I Am IBM Watson Product Manager Anamita Guha and This Is How I Work
As Product Manager at IBM, Anamita Guha works on bots, AR / VR and AI technologies, including Watson, the most famous AI that does not come with a phone. She also leads analytics at TEDxSanFrancisco and works as a technical consultant in the clinical research laboratory at UCSF. We talked to her about her work habits, such as general ones like deepening relationships and specific ones like color-coded notebooks.
Location: San Francisco, California. Current position: Product Manager at IBM Watson. One word that best describes the way you work: Organized chaos. Current mobile device: iPhone. Current computer: MacBook Air.
First of all, tell us a little about your past and how you got where you are now.
I spent my childhood living in many parts of the world, including Kansas and India. My parents loved to socialize wherever they were, so they often let me join in at dinner parties and cocktail hours on weekends, where I had the opportunity to meet different people from all walks of life. It opened my eyes to how people live and cope with different stages of life, such as starting a family, adapting to a new job or moving to a new city. I was intrigued by people and, in particular, by the way they think and handle situations.
I was also fortunate to have grown up in Silicon Valley, where both of my parents worked in technology and always brought home the latest tech gadgets or told me about new trends. I actually started developing websites for others as a side job when I was only nine years old! This experience prompted me to study cognitive science at the University of California, Berkeley, where I learned how people perceive the world around them and learn about it through other people and technologies such as smartphones and bots. Today I can apply my experience in the field of human behavior to develop interactive and “human” products at IBM!
Tell us about a recent work day.
One of the best things about my job is that it changes every day and I am grateful for the flexible work environment. Recent Work Day: Call early in the morning when I’m home, then give a talk at a technical webinar followed by a short yoga lesson. After that, I go to work (usually doing multiple tasks, taking another call on the way), chatting with coworkers over coffee when I’m in the office, then returning to checking email, attending meetings, participating in brainstorming sessions. , and more. Sometimes I go out to lunch with clients after work, but more often I meet with friends for a drink or dinner, and then relax at home with a book and hug my husky Milo.
What apps, gadgets or tools can’t you live without?
I’m obsessed with color coding and handwritten notes, so I can’t live without a colorful set of pens, notepads and stickers. I also need music or noise to focus, so Spotify is a must. Plus, I rely on my Google Calendar to help me organize my day, and finally, I use voice gadgets like Siri a lot on my Apple Watch.
How is your workplace arranged?
I carry my MacBook with me everywhere! I have a movable table that can be adjusted to a standing table, and there is nothing on it except a computer charger. I don’t use any additional monitors, although I end up cluttering my desk throughout the day (don’t worry, I clean up before I leave!). When I focus on a specific project or think about new ideas, I try to visualize my thoughts by writing them down.
Who are the people who help you achieve results, and how do you rely on them?
I believe that people are your most valuable asset, and I spend time getting to know everyone I meet on a personal level. These strong bonds not only help me gain the trust of my peers, but also help me understand what they do best and what they enjoy doing. I am also very honest about my weaknesses. In doing so, I have found that people are always ready to lend a helping hand.
How do you keep track of what you need to do?
I write a lot of handwritten lists. As mentioned above, I code everything with color to the point that I have a notebook and pen of a specific color assigned to one project and a separate color for another project. It helps me to easily switch between contexts and be more time efficient. I started doing this when I was in high school (math was red, science was green, foreign language was blue, etc.) and I never stopped!
How do you replenish? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
I love watching the world around me. In fact, I go to and from work every day from my home, which is about two miles from me, and I also go to the beach regularly after work (benefits of living 20 minutes away!). During this time, I try not to be distracted from my work simply by listening to music or talking to friends or family on the phone.
I also do yoga regularly. In fact, I started doing yoga in 5th grade (although I only started doing yoga regularly 3 years ago)!
I keep a consciousness diary all the time. It’s funny to look back and get some data points about my life.
What’s your favorite side project?
I am obsessed with the idea of human happiness. I constantly reflect on topics such as what makes you happy and how we can form habits that will help increase our basic happiness. As a result, I enjoy creating small side projects to help people become happier.
What are you reading now or what do you recommend?
I strongly believe that everyone should read books, and my goal is to read at least 25 books a year. I always recommend Never Share the Difference: Negotiate as if your life depended on it ! I recently finished reading Rupi Kaur’s Milk and Honey . I liked it so much that I read it three times in 24 hours.
Fill in the blank: I would like _________ to answer these same questions.
Marshon Lynch!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I have a few tips that I’ve received over the years. As a woman, understanding the difference between sponsor and mentor has been key to my success. I recommend that all women (and men) understand the difference and find someone else for each role. It’s okay to ask for help.
What else would you like to add that might be of interest to readers and fans?
Artificial intelligence won’t take over the world! I like to think of AI as enhanced intelligence because it exists to make our world more efficient and easier.