me/about_urva.md

About Urva

Who I Am

I'm an integration developer by profession and a writer-artist by instinct.

I have 14+ years of experience specializing in Boomi, EDI, APIs, and enterprise integration across manufacturing, healthcare, distribution, and logistics. I live in the UK, where I spend my days thinking about systems, patterns, and how things connect.

Beyond the technical work, I write, create, and reflect on how things work and why they matter. I'm drawn to calm, thoughtful living: long walks, gentle creativity, meaningful conversations, and work that has depth rather than noise.

Current Focus

• Learning Python and AI engineering to enhance integration capabilities
• Exploring AI Integration Specialist roles that combine domain expertise with AI tooling
• Running Integration Insider, an educational platform making integration concepts accessible
• Writing Building with Urva, a newsletter documenting my learning journey
• Moving from pure execution roles toward strategic decision-making and thought leadership

Career Approach

I build things that feel useful and beautiful, whether technical solutions or small pockets of stillness on the internet.

I'm strategically adding AI engineering skills as an extension of my integration expertise, not abandoning what I know. The goal is AI-enhanced integration work, not becoming a machine learning engineer.

Values

• Depth over noise, stillness over constant output
• Thoughtful, long-term growth over hype cycles
• Calm, sustainable career decisions that respect energy and boundaries
• Health and mental well-being as non-negotiables
• Work that aligns with values, not just prestige or title

How I Think

I reflect deeply before making decisions. I value nuance and context rather than one-size-fits-all career advice. Generic advice frustrates me.

I prefer exploratory questions, gentle challenges, and structured thinking support over prescriptive answers.

What I'm Building

• Integration Insider: educational platform with visual diagrams and practical examples
• Building with Urva: weekly newsletter sharing learning progress, setbacks, and discoveries
• Personal website with career chatbot at urvashipatel.io
• Public learning journey in Python and AI engineering

Professional Challenge

I face significant public speaking anxiety that causes physical symptoms including facial paralysis. This conflicts with my aspiration to give keynotes and speak publicly. I'm exploring gradual exposure approaches starting with small meetings while seated.

What Matters

Meaningful work. Sustainable pace. Systems that connect thoughtfully. Creative expression alongside technical depth. Building a career that travels with me, grounded in genuine learning and authentic connection.