My Journey : From Curiosity to Engineering Leadership

My name is Trupti Deshpande, a technology enthusiast passionate about leading, mentoring, and empowering engineering teams.

My fascination with computers began at the age of 10 when I learned DOS (Disk Operating System). I was captivated by how simple commands could trigger complex processes behind the scenes. Questions like "How does a computer understand these commands?" and "How does it process information?" sparked a curiosity that eventually became the foundation of my career in software engineering.

I started my professional journey as a .NET Developer, where I built a strong technical foundation. Those early years taught me to think critically, solve complex problems methodically, and never compromise on quality. Every project, every bug fixed, and every challenge overcome strengthened not only my technical skills but also my confidence as an engineer.

Then came an opportunity that changed everything—the chance to transition into the Salesforce ecosystem. Moving from a cross-platform application development framework to a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform was a significant shift, both technically and professionally. It required me to rethink how I approached software development, architecture, and business solutions.

It wasn't an easy decision. Leaving behind 11 years of experience in a familiar technology meant stepping into unfamiliar territory and, in many ways, starting over. There were moments of uncertainty, countless hours of learning, and times when I questioned whether I had made the right choice. But every challenge became an opportunity to grow, and every milestone reinforced my belief that growth begins where comfort ends.

As my technical expertise expanded, so did my responsibilities. I found myself mentoring teammates, leading projects, making architectural decisions, and helping others navigate their own learning journeys. That's when I discovered that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about listening, inspiring confidence, removing obstacles, empowering people, and creating an environment where individuals and teams can do their best work.

Today, as a Salesforce Engineering Manager, I still carry the mindset of the developer I once was. I understand the excitement of solving complex technical problems, the pressure of tight deadlines, and the satisfaction of delivering meaningful solutions. Those experiences help me stay connected to my team and lead with empathy, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for engineering excellence.

Being a woman in technology has made this journey even more meaningful. It has taught me to trust my voice, embrace challenges, and step into opportunities—even when they felt intimidating. Every milestone has been the result of choosing growth over comfort and believing that learning is a lifelong journey.

Looking back, I realize my career has never been defined by the technologies I've worked with. Instead, it has been shaped by my willingness to embrace change. From being a software developer to leading engineering teams, every transition has reinforced one important lesson: success isn't about staying in one lane—it's about having the courage to explore new paths, the resilience to overcome setbacks, and the humility to keep learning.

If my journey has taught me anything, it's this:
Don't let your current role define your future. Stay curious. Take calculated risks. Keep learning. Believe in your potential, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

My journey is still unfolding, and I look forward to every lesson, every challenge, and every opportunity that lies ahead. Because in technology—as in life—the best journeys are the ones where we never stop learning.