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Spotlight on Essenters: Aditi Paliwal

Freek
7 minutes
Welcome to a new Spotlight on Essenters! Today, we will chat with Aditi Paliwal, a Software Engineering Manager/Release Train Engineer at Essent.

HI ADITI, COULD YOU TELL OUR READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

Hi, I'm Aditi Paliwal. In my free time I enjoy going on adventurous trips and practicing strength-based training. 

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE IT AREA?

From a young age, I was fascinated by computers. It started with simply watching them work and playing games and eventually grew into a passion for wanting to build video games. I always knew I wanted to work with and on computers.
When I was 12, during my time in India, I decided to learn programming. My family supported me by giving me a basic coding book, which was my first step into the world of programming. I pursued my education in science and computers, completing a degree in computer applications at university.

With my analytical mind, I found joy in studying IT, physics, and algorithms. I loved the process of learning how to implement those algorithms in automation using various programming languages. This blend of curiosity and analytical thinking truly ignited my passion for IT.

WERE THERE ANY KEY EXPERIENCES OR MENTORS THAT SHAPED YOUR JOURNEY?

I find inspiration in everyday life. My mother’s simplicity and my father’s relentless drive to work as hard as possible have had an impact on me. I’ve also been fortunate to work with amazing managers like Arjen and Michiel, who are so approachable and supportive, as well as colleagues who inspire me daily. Inspiration can come from anything—what someone says, does, or even wears. I believe in leading by example and often try to emulate the qualities I admire in my role models.

I also really like volunteering with children, hoping to be a small source of inspiration for them as well. When I was a child, I believed movies were real stories and thought maybe someone was watching me, so I always tried to be kind and set a good example—even if it was just for an imaginary audience! That mindset has stayed with me and continues to guide how I approach life.

WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU LEARNED DURING YOUR EARLY CAREER?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was understanding that I didn’t quite fit into the professional IT environment in India. I’m proud to have been born and raised there, but as a very outspoken person with big ambitions, I realized I needed a different environment to thrive. After a conversation with my dad, he suggested that I explore opportunities abroad. Taking his advice, I began working in Spain and Germany before eventually settling in the Netherlands.

Another lesson I learned is the importance of finding joy in your work. Life has two main guiding strings—personal life and work life—and they need to be balanced with happiness. When you genuinely enjoy what you do, everything else falls into place.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT ESSENT?

At my previous job, several exciting projects were underway, including those focused on blockchain and data. However, many of these initiatives, including mine, were put on hold during the pandemic, and the role began to feel stagnant.
I started looking for something more stable and began thinking about industries that would remain essential even in uncertain times.

That’s when I came across Essent. The opportunity to contribute to the energy transition—a field that is always evolving—felt like the perfect fit. It offered a chance to grow, implement innovative ideas, and make a meaningful impact, motivating me to take the leap.


WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE COMPANY, AND HOW HAVE THEY CHANGED SINCE?

My first impression of Essent was incredibly positive. My team was very welcoming, and I loved the diversity of nationalities and backgrounds. There was also a lot of Brabants gezelligheid—a warm, friendly atmosphere—which I really enjoyed. The company also organizes many fun events, which makes settling in even more enjoyable.

In the months after I joined, I saw us delivering valuable insights as a team. We worked long nights together during the war in Ukraine when the energy landscape faced a major crisis. It was challenging, but it brought out a strong sense of unity and teamwork. That experience really set the tone for me of Essent as not just a workplace, but a place where people truly come together to make a difference.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES?

I am a Software Engineering Manager/ Release Train Engineer.
I manage engineering teams and ensure code quality while focusing on people. My main responsibility is helping team members grow and thrive, as their success leads to smooth delivery. I work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, embracing neurodiversity and cultural differences to make everyone feel valued. A big part of my role is matching individuals with the right opportunities within Essent to help both the teams and the organization succeed.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED SINCE YOU STARTED?

My role has evolved significantly since I started. I began as a medior engineer, later advancing to a senior lead engineer. Alongside my technical responsibilities, I became involved with initiatives like the Refugee Talent Hub and took on some Scrum Master duties. However, during a pivotal moment—the onset of the war—I realized I wanted to shift my focus. I no longer aspired to be a hands-on engineer but instead desired a role centered on mentoring, supporting others, and connecting people, with a connection to IT in solutions and ensuring quality.

This realization led me first to transition into a Scrum Master role, leveraging my deep understanding of architecture, technology, and engineering processes to guide teams effectively. From there, I stepped into my current position as a Release Train Engineer. I thrive in this role because it allows me to combine my technical expertise with my passion for people, leadership, and fostering connections. It’s the perfect fit for someone like me who enjoys wearing many hats and tackling diverse challenges.

I’ve worked hard to find my place, and Essent has become my home at work. I value my colleagues and the opportunities to grow within the company. It’s also great to have a manager I can talk to about anything. These things make Essent a place where I feel supported and appreciated.

CAN YOU SHARE A PERSONAL MANTRA OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?

A personal mantra I live by is, "What’s the worst that can happen?" This simple question helps me put things into perspective when facing challenges or making decisions. It reminds me not to fear failure but to focus on finding solutions and learning from experiences. By asking myself this, I can often see that the worst-case scenario is rarely as daunting as it seems, which helps reduce anxiety and gives me the confidence to take risks and move forward.



We would like to thank Aditi for the time she took to speak with us, and the insights she shares. If you have any lingering questions for her, don’t hesitate to drop a comment down below. We will ensure you are promptly connected.

Freek

Freek is Essent's fictional engineer who you might now from the commercials on television. The articles are writen by a small team working at the IT department at Essent.