For anyone who has ever wondered how people in tech spend their days, the answer might surprise you. Far from the stereotypical images of an introverted, code-obsessed ‘computer geek’ with little time for a social life, the typical day for Poonam Govind, a Release Train Engineer (RTE) at one of the country’s leading fibre network operators (FNO), Vuma, demonstrates that technical expertise can coexist with leadership, collaboration, and a fulfilling life outside of work.
Poonam begins her day like many others – tea in hand, ready to dive into a whirlwind of meetings, morning stand-ups, and strategic planning for the various squads that she manages. “These meetings are crucial, as they set the tone for the day and ensure that all our teams are aligned,” she says. As an RTE, Poonam acts as a conductor, ensuring that the various squads are in sync and that the product deliveries are on track. Her responsibility is to manage the flow of work according to the business’s requirements.
Having joined Vuma in 2019, Poonam points out that she didn’t start as an RTE or developer, but as a Product Owner. “The RTE role didn’t always exist, It’s been built up with time as the business has grown and we discovered a great opportunity to strengthen the connection between the business and development teams,” says Poonam.
By midday, Poonam is deeply immersed in problem-solving sessions. Whether it’s a technical issue that needs resolving or a process that requires optimisation, she is at the forefront, facilitating discussions and ensuring that the best solutions are implemented.
As the day progresses, Poonam shifts her focus to the broader picture. She spends her afternoons in meetings with stakeholders, planning future releases, and addressing any roadblocks that might hinder progress. “It’s important to keep the momentum going,” she says. “Our work doesn’t stop at delivering a product. We’re constantly looking at how we can improve and adapt to the changing needs of our customers.”
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Poonam has a fulfilling personal life and engages in hobbies like cooking and baking to help her wind down in her spare time. She also credits the support of her partner and her two beloved dogs with giving her the support she needs to thrive in her career.
“Those are my lifelines at the moment. When you’ve had a challenging day they’re the best ones to be around, because having people and pets to love and support you outside of work gives you a different view and a perspective of life. So, getting home to them is something I look forward to,” she says.
As the day winds down, Poonam takes a moment to reflect on the work she’s done in collaboration with her team. “Every day is different, and that’s what makes my job exciting,” she says. “But at the end of the day, it’s all about the impact we’re making – bringing high-speed internet to communities and helping people connect in ways they never could before.”
Poonam’s journey at Vuma is far from over. With the rapid expansion of fibre networks across South Africa, she’s excited about the future. “There’s so much potential for growth and innovation,” she says. “I’m looking forward to being part of that journey and continuing to make a difference in the lives of the many customers we serve. Additionally, I am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to help achieve the organisation’s shared goals.”
As she moves forward, Poonam is passionate about using her platform to pave the way for the next generation of women in the industry, inspiring them to step into leadership roles and shape the future of technology.