The story of how you joined CUBE84 is quite incredible. Would you like to tell us about how you got involved in the first place?

Yes! I initially came into the same building that CUBE84 was working out of, as I had applied to the building’s logistics team for an open position. I had no prior knowledge of CUBE84. I was interviewed by the building’s management to fill a vacant part time position. It was after my interview that I was approached by Satha, CUBE84’s CEO, who was passing by and had overheard snippets from my interview. When he found out that I had done my Masters in Computer Applications, he explained to me that I was selling myself short. After our run in, he decided to take a leap of faith and offer me a position at CUBE84.

” As I came from a Tamil-speaking background, I wasn't very confident in my spoken English skills. Pitching to clients, heading presentations and working with large teams were all foreign to me. The leadership at CUBE84 reassured me that those were simply challenges to overcome, and that if I applied myself, I would find it within me to overcome them. “

Was it an immediate yes on your part, or did you have reservations?

I definitely had reservations. I lacked self confidence and couldn’t see myself climbing the ladder at CUBE84, mainly because it required me to deal with the client-facing aspects of the business. As I came from a Tamil-medium background, I wasn't very confident in my spoken English skills. Pitching to clients, heading presentations and working with large teams were all foreign to me.Satha and the leadership at CUBE84 reassured me that those were simply challenges to overcome, and that if I applied myself, I would find it within me to overcome them. They took me through a tour of the offices and explained to me that they would train me, support me and give me all the tools I needed to thrive, which was when I decided to say yes to CUBE84...and I’ve never looked back since.

We’re glad that an accidental run-in brought you to CUBE84! What did your early days at CUBE84 look like?

I started out with no Salesforce experience per se and so, began working at CUBE84 as a Salesforce trainee. Through my first few months, I was taken through the ins and outs of Salesforce, but also much more. I was given in-depth training on other aspects of the business - Communication, leadership and management were all key aspects of our training. While I was confident in my abilities to cope with the technical responsibilities of the position, I didn’t feel the same way when it came to interacting with clients and potentially heading my very own team. I hadn’t taken up any client-facing responsibilities previously, and my spoken English ability required a lot of work. Pitching ideas and presenting to clients, for example, was extremely stressful and wasn’t something I could see myself doing down the line.

After completing the trainee process, how did life at CUBE84 change?

After completing my training, I began to receive my own projects that required not only technical expertise, but a lot of creative problem solving as well. As clients' needs grew, I became more dynamic in how I dealt with new challenges. The hands-on nature of my training played a vital role in shaping my career. Adapting to these situations was the central challenge as I grew into a more senior role.

So, what does a day in the life of Rakshana look like today?

Today, it feels like my life has almost come full circle. I directly oversee and train the Salesforce trainees in our Chennai office. When I come into office, the bulk of my time is spent dealing with trainees, answering questions they may have, guiding them towards the best practices and helping them refine their own skills. I moderate regular demo presentations to help them hone their presentation and communication skills. I try to devise exercises that force them out of their comfort zone, so that they can grow as I did. Most importantly, I try to be accessible to my trainees, as I’ve personally been where they’re at now. I draw from my own experiences to try and create an environment where they’re free to grow, pursue opportunities and work on themselves as much as possible. This is by far the most rewarding aspect of my job today.

” Most importantly, I try to be accessible to my trainees, as I’ve personally been where they’re at now. I draw from my own experience and growth to try and create an environment where they’re free to grow, pursue opportunities and work on themselves as much as possible. This is by far the most rewarding aspect of my job today. “

It’s evident from your answers that transformation has been a central theme of your time at CUBE84. Is that fair to say?

Absolutely. A few years back, I couldn’t imagine myself having the opportunities I do today, and I take great comfort in the fact that nothing was handed to me. While I benefited from a great support system at work, making the most of the chances I’ve had is something I’m extremely proud of. I’m also very grateful to my colleagues, as well as the leadership at CUBE84 for always being flexible. While my early days as a trainee were very challenging, they were full of uncomfortable situations that forced me to adapt and evolve. Even today, I’m constantly adding to my skill set and being forced to adapt to a dynamic landscape, which is why I draw so strongly from my experiences in the past.

That’s a lot about your professional transformation. How have things been on the personal front?

At the risk of repeating myself, things on a personal level have been, well...transformational. Many of the themes that have been central to my professional growth have translated to my personal life as well. My communication skills, for example, played an integral role in building my self confidence and dealing with people in a general sense.

” Ultimately, finding comfort in the uncomfortable is, in my opinion, the most important thing to success - not just at CUBE84, but at life in general. “

Do you have any advice for candidates applying to CUBE84?

The most important piece of advice that I can give to someone who's looking to start their career is to put yourself in challenging situations and give it your all. While CUBE84 gave me the platform and the tools to do that, I believe the underlying message transcends companies or careers. I would advise any candidate looking at CUBE84 to be open to the idea of taking on challenges head on, thinking on their feet and being ready to don a new hat when required. Ultimately, finding comfort in the uncomfortable is, in my opinion, the most important thing to success - not just at CUBE84, but at life in general.