Introduction
Simran kicked off the podcast with admiration:
“Whatever I have heard of you… I am a fan, not just of how you work but the person you are from inside out.”
Yashu Kapila, humbly responded:
“Oh my God, thank you so much. It really means a lot!”
- Motivation for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Simran emphasized the purpose:
“This is intended for people looking to start their career… leaders like you show that anything is possible.“
Yashu encouraged the audience:
“I’ll be the happiest if anything I share inspires or motivates anyone.”
01:51 – 11:50 How Yashu Became a Software Tester
- Yashu’s Journey: From Gold Medalist to Software Testing
Simran: “I became a fan! I would want you to tell about your journey to everyone as well.”
Yashu: “Alright, mine is very interesting. I have been in this field for more than 19 years. It all started back in my college days when I was a university topper and a gold medalist during my MCA. Seasia came for campus placement, and I was selected—this was the only interview I ever gave. I started my career on January 2, 2006, but not as a software tester, as a technical content writer.”
- First Steps in Software Testing
Yashu: “I started as a technical content writer, but in September 2006, an opportunity came up. Our MD recommended me for a software tester role in a project called CVR, for the US government. Despite the lead’s hesitation in taking a fresher, I was given a two-week trial period.”
Simran: “And how did that go?”
Yashu: “Initially, I had a slow start, completing fewer test cases due to trainings. However, I made up for it by working late and finishing all the test cases in a week, instead of the three weeks initially planned.”
- Confidence and Overcoming Challenges
Yashu: “My lead was skeptical, but by the second week, I impressed her. There was one complex issue she was sure I couldn’t handle. After reopening a ticket and explaining the process to her, she was super impressed. From that day on, she trusted me completely.”
Simran: “So, the key was confidence?”
Yashu: “Yes, I’ve always been confident that whatever I take up, I will succeed. That’s the mindset I’ve followed throughout my journey.”
- Switching from Medicine to Computers
Yashu: “During my plus one and plus two, my family wanted me to pursue medicine, but I wasn’t interested. I took the entrance exams and got a seat in BDS, but I knew it wasn’t for me. After convincing my family, I switched to BCA. The day I was supposed to start BCA, my BSc results came out, and I was the district topper.”
Simran: “Wow! From medicine to BCA—what a switch!”
Yashu: “Yes, and my father questioned if I could handle it. I confidently told him, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll do it.’”
- Inspirational Lessons on Belief and Determination
Simran: “This story is giving me goosebumps! It’s so inspiring to see how, with confidence and a clear mind, you can achieve anything.”
Yashu: “Exactly. Whatever we do in life is all about what we process in our mind. If you believe you can do it, you will.”
11:51 – 12:56 Success Follows Excellence
- Embracing the Journey: Yashu’s Perspective on Success
Simran: Is there anything you wish you had known before stepping into your field?
Yashu reflects on her journey with a clear conviction: “Honestly speaking, no. My journey wouldn’t have been any different.” She believes in dedicating herself fully to the task at hand, stating, “I give my best at whatever I’m doing.”
She draws an analogy from parenting, advising her son playing cricket to focus on the ball rather than the outcome: “The result will follow if you concentrate on the game.”
Echoing the wisdom from 3 Idiots, Yashu insists, “Success will come naturally if you pursue excellence.” She concludes that results are merely byproducts of hard work: “If you’re doing good work, you don’t have to worry about results.”
12:57 – 15:24 The Inception of BugRaptors
Building Success from the Ground Up: Yashu’s Journey with BugRaptors
- The Vision Behind BugRaptors
Simran: How did you envision building such a successful company?
Yashu: “It’s an interesting story! RP sir and I wanted to create a dedicated QA team, separate from the projects, which had never been done before. We aimed to establish a third-party QA team within Seasia, marking the foundation for BugRaptors.”
- The Idea That Sparked a Revolution
Simran: What inspired the creation of BugRaptors?
Yashu: “RP sir gathered the senior team and encouraged us to brainstorm. I proposed the name BugRaptors, focusing on addressing gaps in the testing phase during the SDLC. This allowed us to implement independent processes and select tools that would enhance productivity.”
- A Decade of Experience
Simran: How did your past experiences shape your journey?
Yashu: “I started my journey in 2006. Over the years, I faced numerous challenges and gained diverse experiences. From leading projects to managing digital marketing, each role added value to my foundation when I established BugRaptors in 2016.”
15:25 – 17:45 Setting Goals for the Company
Navigating Goals: Yashu’s Insight on Strategic Planning at BugRaptors
- The Challenge of Long-Term Goals
Simran: How do you envision your company’s long-term and short-term goals?
