Meet our ServiceNow UKI practice colleague Atul Grover

Atul was nominated and awarded this year for MVP in the category Developer by ServiceNow. We sat down with him and asked him about this achievements and work as a ServiceNow consultant at DXC. With more that 15 years experience in the ServiceNow world, Atul is one of the many examples of how our colleagues are delivering excellence throughout.

What does a day in the life of Atul consist of?

My day typically begins early, as I'm an early riser. It kicks off at 5 AM with gratitude for another day. I dedicate the initial hour to my passion, and my training routine, before transitioning to family responsibilities—dropping off the kids at school and then diving into my office tasks. Supporting the EST time zone, my workday starts with handling emails and ends with a review of the day's progress in the evening. As the day progresses, the workload intensifies, culminating in wrapping up around 5:30 PM.

When and why did you start contributing to the ServiceNow community? How has it benefited you, your team, your customers?

It feels like it's been about four years or so, essentially before the COVID-19 outbreak. Even earlier, I used to actively share knowledge within the community, although it wasn't as prominent back then. The reason behind my dedication can be summed up in one line: it's my way of giving back. About 15 years ago, when I faced a similar situation, I didn't have anyone to guide me. Hence, I felt it was my turn to support the community.

Today, I go by the name Atul Grover, recognized as Learn N Grow Together from my channel on YouTube. This endeavour has not only facilitated my continuous learning but has also allowed me to leave a mark, emphasizing that learning is an ongoing journey. This presence on social media has also bolstered my credibility with customers.

What motivates you today? Why do you get up in the morning?

I strongly believe there's still a wealth of knowledge I can share with the community. That is why I'm currently pursuing my Ph.D. This doctoral journey serves as a stepping stone, opening doors in the market that will enable me to impart even more knowledge.

The smile on my son's face and the care and motivation from my wife are my daily inspirations to kickstart each day. I'm also deeply grateful to God for bestowing upon me yet another beautiful day in my life.

How do you find the time to focus on work beyond client deliverables? Any tips for the rest of us to make time?

This question comes up often, be it in interviews, podcasts, or meetups, and the truth is, there's no magical tip for it. The key is simply deciding to assist others and staying dedicated to that cause. I manage my schedule by trimming my sleep by 15-30 minutes, and waking up before my family does. I also reduce leisure activities like watching movies or spending excessive time online because I prioritize knowledge sharing above these things. However, I never compromise on family time.

Whenever inspiration strikes, I jot down my ideas immediately, mulling them over so that when I find a moment, I can quickly open my laptop and start working on them. In essence, there's no specific allocated time; rather, what truly matters is the grace of God, the unwavering support of my family, and the blessings from my parents and friends.

What is your most memorable work achievement so far?

I had a great experience supporting a client recently. During our discussion, a new team member joined the client's side, and as we were introducing ourselves, the client's manager unexpectedly mentioned, 'Hey, if you're looking to learn ServiceNow, follow Atul Grover's channel.' It was a moment that made me smile with pride.

Why did you join DXC?

I appreciate the freedom and flexibility that DXC offers. Their core value in the ServiceNow domain truly stands out, providing a distinct place in the industry. It's a company that prioritizes supporting its employees, and nurturing personal and career growth alike.

How has DXC helped you on your journey?

DXC has been a consistent support for me, especially through the guidance of my manager, James Bird. His unwavering support has never led to a "no" when it comes to knowledge increasing activities, whether it's in events like Knowledge 23 or the World Forum. In 2023 DXC was a premier sponsor at Knowledge 23 in Las Vegas. The company also sponsored ServiceNow World Forum events in different regions. DXC's support during my involvement in Knowledge 23, right from the initiation of the visa process to the return back home, highlights the company's continuous care and support for their employees.

What is the one ServiceNow achievement you would like to accomplish?

Honestly, it's been an incredible journey. Back in 2019, when I initiated my channel to share knowledge, I never envisioned myself becoming an MVP, especially in the Developer category. As time passed and my experience grew, my YouTube channel Learn N Grow Together evolved into a recognized brand, providing me with a new identity and contributing significantly to my MVP status. Receiving that email welcoming me to the Developer MVP cohort for 2023 was an immensely gratifying moment.

Who is the person you admire and why?

It's remarkable how two individuals in my life—my father and my wife—have always been my greatest admirers. They consistently offer encouragement, care, and unwavering support regardless of the circumstances. There were moments when I felt it was too much to handle, yet witnessing my father tirelessly constructing our life and my wife selflessly standing in the kitchen preparing meals for us, I realized their dedication. If they can work tirelessly without hesitation, then why shouldn't I give my all as well?

Want to get in touch with Atul? Follow his YouTube channel or connect with him via LinkedIn.