We're pleased to introduce you to Archna Sharma, Senior Product Owner. Since she joined the team, she's led the launch of CyberPolicy, CoverHound's newest Product. We got the time to chat with her recently, so we could learn more about her life, and what she loves about working at CoverHound.
**Where did you grow up, and what brought you to San Francisco (if you're not from here)?**
I grew up in Oslo, Norway, a thriving city surrounded by beautiful forests, hills and lakes. Oslo will always be my home and I get excited every time I go back to visit. My first visit to San Francisco was in 2010 and I decided to relocate to this amazing city in 2011 working for Innovation Norway with establishing their startup initiatives for Norwegian technology companies with global growth ambitions.
**When you were a kid - what did you want to be when you grew up? What would your 10-year-old self think of you now?**
Growing up I dreamed of becoming an astronaut so I could travel to the moon. My 10-year-old self would be very proud of what I have achieved so far, even if I never made it to the moon.
**What are your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of work?**
I love being outdoors, either hiking or camping in Northern California. The nature is incredible, and you meet a lot of friendly people on campgrounds.
**What's something surprising about you?**
It must be that I'm Norwegian. I moved to San Francisco 6 years ago, and people still get very surprised when I tell them I am from Oslo.
**If you could have any superpower, what would it be?**
My superpower would have to be the ability to transport myself via teleportation, along with nearby people to new and old places. I would love to be able to see more of our amazing planet and have the chance to meet with friends and family living in different continents.
**What's a guilty pleasure?**
Binge watching Netflix originals.
**What's been your favorite vacation? Got any cool trips planned?**
One of my all-time favorite trips was when I traveled South America for 4 weeks visiting Buenos Aires, Rio, Lima and Cusco. I can highly recommend the 4-day Inca trail trek to Macchu Picchu. Waking up at 4 am to finish the last leg before approaching the 15th-century Inca Citadel situated on a mountain ridge is something I will cherish forever. I'm currently planning a trip to New Orleans, which has been on my bucket list for a long time.
**What's your favorite thing about San Francisco?**
I have many favorites, but if I had to pick one I would say the people.
**What brought you to CoverHound?**
I really wanted to be a part of the San Francisco startup culture and learn a new space. I had heard great things about CoverHound through friends and decided I wanted to be a part of the innovative culture, and today I am very proud to be part of such a talented and hard working group of people.
**What's been your favorite moment working here?**
My favorite moment so far is the launch of CyberPolicy. The whole team worked hard to put together the product, and we were really excited to finally be able to show it to the rest of the world. Nothing is more gratifying than launching a new product or new feature and see how it is received by the market.
Thanks for speaking with us Archna. It's been great getting to know you better! We absolutely love having you on the team!
