet the Team” series, we sat down for an interesting conversation with Pranali Sande, Senior Software Developer based in our Pune office. In this edition, Pranali shares what she loves most about working at Xperate, offers valuable advice for aspiring developers, reflects on receiving a recent Director's Award, and much more. It’s an insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Xperate.
I joined Xperate in June 2023. The past two years have been an incredible journey of growth and learning. From day one, I’ve felt supported and inspired by the people around me, and I’m proud to be part of such a passionate and driven team.
Currently, I lead multiple projects with a team of up to nine people. My role involves a mix of hands-on development and project management. I’m actively involved in developing a few projects while also managing team responsibilities, client communication, and overall project delivery.
A big part of my day involves attending client calls to gather requirements, translating those into actionable tasks, and making sure everyone’s aligned - from our team to the client. I start, and end, each day with team check-ins to review progress and plan deliverables for the next day.
There’s a real sense of ownership and collaboration at Xperate, and that’s something I value deeply. It’s a place where I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day.
Why did you want to join Xperate, and what is it about working at Xperate that you enjoy most?
When Xperate visited my college for a recruitment drive, the company was still relatively small and had around 50 employees. I wasn’t entirely sure at the time whether it would be the right fit for me, but looking back now, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m grateful to Bharat Gidde and Vaibhav Patil for recognising my potential and giving me this opportunity.
From the beginning, what stood out to me about Xperate was the chance to keep learning. The exposure I’ve had here, from working with clients directly to exploring a wide range of technologies, has been incredible. I’ve always enjoyed the opportunity to think creatively and collaborate, and my role gives me that every day.
One of the things I love most is the direct communication I have with clients. I really enjoy those conversations - understanding their needs, discussing ideas, and being part of the process from concept to delivery. The level of ownership and trust we’re given here is fantastic.
Being part of Xperate’s growth journey has been really rewarding, and I’m proud to have played a role in it.
What advice would you give to someone looking to grow their career in legal tech like you have?
When I first joined Xperate, legal tech was completely new to me - and I think that’s the case for many young professionals just starting out. In college, you’re exposed to general tech and programming, but legal tech isn’t on the radar.
My advice for anyone pursuing a career in tech would be to stay curious and open-minded. Take the time to explore different technologies, try new things, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Tech is full of opportunities for innovation, so bring your creativity to the table and give it a shot.
It’s a space where you can learn a lot and grow quickly, especially if you’re willing to be hands-on and take initiative.
What challenges do you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
Every job comes with its own challenges, and project management is no different. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is helping my team understand that it’s okay to say no, especially when timelines or client expectations aren’t realistic.
There’s often a mindset, particularly here in India, that saying no to a client is not acceptable. But part of my role is to manage expectations and make sure we’re delivering quality work without overcommitting. That means having honest conversations, both with clients and internally, about what’s possible and what’s not.
It’s not always easy, but setting clear boundaries and communicating openly has helped us stay on track and build more trust in the long run.
What does receiving a Director’s Special Award mean to you personally?
Receiving the Director’s Special Award means a great deal to me. It’s a reminder that hard work really does pay off.
When I first joined Xperate, I started on smaller projects, gradually learning and finding my place. Now, two years later, I’m leading a team and taking on far more responsibility. I’ve been pushing myself to give my best every day, so being recognised in this way feels incredibly rewarding.
I’m proud to have received this award, and it’s motivated me even more to keep growing, contribute to the industry, and do even more for the company that’s given me so many opportunities.
What motivates you to achieve success?
I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who constantly inspire me. My colleagues at Xperate motivate me every day with their dedication and drive, especially our directors, Simon Hill, Mark Garnish and Bharat Gidde. Their leadership and belief in the team really push me to keep growing and giving my best.
On a more personal level, my biggest source of motivation is my mother. Even though she doesn’t know much about the tech world, her wisdom, values and support have always guided me. Her strength and decision-making inspire me to stay focused and keep striving for success in everything I do!
How do you unwind outside of work?
Outside of work, I love being outdoors - hiking, trekking and exploring new places really help me recharge. I’ve got a growing list of countries I want to visit, and Thailand is definitely near the top. One of my goals is to travel the world, meet new people and experience different cultures along the way.
When I’m at home, I enjoy relaxing with a good Netflix series. I’ve already watched Game of Thrones, Friends and Money Heist. Breaking Bad is next on my list!
Connect with Pranali on LinkedIn here.