Yashu: “Long-term goals often fizzle out due to daily operations. It’s like when there’s a fire at home; you deal with that first. To maintain focus on growth, we break long-term goals into manageable short-term objectives that align with our daily deliverables.”
- The Key to Success: Execution
Simran: What drives the success of your plans?
Yashu: “Success doesn’t rely on planning alone; it hinges on execution. Strong execution turns solid plans into reality. Regular audits and reviews help us track progress and stay aligned with our goals.”
- Flexibility in Goal Setting
Simran: How do you accommodate unforeseen circumstances in goal-setting?
Yashu: “Flexibility is crucial. For example, we set a goal for each team member to acquire a new skill this quarter. However, with the iPhone release demanding their focus, we adjusted deadlines and expectations. This adaptability ensures that our goals remain achievable, even amidst shifting priorities.”
17:46 – 18:55 Maintaining a Work Culture
Cultivating a Motivating Work Culture: Yashu’s Approach
- The Role of Mentorship, Empowering Teams and Empathy in Work Culture
Simran: How do you maintain a work culture that aligns with your goals?
Yashu: “Mentorship is crucial. Anyone with the right attitude can be guided to become a successful resource. By fostering mentorship, we create an environment where team members can grow and thrive.”
“Empowerment is vital. When we show trust in our team and give them the autonomy to take ownership of their work, we unlock their potential and see amazing results.
“Empathy is essential. With the rise in mental health issues post-COVID, we must acknowledge and support our team members. Understanding their struggles helps us create a more supportive and motivated work environment.”
18:56 – 21:22 Future of Working from Home
The Hidden Costs of Working from Home: Yashu’s Perspective
- The Initial Appeal of Remote Work
Simran: What unique concerns do you have about the work-from-home situation?
Yashu: “Initially, everyone enjoyed working from home, believing it helped balance work and family life. However, over time, this shift has led to unexpected challenges.”
- The Exhausting Mental Switch
Simran: Can you elaborate on the impact of constantly switching between environments?
Yashu: “Working from home forces us to frequently switch between home and work modes. For example, during a meeting, if a child interrupts, we have to shift our focus, which is exhausting. This constant toggling drains our mental energy.”
- Health and Well-Being Concerns
Simran: How does this affect mental health?
Yashu: “While I value flexibility and comfort for my team, not at the cost of their health. The entirely remote work culture can be detrimental to mental well-being. Companies need to recognize this.”
- The Shift Back to Office Culture
Simran: Are companies recognizing these issues?
Yashu: “Yes, many companies are transitioning back to office work. For instance, Amazon recently mandated 100% in-office attendance, indicating a realization that the remote work model isn’t sustainable long-term.”
21:23 – 22:50 Changing Leadership Styles
Evolving Leadership: Yashu’s Perspective on Modern Skills
- Adapting Leadership to Change
Simran: How have your leadership skills evolved over the years?
Yashu: “Over time, resource mindsets have changed. People have become more sensitive, and our leadership styles must adapt. From the beginning, I’ve had an inclination towards empathy, which has helped me connect with my team as they evolve.”
- The Importance of Flexibility
Simran: What key skills should leaders focus on today?
Yashu: “Flexibility is essential. Leaders must be adaptable to their team’s needs and circumstances to foster a supportive environment.”
- Transparency and Team Collaboration
Simran: How can leaders create a better environment for their teams?
Yashu: “Transparency is crucial. Leaders should create a space where feedback is encouraged, heard, and acted upon, making team members feel involved. Collaboration is vital for a cohesive and motivated team.”
22:51 – 25:25 Balancing Personal & Professional Life
Balancing Work and Life: Yashu’s Insights
- Keys to Effective Work-Life Balance
Simran: How do you manage work-life balance?
Yashu: “I strongly advocate maintaining work-life balance. Setting clear boundaries is crucial; a promotion isn’t worth a divorce. Delegation is key—when you trust your team and share responsibilities, you multiply your effectiveness.”
- Building Support and Celebrating Together
Simran: What’s the role of support in this balance?
Yashu: “A strong support system at home and in the office is essential. Self-care improves your mindset, enabling better decision-making and prioritization. Moreover, balancing work with play is important. Celebrating achievements and festivals fosters team spirit and builds a positive culture.”
25:26 – 27:16 Evolution of Software Testing
Evolution of the Software Testing Industry: Yashu’s Perspective
- How Software Testing is Evolving?
Simran: How do you think the software testing industry has evolved over time?
