A product developer and coder at heart, Naren Viswanath is our AVP- Product Development. A die-hard fan of Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad, Naren is a quintessential character who loves playing chess and video games.
What happens in your typical day at M2P?
I start my day by checking emails, and any actions to be taken will be pinned for review and response. I will prioritize the tasks for the day and begin to work on them. I review pull requests and approve tickets if needed. Sometimes, I seek advice on tasks or related to the projects, join meetings with clients or internal to discuss problems, and arrive at solutions. Every alternate day everyone on the development team will get on a call to discuss tasks we are working on, achieved, blocker which needs help, etc. At various points, we will ship code to UAT with new features or fixes.
Have you always wanted to be a developer?
Yes, I started learning programming in 5th grade, started with (C, C++). My mom was the principal of my school at that time. Usually, she will be the last person to leave. I would wait for her in the computer lab. And as I was fond of playing video games since childhood, the computer lab was my playground. One day, a teacher noticed me lingering in the lab and wanted to know what mischief I was up to. When he noticed my interest, he taught me C language instead, which ignited my passion for programming. I still remember my first program. It was a telephone directory with details of my family members who can be looked up using names.
If you had your heart set on being a developer, how did fintech and M2P become a part of it?
I started my career at IBM, but I had a desire to work in a startup that does not restrict my role only to specific tasks. So, I was on a secret lookout for the same where I would be able to develop my skills in a well-rounded manner. That’s when a friend of mine, who is a co-founder of an App Development company, referred me to Muthu (Co-Founder — M2P), and the rest, as they say, is history. Also, I was a complete novice in fintech before I joined M2P. With the help of founders and seniors, I have learned a lot related to FinTech. In short, what I get here at M2P is conceptual knowledge, not procedural.
Has COVID altered your working style?
Yes, No one would have expected 100% working remotely, but we pulled it off. The number of meetings and calls is up, and we have been before our screens more than usual. So, I block my calendar sometimes for intensive coding sessions that help me maintain focus. Also, recently I came down with Covid, and the team supported me all the way when I was recovering.
What are your other interests?
I love to play chess, table tennis, video games, and watch YouTube, Netflix. I am a huge fan of the Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Silicon Valley, and Suits series.
Have you played a practical joke in college?
Of course, I did. Once, we texted our entire department to come in black attire, which was (to show opposition to the ruling party that time) as a joke, but everyone got called to the principal’s office, and it got myself and my friends suspended. It was one of those pranks that had horribly gone wrong!
What’s that one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
I’m a left-handed person. Most people only notice when I write.
What will you love to build/develop in case you have unlimited resources and time?
As a fan of Elon Musk, I would love to build and develop electric vehicles, solar homes, etc., which average Indians can afford.
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