From customer implementations to leading platform enablement projects in telecom, Shahid Khan, Senior Program Manager at Rakuten Symphony, shares how curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning have shaped his journey in the ever-evolving world of telecom.
I've always enjoyed being part of an environment where technology, problem-solving, and people come together. I'm originally from Indore, India, and before joining Rakuten Symphony, I worked closely with customers on system implementations and operational transitions, helping organizations adopt new platforms and ways of working. That taught me a lot about communication, adaptability, and managing complex projects in fast-moving environments.
My background is in Electronics and Telecommunications engineering, so I always had a natural interest in telecom and emerging technologies. When I came across the opportunity to work with Open RAN, it stood out immediately. It felt like a chance to be part of a major shift happening within the industry.
For me, it was the energy and direction of the company that kept me here. There is a strong sense of innovation and ambition around what Rakuten Symphony is trying to achieve in telecom, especially through Open RAN. It feels like an environment where things are constantly evolving, with opportunities to learn, take ownership, and grow alongside the business.
I also appreciate how collaborative and globally connected the organization is. Working with people across different teams, backgrounds, and regions has broadened my perspective and helped me continue developing both professionally and personally.
I work as a Senior Program Manager, and I'd describe my role as a combination of planning, coordination, execution, and delivery. I work within platform enablement projects under the OSS organization, where our platforms help support and enable other applications and services across the ecosystem. We help provide the foundation that allows other systems and products to operate smoothly.
My responsibility is to ensure projects move efficiently from requirement gathering and planning all the way through to release and customer delivery. That means working closely with project managers, product owners, developers, stakeholders, and customers daily, coordinating sprint execution, release cycles, customer communication, risk management, and overall delivery alignment.
A big part of my role is keeping teams focused and productive by shielding developers so they can concentrate on solving technical challenges. That keeps delivery moving smoothly.
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My mornings usually begin with tea and family time. I have a five-year-old son, so the first part of the day is often about getting him ready for school.
Once I'm at the office, I start by checking emails, sprint updates, release plans, and any customer escalations that need immediate attention. From there, I connect with project managers and teams to understand the status of ongoing deliverables, upcoming milestones, and any blockers that need support.
A large part of my day involves coordination, whether it's customer discussions, release planning, requirement reviews, or aligning teams across different projects and timelines. Since I oversee releases end to end, there's always collaboration happening between multiple stakeholders.
One of my proudest moments was being promoted to Senior Program Manager last year. When I joined, I started as a Business Analyst, focused on gathering requirements, understanding customer needs, and coordinating with development teams. Gradually, I started managing larger projects end to end, including planning, execution, releases, and customer communication.
Moving from Business Analyst to Program Manager, and then Senior Program Manager, felt meaningful because it reflected years of growth and learning. It was a reminder that when you stay committed and keep learning, growth naturally follows.
I've always believed growth happens when you challenge yourself and stay open to learning. Pursuing my PMP certification really shaped that mindset. At first, I wasn't sure how I'd manage it alongside work and family life, but I decided to push myself and give it a try. After months of balancing work, study, and daily responsibilities, I became a PMP-certified Program Manager in February 2026.
Personally, though, one of my biggest inspirations is my son. He's only five, but children have a genuine and positive way of looking at life. Small things make him happy: spending time together, a hug, going skating, sharing an ice cream. As adults, we sometimes overcomplicate things and forget how important those simple moments are. Watching him has taught me a lot about positivity, patience, and appreciating the present.
Going to the gym has become an important part of my routine. It helps me reset mentally and physically after work, a space where I can disconnect and focus on myself for a while.
Outside of that, a lot of my free time revolves around my son: skating practice, homework, or just playing games and watching cartoons together. Those small moments help me recharge and remind me to slow down and enjoy the present.
Come with an open mindset and a willingness to learn. Technology is evolving quickly, especially with AI transforming how industries operate, so adaptability matters more than ever. The people who grow the most stay curious and are willing to step outside their comfort zone. At Rakuten Symphony, things move fast, so if you're proactive, flexible, and ready to take ownership, there's a lot of room to grow.
