Monday Meets Satakshi Gosh - Product Owner, Digital Innovation & Technology team

This week in #MondayMeets, we’re excited to introduce Satakshi Ghosh MBA, MSc International HRM , Product Owner in our Digital Innovation and Technology team. Joining in July 2023, Satakshi acts as an important bridge between business stakeholders and the DIT development team, driving innovative solutions that align with strategic goals. Her passion for solving real-world challenges through digital transformation and her collaborative approach make her an inspiring addition to the team.

What’s keeping you busy at the moment?

Right now, I'm focused on building and improving operational business processes within Derwent Central, an internally developed platform designed to unify data from across all workstreams. The platform sits on top of a rich data warehouse and provides us with the ability to design our own digital forms and workflows. My days are filled with managing and refining the product backlog, setting clear acceptance criteria for user stories, gathering feedback, and ensuring any blockers are addressed to keep delivery on track. I’m also leading the implementation of the new payroll system, which involves diving into detailed tasks and careful planning to ensure the design meets business needs. It’s a mix of problem-solving, collaboration, and forward-thinking.

How did you get into the property industry?

The job description for the role caught my attention – it was an exciting opportunity! I’ve always been curious about exploring new industries, and since I had never worked in property before, I was eager to dive in. I am intrigued with the concept of smart buildings; how technology and the data it generates can improve the outcomes of a building – be that enhancing energy performance, optimising space utilisation, and improving the wellbeing of the people who work in them. It’s a field where innovation truly meets everyday impact, and I wanted to be part of that journey.

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are ever the same, but there are some common threads. My day typically starts with project or daily meetings with the DIT development team to review progress and prioritise tasks. Planning is a big part of the role, ensuring the team stays on track while aligning with business goals. Of course, there are always surprises – an urgent blocker or system bug might pop up, requiring us to shift focus entirely. Flexibility is just as critical as having a well-thought-out plan.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The opportunity to collaborate with all functions across business and be a part of shaping how technology can solve real-world problems and revolutionise employees and customer experiences. I love being part of digital transformation, it is not just about adopting new tools; it’s about rethinking how a business operates, competes and delivers value in a fast-paced digital world. 

What are some of the key challenges you face? 

One of the biggest challenges is planning delivery in an environment where requirements and priorities are constantly evolving – a reality in any industry. Designing processes that work for everyone involved requires a lot of collaboration and seamless communication across teams, which can sometimes be tricky to coordinate. Another challenge is the need to juggle multiple responsibilities and roles, switching between different "hats" to address technical details, stakeholder concerns, and strategic planning. Balancing adaptability with progress while managing the human side of change is always a delicate task. 

What has been your highlight at Derwent London so far?

The highlight for me has been the people at Derwent. Getting to know my colleagues and seeing how incredibly smart, kind, and genuinely team-oriented they are, has been truly inspiring. It makes a fantastic environment to work in. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

My advice would be to stay agile and flexible. It’s crucial to have a clear vision and understand the value you’re adding before diving into the details. Always keep an eye on the bigger picture, and regularly review the backlog to ensure it aligns with both strategic goals and the overall vision. It’s all about balancing the big picture with the fine details to drive meaningful outcomes! 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy painting, sculpting and taking walks in nature.