In Conversations with Swathi – A Dialogue with Mohsin: From Satellites to Symphonies

Today's interview is very special to me. He's a retired Senior Software Engineer with over 40 years of experience in the satellite industry. Thank you for taking the time, Mohsin. I appreciate it.

Swathi: How's life being retired? Retirement isn't designed for people like you. I think I should rephrase it to, What is Mohsin up to these days?

Mohsin: Currently, I am engaged in cultivating fruit and vegetables at my allotment, as a beekeeper, and as a double bassist in the Barnet Symphony Orchestra, Enfield Film Orchestra, and English Jazz Orchestra. Additionally, I am diligently learning to play the violin.

Swathi: We did enjoy the honey bottle you sent us from your beehive. Thanks for that. There is something so honest and pure about the way you have stayed connected to nature. Did this love for nature start early in your life?

Mohsin: During the COVID-19 pandemic, my daughter-in-law, Sam, proposed a project that we undertake together, given our ample free time. We enrolled in an online course through our local beekeeping association. Due to the pandemic, all interactions were conducted virtually via Zoom. As the isolation measures eased, we transitioned to practical beekeeping activities, and soon, we had successfully established our own hive. Currently, we have three hives: two at an apple orchard in Arkley and one on the roof of Middlesex University.

Swathi: You have spent over 40 years in the satellite industry. Do you remember the moment you knew this was going to be your life's work?

Mohsin: When I started working at Inmarsat, I never thought I’d stay there for so long. The work was tough, but the people I worked with were amazing, and I felt like I was making a real difference in the world. It was both mentally and emotionally rewarding, and I’m so grateful for the experience.

Swathi: What's one project that still gives you a great feeling when you talk about it?

Mohsin: Over the course of my over four-decade career, I have been involved in numerous projects that all shared a common objective: monitoring a highly intricate system. My primary focus has been on identifying metrics that enable us to implement improvements and enhance efficiency, thereby making a tangible impact.

Swathi: You have always brought humanity into technical rooms, and people genuinely enjoyed being around you. How did you stay grounded all those years?

Mohsin: From the outset, I have been mentored by highly competent and intelligent individuals. As I have progressed in my career, I have realised that mentoring and sharing knowledge are the most fulfilling aspects of a technical profession.

Swathi: You had such a long and respected career, you always cared about the work, and titles never seemed to define you. What shaped that mindset for you?

Mohsin: Technical proficiency necessitated an open mind and a genuine capacity for empathy towards others. To me, being technically strong was never just about mastering systems, tools, or code. It was about understanding the people behind them. An open mind allows you to continuously learn, adapt, and embrace new ideas without clinging too tightly to what you already know. Empathy, on the other hand, ensures that your knowledge is applied in a way that respects and uplifts others, whether they are colleagues, customers, or future engineers you’re mentoring. Over time, I realised that the combination of technical ability with empathy creates not just good engineers, but trusted collaborators whom others want to work with and learn from.

Swathi: In a world of rapid change, how can today’s engineers stay thoughtful and human-first?

Mohsin: The successful management of rapid change is contingent upon collaborative efforts, mutual sharing, and the utmost respect for one’s colleagues. Change, especially in technology, is inevitable and often overwhelming if faced alone. What makes it manageable is the collective strength of a team that learns and adapts together.

Swathi: 40 years back was probably the rise of computers. Today, we are all standing in a similar era of AI revolution. What parallels do you see between those early days of computing and the current rise of AI? And how did you personally adapt to such a massive shift back then? would you like to give any suggestions to us?

Mohsin: The pace of computing development is truly remarkable. From the inception of mini-computers 40 years ago to the advent of personal computers, mobile phones, and cloud computing with boundless compute and storage capabilities, the landscape has undergone a profound transformation. The field’s progress continues unabated with the emergence of artificial intelligence, which is still in its nascent stages but already exhibits promising potential. As engineers, we have to recognise and embrace these technologies as invaluable tools that empower us to comprehend and navigate the complexities of the world.

Swathi: If you were speaking to a young engineer entering space tech today, what advice would you offer?

Mohsin: In a technical profession, respect is earned through the ability to comprehend and disseminate understanding. This can only be achieved by being open, sharing, and collaborating.

Swathi: One last question as we wrap, if you had to pass on one principle or philosophy that guided your life, what would that be?

Mohsin: The invaluable reward of comprehending a challenge and successfully surmounting it is immeasurable. This task becomes more manageable when we actively seek out individuals with pertinent knowledge and share it with others. Above all, it is crucial to refrain from self-criticism and embrace the inherent enjoyment of the process.

Swathi: Mohsin, thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom with us. From satellites to symphonies, your story beautifully shows that curiosity, openness, and empathy can guide a life well-lived.

Mohsin: Thank you, Swathi. It has been a pleasure reflecting on my journey. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that work, like life, is always richer when shared with others.