Meet Roshan Kumar Dash

We recently connected with Roshan Kumar Dash and have shared our conversation below.

Roshan Kumar, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from a journey fueled by resilience and opportunity. Growing up in India, I learned the importance of perseverance and resilience from my family and community. Moving to the United States for my studies at the University of Michigan opened doors to new opportunities and reinforced my belief in the power of manifestation.

Transitioning from being a deeply pessimistic person to an optimist wasn’t easy for me. It meant making decisions that others might have considered unconventional or even crazy. I constantly questioned myself: What if things didn’t work out in the end? What if I was pursuing the wrong path? Could I handle my finances abroad?

As I boarded a one-way flight from Mumbai, India to the US, these uncertainties weighed heavily on my mind—alongside countless other doubts.

Fast forward two years, I’m now working at my dream company. I’m incredibly grateful I took that leap back then.. Moving to a new country, immersing myself in a different culture, and meeting new people has been an eye-opening experience. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Roshan of two years ago, who embraced optimism and firmly believed that “it can be done.” I want to thank my parents for trusting on me and believing me, to my friends for their constant support, to Monalisha Bhabi for her relentless encouragement in every situation, and to Tamanna for imparting invaluable life lessons everyday.

Optimism has not only changed my outlook on life but has also fostered a more constructive approach to learning, personal growth, and achieving professional success.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

After earning my Masters in Automotive Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, I now work as an Industrial Engineer at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada. My current focus is on exciting energy projects like the Powerwall 3, which represents the next big advancement in residential energy storage.

At Tesla, collaboration is key. We work hard, work fast, and work together. There’s always something new to learn and opportunities to connect with amazingly talented individuals. The environment is bustling yet friendly and supportive.

I’m particularly enthusiastic about my upcoming projects, which are ambitious and full of promise. The passion and excitement shared by everyone here make achieving our goals feel incredibly rewarding.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The 3 qualities or skills which really helped me :
1. Discipline : Discipline is unparalleled in its impact. No matter how intelligent or hardworking you may be, without discipline, success can be fleeting or limited.
2. Communication skill : The ability to express ideas clearly and confidently to peers and leaders is crucial. Not only in professional but also personal life this skill plays a pivotal role.
3. Critical thinking : Critical thinking enables you to make well-informed decisions, tackle challenges effectively, and contribute positively to communities and beyond.
These qualities have not only shaped my personal development but also enhanced my ability to navigate complexities, seize opportunities, and make meaningful contributions in various aspects of life and work.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The sacrifices my parents made for my younger brother and me are beyond measure. They devoted their entire lives ensuring we received the best education and had access to all necessary resources. Their impact on my life has been immense. Their humility and selflessness have been invaluable lessons that have greatly aided me on my journey. I will forever be indebted to them for their sacrifices.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshan-kumar-dash-629737151
• Other: https://isd.engin.umich.edu/article/dash-of-success/