I’ve spent more than two decades as Software Developer to Enterprise Architect, shaping systems and solving technical challenges. But 2024 was different. This year, my focus shifted from technical problem-solving to something bigger: scaling a team of tech consultants from scratch while empowering them to achieve more than we thought possible.
This transition was deeply personal, as it drew on experiences from across my life—leading tech teams, spearheading voluntary organizations like Toastmasters, and excelling in leadership coaching. These roles, seemingly separate, became the foundation that helped me not only meet but exceed goals.
As I reflect on this transformative year, I realize the thread running through every achievement, every milestone, and every lesson was gratitude—for the people, opportunities, and even challenges that made this journey possible.
2024 Milestones Rooted in Gratitude
1. Speaking at The Martech Summit and NewGen Marketing Innovation Summit
This year, I had the privilege of delivering session on AI disruptions in Martech at The MarTech Summit and session on Content Supply Chain in Martech at 1.21GWS (1point21gws.com)‘s NewGen Marketing Innovation Summit. Sharing insights on the role of AI in marketing technology wasn’t just an honor—it was a chance to engage with thought leaders and give back to the industry that has given me so much. These opportunities reinforced my gratitude for platforms that amplify voices and allow us to inspire others.
2. Coaching & Mentoring through ICF and Toastmasters
This year, my involvement in #Toastmasters and Leadership #Coaching reached new heights. Helping others find their voice, refine their leadership skills, and achieve personal breakthroughs has been deeply fulfilling.
- At Toastmasters, I mentored members on public speaking and leadership. Watching someone deliver their first confident speech or step into a leadership role has been a humbling reminder of the power of encouragement and community.
- In coaching, I guided professionals in Adobe (through programs like #WESP and Internal Coaching) and outside to unlock their potential, find clarity in their goals, and make transformational changes in their careers.
Both experiences reinforced a truth I hold dear: success is most rewarding when it’s shared.
Receiving this award was a highlight, but it wasn’t about me—it was about a team that turns challenges into opportunities with enthusiasm and resilience. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” I am grateful to my team for embodying this spirit and teaching me the value of collective effort.
4. Post Graduate Program in AI for Leaders (UT Austin)
Completing this program deepened my understanding of AI’s transformative potential and its role in leadership. It reinforced the truth that “the ability to learn faster than your competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage.” I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore the intersection of leadership and technology, and for the mentors who guided me through it.
Participating in Adobe’s Runathon wasn’t just about fitness—it was about team spirit and holistic well-being. It reminded me to be grateful for health, camaraderie, and the shared experiences that make work more meaningful.
6. Scaling Adobe Workfront’s Practice
Growing Workfront’s practice from single digit to 70+ consultants wasn’t just a business accomplishment—it was a testament to building high-performing teams that genuinely care about their work and each other. I’m grateful to the team, whose commitment and collaboration turned this vision into reality.
7. Senior Management Program at IIM Kozhikode
This program reminded me of one of the most important lessons of 2024: while technology evolves rapidly, human potential remains infinite. I’m grateful for the opportunity to dive deep into leadership and innovation, and for the peers and faculty who enriched this journey.
This year, I also embarked on a personal journey by taking a course on Vedanta from Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), which offered profound insights into spirituality and self-awareness. It gave me a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of balancing the material with the spiritual.
These perspectives shaped how I approached challenges, relationships, and opportunities in 2024, helping me lead with clarity and mindfulness.
And so on…for a summary here is my LinkedIn 2024 rewind –
The Power of Gratitude in Leadership
Gratitude is the foundation of human connection, and it’s amazing how it transcends cultures, regions, and even eras. From the traditional harvest festivals of India— #Sankranti, #Pongal, #Lohri, and #Baisakhi—to recently celebrated #Thanksgiving in the U.S., the act of expressing gratitude for nature’s bounty has always been a cornerstone of human life. But today, gratitude doesn’t just stop at the fields or dining tables; it extends to the marvels of modern technology that make our lives richer, easier, and more connected.
One moment from this year stands out as a reflection of gratitude’s importance. A colleague said to me, “I’ve never seen someone grow any practice as quickly as you have.” While I appreciated the kind words, my immediate response was:
“I’m just a product of the environment and people around me. I might have been picked for the right role at the right time, but my growth is because of the leaders, mentors, and team members who made it happen.”
That conversation crystallized a universal truth: even the most ‘self-made’ success is built on a foundation of support—family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and even nature itself. Gratitude isn’t just a nicety; it’s a recognition of the interdependence that drives all progress.
This realization shaped how I approached every milestone this year, celebrating not just the results but the people and circumstances that made them possible.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Gratitude as a Guiding Principle
As I step into 2025, my mission remains clear: to integrate AI innovation with human-centered leadership. This means not just leveraging tools but fostering environments where technology and human potential flourish together.
I also look forward to finding new opportunities to make an even greater impact—not just within my teams, but across the broader industry and communities I serve.
Gratitude will continue to be my compass, reminding me that every milestone, no matter how individual it seems, is a collective achievement.
A Personal Thank-You
This 2024 journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people and opportunities that shaped it:
- To my Adobe team & colleagues, for their trust, collaboration, and dedication.
- To my Adobe leadership & mentors, for their wisdom and encouragement.
- To institutions like UT Austin and IIM Kozhikode, for expanding my perspective.
- To my family & friends, whose unwavering support makes everything possible.
- And to the new wave of technologies, for being a catalyst for creativity, connection, and growth.
Thank you, 2024, for the lessons, milestones, and moments of connection. Here’s to a future of gratitude, growth, and infinite possibilities.
Vinit