Yashu: “The industry is continuously evolving. When we started, we focused on functional testing, but now it’s all about automation and frameworks. Continuous testing, shift-left testing, and early involvement of testers in the development lifecycle have become the norm. Security, compliance, and emerging technologies like blockchain, IoT, and most notably AI and ML, are taking center stage.”
- AI’s Role in Transforming Software Testing
Simran: How has AI impacted testing?
Yashu: “AI has significantly improved the tester’s life by automating repetitive tasks, streamlining test case creation, and enhancing test coverage. We are developing AI-enabled tools like Bug Bot to make testing more efficient. The aim is to free up testers’ time, allowing them to focus on more logical and productive tasks, ultimately improving the quality of releases.”
27:17 – 28:22 Spotlight on BugBot
AI-Powered Testing: How BugRaptors Leverages AI in Bug Bot
- Integrating AI into Bug Bot for Enhanced Software Testing
Simran: You mentioned Bug Bot. Could you shed some light on how AI has been integrated into it?
Yashu: “Bug Bot is a suite of proprietary tools, and one key feature is AI-enabled test case generation. By using the user story or prompt, it generates test cases, assigns severity, and prioritizes them, saving significant time. We’ve also added a feature for smart test data generation, which reduces the time QA teams spend on this task.”
She continues, “Another standout feature is bug recording and automatic bug reporting. The tool captures and auto-generates bug reports, further streamlining the process. We also have a UI comparison tool, which identifies and highlights any changes made to the user interface automatically.”
28:23 – 28:53 AI: Friend or Foe?
AI: Empowering Testers, Not Replacing Them
- AI as a Companion in Software Testing
Simran: In your vision, do you see AI taking anything away from us, or is it more of a companion?
Yashu: “Certainly, I don’t think AI will take over the jobs of good testers. It will empower them, make them more productive, but not replace them. AI is here to enable, not to replace.”
28:54 – 29:57 Testing Frameworks from BugRaptors
Revolutionizing Automation: BugBot and Mobile Frameworks
- Innovations in Automation with BugBot and Frameworks
Simran: It’s interesting to see what you and your team have been doing with BugBot. Are there any other specific contributions you’re focusing on?
Yashu: “Yes, we have two beautiful frameworks—Raptor Vista for web automation and Mobor Raptors for mobile automation. It’s a plug-and-play setup, allowing anyone to automate their projects easily.”
29:58 – 32:32 An Inspirational Success Story
A Case Study in Perseverance: Turning Challenges into Triumphs
- From Skepticism to Success: How Yashu’s Team Delivered Excellence
Simran: Is there a specific case study where your team’s capabilities truly shone, and you helped the client navigate through it smoothly?
Yashu: “Yes, back in early 2019, a client came to us who had been with another QA service provider for over ten years. Initially, they weren’t confident in us, but after a couple of months, they handed us the entire project. I still remember receiving an email expressing doubt about how things would turn out. That’s when I knew we had to focus. My team and I worked day and night, learning and competing against a well-established team. It was exhausting but rewarding, and to date, we’ve maintained a zero P1 bug record for that project.”
32:33 – 33:50 Ensuring Client Satisfaction
- Client Satisfaction: The Core of BugRaptors’ Success
Simran: Are there any specific strategies you use to ensure client satisfaction?
Yashu: “For any client, I feel the most important aspect is the onboarding process—how comfortable and engaged the client feels. Transparency and communication are key. We keep clients informed about both highs and lows, with a human touch because, at the end of the day, we’re all human. I also believe in working as a partner to our clients. Their success is our success.”
33:51 – 35:49 Yashu’s Parenting Style
- Nurturing Future Leaders: Balancing Parenting and Leadership
Simran: What’s your take on young people moving abroad for studies or work? Do you guide your kids similarly to how you manage your team?
Yashu: “This topic is debatable, and I wouldn’t say what’s right or wrong. When it comes to my kids, I let them make their own decisions. I guide and mentor them on possible outcomes, but the final decision is theirs. It empowers them, and showing trust in their choices helps them make better decisions. I follow a similar approach at work, treating my team like family—if they’re comfortable, they perform well. At home and at work, we live by ‘work hard, play hard.’”
35:50 – 37:10 Is the Education System Playing Its Part?
- Rethinking Education: Balancing Theory and Practice in the Age of AI
Simran: With AI taking center stage, how should education adapt, particularly in the realm of software testing?
