Wahi @ Work : Rishi

1. Give us the 30-second elevator pitch about what you do at Wahi.

As the head of product delivery at Wahi, my main role is to ensure the seamless and efficient delivery of high-quality software products to our customers. I work closely with a team of product managers, software engineers, quality assurance engineers, and designers. Together, we prioritize projects, manage release timelines for new products, and address any challenges that may arise. I also work with stakeholders to create a product roadmap, gather user feedback, and make data-driven decisions.

2. How and why did you get into your industry?

After getting my degree in software engineering, I became interested in the connection between software development and business. While I had acquired a certain level of technical acumen during my university program, I wanted to improve on the business side, so I began my career as a business analyst in a software company. It was through this experience that I learned about Agile product development, a methodology that breaks down a project into short developmental cycles. From there, I worked closely with software development teams to deliver high-quality software solutions that focus on desired outcomes. 

3. What do you love most about your job?

The real estate industry has always fascinated me, and being a part of Wahi gives me the chance to influence this dynamic sector. By providing innovative software solutions, I can help shape the ways in which consumers buy and sell a home and how they interact with REALTORS®.

4. What does your day look like?

Given Wahi’s rapid growth, each day brings variety and excitement. I dedicate my time to collaborating with different teams, ensuring we’re aligned on delivery timelines, and removing any obstacles that may impede our progress. I also engage with end-users (consumers) to gather valuable insights and feedback, so that we can continue to improve as a digital platform.

5. What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback by Dan Olsen.

6. Do you have any advice for people who want to be a real estate agent?

The position requires the flexibility to tackle challenges that extend beyond the development team and impact the entire business. I encourage anyone interested in this discipline to establish a strong foundation in product management, cultivate a customer-centric mindset, nurture effective communication and leadership skills, embrace agility and adaptability, enhance both business and technical acumen, and commit to lifelong learning.