This is part of the specials we have every year focusing on women in IT.In this conversation, Srini Sundararajan shares his experiences and perspectives on empowering women in the workplace, particularly in IT. Srini's key messages include: - His upbringing which emphasized the importance of education and non-discrimination between genders.- His early professional experiences, including managing and interacting with women colleagues for the first time.- The importance of treating women as equals in the workforce and his approach to avoiding gender discrimination.- His story of hiring and supporting a woman who was returning to the workforce after a seven-year break.- Insights into managing women in his team and the different challenges they face, such as work-life balance and societal expectations.- Instances from his career that highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing unique challenges faced by women, such as menstrual cycles and maternity breaks.- Advice on inclusive policies like paternity leave to support working families.- Emphasizing the role men can play in ensuring a comfortable and empowering work environment for women.Through real-life stories and learned lessons, Srini Sundararajan illustrates the importance of empathy, fairness, and structural support in empowering women in the IT industry.

This is part of the specials we have every year focusing on women in IT.In this conversation, Srini Sundararajan shares his experiences and perspectives on empowering women in the workplace, particularly in IT. Srini's key messages include:- His upbringing which emphasized the importance of education and non-discrimination between genders.- His early professional experiences, including managing and interacting with women colleagues for the first time.- The importance of treating women as equals in the workforce and his approach to avoiding gender discrimination.- His story of hiring and supporting a woman who was returning to the workforce after a seven-year break.- Insights into managing women in his team and the different challenges they face, such as work-life balance and societal expectations.- Instances from his career that highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing unique challenges faced by women, such as menstrual cycles and maternity breaks.- Advice on inclusive policies like paternity leave to support working families.- Emphasizing the role men can play in ensuring a comfortable and empowering work environment for women.Through real-life stories and learned lessons, Srini Sundararajan illustrates the importance of empathy, fairness, and structural support in empowering women in the IT industry.

Software People Stories

Evolving Workplace Culture with Srini Sundararajan

In this episode of Software People Stories, VR Govindarajan, aka Govi, the co-founder and executive chairman of Perfios Software, shares his comprehensive journey from the early days of his career to building successful startups. Govi dives deep into his academic background, industry experience, and the various startups he co-founded, including Aztec Soft and Perfios. He emphasizes the importance of technology-focused innovation, building a product company out of India, and navigating the challenges of operating in a regulated industry. Govi also shares his insights on the value of teamwork, culture, and maintaining a larger purpose beyond just making money. Throughout the conversation, he provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs on raising funds, managing teams, and scaling businesses globally. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:35 Govi's Background and Career Journey01:43 Early Startups and Challenges02:48 Building Aztec Soft and Going Public03:10 Transition to Perfios and Product Focus06:18 Navigating the Dot-Com Bust08:18 Acquisitions and Selling to MindTree13:41 Importance of Team Effort17:34 Choosing the BFSI Sector20:39 Challenges in a Regulated Industry22:29 Managing B2B Sales and Integration24:26 Focusing on Product Development24:46 Creating a New Market Category25:06 Challenges of Evangelizing a New Product26:21 Leveraging Global Trends28:07 Expanding to International Markets34:25 Managing Code and Customizations36:54 Importance of Local Customer Support38:11 Leveraging AI and Data41:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs44:51 The Importance of Culture and Values48:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section As the Co-founder & Executive Chairman, Govi has been the driving force behind building Perfios into the Operating system for the BFSI in India and across the globe. Perfios is an acknowledged technology driven SaaS Pioneer that works across almost all financial institutions (Banking and Insurance Sector) both in India and across 18 countries in South East Asia, Middle East and North Africa. Perfios is a Unicorn and is backed by some of the best Global Investors. As a fintech Pioneer, Govi has been part of many committees in industry forums such as FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. He has been an active speaker at many BFSI related conferences and public institutions. He brings over 35 years of rich experience in the IT industry across the US and India. Before co-founding Perfios, Govi was the Co-founder, CTO, and Board Member at Aztecsoft, a pioneering force in the offshore product development space. From being a startup, Aztecsoft got listed in the Indian markets and was run as a public company before being sold to another Public company. Prior to starting Aztecsoft, he played a key role in advancing database technologies at global technology leaders such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and IBM. Govi holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts and a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He may be reached at: <a href="mailto:govi@perfios.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">govi@perfios.co</a>m

