Xperate MVPs 2025: Pranali Sande & Shravani Pawar Reflect on Their UK journey

Earlier this year, Xperate was delighted to announce the joint winners of our 2025 MVP Award - Pranali Sande and Shravani Pawar, both Senior Software Developers based in our Pune office.

Chosen by our Directors and Management Team representatives, the Xperate MVP Award recognises exceptional contribution and embodies the spirit of Xperate. With so many talented people across the business, the decision is never easy - but over the past year, Pranali and Shravani have truly exemplified our values in everything they do.

As part of their award, both winners were invited to the UK, and during their visit in October, we caught up with them to hear about their experiences and reflections from the trip.

How do you feel about winning the Xperate MVP Award?

Pranali 

“Winning the Xperate MVP Award felt incredibly special and personal to me. Throughout my journey at Xperate, I’ve always felt supported and valued - but receiving this award was like a cherry on top. It was a moment that made everything feel even more meaningful, like a celebration of the journey so far. What made it extra memorable was that it came with a lot of “firsts” for me - my first time ever on a plane, in fact! That alone made it unforgettable. My family was so happy and proud - honestly, I think they were more excited than I was. It truly felt like a win we all shared together.”

Shravani 

“I feel truly fortunate and honoured to have received the Xperate MVP Award. Xperate is an incredible place where hard work and dedication are always recognised and appreciated. The company provides every individual with opportunities to prove themselves, express their ideas freely, and take ownership of client projects. Receiving this award was a very proud and happy moment for me - it motivated me even more to continue giving my best and contributing to the success of our team.”

                             
                                                                              Pranali Sande                                                                                                        Shravani Pawar

What does it mean to you to have the opportunity to visit the UK?

Pranali

“Getting the opportunity to visit the UK felt like unlocking a new level in life. Even though I truly love India, I’ve always been fascinated by other places - their people, their culture, how they live, how they eat, and how different (or similar) we all really are. The UK was extra special because it was my first time ever stepping outside India, and that made it a big deal. I’ve always been curious about the world, watching documentaries, reading about different countries, and finally getting the chance to experience one in person felt unreal. From the accents to the architecture, the history, and yes, even the weather, I was excited (and slightly nervous) to take it all in. It felt like I had jumped inside one of those travel shows I used to watch - only this time, I was the one exploring.”

Shravani 

“Visiting the UK was a huge milestone in my professional journey. It was my first time travelling outside India, which made it even more special. The opportunity allowed me to experience a new culture, understand how our clients work, and meet the people I collaborate with every day in person. It felt like a big achievement and a reward for my efforts - it gave me exposure, confidence, and a broader perspective on international work environments.”

Describe your trip to the UK.

Pranali

“To be honest, I thought I’d be nervous about my first-ever flight, but I was surprisingly calm. The journey went smoothly, and when we landed, Mark Garnish was right there at the airport to greet us. That thoughtful welcome felt like a warm hug from the company itself. The next day, we set off to explore London with Becky Patterson as our wonderful tour guide. We saw Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and countless other landmarks that looked like something straight out of a fairytale. We also ventured out on our own, visiting the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral - wandering around like curious kids in a candy shop. Navigating the train system added to the fun. We managed to get on the wrong train at least twice before finally figuring it out. But honestly, that just made the adventure even better.”

Shravani 

“My trip to the UK was an incredible and truly unforgettable experience. The excitement began the moment I boarded the plane for my first-ever international journey. During my stay, I had the chance to visit some of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and even a set from “Friends”. St. Paul’s Cathedral was a particular favourite - its breathtaking architecture left a lasting impression. I spent time in three cities: London, Winchester, and Warrington. Each had its own unique charm. London was vibrant and full of life, Winchester was peaceful and steeped in history, and Warrington had a welcoming, community feel. I fell in love with the clean, picturesque streets, the beautiful, uniform houses, and the calm, relaxing parks that seemed to capture the essence of British life. It was a fascinating experience from start to finish, and one I’ll always treasure.”

Did you attend any client meetings whilst in the UK? How did they go?

Pranali

“Yes - I got the chance to meet the clients I’ve been working with virtually for so long. Talking about our work, discussing solutions, and sharing how we deliver from offshore - it all felt so powerful in person. I also got to meet some of Xperate’s other clients, and seeing their positive reactions to our work made me feel proud - not just for myself, but for the whole team back home. I only wish I could’ve recorded it to show my colleagues. It would’ve been a proud moment for all of us.”

Shravani 

“Yes, we had the opportunity to visit one of our key clients in Warrington. The meeting went really well - it was a productive and engaging session where we discussed ongoing projects, future opportunities, and shared feedback. Meeting our clients face-to-face helped strengthen our relationship and provided a clearer understanding of their expectations. It was great to interact personally with the people we usually communicate with virtually.”

What was your favourite part of your trip?

Pranali

“There were so many amazing moments, but if I had to pick just one, I’d say exploring London on our own was definitely my favourite. Figuring out how the trains work, accidentally getting on the wrong one a couple of times, walking through the streets with maps open and confused expressions - it all felt like a mini adventure. Every street had something new to offer, and every wrong turn somehow led to a better experience. The show ‘Friends’ has always been my all-time favourite. So when I discovered that one of the episodes was filmed in London, I had to visit the set. It was surreal and absolutely a highlight of the trip!”

Shravani 

“My favourite part of the trip was the birthday lunch event we had, where many of Xperate’s clients and partners attended. It was a fun, interactive experience where we got to connect with everyone on a more personal level. Listening to their experiences, insights, and thoughts about Xperate was truly inspiring. It was a great opportunity to build relationships and learn from their perspectives. That moment felt very special to me - it added both joy and professional value to my trip.”

What were the main differences you found between India and the UK?

Pranali

“The first big difference was definitely the weather - it was cooler, windier, and definitely more dramatic than what I’m used to. One thing that really stood out was how everyone patiently waits at traffic lights, even if there’s not a single vehicle in sight. That level of discipline was really nice to see. The food was a bit of an adjustment too - definitely milder than the spicy flavours we’re used to back home, but I enjoyed trying new dishes. And of course, the people were incredibly warm and polite. Overall, the UK had a very different vibe, but that’s what made it so exciting. This trip wasn’t just about flying to another country. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things, and realising how big the world really is. I came back not just with memories and photos, but with new confidence and a sense of curiosity I never want to lose. A big thanks to Xperate for making it possible - and for giving me the kind of story I’ll be telling for years!”

Shravani 

“The biggest difference I noticed was the weather. It’s much colder in the UK, even during what locals call “mild” temperatures! Another major difference is transportation. The UK’s public transport system, especially the tube and trains, is extremely efficient and well-organised. People also walk a lot, which is something I really admired - it promotes a healthy and active lifestyle. The food was another noticeable change. In India, we are used to more spicy and flavourful dishes, whereas UK food tends to be milder but much healthier. Overall, these differences made the experience more interesting and helped me appreciate both cultures even more.”

                                 

Pranali and Shravani’s stories capture exactly what the MVP Award stands for - passion, curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to grow. Their journey to the UK wasn’t just a reward for great work - it was a chance to connect across cultures, strengthen relationships, and see the global impact of what they do every day.

At Xperate, we’re proud to have such a dedicated team representing our business and inspiring others to go further. Congratulations once again to our 2025 MVPs - and thank you for sharing your journey with us!

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