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Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Rishta Panchani, a true powerhouse at Staple AI who’s made an incredible mark on the tech world—all before turning 24. From coding and design to leading projects, Rishta has done it all. In this interview, we explore her journey, motivations, and insights, uncovering what makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Joining the tech industry felt like a natural choice for me because, honestly, it really is the place to be! The industry is booming right now, with an incredible number of new businesses rooted in tech, and the innovation happening in this field is unlike anything else. There’s always something new to learn everyday!
There’s so much growth, so many opportunities, and the chance to work on projects that have real-world impact. This is the industry with a ton of innovations happening at each moment and with an industry growing at this rate, I think now is the best time when your contributions can make a personal impact. For example automation tools, they are being developed at an unprecedented pace, streamlining workflows across sectors. Getting involved now means your contributions could directly impact how companies worldwide improve efficiency, reduce costs, and shift resources to more meaningful tasks.
Being in tech also means constantly learning and adapting, which is something I find really exciting. There’s always a new skill to master or a new tool to explore, and that’s what keeps things interesting. Also I feel that there’s always a thirst for an ocean of ideas in this field which can accommodate all sorts of minds. If you’re curious, creative, and up for a challenge, tech is an amazing industry to be part of. And with a company like Staple AI that’s pushing boundaries, it’s even more fulfilling.
When I chose Staple AI, one of the biggest factors was that it’s a start-up. There’s something incredibly exciting about being part of a company that’s growing so rapidly. It’s not just about the fast pace—it’s about being involved in something that’s constantly evolving, and watching it expand is truly rewarding.
The volatile nature of a start-up can be challenging, but that’s also what makes it so fun. Every day brings new opportunities and challenges that keep you on your toes. You can’t help but be engaged, as things evolve and move quickly, and you get to be a part of those changes.
Recently, we had two big feature developments lined up one after the other. As soon as we wrapped up the first one—a pretty big deal for us—the whole team came together to test it, and it was such a fun, hands-on experience! Right after, we switched gears and started brainstorming ideas for the next update. It all happened in just a few weeks, and while it was intense, it showed just how exciting and dynamic things can get in a start-up.
A big advantage that start ups have over the traditional company setting is that it provides more responsibility along with better visibility. This is great for women in tech, as it can help them level up their skills and get more opportunities that might be harder to find in a traditional company.
Being at Staple AI has offered me tremendous growth in multiple areas. Staple AI has given me opportunities I didn’t expect—whether it’s taking on new responsibilities, tackling a range of projects, or developing skills that I know will serve me well in the future. And I am truly grateful for that! These skills can take years to experience at a larger company but here, I’ve developed skills that have shaped me both professionally and personally.
I’d highly recommend anyone looking to start their career to consider joining a developing company, cherry on top if it’s like Staple AI. The learning opportunities are endless, and the experience is invaluable.
My favourite project at Staple AI? That’s an easy one, it is the first client project I handled! We started working on it over a year ago, and despite its share of ups and downs, it’s been such a rewarding journey. The range of tasks and skills it bought me are so valuable in the long run! I know it might sound a bit cliché, but the project really feels like my baby. It’s been an important part of my time here at Staple AI, and it’s shaped my experience in ways I didn’t expect. It gave me a front row experience as to how things actually work!
Working on this project has given me so many opportunities to grow and develop new skills. Being part of the project from the very start has given me a solid understanding of the entire process. I got to learn firsthand about the onboarding steps, development timelines, deployment, and all the aspects involved on the client side. This experience has really helped me build and sharpen my skills along the way.
I’ve learned so much along the way, and the project’s importance within the company means that I’ve become the go-to person whenever anyone has questions or needs help. It’s an amazing feeling to see how much it’s grown and how much value one can bring to the company just by truly dedicating yourself to something. For sure, it takes a lot of effort and hard work but in the end it all seems worth it when you see it grow. I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
Work-life balance is a million-dollar question, but I believe I’ve figured it out over time. It’s a skill that can be developed with a bit of support from the organization. One of the biggest reasons is the freedom and flexibility we have over our hours. I get to structure my day in a way that fits both my work goals and personal needs. This makes a big difference, especially for women in tech who often juggle multiple responsibilities while aiming to make an impact in fields like AI.
Josh (CTO) and Ben (CEO) are incredibly supportive when it comes to taking scheduled time off or stepping back to recharge—they genuinely understand the importance of balance. It’s refreshing to work with leaders who prioritize well-being and trust their team to manage their time effectively.
And one of the best parts about remote work is the ability to work from anywhere. I’ve had the chance to switch things up by working from coworking spaces, cafes, and other inspiring spots. For people passionate about tech, this kind of flexibility keeps things fresh and often helps spark creativity. It’s a great setup that lets me bring my best to both my professional and personal life.
There are a few career lessons that have really shaped my approach to work overtime.
The first one is learning to be direct. I’ve realized that saying ‘no’ when necessary isn’t a negative—it’s actually a strength. By being clear about your limits, you can stay focused on the tasks that truly align with your goals, rather than getting spread too thin. Setting boundaries like this helps you prioritize effectively and brings more purpose to what you do.
The second lesson is to welcome new experiences and responsibilities, especially when you’re just starting out. They might open doors you may not have expected. Early on, I learned that trying new things and stepping up for additional tasks can open up incredible learning opportunities. It’s a chance to build skills and discover areas where you might excel.
Each new responsibility gives you a fresh perspective, and over time, these experiences can shape your career path in multiple ways. In fields like AI, where creativity and innovation are key, taking on fresh challenges can reveal exciting opportunities and shape your career in remarkable ways.
Lastly, staying organized has been a game-changer. For me, creating a to-do list with time stamps has made a huge difference in managing my day. It’s a simple habit, but it keeps things structured and helps me stay on track, especially during busy times. Breaking tasks down into smaller steps is also essential—it takes the pressure off big projects by making them feel manageable, so I can tackle them one piece at a time. This approach not only boosts productivity but also keeps stress levels in check
Of course! Right now, I’m working as a QA at Staple AI, and though I’ve been in this role for a short time, my day is pretty dynamic. My mornings usually kick off with some light exercise to get energized for the day ahead—I find that starting early really boosts my productivity.
Once I’m at work, my day begins with a few meetings and organizing a to-do list to map out the tasks ahead. I also like to have some music playing in the background, which really helps me get into the zone. I typically dive into the most detail-oriented tasks first while my focus is at its peak. After lunch, I shift to lighter tasks, like documentation, which serve as nice fillers between the more demanding parts of my day.
I usually wrap up work in the evening, tying up any loose ends and catching up on communication. Then, the evening is mine—I pick up a book, cook something to unwind, and round out my day with some journaling. It’s a great way to recharge and reflect!