In this episode of Software People Stories, VR Govindarajan, aka Govi, the co-founder and executive chairman of Perfios Software, shares his comprehensive journey from the early days of his career to building successful startups. Govi dives deep into his academic background, industry experience, and the various startups he co-founded, including Aztec Soft and Perfios. He emphasizes the importance of technology-focused innovation, building a product company out of India, and navigating the challenges of operating in a regulated industry. Govi also shares his insights on the value of teamwork, culture, and maintaining a larger purpose beyond just making money. Throughout the conversation, he provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs on raising funds, managing teams, and scaling businesses globally. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:35 Govi's Background and Career Journey01:43 Early Startups and Challenges02:48 Building Aztec Soft and Going Public03:10 Transition to Perfios and Product Focus06:18 Navigating the Dot-Com Bust08:18 Acquisitions and Selling to MindTree13:41 Importance of Team Effort17:34 Choosing the BFSI Sector20:39 Challenges in a Regulated Industry22:29 Managing B2B Sales and Integration24:26 Focusing on Product Development24:46 Creating a New Market Category25:06 Challenges of Evangelizing a New Product26:21 Leveraging Global Trends28:07 Expanding to International Markets34:25 Managing Code and Customizations36:54 Importance of Local Customer Support38:11 Leveraging AI and Data41:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs44:51 The Importance of Culture and Values48:53 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the sectionAs the Co-founder & Executive Chairman, Govi has been the driving force behind building Perfios into the Operating system for the BFSI in India and across the globe. Perfios is an acknowledged technology driven SaaS Pioneer that works across almost all financial institutions (Banking and Insurance Sector) both in India and across 18 countries in South East Asia, Middle East and North Africa. Perfios is a Unicorn and is backed by some of the best Global Investors. As a fintech Pioneer, Govi has been part of many committees in industry forums such as FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. He has been an active speaker at many BFSI related conferences and public institutions.He brings over 35 years of rich experience in the IT industry across the US and India. Before co-founding Perfios, Govi was the Co-founder, CTO, and Board Member at Aztecsoft, a pioneering force in the offshore product development space. From being a startup, Aztecsoft got listed in the Indian markets and was run as a public company before being sold to another Public company. Prior to starting Aztecsoft, he played a key role in advancing database technologies at global technology leaders such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and IBM.Govi holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts and a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He may be reached at: govi@perfios.com 

Building Global Tech Solutions with VR Govindarajan

In this episode of Software People Stories, Jordan Richards, a Digital Transformation and Knowledge Management technologist, and Founder of Tacitous (<a href="http://www.tacitous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">www.tacitous.com</a>) a Knowledge Management blueprint and platform designed to help organisations capture, retain, and share critical knowledge at scale shares his extensive experience with technology and knowledge management. From his early days with the ZX 80 computer to his consulting work with oil companies, Jordan emphasizes the importance of solving real-world problems through technology. He advocates for a 'people first, process second, technology third' approach, and shares insights on how to ensure successful adoption of IT solutions by understanding user stories and daily workflows. Jordan discusses the critical importance of managing both knowledge and collaboration within organizations, especially with regard to retirees, and touches on the implications of AI and digital twins in modern business environments. He also shares personal practices that help him stay grounded and continuously updated with the latest trends in technology.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 Guest's Origin Story in Technology01:43 Solving Problems with Technology02:15 User-Centric Approach to IT Solutions05:02 Challenges in IT Deployment05:41 Building Effective IT Strategies06:40 Understanding Organizational Knowledge Flows11:14 Importance of Personas in IT Solutions18:56 Knowledge Management and AI27:56 Engaging Retirees: Challenges and Solutions29:38 Building a National Repository of Expertise32:04 Encouraging Knowledge Sharing and Consumption34:41 The Role of AI in Knowledge Management39:21 The Importance of Human Oversight in Technology43:07 Staying Updated and Lifelong Learning49:00 Personal Principles for Staying GroundedThe timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section Jordan Richards is a Digital Transformation and Knowledge Management technologist, and Founder of Tacitous (<a href="http://www.tacitous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.tacitous.com</a>) a Knowledge Management blueprint and platform designed to help organisations capture, retain, and share critical knowledge at scale. With 20+ years of international experience across high-risk and complex environments (including Oil & Gas and large-scale operations), Jordan specialises in institutional memory, lessons learned, communities of practice, and AI-enabled knowledge retention. He works with government entities, NGOs, and industry leaders to build practical, technology-enabled KM ecosystems that strengthen workforce continuity and organisational resilience. Website:<a href="http://www.tacitous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="http://www.tacitous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.tacitous.com</a>LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrichards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrichards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrichards/</a>Email: collaboration@tacitous.com

