The Art and Science of Building Products and Career Lessons Learned

Payal’s journey started in the world of code, where technical prowess was the goal. However, as she grew, she learned the hard way that brilliance isn’t enough. It’s the user experience that tells the real story. 

Intrigued? We were too. So, of course, we had to hear more! We sat down with Payal for a real, no-holds barred chat about the advice she would offer her younger self and the lessons she wishes she knew sooner.

But that’s not all. Listen in as Payal also reveals her top three career tips for anyone eager to grow and thrive in their professional journey.

And if you are wondering what fuels her fire, how she keeps her team motivated, and how her entrepreneurial spirit has shaped her - she’s sharing that too.

Read ahead to learn about Payal’s journey in her own words below.

What’s your vision for your role at Equifax?

My vision extends beyond just delivering features or product releases. I want to build a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas. We aren’t just building products; we’re setting a new benchmark for the industry. I want everyone in the team to feel a sense of ownership so we don’t just meet customer needs—we exceed them. The bigger picture is always what motivates me.

What challenges have shaped your career?

Early in my career, I was obsessed with technical brilliance. I thought if I could build the most technically advanced features, that was success. But I quickly realized that if a product isn’t intuitive or user-friendly, it’s not going to make an impact. One project taught me this lesson—where we built something flawless on paper, but it just didn’t work for the end users. That moment completely changed how I think about product development. Now, I focus just as much on empathy as I do on technology. The key is to balance the two and always keep the user at the heart of every decision.

What motivates you to lead your team?

I’m driven by the belief that success is a team effort. The acronym ‘TEAM’—Together Everyone Achieves More—is something I live by. For me, motivation is about creating an environment where every voice is heard, where we celebrate wins and learn from setbacks. I believe in listening to my team and providing them with the autonomy to take ownership. As a leader, my job is to empower my team, not micromanage. When the team feels trusted, that’s when they do their best work. It’s not just about inspiring them with words, it’s about building trust and accountability.

How has your entrepreneurial background shaped your work at Equifax?

Having worked in a startup, I’ve learned that you need to wear many hats. In a smaller company, you are responsible for everything—product development, customer experience, even finances. It forces you to think outside the box and find solutions on your feet. At Equifax, this entrepreneurial mindset has allowed me to be agile, take ownership, and not shy away from challenges. In a fast-paced environment like ours, I constantly draw from my startup days—whether it’s being proactive, pivoting quickly, or fostering a culture of innovation. I don’t wait for opportunities; I create them.

What’s the one thing you want your team to remember?

I always tell my team that we’re not here to meet expectations—we’re here to shatter them. To me, that’s the essence of innovation. If you’re truly passionate about what you do, every obstacle becomes an opportunity to push boundaries and elevate your work. In the face of challenges, I encourage my team to stay resilient, to bounce back quickly, and most importantly, to keep innovating. As I always say, ‘The only way to fail is to stop trying.’

Learn more about available opportunities at Equifax.