Voices of Hiya: Tanvi Saxena

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, makes our team special.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re featuring Tanvi Saxena, VP of Product at Hiya, based in Seattle, Washington. Read on to discover Tanvi's impact at Hiya and what makes her a vital community member. 

Why were you interested in working at Hiya?

Two reasons: 

• I found the people at Hiya amazing! Alex Algard is an outstanding leader—he genuinely amazes me! I was hooked from the first time I met him! He was the first person I met/interviewed with. Further, I remember the folks from my interview loop, and I really enjoyed meeting every one of them.

• Second, this problem space is really interesting! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to build the Hiya Connect business, product, and org from scratch.

What is your role at Hiya?

VP of Product, Connect.

What are the qualities of a perfect teammate?

I love to work with people who are deeply interested in growing the company + those who follow Hiya's values and anti-values. 

Can you share a memorable moment or project you worked on? 

When Dave Suzuki, Principal product manager at Connect, launched Global Performance Analytics, it was an impactful day for the company. Any day we launch a competitive differentiator or deliver business impact is a great day. 

How has working at Hiya helped you grow? 

My peers challenge me daily, and I love working with intelligent people. A rising tide lifts all boats.

What does your ideal Recharge Day off look like? 

I’d start my Recharge Day with a workout at Orange Theory Fitness with my husband, followed by an excellent coffee (I’m a cortado aficionado) and then a smashing game of pickleball! 

Android or Apple?  

Apple’s iPhone.

What’s your favorite emoji? 

The only two I use are the smiley face and 😀and 😛; I have more expressions in person. 

What is your favorite meal? 

Korean food!

Where is home for you? 

Bellevue, Washington, but I lived in multiple countries growing up. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? 

I wish I could have the perspective and wisdom of an elder but the body and energy of a teen. Youth is wasted on the young!

What’s your dream trip? Or, what’s the next place you want to visit? 

Italy is coming soon for me!

What motivates you to do your best every day? 

My work can move the needle for the business, and I can work with great people with mutual respect and affection. 

What advice would you give young women aspiring to leadership roles in tech?

For anyone, male or female or otherwise, the success mantra I follow is will and skill, which can be broken down like this:

• Have the will to achieve whatever you want. First, identify what motivates you and then find the environment that brings out your drive.

• Have the skills to succeed in your desired job. If you don’t yet have them, build them; this can mean formal courses/degrees, job experience, or mentors. But I’m also a big believer in identifying your natural superpowers (something you are head and shoulders better than others at—naturally or acquired skills) and maximizing environments or jobs that need those superpowers and abilities.

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.