In this episode of Software People Stories, Jordan Richards, a Digital Transformation and Knowledge Management technologist, and Founder of Tacitous (www.tacitous.com) a Knowledge Management blueprint and platform designed to help organisations capture, retain, and share critical knowledge at scale shares his extensive experience with technology and knowledge management. From his early days with the ZX 80 computer to his consulting work with oil companies, Jordan emphasizes the importance of solving real-world problems through technology. He advocates for a 'people first, process second, technology third' approach, and shares insights on how to ensure successful adoption of IT solutions by understanding user stories and daily workflows. Jordan discusses the critical importance of managing both knowledge and collaboration within organizations, especially with regard to retirees, and touches on the implications of AI and digital twins in modern business environments. He also shares personal practices that help him stay grounded and continuously updated with the latest trends in technology. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 Guest's Origin Story in Technology01:43 Solving Problems with Technology02:15 User-Centric Approach to IT Solutions05:02 Challenges in IT Deployment05:41 Building Effective IT Strategies06:40 Understanding Organizational Knowledge Flows11:14 Importance of Personas in IT Solutions18:56 Knowledge Management and AI27:56 Engaging Retirees: Challenges and Solutions29:38 Building a National Repository of Expertise32:04 Encouraging Knowledge Sharing and Consumption34:41 The Role of AI in Knowledge Management39:21 The Importance of Human Oversight in Technology43:07 Staying Updated and Lifelong Learning49:00 Personal Principles for Staying GroundedThe timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the sectionJordan Richards is a Digital Transformation and Knowledge Management technologist, and Founder of Tacitous (www.tacitous.com) a Knowledge Management blueprint and platform designed to help organisations capture, retain, and share critical knowledge at scale. With 20+ years of international experience across high-risk and complex environments (including Oil & Gas and large-scale operations), Jordan specialises in institutional memory, lessons learned, communities of practice, and AI-enabled knowledge retention. He works with government entities, NGOs, and industry leaders to build practical, technology-enabled KM ecosystems that strengthen workforce continuity and organisational resilience.Website: www.tacitous.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrichards/Email: collaboration@tacitous.com

Knowledge Management Insights with Jordan Richards

In this podcast episode, Sudipta Lahiri, Head Of Engineering and Products at Nimblework, Inc shares his compelling journey from growing up in a cosmopolitan township and studying metallurgical engineering to becoming a leader in the tech industry. He discusses his early career experiences, including a pivotal moment that led him to quit his job at SAIL and pursue further education at IIT Madras. Sudipta delves into his transition from engineering to account management and later into sales. He emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, the challenges and benefits of using AI in software development, and his personal practices that help him stay organized and effective in a fast-evolving industry. Key takeaways include the necessity of understanding the end goal, leveraging change agents for successful tool adoption, and the indispensable role of cognitive behavioral skills in leadership.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:37 Early Life and Education03:20 First Job and Career Pivot05:12 Graduate Studies and Entry into IT07:59 Joining Wipro and Early Projects12:17 Transition to Sales and Account Management14:39 Challenges and Success in Sales15:42 Return to India and Joining i2 Technologies17:18 Joining Digité and Embracing Agile19:26 Reflections on Career and Mentorship28:21 Challenges in Developing Platforms for Developers and Managers29:24 Focusing on Efficiency for Developers30:34 Evolving Processes to Minimize Data Entry33:25 Addressing Tool Adoption Challenges34:11 Identifying and Leveraging Change Agents40:06 Balancing Process and Flexibility46:25 Impact of AI on Software Development54:19 Personal Practices for Staying Grounded The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudiptalahiri/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudiptalahiri/</a> Head Of Engineering and Products at Nimblework, Inc. (Distinguished Fellow, Kanban University, SPC4, AKT, KCP, DAD/CDA)● Three decades of international leadership experience across diverse industry verticals● Multi-cultural exposure ranging from a $4 billion company to running a technology start-up● A Lean/Agile coach and practitioner passionate about helping multiple organizations and teams gain agility and enhanced productivity● Demonstrated success in developing new products for Lean Software Development● Entrepreneurial style with an exemplary record in strategic planning, business development, solid execution, and developing high performing teams

