New year, new edition of Voices of Hiya! Our monthly blog series spotlights one outstanding Hiyan to share more about our team and get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at Hiya. Every aspect of our employees, both inside and outside of work, makes our team special.
To kick things off in 2024, we’re featuring Chaitanya Medipally, product manager for the Hiya App team. Chaitanya is based in Seattle, Washington. Read on to discover his impact at Hiya and what makes him a vital Hiya community member.
Why were you interested in working at Hiya?
I was drawn to the company because of its incredible progress in a short time and the problem Hiya is solving in the voice channel. After I spoke to CEO Alex Algard and Vice President of Product Tanvi Saxena in the interview process, I realized that I would be working with passionate, bright, and welcoming people, which sealed the deal for me.
What is your role at Hiya?
I am the Hiya App team's product manager, working with Hiya Connect to lead some of their product initiatives.
What do you enjoy most about working at Hiya?
I work with extremely smart yet humble people who are very supportive and friendly. I am also given much responsibility, which makes me feel empowered and motivates me to do more.
What are the qualities of a perfect teammate?
I look to people who want to win as a team rather than as individuals. I admire those who can share and receive feedback while looking out for everyone on the team.
Can you share a memorable moment or project you worked on?
After developing a critical new feature for the Hiya App for Android, we shared our progress with our CEO, Alex Algard. I had never seen him as excited about a Hiya App team update.
He later presented this feature to me in the following company all-hands meeting, and I loved working with him.
How has working at Hiya helped you grow?
Immensely! In just the one year I have been here, my product sense and people management skills have largely been boosted. I also learned that my limits were much more than I thought, which helped me believe more in myself. Also, looking at and working with intelligent and seasoned people taught me to stay humble.
What does your ideal Recharge Day off look like?
Sleep in late, have a good long workout, cook a warm meal, and catch up with friends!
Android or Apple?
Even though I love using Apple, I will always root for Android. As a child, I was drawn to smartphones because of Android, and I love that there is a flavor for everyone.
What’s your favorite emoji?
😛
What is your favorite meal?
Anything that my mom makes!
Where is home for you?
Hyderabad, India
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I could instantly transport myself anywhere across the world. I cannot see a few people who mean the world to me regularly because they live in a different state or country, and this would solve just that!
What’s your dream trip? Or, what’s the next place you want to visit?
Amsterdam is the next place I want to visit (I have no clue why, but it’s a place that fascinates me).
What motivates you to do your best every day?
People believe in me, and I would hate to disappoint them. I do whatever I do because I am passionate about it, so it’s either doing great work or not doing it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Do what your heart tells you. The logically correct thing to do will always be the best option, but more is needed to make one happy. Doing what we feel like could prevent us from regretting doing things differently at a later point.
Stay tuned for next month’s Voices of Hiya, where we highlight another team member who makes up our wonderful organization.
If you want to add your voice to the Hiya team, check out our careers page to explore open opportunities.
