Meet Our Software Test QA Lead : Ms. Soumya

Leadership, Strategy, Growth, and Mentoring in Software Testing

Q: Tell us about your journey into software testing and how you grew into a leadership role.

I began my career as a manual tester, focused on finding defects and improving user experience. Over time, I strengthened my technical expertise, deepened my domain knowledge, and took ownership of critical projects. Mentoring junior testers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and consistently delivering on quality helped me transition into a leadership role. Today, I guide testing strategy, support team growth, and ensure every release meets high quality standards.

Q: What inspired you to join Testvox, and how do you approach leading your QA team?

I joined Testvox because of its strong focus on quality, innovation, and a collaborative culture. As a leader, I foster these values by promoting clear communication, continuous learning, and team ownership—empowering passionate people to grow, take on challenges, and deliver excellence in software testing.

Q: What do you think is the most underrated skill a QA professional should have?

Curiosity. It’s what drives testers to explore beyond requirements, uncover hidden issues, and truly understand the product from a user’s perspective.

Q: Describe a recent challenge your team faced and how you navigated it.

In a recent project, frequent requirement changes impacted our testing timelines. We improved communication with the product team, prioritized test cases based on impact, and adopted a more agile testing approach. This helped us stay aligned and deliver without compromising quality.

Q: How do you balance test coverage and fast delivery in Agile environments?

I focus on risk-based testing, prioritize critical functionalities, and combine exploratory testing with automation. This ensures strong test coverage while keeping up with Agile delivery speed.

Q: What tools and processes do you rely on daily?

I use Jira for tracking, Zephyr Scale for test management, Figma for design reviews, and Confluence for documentation. I also believe in clear documentation, daily stand-ups, and continuous feedback loops to keep QA workflows smooth.

Q: How do you keep your team motivated during tight deadlines or bug-heavy sprints?

By maintaining open communication, recognizing efforts, breaking work into manageable goals, encouraging collaboration, and reminding the team of their impact on product quality.

Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Delegation and trust are essential. Early in my career, I tried to do everything myself, which led to burnout and bottlenecks. Learning to trust my team made me a better leader and allowed others to grow.

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure at work?

Online window shopping—no plans to buy, just enjoying the browse.  

Q: How has Testvox supported your growth as a QA leader?

Through trust, mentorship, and opportunities to lead high-impact projects. The company encourages both technical growth and people leadership, which has been key to my development.

Q: If a fellow QA professional asked about Testvox, how would you describe the culture?

Testvox is a place where quality is a mindset, not just a role. The culture is collaborative, transparent, and people-focused. Leadership empowers QA professionals to take initiative, speak up, and grow. Your ideas are heard, and your impact is real.