In this podcast episode, Sudipta Lahiri, Head Of Engineering and Products at Nimblework, Inc shares his compelling journey from growing up in a cosmopolitan township and studying metallurgical engineering to becoming a leader in the tech industry. He discusses his early career experiences, including a pivotal moment that led him to quit his job at SAIL and pursue further education at IIT Madras. Sudipta delves into his transition from engineering to account management and later into sales. He emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, the challenges and benefits of using AI in software development, and his personal practices that help him stay organized and effective in a fast-evolving industry. Key takeaways include the necessity of understanding the end goal, leveraging change agents for successful tool adoption, and the indispensable role of cognitive behavioral skills in leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:37 Early Life and Education03:20 First Job and Career Pivot05:12 Graduate Studies and Entry into IT07:59 Joining Wipro and Early Projects12:17 Transition to Sales and Account Management14:39 Challenges and Success in Sales15:42 Return to India and Joining i2 Technologies17:18 Joining Digité and Embracing Agile19:26 Reflections on Career and Mentorship28:21 Challenges in Developing Platforms for Developers and Managers29:24 Focusing on Efficiency for Developers30:34 Evolving Processes to Minimize Data Entry33:25 Addressing Tool Adoption Challenges34:11 Identifying and Leveraging Change Agents40:06 Balancing Process and Flexibility46:25 Impact of AI on Software Development54:19 Personal Practices for Staying Grounded The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the sectionhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sudiptalahiri/Head Of Engineering and Products at Nimblework, Inc. (Distinguished Fellow, Kanban University, SPC4, AKT, KCP, DAD/CDA)● Three decades of international leadership experience across diverse industry verticals● Multi-cultural exposure ranging from a $4 billion company to running a technology start-up● A Lean/Agile coach and practitioner passionate about helping multiple organizations and teams gain agility and enhanced productivity● Demonstrated success in developing new products for Lean Software Development● Entrepreneurial style with an exemplary record in strategic planning, business development, solid execution, and developing high performing teams

Navigating Technological Changes with Sudipta Lahiri

In this podcast episode, Shiv is in conversation with Bhargav Bhikkaji, a tech leader, entrepreneur, and founder-CTO of MajorDomo Inc with deep expertise in cloud and Gen-AI driven enterprise software.  In this episode of Software People Stories, Bhargav shares his inspiring journey from his early interest in physics and mathematics to becoming a DevOps pioneer. Initially focused on engineering and computer networking, Bhargav's career path led him through various roles at HCL Cisco and Dell before transitioning to an entrepreneurial venture. He describes the challenges of moving back to India, starting a consulting business, and eventually founding a company that focuses on DevOps and AI deployment solutions. Bhargav emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, continuous learning, and staying grounded through personal practices like long-distance running. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Early Interests and Education03:13 First Steps in Networking04:21 Career Growth and Innovations05:13 Transition to DevOps and Kubernetes07:23 Starting a Consulting Business10:27 Challenges and Strategies in Networking18:08 Patents and Open Source Debate26:36 Navigating the Transition from Technical Expert to Entrepreneur27:42 Understanding Customer Needs in Product Development29:45 Balancing Immediate Customer Demands with Long-Term Solutions32:10 Managing Multiple Roles in a Startup33:49 The Importance of Customer Conversations and Product Market Fit34:36 Challenges in Developing Developer Tools37:42 Articulating the Value Proposition of Major Domo40:41 Handling Rollbacks and Ensuring Transaction Integrity46:52 Keeping Pace with Rapid Technological Changes49:00 Staying Grounded Amidst the Chaos50:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section. Bhargav Bhikkaji is a tech leader, entrepreneur, and founder-CTO of MajorDomo Inc with deep expertise in cloud and Gen-AI driven enterprise software. As the Founder, Bhargav leads the development of platform solutions that simplify and automate complex cloud-native and Gen-AI operations. He is passionate about bridging the gap between cutting-edge technologies and real-world outcomes, sharing insights on GenAI, RAG, LLMOps, enterprise AI, and governance through talks, articles, and video series. Bhargav’s work blends engineering excellence with strategic thinking, helping teams adopt scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud and AI solutions. Outside work, Bhargav enjoys endurance running and often reflects on resilience and growth—bringing the same mindset to tech and leadership that he applies in life’s challenges One can reach out to Bhargav Bhikkaji at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhargav-bhikkaji" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhargav-bhikkaji</a> and <a href="http://x.com/bbhikkaji" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">http://x.com/bbhikkaji</a>

