Groupon Employee Spotlight:
Pradeep Anand Rathnavel

Explore our special edition spotlight interview with Pradeep Anand Rathnavel, Team Lead of Content Operations and invaluable member of our incredible Deal Factory team based in Chennai.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Groupon. 

I am Pradeep, born in the beautiful city of Chennai. I have a passion for traveling and a deep love for animals. Over the past six years, I've had the opportunity to explore 7-8 countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Bhutan. I come from a family of four, and being the youngest, my mother has always affectionately called me 'Kutty'. It's a nickname I've embraced, and even my senior team refers to me as Kutty, creating a warm and homely atmosphere.

I am a Team Lead at Groupon, responsible for overseeing the CO (Content Operations) process across all regions. In my role, I play a pivotal role in managing and coordinating activities related to content and deal vetting to ensure the quality and accuracy of deals offered to our customers. My primary focus is to lead and support the team in maintaining high standards of content and ensuring a seamless process across various regions. I'm dedicated to achieving our operational goals and delivering the best experience to our customers.

How did you get started in your career, and what brought you to  Groupon?

My career at Groupon started back in 2012 when the company was still in its startup phase. At that time, we were a small team of just 18 people, with only one developer and one IT professional. It was an exciting time for us as we were pioneering the daily deal industry.

I have vivid memories of those early days when we worked tirelessly, often around the clock, in a small room. My role back then involved handling the curation process for the MX NAM region, where I was responsible for taxonomy and curating the deals. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and it laid the foundation for my career at Groupon.

What's the most exciting thing happening in your department right now?

The most exciting development in my department right now is our transition to the world of AI and how it's transforming the way we work. Personally, I have a particular interest in the taxonomy (taxo), deal segmentation work, and it's thrilling to see how AI is being integrated into content creation and curation processes.

Describe your team in three words.

Collaborative, Innovative, Results-driven

What's a fun or interesting way your team collaborates or bonds together?

Our team's collaboration shines through during those busy seasons. We've had instances where everyone readily stepped up to work six days a week, even during holidays. This dedicated effort truly propels our business forward and brings us closer as a team.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I prioritize tasks and responsibilities to ensure I'm focusing on what truly matters both at work and in my personal life. Taking short breaks during the workday, as well as longer vacations and weekends, helps recharge and reduce stress.

Can you share any tips for staying productive and motivated?

Define clear, specific, and achievable goals for your work or personal projects. Knowing what you want to accomplish provides motivation and direction. Maintain a daily or weekly to-do list to keep track of tasks and stay organized. Crossing items off your list can be motivating.

What is one non-work activity or hobby that you're into? 

One of my main non-work passions is extensive travel, often on my motorcycle. It allows me to discover new destinations and embrace my inner wanderer. In fact, my love for exploration is so strong that I've even inked a tattoo to symbolize it.

What’s one thing about you that surprises people?

My passion for farming. I've planted over 100 saplings in my local area and thoroughly enjoy this activity.

Rapid and Fire Questions

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have three items, what would they be?

Swiss knife, Water, Lighter & Rope. It's been 4, but you gotta do what you gotta do ;-)

If you could have any fictional character as your best friend, who would it be?

Tom from Tom & Jerry

What's the most embarrassing song on your playlist that you secretly love?

All Yuvan songs. My crazy on Yuvan

If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Nothing specific - Food that’s all 🍴

If you could time travel to any era, past or future, where would you go?

September 30, 1992, my wife's birthday. Will be celebrating it with a 7-day delay, as mine falls on October 7.

What's the most unusual talent or skill you have?

Calm and neutral demeanor.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Kamaraj, often referred to as the "Kingmaker" as he made Lal Bahadur Shastri as the Prime Minister of India in 1964 and Mrs. Indira Gandhi as the Prime minister in 1966 after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri. He was affectionately called by the people as "Perum Thalaivar" which means  "great leader"

What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to TV shows or movies?

I don't have personal preferences but I love to watch PIXAR & Dreamworks movies.

“Inside Out” is my all-time favorite! 

What was the last book you read?

“Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes.

And finally, what was the last Groupon you bought?

Slicer Dicer in 2013.