Our guest today is Ramesh Pari, Head of Design + BIM at Ocado Group. He highlights the importance of pragmatism, lifelong learning, and leveraging architectural skills in new ways. This episode explores the dynamics of tech culture, the benefits of cross-industry skills, and the courage needed to pursue fulfilling career changes. Tune in to gain insights on balancing professional aspirations with personal growth.

Ramesh is a prime example of how career pivots can lead to incredible success. After spending a decade as a project architect in the residential and commercial sectors, specializing in technical design, he made the bold decision to transition into the tech industry. Now, with six years leading the design and BIM functions at the UK tech firm Ocado, Ramesh has advanced to Head of Design, managing global projects across 10 countries with teams based in the UK and Poland. Passionate about guiding others through similar transitions, Ramesh is dedicated to empowering professionals from traditional fields to thrive in new, dynamic careers.

Highlights:

• Career Transition: Ramesh discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from architecture to the tech sector, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and pragmatism.
• Skill Utilization: Key architectural skills such as visionary problem-solving and storytelling have been crucial to Ramesh’s success in tech.
• Tech Culture: The supportive and flexible nature of tech industry culture contrasts with the rigid structures of traditional architecture, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Importance of Communication: Effective communication and understanding commercial realities are pivotal in driving projects and achieving buy-in from stakeholders.
• Future Planning: Ramesh advocates for adaptability and openness to change, encouraging professionals to redefine success and explore new opportunities beyond traditional career paths.