In this podcast episode, Shiv is in conversation with Bhargav Bhikkaji, a tech leader, entrepreneur, and founder-CTO of MajorDomo Inc with deep expertise in cloud and Gen-AI driven enterprise software. In this episode of Software People Stories, Bhargav shares his inspiring journey from his early interest in physics and mathematics to becoming a DevOps pioneer. Initially focused on engineering and computer networking, Bhargav's career path led him through various roles at HCL Cisco and Dell before transitioning to an entrepreneurial venture. He describes the challenges of moving back to India, starting a consulting business, and eventually founding a company that focuses on DevOps and AI deployment solutions. Bhargav emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, continuous learning, and staying grounded through personal practices like long-distance running. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Early Interests and Education03:13 First Steps in Networking04:21 Career Growth and Innovations05:13 Transition to DevOps and Kubernetes07:23 Starting a Consulting Business10:27 Challenges and Strategies in Networking18:08 Patents and Open Source Debate26:36 Navigating the Transition from Technical Expert to Entrepreneur27:42 Understanding Customer Needs in Product Development29:45 Balancing Immediate Customer Demands with Long-Term Solutions32:10 Managing Multiple Roles in a Startup33:49 The Importance of Customer Conversations and Product Market Fit34:36 Challenges in Developing Developer Tools37:42 Articulating the Value Proposition of Major Domo40:41 Handling Rollbacks and Ensuring Transaction Integrity46:52 Keeping Pace with Rapid Technological Changes49:00 Staying Grounded Amidst the Chaos50:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section.Bhargav Bhikkaji is a tech leader, entrepreneur, and founder-CTO of MajorDomo Inc with deep expertise in cloud and Gen-AI driven enterprise software. As the Founder, Bhargav leads the development of platform solutions that simplify and automate complex cloud-native and Gen-AI operations. He is passionate about bridging the gap between cutting-edge technologies and real-world outcomes, sharing insights on GenAI, RAG, LLMOps, enterprise AI, and governance through talks, articles, and video series. Bhargav’s work blends engineering excellence with strategic thinking, helping teams adopt scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud and AI solutions. Outside work, Bhargav enjoys endurance running and often reflects on resilience and growth—bringing the same mindset to tech and leadership that he applies in life’s challengesOne can reach out to Bhargav Bhikkaji at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhargav-bhikkaji and http://x.com/bbhikkaji

