In this episode of the Engineering Leadership series, Rob Ocel talks with Vijaya Raghunathan, the Senior Vice President and Head of Mortgage Servicing Technology at Truist. Vijaya emphasizes the significance of competition in the mortgage servicing industry, not just among traditional banks but also against tech giants like Amazon and Netflix. Customers today expect a seamless user experience, and companies must find a balance between complying with regulations and making the process easy for borrowers.
They cover the challenges of managing legacy systems within the industry, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining older systems while keeping up with technological advancements. Vijaya reveals that her team's approach includes grassroots-driven innovation, allowing engineers to come up with proof of concepts during IP sprints to demonstrate their creative solutions.
Vijaya's career journey, from a project manager to a senior vice president, is also discussed. She emphasizes the importance of differentiation in one's career, achieved through consistency and delivering results.
Throughout the episode, Vijaya underscores the need for leaders to stand out and differentiate themselves among their peers. She believes that excellence alone might not be enough; differentiation sets individuals apart in a competitive environment.
They also explore how to help team members discover their unique strengths and differentiating characteristics. Vijaya highlights that people can learn from both positive and negative examples, allowing them to incorporate these lessons into their careers.
The discussion includes the importance of staying curious and aware of technological advancements. Vijaya personally sets an example by continuously seeking new certifications and knowledge in areas like AI, machine learning, and cloud technology.
Vijaya provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the mortgage servicing industry. She touches on balancing innovation with legacy systems, the importance of differentiation in one's career, and her personal commitment to staying curious and learning about emerging technologies.
