Homecoming is the series in which we tell the stories of Avanade “boomerangs,” employees who left the company for other opportunities before returning. Careers are long and winding, and personal and professional aspirations vary from person to person. It’s natural for people to want to branch out, but wherever you go and whatever you do, there is always a home for you at Avanade.

One fine day in 2012, I got a call from Avanade’s previous Southeast Asia General Manager, Kevin Wo. We had a good chat about Microsoft strategy, Avanade business strategy, the overall business sentiments and issues our region is facing. A couple of days later, he asked me if I was looking for any opportunities, and he thought I would be a good addition to his team. At that time, I did not accept the offer due to personal commitments and I was thinking about branching into other areas of Microsoft technology besides Microsoft Dynamics. However, I told Kevin that should I want to leave my present job, I would surely call him. We had several catch ups. And in 2014, our Microsoft APAC business was sold, and Kevin called saying that Avanade had a role for me.

I was hired as an Enterprise Architect back then. Avanade started a new Enterprise Architect Talent Community, led by Stan Laufik. I was excited for this new leg of my career journey and wanted to push myself across the full spectrum of Microsoft technology.

By September 2016, we suffered a hit in the Southeast Asia business. There were many opportunities that we could not pursue for different reasons. I decide to take a short break to rethink what to do next professionally, so I left Avanade. Interestingly, because I was supporting many Accenture opportunities at that time, they asked me to join them to run their “Microsoft Practice.” After taking a month break, I joined Accenture.

One of the most interesting things I realized about the difference of Avanade is the Avanade family experience. I realised that we are not just colleagues but friends that looked out for each other both work and personal matters. Even now, I am in regular contact with many ex-Avanade after many years that they have left Avanade.

About my return to Avanade – I left Accenture in order to realign my priorities and take care of some family matters. Subsequently, I was approached by Southeast Asia General Manager Omer Ali Khan and another colleague to re-join Avanade and take up the position as the Business Application Lead. Coming back to Avanade was easy for me. Omer and the leadership team have given me a new opportunity to focus on the business instead of another technical leadership role. This is in line with my career aspiration.

The second experience in Avanade has been amazing for me personally. The Business Application team is growing in double digits and Microsoft has also focus their investment in Business Application Business Unit, improving Dynamics 365 constantly. From a professional standpoint, I believe this is a place that I can work, learn and play.

From my short tenure outside Avanade, I learned that to be effective and productive, I must be able to impact people’s life both at work and at home. I’m glad to be doing that back at Avanade.