Tech Entrepreneurial Insights with Bhargav Bhikkaji

In this podcast episode, Shiv is in conversation with Anees Haidary, Global Head, Operational Excellence, Data Privacy, and Global Workforce Management at Sasken Technologies. In this engaging episode, Anees shares his remarkable journey in the IT industry, starting from his humble beginnings in a lower-middle-class family in India to becoming a prominent figure in various leadership roles. Anees discusses his educational background in engineering, his early struggles with job interviews, and the pivotal break that led him to a successful career. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and the role of mentors in professional growth. Anees also delves into his experiences with various organizations, including IBM, and his current role, where he oversees multiple portfolios including operational excellence and data privacy. Additionally, Anees highlights his involvement in Toastmasters and the BSPIN network, advocating for networking and professional development at any stage of one’s career. He also shares his personal methods for managing time and staying grounded. The episode is filled with practical tips and inspiring anecdotes, making it a valuable listen for anyone in the software industry. Anees is a Storyteller, Problem Solver, Inventor, Game changer, and Data Privacy and ESG expert.  Being an industry veteran for 25+ years in IT Industry, his role in Leadership at Sasken has helped define a strategy, roadmap & governance mechanism to address business critical problems, Established and sustained the Demand Supply Framework sustaining the core of business, Integrating various cultures post-acquisition, establishing data privacy and information security practice at Sasken among few large initiatives. Being a strong project management enthusiast, and successfully delivered large initiatives jointly with PMI in South Asia, he has been able to deeply influence and integrate world class project management initiatives at Sasken, and various product and services organization in his role as a PMISA champion.  Apart from MBA in HRM, Anees has completed Strategy Thinking Course from IIM Kolkata. Certified in PMP, ITILv3, CSM, ISO 9K, 14K, 27K, 27701 Lead Implementer, ISO 26262 Process Expert, ASPICE v3.1 SME, he has been able to contribute greatly to his organization’s vision and mission 60x4x3. He is also an active public speaker, and chartered Toastmasters Club in his organization, and completed a decade long relationship with Toastmasters International. He is a Certified Public Speaker from Dale Carnegie Institute USA. He heads Project Management Academy, Quality, Customer Experience Management, Data Privacy Office, Audits and Certifications, Special Strategic Initiatives, Delivery Excellence, and Global Workforce Management at Sasken Technologies Limited. Currently he is the Champion at PMI South Asia and Project Management Mentor at Sasken. He co-authored the PM Competency Development Framework (PMCDF) initiative of Project Management Institute (PMI) and integrated into HR competency management systems at Sasken, and mentored various organizations like CISCO, Cushman and Wakefield, Robert Bosch India, Nokia India on leveraging PMCDF for advancing the noble profession of Project management through continuous assessment of PM competency. Anees is the Core member of Risk Management Committee (RMC) at Sasken reporting into the Risk committee of Sasken Board.His white papers are published in International and National Journals and Magazines, websites & newsletters of different forums. He received many awards and honors from different organizations in advancing the field of Project Management. He may be reached at:  <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidary/</a>

In this podcast episode, Shiv is in conversation with Anees Haidary, Global Head, Operational Excellence, Data Privacy, and Global Workforce Management at Sasken Technologies.In this engaging episode, Anees shares his remarkable journey in the IT industry, starting from his humble beginnings in a lower-middle-class family in India to becoming a prominent figure in various leadership roles. Anees discusses his educational background in engineering, his early struggles with job interviews, and the pivotal break that led him to a successful career. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and the role of mentors in professional growth. Anees also delves into his experiences with various organizations, including IBM, and his current role, where he oversees multiple portfolios including operational excellence and data privacy. Additionally, Anees highlights his involvement in Toastmasters and the BSPIN network, advocating for networking and professional development at any stage of one’s career. He also shares his personal methods for managing time and staying grounded. The episode is filled with practical tips and inspiring anecdotes, making it a valuable listen for anyone in the software industry.Anees is a Storyteller, Problem Solver, Inventor, Game changer, and Data Privacy and ESG expert. Being an industry veteran for 25+ years in IT Industry, his role in Leadership at Sasken has helped define a strategy, roadmap & governance mechanism to address business critical problems, Established and sustained the Demand Supply Framework sustaining the core of business, Integrating various cultures post-acquisition, establishing data privacy and information security practice at Sasken among few large initiatives. Being a strong project management enthusiast, and successfully delivered large initiatives jointly with PMI in South Asia, he has been able to deeply influence and integrate world class project management initiatives at Sasken, and various product and services organization in his role as a PMISA champion. Apart from MBA in HRM, Anees has completed Strategy Thinking Course from IIM Kolkata. Certified in PMP, ITILv3, CSM, ISO 9K, 14K, 27K, 27701 Lead Implementer, ISO 26262 Process Expert, ASPICE v3.1 SME, he has been able to contribute greatly to his organization’s vision and mission 60x4x3. He is also an active public speaker, and chartered Toastmasters Club in his organization, and completed a decade long relationship with Toastmasters International. He is a Certified Public Speaker from Dale Carnegie Institute USA. He heads Project Management Academy, Quality, Customer Experience Management, Data Privacy Office, Audits and Certifications, Special Strategic Initiatives, Delivery Excellence, and Global Workforce Management at Sasken Technologies Limited.Currently he is the Champion at PMI South Asia and Project Management Mentor at Sasken. He co-authored the PM Competency Development Framework (PMCDF) initiative of Project Management Institute (PMI) and integrated into HR competency management systems at Sasken, and mentored various organizations like CISCO, Cushman and Wakefield, Robert Bosch India, Nokia India on leveraging PMCDF for advancing the noble profession of Project management through continuous assessment of PM competency. Anees is the Core member of Risk Management Committee (RMC) at Sasken reporting into the Risk committee of Sasken Board.His white papers are published in International and National Journals and Magazines, websites & newsletters of different forums. He received many awards and honors from different organizations in advancing the field of Project Management.He may be reached at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidary/

