Spotlight: Vanshika Gupta

Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: Originally from India, I moved to the U.S. to pursue my Master of Science degree and have spent the past two years proudly contributing as part of the Kitestring family. With a heartfelt bond with my parents, I always felt supported—but I also felt a powerful pull to explore beyond my comfort zone. Stepping into new cultures and unfamiliar spaces taught me resilience, broadened my perspective, and built the confidence to thrive independently.

Currently, I work as a Senior Data Analyst, helping drive data-informed decisions through impactful analysis, intuitive dashboards, and process optimization. I’m passionate about turning complexity into clarity and delivering insights that create meaningful business value.

Q: What led you to this career? Were you influenced by anyone or anything?
A: I’ve always been analytical, observant, and creatively inclined—so a career in data felt like a natural fit. Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked on meaningful and challenging problems across the data science and analytics space, and what truly drew me in is the blend of logic and creativity, and the opportunity to keep learning in a fast-evolving, high-impact field.

It’s a space where curiosity is an asset and every challenge becomes a chance to grow, innovate, and make a tangible difference.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I enjoy a blend of creative and adventurous activities that keep me inspired and engaged. Dancing is a passion of mine, and sketching and crafting give me a meaningful outlet to express creativity with my hands. I’m also deeply enthusiastic about traveling—having recently explored the Grand Circle in the U.S.—and I’ve visited major cities across Europe, Asia, and North America, with a personal goal to experience life on every continent someday.

A particularly unique chapter in my journey is being a trained pilot, which has given me the opportunity to fly single-engine planes—an experience that’s both thrilling and humbling. I also enjoy playing chess, badminton, and other sports when in good company. Music is another constant in my life—I love discovering new sounds, listening, and singing along (even if just for fun).

These experiences help keep my mind sharp, adaptable, and open to new ideas. They fuel my curiosity, nurture creativity, and shape a balanced, energized approach to both life and work.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing since joining Kitestring? (personal or professional or both)
A:  Since joining Kitestring, I’m most proud of my ability to stay focused, adaptable, and consistently perform—despite a continuously evolving environment and multiple reorganizations at my client’s workplace. I’ve embraced new challenges with agility, adapted quickly to emerging technologies, and demonstrated strong learning agility to stay ahead.

Q: What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?
A:  Over the past month, I’ve been diving into advanced Power BI features, particularly around optimizing DAX measures for performance. It’s shown me how even small enhancements can make a meaningful difference in dashboard speed and user experience. At the same time, I’ve started working with Palantir, a new platform introduced at work, and have been exploring its potential to streamline and unify complex data workflows.

These experiences have not only expanded my technical capabilities but also elevated the way I contribute to smarter, data-driven decisions across teams.

Q: What keeps you motivated?
A:  A deep drive to grow, contribute meaningfully, and stay true to my values is what motivates me most. I draw strength from small moments of recognition and encouragement, and I find energy in making progress, supporting others, and facing challenges with optimism and clarity.

Q: What do you do to unwind after a busy day?
A:  I unwind with a hot cup of coffee, a bit of quiet time—often away from screens—and some music and dancing to lift my mood. These simple rituals help me reset, stay centered, and step into the next day with clarity and positive energy.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: “You can’t always control what happens, but you can always choose how you respond.”

This simple, powerful reminder stays with me and helps me remain calm, kind, and thoughtful under pressure, guiding both my personal choices and professional decisions.

Q: Who inspires you and why?
A:  My biggest inspiration comes from my parents. My father’s resilience, sense of ownership, and entrepreneurial spirit have shaped the way I approach challenges—with responsibility, focus, and determination. My mother’s patience, compassion, and unwavering positivity remind me to stay calm, kind, and hopeful, even during difficult moments.

Together, they’ve shown me the power of strength with grace—and their example continues to inspire how I live, work, and grow. Their values are deeply woven into my life, influencing how I lead with integrity and empathy.

Q: What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
A:   I’ve been watching a mix of shows that are both thought-provoking and entertaining – Lincoln Lawyer for its courtroom drama, Black Mirror for its futuristic twists on reality, and White Lotus for its unique storytelling and social commentary.

Q: What do you like most about working at Kitestring?
A:  What I like most about working at Kitestring is the people—everyone is incredibly humble, supportive, and grounded. That genuine warmth creates a human-centered environment where work feels meaningful, collaborative, and enjoyable.

I also deeply value the company’s inclusive culture, which makes every individual feel seen and respected. And beyond the workplace, I truly admire Kitestring’s commitment to giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility efforts. It’s rare to find a place that combines purpose, people, and impact so seamlessly—and I feel truly grateful to be part of it.