Yashu: “The education system is making strides in addressing market demands. For instance, when I was studying MCA, I worked with older languages, but my nephew in high school is already learning Python. The shift is evident, but if I could suggest one thing, it would be to focus more on practical implementations. Theoretical knowledge is important, but practical experience with real-world scenarios should take precedence. If education moves toward a 70-30 ratio, with more weight given to practical learning, it will better prepare students for the challenges they’ll face outside.”
37:11 – 39:12 Advice for Today’s Young Minds
- Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Professionals
Simran: What advice would you give to someone just entering the field or trying to build something of their own?
Yashu: “First and foremost, focus on developing your skills. Keep polishing and uplifting them. More importantly, believe in yourself; if you believe you can do something, you will. Mindset is crucial. Also, be consistent in your efforts and have patience. Many young people today lack patience and want instant results. I always tell my new joiners: ‘Focus on learning; earnings will eventually follow as a byproduct.’ This is the key.”
Yashu emphasizes the importance of self-belief, consistency, and patience for those embarking on their careers. He acknowledges that while today’s youth are intelligent and skilled, focusing on continuous learning is vital for long-term success.
39:13 – 40:55 Ideal Skills to Have
- Key Skills for Aspiring Testers
Simran: What specific skills do you look for when hiring someone for your team?
Yashu: “For senior positions, I value strong technical skills and a comprehensive knowledge of software testing. However, attitude is even more important. For freshers, I prioritize a positive attitude toward learning over specific knowledge of software testing. Skills can be developed over time, but attitude is harder to change. Ideally, a candidate should have a mix of both.”
Yashu underscores the importance of a candidate’s attitude, particularly for entry-level roles. He believes that a willingness to learn is essential for growth in the field, suggesting that while technical skills are important, they can be acquired through experience.
40:56 – 43:40 Becoming Mentally Strong
Navigating Work Pressure
- Managing Work Pressure Amid Industry Changes
Simran: How can young professionals manage work pressure, especially in light of recent incidents like the one at EY?
Yashu: “It’s a two-way issue. While we must consider how companies operate, we should also focus on individuals’ mental health. People need to work on self-care—exercise, yoga, meditation, or pursuing hobbies. A strong mental state helps manage pressures effectively.”
- The Importance of Open Communication
Simran: What should professionals do when facing work-related challenges?
Yashu: “Professionals should be open about the challenges they encounter. It’s vital to communicate and discuss problems instead of bottling them up. Often, people hesitate to speak up, thinking it won’t make a difference. However, companies can only help if they know what issues employees face.”
- Shifting Perspectives on Challenges
Simran: How can individuals change their perspective on challenges?
Yashu: “The mindset is everything. Life isn’t always easy; challenges will arise. It’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude and approach difficulties as opportunities for growth. Some may view minor inconveniences as major setbacks, while others face serious health issues with a smile. It’s all about perspective.”
43:41 – 45:08 Book Recommendation: Pollyanna
The Power of Positivity
- What is Pollyanna About?
Yashu: “Have you heard about the book Pollyanna? You should definitely read it; it’s a children’s story packed with valuable lessons.”
Simran: “No, I haven’t come across it.”
Yashu: “The story follows a young girl who loses her mother at a young age. Her father taught her to play a game called ‘find the good in everything.’ No matter what happened, she looked for something positive.”
45:09 – 46:32 Maintaining A Positive Outlook
- The Power of Perspective: Embracing Positivity in Life
Yashu: “In every situation, there’s always a perspective. How we perceive things is crucial. It all starts with the first thought we generate about a situation.”
Yashu emphasizes that our perspective shapes our experiences. By keeping initial thoughts positive, we can attract positivity into our lives. As he shares, “What we send out to the universe is what we’ll receive in return.” This reflects the law of attraction, where positive thoughts can lead to favorable outcomes.
Simran adds, “Talking to someone and finding the good side in every situation can really help during tough times.” Yashu reflects on his own experience, noting that external pressure from a mentor pushed him to grow and complete tasks more efficiently.
46:32 – 48:04 80:20 Rule
- Mastering the 80-20 Rule: Responding to Life’s Challenges
Yashu: “Life gives us a problem that is often just 20%, while 80% is how we react to it.”
In this insightful discussion, Yashu explains the 80-20 rule, illustrating it with a relatable scenario. When a child spills milk on a father’s shirt, his reaction spirals into chaos: shouting, stress, and ultimately a disrupted day for the entire family. He emphasizes that had the father responded calmly, the outcome could have been entirely different.
Yashu notes, “If we control that 20%, we can change everything.” By choosing to manage our reactions, we prevent minor issues from escalating into larger problems.