Here at PropertyGuru, understanding user needs is foundational to what we do. Few people embody this customer-centric approach better than India-based Senior Product Manager Ayushi Patni, who brings her passion for user-led design to the needs of Southeast Asia’s real estate agents.

Driven by Understanding

“What drives me is understanding what people need,” Ayushi explains, her enthusiasm evident. “You send me to any industry, any place, my core is I will understand what people need. That drives me.” This fundamental motivation underpins all of Ayushi’s work here at PropertyGuru, where she’s found an environment that aligns with her problem-solving ethos.

For Ayushi, the thrill comes from identifying challenges and crafting solutions. “OK, there was a clear gap,” she recalls about one of her projects. “Agents were doing this. Then I was like, OK, let’s listen to what agents are saying.” This desire to deeply understand user needs isn’t just a professional requirement for Ayushi – it’s a personal passion.

Empowered to Innovate

What keeps Ayushi engaged at PropertyGuru is the autonomy she’s been given. “In PropertyGuru, the culture is that you define what success looks like to you,” she says, clearly valuing this aspect of her role. “You define your own priorities.” For a problem-solver like Ayushi, this freedom is crucial.

She speaks with pride about the projects she’s spearheaded, like the comprehensive lead management system and MarketWatch, a competitor and trend tracking tool. “I created that product from scratch,” she says of MarketWatch, her voice carrying a note of accomplishment. These aren’t just work assignments for Ayushi; they’re opportunities to make a tangible impact.

The Joy of Problem-Solving

Ayushi’s enthusiasm comes through when she discusses the challenges of her role. “No day is the same in our team,” she says, clearly relishing the variety. “That’s what makes the job exciting.” For Ayushi, each new project is an opportunity to apply her problem-solving skills in novel ways.

Her approach to decision-making, using the ICE (Impact, Confidence, Ease) framework, reflects her analytical mindset. But it’s not about cold calculations – there’s a clear emotional component to her work. “It gives me a sense of ownership,” she says about making decisions, highlighting the personal investment she feels in her projects.

A Sense of Purpose

What most motivates Ayushi is the feeling that her work is making a difference. “You are helping agents to grow in their business,” she explains, “and as an outcome, you’re helping PropertyGuru to grow.” This dual impact – on individual agents and the company as a whole – gives Ayushi a strong sense of purpose.

She speaks passionately about the transition from volume-based to value-based monetization, seeing it as an opportunity to create more meaningful solutions. “My aim is to empower the agent and create efficient processes for faster transactions,” she says, her words reflecting a genuine desire to improve the working lives of real estate professionals.

Finding Fulfilment in Freedom

For Ayushi, the key to getting the most from her role at PropertyGuru is the combination of challenge and autonomy. “If you have the passion, but you don’t have the autonomy or the empowerment, it’s nothing,” she reflects. “In PropertyGuru, I have that freedom… I can take my own decisions.”

This balance of support and independence keeps Ayushi engaged and motivated. “I see myself working here for the long term,” she says, a testament to how well the role aligns with her personal and professional aspirations.

As the real estate industry continues to evolve, our innovators like Ayushi find fulfilment in tackling its challenges head-on. Through a deep-seated drive to understand and solve user problems, coupled with the freedom to pursue innovative solutions, they’re not just adapting to change – they’re actively shaping the future of property technology.