Connector Spotlight: Tina Goyal

Q: Tell us a bit about the projects you’re working on.

I’m really excited to be working on Diversity and Inclusion at Connected as the Chair of the newly formed D&I committee. This new responsibility dovetails perfectly with my existing mandate of increasing gender diversity in Engineering by working on our recruiting/hiring processes. 

I’m also passionate about leadership, coaching, work culture, and growing other people in the company.

Q. What’s the most interesting challenge about the project?

In the competitive landscape of tech talent, scaling and growing at a pace and quality required while increasing diversity is a huge challenge, but it’s one everyone at Connected and in the wider community should prioritize.

Q. Where did you work prior to Connected?

I worked at a startup called Terapeak where we built a SaaS analytics product for e-commerce sellers. We were later acquired by eBay and I worked there as part of the Terapeak team before I joined Connected.

Q. What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?

Building great teams that build great products.

I’m an Engineer by education and profession, but a coach by heart. In the coaching mindset, I see opportunities instead of problems and people’s strengths instead of weaknesses. I love bringing this mindset with me everyday when I hire, lead, and mentor people and teams.

Q: Do you have a mantra you live by?

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

Maya Angelou

Q: What do you love to do outside of work?

Other than playing with my kids, I love to do yoga, workout, and read.

Q: On that note, what was the last book you read worth recommending?

The last book I read that I highly recommend is Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute. 

Although, I’m currently reading Dare to Lead by Brene Brown, so I’ll have to keep you posted.

Q: Describe yourself in three words.

Passionate, learner, compassionate.

Q: And finally, what’s your favourite product and why?

My current favourite product is Rotimatic—my robot roti maker. I get to feed my kids rotis made fresh and healthy, just like my mom did for me when I was growing up.