Charles Esther
Surabhi Bhargava’s journey at Adobe is a testament to the power of innovation, vulnerability, and seizing opportunities. In just five years, she progressed from an entry-level machine learning engineer to a tech lead in the competitive field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Her success story highlights the importance of translating ideas into tangible products, building strong connections through vulnerability, and consistently finding the right opportunities.
Rising Through the Ranks at Adobe
Starting at Adobe in an entry-level machine learning engineering role, Bhargava’s career has been marked by rapid growth.
Initially, she worked on computer vision, transitioning to natural language processing, and now focusing on generative AI.
According to Bhargava, one of the most important aspects of her journey has been working on Adobe’s most relevant AI projects, which allowed her to stay on the cutting edge of the field.
Bhargava attributes much of her success to being in the right place at the right time and consistently seizing the right opportunities.
But beyond just timing, she believes in creating opportunities for herself.
By taking the initiative to start projects from scratch, she laid a foundation for her advancement in the tech world.
Turning Ideas into Action
In her experience, the key to standing out in the tech industry is the ability to translate ideas into real, tangible products.
She emphasizes the importance of a “show, don’t tell” mentality.
Many professionals talk about ideas but fail to back them up with tangible prototypes or real applications. Bhargava’s approach was different: she made sure to create initial prototypes that could be tested by product managers and senior executives.
A crucial point in Bhargava’s strategy is the idea that your prototype doesn’t need to be a fully-fledged product or have an elaborate user interface.
Instead, it can be a simple front-end that demonstrates how the back-end technology works.
This approach allows her to get immediate feedback, iterate quickly, and refine her ideas.
Building Credibility Through Visible Work
By actively sharing her prototypes and ideas with others, Bhargava was able to build credibility within her team and across the company.
When others in the organization needed collaborators, she became the first person they thought of because of the visible work behind her.
Getting feedback and improving ideas rapidly helped Bhargava not only to build better products but also to gain the trust of key stakeholders.
She stresses that being proactive and showcasing your work can help fast-track your career and make you a go-to person in your field.
The Power of Vulnerability
Building meaningful connections within the workplace is crucial, but for Bhargava, it didn’t come naturally.
Initially, she found it difficult to step out of her comfort zone and initiate conversations with colleagues.
However, she soon realized that being vulnerable—by sharing her struggles and ambitions—allowed her to build deeper and more authentic connections with others.
As a minority in tech, Bhargava found that having a strong support system was invaluable.
She found camaraderie with fellow women engineers, which helped her navigate challenges in a male-dominated field.
By being open about her difficulties, she encouraged others to share their experiences as well, creating an environment of mutual support.
The Importance of Asking for Help
Bhargava underscores that people won’t always get what they ask for, but they certainly won’t get anything unless they ask.
This philosophy applies to both career progression and personal growth.
By being open and asking for help, Bhargava was able to connect with colleagues and mentors who provided valuable insights and support.
She emphasizes that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful tool for fostering connection.
It allows people to support you in unexpected ways and helps you build a network of allies who genuinely care about your success.
Conclusion: Growth Through Action and Connection
Surabhi Bhargava’s story is a powerful reminder that growth in the tech world, particularly in AI, is about more than just technical skills.
It’s about taking action, translating ideas into tangible products, and being vulnerable enough to build meaningful connections.
By following these principles, Bhargava has not only advanced in her career but also set herself up for long-term success.
Her advice is clear: take the initiative to build something real, share it with others, be open about your struggles, and ask for help when needed.
In doing so, you’ll position yourself for success and create a network of support that can help you achieve your goals.
