Meet Srini Panuganti | IT Professional, DIYer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Srini Panuganti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Srini, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance evolves over time, reflecting different stages of our personal and professional lives. In the early stages of my career, my focus was primarily on work. Driven by the desire to learn and succeed, I invested significant time and energy into my job, often prioritizing it over other aspects of life.

As I gained experience and grew older, my priorities began to shift. I realized the importance of setting realistic goals, not only for my career but also for my personal life. Being true to oneself and establishing achievable objectives became crucial, as I saw how unrealistic goals could cause stress not only for me but also for my family and friends.

Recognizing that work, while essential for livelihood, is not everything, I started to see the bigger picture. The reason we earn is to support our families and enjoy activities, whether alone or with loved ones. This insight led me to seek a better balance between work and life, aiming for a stress-free, fulfilling existence.

In 2017, I discovered a passion for woodworking, which added a new dimension to my life. I began dedicating the early hours of my day to woodworking. This practice felt like meditation, bringing both peace and purpose. It enhanced my creativity, concentration, and patience, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.

As my career progressed, I established a routine that balanced my professional responsibilities with my personal passions and family time. After my peaceful woodworking sessions, I transitioned to my primary work, fully engaged and productive. Upon signing off for the day, I prioritized spending quality time with my family and friends. If time permitted, I would return to my workshop in the evening, further indulging in my passion for woodworking.

This evolution taught me that work-life balance is about setting boundaries and knowing when to prioritize personal happiness and well-being. By focusing on realistic goals and dedicating time to what truly matters, we can lead a fulfilling and stress-free life. For me, this journey has been about finding harmony between my professional ambitions, personal passions, and the cherished moments with loved ones.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an IT professional for the past 23 years, I’ve always made it a point to explore new hobbies and activities outside of work. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in various pursuits, but woodworking has uniquely transitioned from a mere hobby to a profound passion.

My journey into woodworking began in 2017, inspired by a coworker who crafted stunning herringbone and chevron patterns. This introduction to the craft sparked my interest and set me on a path of creative exploration.

Woodworking captivated me for several reasons. It challenges my creativity and has significantly enhanced my concentration and patience. Like any skill, it wasn’t easy at the start. I had no idea where or how to begin. However, through watching countless videos and consuming various content, I gradually learned the ropes. I started by building furniture for myself and occasionally for close friends.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to share my woodworking journey on YouTube and Instagram. Creating content turned out to be a challenging endeavor, often requiring as much time, if not more, than the actual building process. It also demanded constant creativity to keep my audience engaged. Despite the challenges, I enjoy content creation as it keeps my mind sharp and allows me to think creatively

Today, my platform, ShapeWithSrini, primarily focuses on DIY content on YouTube and Instagram. Most of the projects I undertake are either for personal use or for close friends. Although I’ve received a few requests for custom furniture, I’ve had to decline due to time constraints and the commitment required. As woodworking is not my full-time profession, I cannot promise timely delivery, and it’s crucial to me that no customer is left dissatisfied.

Woodworking has brought a new dimension to my life, offering both peace and purpose. Through ShapeWithSrini, I continue to learn, create, and share, cherishing every moment of this fulfilling journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Places
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Katy Trail
Fort Worth Stockyards
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Plano
Perot Museum of Nature & Science
Cedar Hill State Park

Eat&Drink
Katy Trail ICE House, Dallas
Union Bear Brewing Co, Plano
32 Degree Rooftop Bar, Plano
Truck Yard, Colony
Open Sesame Lebanese Grill, Dallas
Shiva’s Bar & Grill, Allen
Ka Thai Uptown, Dallas
El Fenix – Tex-Mex Restaurant, Dallas Downtown

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge shout-out to my incredible wife for her unwavering support and understanding of my passion for woodworking. Her encouragement has been my cornerstone, allowing me to pursue my craft with dedication and joy.

I also want to extend my gratitude to the amazing woodworking community. The collective passion shared through videos, blogs, articles, and courses has been an endless source of inspiration and learning. Thank you all for making this journey so enriching and rewarding!

Website: https://www.shapewithsrini.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapewithsrini/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinipanuganti/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shapewithsrini/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shapewithsrini

Other: Outdoor Dining Table – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRtGr2_T4bo Live Edge Rustic Mirror – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KnpNTusoqI Woodworking for Charity and Change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVM7UiODmWA