We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina Daduryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristina, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
It’s always easy to give up, especially when challenges seem overwhelming. Giving up can feel like the simplest solution when obstacles seem too great. But continuing, despite the struggles, is often the harder yet more rewarding path. Persistence is key in your career and personal life.
Think about it this way: the satisfaction that comes from pushing through challenges is like an adrenaline rush. The feeling is uplifting when you’ve worked hard and achieved your goal. Once you’ve experienced that sense of accomplishment, it stays with you, and it can be a driving force to keep going even when things get tough again. It’s the satisfaction of knowing that you can overcome obstacles.
In a career, this might mean working through complex projects, handling strict deadlines, or learning new skills that initially seem overwhelming. But those small victories, like finishing a project, landing a new client, or mastering a new skill, motivate you to keep moving forward.
It’s similar to personal life. Relationships, personal goals, or even wellness routine ambitions might be challenging to maintain. However, the joy of achieving harmony, improving yourself, or making progress in your endeavors is worth the effort.
The key is finding balance. You need to determine whether the problems you’re facing are temporary or if they suggest that your path might not suit you.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m excited to share about my project, The Art of Quality Assurance, which is about making complex software quality assurance concepts accessible and understandable. One of the main things that sets my work apart is my focus on using simple explanations and real-life examples to help others grasp complex topics. I believe that learning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it should be something people can relate to and apply in their own experiences.
I also offer personalized help to individuals, especially those new to the field. I guide them through creating a solid CV and portfolio and help them prepare for job interviews.
I’ve already published a book on Amazon that provides practical interview questions and tips for junior QA engineers, HR specialists, and management teams. It’s a resource aimed at helping anyone involved in the interview process.
Right now, I’m working on my second book, which is focused on providing newcomers with easy, actionable steps to succeed in their careers.
Getting to this point wasn’t always easy. Like most people, I faced challenges—learning to break down information for others and navigating the ups and downs of building a brand. However, I overcame these hurdles by staying focused on my passion for teaching and helping others succeed. I’ve learned that persistence and a genuine desire to make a difference go a long way.
What I want the world to know about The Art of Quality Assurance is that it’s not just about technical skills—it’s about empowering people. Whether through educational content, interview preparation, or career advice, my goal is to help people feel confident and prepared for their journey in the Software Testing field.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d want to give them a truly memorable experience by blending iconic sights, delicious food, and some of the hidden gems that make this city so unique.
We’d start with some must-see landmarks. A drive through Beverly Hills and a stroll along Rodeo Drive would set the tone for our week with all the glitz and glamor you expect from LA. We’d follow that up with a peaceful walk around the Venice Canals, capturing that quieter side of the city, before heading to the always-vibrant Venice Beach for some energy and sun. To balance things out, we’d take in the iconic sights of Santa Monica Pier and head out to Malibu for stunning coastal views. The culture buff in me would insist we make time for The Getty Museum and Getty Villa, both with breathtaking art collections and architecture. We’d top it off with a quick photo-op at the LACMA Urban Light installation—a classic LA moment.
In the evenings, I’d take them to Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, where there’s a good chance we’d catch Jay Leno performing. It’s always a fun night with plenty of laughs.
Universal Studios would be on the agenda if we had a full day to spare. It’s one of those magical places that brings out the kid in everyone with movie-themed rides and experiences.
On the more active side, we’d play a round of mini-golf at Sherman Oaks Castle Park—just for some laid-back fun. But one of my favorite things to do is hike near the Hollywood Sign, where we can soak in the views while getting some exercise.
Of course, no visit to LA is complete without great food. I’d introduce them to the smoky, mouthwatering dishes at Moos Craft Barbeque, a must for BBQ lovers. We’d hit Salsa & Beer in North Hollywood for a Mexican food fix—it never disappoints. To mix things up, a bowl of ramen at INYA Ramen Bar in Studio City would be on the list, too.
As a mom of a little one, I’d also show them around the city’s best playgrounds. The Valley Skate Park is an exciting spot that’s fun for kids and has an intricate design that surprises me every time. We’d also visit Brand Park, where the serene Japanese Garden offers a peaceful break from the city buzz, and the playground keeps things fun for the little ones.
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?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my parents, who have been my biggest supporters throughout my entire life. Even though they passed away, it’s as if they’re still guiding me, giving me the strength to move forward. Their support continues to live on within me, and I’m eternally grateful for that.
Of course, I also want to thank my family, who have always been there for me. Their encouragement and love mean the world. Every person who comes into our lives, whether in a good or challenging way, plays an important role. We learn from our mistakes, grow from difficult situations, and improve through these experiences. So, I’m thankful to everyone who has shaped me in the easy and challenging moments.
Website: https://www.kristinadaduryan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofqualityassurance/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-quality-assurance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartofqualityassurance/
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.art.of.qa
Amazon Book:
Inside Software Quality Assurance Interviews: An In-Depth Collection of Authentic Interview Questions and Insights
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