Navigating Career Paths with Anees Haidary

In this podcast episode, Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Kumaran Anandan, CTO of TinyMagiq and Enterprise Architect —shares a refreshingly honest journey across hardware, industrial automation, embedded systems, startups, consulting, and Microsoft. From writing programs on a programmable calculator (and storing them in audio cassettes!) to building deep learning habits through daily compounding, Kumaran explains why modern technologists must fall in love with failure, understand fundamentals, and stop building software without users who will pay. A thought-provoking conversation on architecture, human psychology, AI hallucinations, and what it really means to create value.  00:00 – 01:00 — Kumaran’s self-introduction: experimenting constantly and looking forward to failures. 01:00 – 02:25 — Earliest career memory: building a DBase 3+ application for a school and earning a watch as his first “payment.”02:26 – 03:29 — Not getting campus placed, being an average student, and the early struggle of finding a job.03:29 – 05:20 — First software experience in 10th holidays: programmable Casio calculator, BASIC programming, and saving programs using an audio cassette tape.05:20 – 07:56 — Early career direction: interest in hardware, industrial automation, 8085 assembly programming, and learning through real-world constraints.07:56 – 10:12 — Moving up the stack: C/C++, antivirus software, Wipro’s hardware + software work, and “mobile apps” before mobile became mainstream.10:12 – 11:34 — Entrepreneurship journey: starting a company during the internet boom, shutting it down after the bubble burst, then transitioning to Microsoft.11:36 – 12:29 — Kumaran’s definition of good technology: anything that protects evenings and weekends from work.12:31 – 13:48 — A conscious career decision: taking a salary cut to work on hardware because learning mattered more than comfort.13:48 – 15:39 — Microsoft Consulting Services: being called only for complex “fires,” shorter engagements, and high learning intensity.15:39 – 17:23 — The daily learning habit: “Kumaran of yesterday won’t be Kumaran today,” and how small learning compounds over time.17:24 – 19:28 — Curiosity beyond the surface: learning “under the hood,” connecting ideas across psychology, neuroscience, and technology.19:42 – 23:16 — Microsoft culture: self-learning, asking better questions, getting pointers instead of hand-holding, and building independent thinking.23:39 – 26:10 — Fundamentals matter: software is predictable (input–process–output), hardware is ambiguous, and AI changes predictability in software.26:36 – 29:21 — TinyMagiq and mentoring: serendipity, a clear timeline to quit corporate life, and why enterprise software rarely creates joy.30:39 – 33:35 — A common founder mistake: building for 14–18 months with no paying users and confusing “features built” with “value delivered.”33:35 – 36:46 — Pricing reality check: if nobody pays even ₹100, the problem isn’t the market—it’s unclear value and weak conviction.36:46 – 38:35 — “I don’t like code”: code as debt, and why architecture must fight unnecessary complexity.38:35 – 41:19 — Loving failure: video games as a metaphor, why software needs failure-tolerance, and a warning to those who want “safe IT careers.”41:56 – 44:01 — Entrepreneurship mindset: de-addiction to monthly salary, India’s services legacy, and why playing safe kills learning.44:01 – 46:40 — “Unlearning” is reframing: the hardest failure is success because it reinforces old patterns and makes change difficult.48:11 – 51:27 — AI hallucinations and “Maya”: why we’re already trained to handle uncertainty, and how that applies to building AI systems.51:27 – 52:08 — Architecture simplified: an architect ensures user happiness through people, process, and technology.52:44 – 53:06 — Closing advice: be curious about how you can enjoy failure.  Quotable Quotes “A person who keeps experimenting… and looks forward to failures.”“Kumaran of yesterday will not be the Kumaran who goes to sleep today.”“The power of compounding becomes very high.”“If you don’t have a user who wants to pay for it… what is the value of your product?”“Even if you can’t get somebody to pay you hundred rupees… you have not delivered that value.”“To me, a lot of code is nothing but debt.”“People should fall in love with failure.”“An architect is somebody who ensures happiness of the user.”“Be curious about how you can enjoy failure.” Kumaran Profile:Technology professional with 20+ years experience (Unix, Windows, Cloud AI)Conducts two podcast series: "Saturday Architecture" and "Mindset Matters"Experience spans from hands-on development to business architectureKnown for: Connecting technical and philosophical concepts Key Philosophies:"If you don't have pain, you haven't done anything"Long-term thinking reveals patterns short-term goals missAge brings pattern recognition advantage despite reduced raw capacityCommon sense is the most uncommon thing ﻿Kumaran can be contacted at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/akumaran/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/akumaran/</a> @ctomentor is Kumaran’s  twitter handle

