Vaibhav Vashishtha is an Engineering Manager at Blinkit. He joined us in September 2021 and has since been involved with the payments and post checkout teams. He is currently working towards making sure that the customer is delighted by our services.
Tell us something about yourself and your journey in Blinkit so far.
I come from a varied line of experience across services, consulting and product organizations. As an avid foodie and an amateur watch collector, I also like reading and listening to poetry when I am COMPLETELY free.
As for my experience at Blinkit, it has been a rollercoaster ride, but my teams, peers and leads have made it most seamless. The best thing about Blinkit is its people and the culture that transpires through each one of us. It seems like everyone shares a common set of values and are focused on solving problems rather than just thinking over them.
If you were to describe your experience as a Blinker in one word, what would that be?
Humbled.
On the technology side, what has been the single greatest change you’ve witnessed in the organization?
The pivot around only 10-minute delivery was one of the most memorable changes that I had seen. It was not only controversial but a challenge for all teams to make things happen at the speed of light; like one of my colleagues said recently, we tend to do more than just contemplate; we are always cognizant of the time required to achieve something. We gradually realized it was one of the most prominent steps to establish the brand ‘Blinkit’ that it is today.
What are your thoughts on adaptability to change in our ecosystem?
With my limited experience in the landscape, startups are culturally more agile but Blinkit operates at a different level. It’s a place where one has complete accountability and anonymity to make the right choices. We have a very beautiful saying, “when we recruit you, we trust you completely to make the right choices”. We embody the value of moving fast, It is literally what we are and how we operate.
As a techie, what principle do you always adhere to while solving a problem statement?
It may sound like preaching to the choir but the best possible mechanism to solve a complex problem is to break it down into the smallest possible pieces and solve each, one by one. There will be issues that will need immediate attention and will be brought up at pretty every given point in time, but it is so much more valuable just to bring forth the calm and composure to settle the noise and focus on the core aspects of the challenge at hand.
Who do you seek inspiration from on an everyday basis?
My leaders at Blinkit. If I am allowed to name someone I would name Vaidik Kapoor (no longer with Blinkit) as someone who I had seen to bring amazing calm to the chaos, and something I personally aspire to learn. All the leads I have worked with at Blinkit, from the founder to the technology lead, everyone is open to a different point of view, accepting their mistakes and still completely relentless to solve the problems at hand.
What do you love the most about your colleagues?
Approachability and humility.
How do you strike a work-life balance?
When you like the place you are working at and the people you are working with, It is not as difficult to maintain a work-life balance :)
We enjoy what we do and are able to spend time with our families after a gratifying day at work.
What would be your advice to an engineer hoping to join Blinkit soon?
It is a place that is driven by people and their desire to make a difference each day. We have enough problems for the curious mind and great leaders to help guide the quick learners. If you are prepared to put in the work, Blinkit is the right organization for you.
If you are curious and want to do your life’s best work, we’re hiring!
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