Sowmya N looks back at her journey, shaped by tech milestones, trusted mentors, and a workplace that supported her through every phase.
Some careers move in a straight line. Others, like Sowmya’s, evolve with every challenge that is tackled and every conversation that sparks a new idea. A Swiggster since 2018, Sowmya has grown alongside Swiggy, shaping its tech journey while carving out her own.
Starting out as a software engineer, she spent 7 years growing into a Lead SDE in Test, played a key role in shaping Swiggy, worked on major projects, and built strong connections across teams. Here’s a look at her seven-year journey, in her own words.
Tell us about the beginning of your Swiggy ride. What was your role when you joined the company? How has that changed over the years?
My Swiggy story began as a fresh-faced Software Engineer on the mobile team – new to the world of scale, speed, and all the excitement in between. Soon after, I transitioned to the backend team. That switch was a game-changer. I got hands-on experience in building critical projects like Swiggy Money Wallet and Instamart, features that were still in their infancy but already brimming with potential.
Those early days were intense–in the best way possible. Every challenge came with a steep learning curve and the thrill of impact. Then came the switch to the Payments team. What started as just another team became home for the next six years. I grew alongside it by watching the team grow in both scale and complexity. Eventually, that growth led me to step into the role of Lead Software Development Engineer in Test.
Looking back, what would you say has been the best moment of your tenure at Swiggy?
One of my standout moments at Swiggy was leading a high-stakes release project. This was one of those make-or-break launches where timelines are tight, stakes are high, and every detail matters. I was right at the centre of it all—coordinating across teams, testing relentlessly, and ensuring nothing slipped through the cracks. When it finally went live, so flawlessly, all the pressure and checklists led to that one moment of quiet pride. Along with the process, it was also about trust, collaboration, and knowing I helped steer something important across the finish line.
What is the most favourite part of your job?
If I had to pick a favourite part of my job, it would hands down be the people. Something is energising about being surrounded by sharp, curious minds, where each person brings a different lens to the same problem. I love those in-between moments when I am catching up with a teammate over lunch or coming up with ideas in a hallway chat. It’s that mix of collaboration, connection, and learning that makes work feel meaningful and enjoyable.
Some of the best insights don’t come from scheduled meetings, they sneak during the most unexpected conversations.
How was your interview experience? What was your perception of Swiggy at the time?
I still remember walking into the Swiggy office for my interview. It didn’t look like your typical office, and that’s what caught my attention. It was buzzing with energy, a little unconventional in its setup. There were open workstations, quirky phone booths, teams huddled together, and ideas flying across tables. It wasn’t what I expected, and that made it all the more exciting.
There was a raw startup energy in the air like something was being built, something real. And I remember thinking, this could be fun. And it has been, every step of the way. Saying yes to Swiggy was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Who is one person you would like to thank for making the last 7 years great?
Every journey has that one person who makes the journey easier. And for me, that’s Manu Chadha, Assistant Vice President, Technology. Over the years, he’s been a mentor and a steady source of inspiration whenever I doubted myself. Whether it was trusting me with big responsibilities or offering quiet encouragement behind the scenes, Manu’s support has made a lasting impact on my growth.
It’s easy to do your best when someone genuinely believes in your potential, and I’ve been lucky to have that kind of backing. For all of that and more, I’ll always be thankful.
What is your biggest learning from your manager/team working at Swiggy in general?
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned at Swiggy is just how much a supportive team can shape your journey, not just professionally, but personally too.
During my pre- and post-maternity phase, my team and manager showed up in the best ways. Along with making space for me, they made sure I felt seen, supported, and never left behind. And it wasn’t just the people. Swiggy’s Maternity Return Programme made a world of difference. They ensured I had both the structure and the emotional support to transition back into work smoothly.
That kind of care is not often spoken about, but it’s what truly sets Swiggy apart.
It taught me that empathy is just as crucial as skills, and that when a team prioritises people, the work gets better too. Because when you’re supported, you show up stronger in every role you play.
Sum up working at Swiggy in one word – and tell us why?
“Empowering”
At Swiggy, I’ve been given the space to grow, the trust to lead, and the support to learn every step of the way. Whether it was tackling complex challenges, learning from my colleagues, or receiving support when needed, I’ve always felt like I had both the freedom and the backing to show up fully.
It’s a place that doesn’t just hand you opportunities; it nudges you to rise to them. That feeling of being seen, heard, and trusted? That’s what empowerment looks like, and it’s been the defining thread of my journey here.
What’s one Swiggy value you resonate with the most and why?
“Always be Curious, Always be Learning”
This has practically been my North Star. At Swiggy, no two weeks feel the same. The pace, the problems, the scale, it all keeps evolving. And somewhere along the way, I stopped fearing the unknown and started leaning into it. That shift came from curiosity. It made the journey exciting and constantly worth showing up for. It’s that mindset that’s pushed me to try new things, take on unfamiliar challenges, and grow in ways I never predicted.
