Work Smart and Be Productive

All of us joined this workforce with a goal, with ambitions. I think it’s really important for us to not lose sight of that and work towards understanding what it is that we can do for ourselves.
Kshama Swamy, Punchh’s Vice President of Support and Implementations

“What is it that we can do for ourselves?,” asked Kshama Swamy, Punchh’s Vice President of Support and Implementations, the group eagerly listening in. “All of us joined this workforce with a goal, with ambitions. I think it’s really important for us to not lose sight of that and work towards understanding what it is that we can do for ourselves.”

Kshama’s sage advice is the first in a series of events hosted by Punchh’s Women in Technology initiative. Women in Technology, also known as ‘WIT’, seeks to provide a resource to women employees at Punchh while addressing topics such as diversity, professional development and mentorship.

Swamy, who joined Punchh in early 2020, provided organizational best practices and how to work both effectively and efficiently. She also touched on the importance of ensuring your perspective, opinion and voice is heard. “There’s no need for me to blend in. I’m unique and I have different instincts. And what’s important for me, at this point, is to embrace that and to work around it”, she added.

Participants enjoyed the session and came away with important takeaways to apply in their daily life. “The reminder to put your family first is always good to hear,” said Tiffany Han, a member of Punchh’s Customer Success team, on the advice Kshama offered. “Especially as you become more successfully and busy, it’s important to make that distinction.”

Han along with Customer Success team member, Stacy Belanger, both appreciated Kshama’s insight into how to handle difficult situations. “I like how she said when something bad happens, don’t think about why this happened to me or what I did wrong – but think of what to do next. What do I need to focus on or do now,” noted Belanger.

Swamy’s most important piece of advice? Do what works best for you. Every tactic and suggestion on working smart and increasing productivity she presented was followed with the advice to use what works and serves you best. On balancing your time between your personal life and work: “Acknowledge [your schedule] and see what works for you.” On choosing your organizational habits: “Whatever you pick – make sure it works for you.“ And on all of her pieces of advice? “These are all things that work for me; doesn’t mean that these are all things that absolutely will work for everybody. Take what you can and if there is something you want to share, I’m happy to learn as well.”

In 2021, WIT plans to host more career development and mentoring sessions from both Punchh and industry female leaders.