Honoring #IconsOfQuality: Brijesh Deb, Infosys

To celebrate the relentless passion of testers, BrowserStack is honoring some of the icons in the testing space—those who push the industry forward by sharing their knowledge with the community at large through their thought leadership.

In the world of software quality, some leaders don't just follow trends—they define them. With over 25 years of experience, Brijesh Deb, a Principal Consultant at Infosys, is one such leader. His career is a masterclass in moving beyond outdated QA models and championing a philosophy where quality is lean, human-centered, and intrinsically linked to real-world outcomes. Deb’s influence extends far beyond his corporate role.

As a pivotal force in "The Test Chat" community, a mentor to many, a speaker, and a writer, he has dedicated his career to asking the hardest questions and being a guiding light to both his peers and the next generation of QAs. His work sits at the unique intersection of testing, leadership, and human behavior, transforming how organizations approach quality across sectors like automotive, avionics, and energy. It is this deep, thoughtful, and community-driven approach that makes him a true Icon of Quality.

We spoke with Deb to understand his perspective on the evolving landscape of testing, the role of AI, and the timeless importance of a curious mind.

What are the most exciting aspects of your role as a Principal Consultant at Infosys?

The best part of my role is that no two days look the same, as I get to work at the intersection of quality, engineering, and leadership. One day, I am deep in technical discussions around AI-driven testing, and the next, I am helping business leaders understand how quality directly connects to customer trust. What excites me most is the ability to influence both directions—helping engineering teams get sharper while shaping how leaders think about quality as a business enabler, not just a checkbox.

What’s a testing trend/innovation that’s got you excited these days?

I'm intrigued by how testing is moving closer to the product narrative. It’s no longer just about tools and scripts; it’s about understanding customer journeys and validating AI-powered experiences. The trend of embedding quality conversations right at the design and ideation stage excites me because it puts testers where they belong: at the table, not at the end of the line.

What’s your hot take on AI in testing?

AI is neither a magic wand nor a doomsday machine. It's a tool that amplifies both our strengths and our blind spots. If you feed it shallow prompts and bad data, it will multiply nonsense at scale. But when used with critical thinking, it can supercharge areas like test design, defect triage, and even exploratory testing prompts. My hot take is that AI will not replace testers, but testers who do not understand AI will be replaced by those who do.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their career in testing?

Learn to think, not just click. Testing is about curiosity, not about following a script. Don't just chase certifications for a line on your resume; apply what you learn and show how it adds value. Most importantly, never lose sight of the human angle. At the end of every requirement, defect, or test case, there is a customer whose trust is on the line.

How do you keep up with all the new trends and tools in software testing?

I mix three things: community, curiosity, and criticality. I actively engage with global testing communities through The Test Chat, conferences, and mentoring. I experiment with tools hands-on rather than just reading about them and maintain a critical lens, because not every shiny new tool solves a real problem. The trick is to separate narratives from needs.

What are the things you wish you knew about testing when you started your career?

I wish someone had told me that testing is not about breaking things; it’s about revealing the truth about a product. Early on, I spent too much time trying to fit into the manual versus automation debate, which, in hindsight, was a distraction. I now know testing is about thinking, questioning, and storytelling with evidence. I wish I had embraced that mindset from day one.

Outside of the tech world, what’s a hobby or activity you’re really passionate about?

I'm passionate about writing. I contribute to the Quality Quest newsletter, and I'm also working on books and articles that connect testing to anthropology, leadership, and even humor. Outside of writing, I love spending time with my son. He's a daily reminder that curiosity isn't just a professional skill—it's a way of living.

(Responses may have been edited for clarity.)