In this podcast episode, Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Kumaran Anandan, CTO of TinyMagiq and Enterprise Architect —shares a refreshingly honest journey across hardware, industrial automation, embedded systems, startups, consulting, and Microsoft. From writing programs on a programmable calculator (and storing them in audio cassettes!) to building deep learning habits through daily compounding, Kumaran explains why modern technologists must fall in love with failure, understand fundamentals, and stop building software without users who will pay. A thought-provoking conversation on architecture, human psychology, AI hallucinations, and what it really means to create value. 00:00 – 01:00 — Kumaran’s self-introduction: experimenting constantly and looking forward to failures. 01:00 – 02:25 — Earliest career memory: building a DBase 3+ application for a school and earning a watch as his first “payment.”02:26 – 03:29 — Not getting campus placed, being an average student, and the early struggle of finding a job.03:29 – 05:20 — First software experience in 10th holidays: programmable Casio calculator, BASIC programming, and saving programs using an audio cassette tape.05:20 – 07:56 — Early career direction: interest in hardware, industrial automation, 8085 assembly programming, and learning through real-world constraints.07:56 – 10:12 — Moving up the stack: C/C++, antivirus software, Wipro’s hardware + software work, and “mobile apps” before mobile became mainstream.10:12 – 11:34 — Entrepreneurship journey: starting a company during the internet boom, shutting it down after the bubble burst, then transitioning to Microsoft.11:36 – 12:29 — Kumaran’s definition of good technology: anything that protects evenings and weekends from work.12:31 – 13:48 — A conscious career decision: taking a salary cut to work on hardware because learning mattered more than comfort.13:48 – 15:39 — Microsoft Consulting Services: being called only for complex “fires,” shorter engagements, and high learning intensity.15:39 – 17:23 — The daily learning habit: “Kumaran of yesterday won’t be Kumaran today,” and how small learning compounds over time.17:24 – 19:28 — Curiosity beyond the surface: learning “under the hood,” connecting ideas across psychology, neuroscience, and technology.19:42 – 23:16 — Microsoft culture: self-learning, asking better questions, getting pointers instead of hand-holding, and building independent thinking.23:39 – 26:10 — Fundamentals matter: software is predictable (input–process–output), hardware is ambiguous, and AI changes predictability in software.26:36 – 29:21 — TinyMagiq and mentoring: serendipity, a clear timeline to quit corporate life, and why enterprise software rarely creates joy.30:39 – 33:35 — A common founder mistake: building for 14–18 months with no paying users and confusing “features built” with “value delivered.”33:35 – 36:46 — Pricing reality check: if nobody pays even ₹100, the problem isn’t the market—it’s unclear value and weak conviction.36:46 – 38:35 — “I don’t like code”: code as debt, and why architecture must fight unnecessary complexity.38:35 – 41:19 — Loving failure: video games as a metaphor, why software needs failure-tolerance, and a warning to those who want “safe IT careers.”41:56 – 44:01 — Entrepreneurship mindset: de-addiction to monthly salary, India’s services legacy, and why playing safe kills learning.44:01 – 46:40 — “Unlearning” is reframing: the hardest failure is success because it reinforces old patterns and makes change difficult.48:11 – 51:27 — AI hallucinations and “Maya”: why we’re already trained to handle uncertainty, and how that applies to building AI systems.51:27 – 52:08 — Architecture simplified: an architect ensures user happiness through people, process, and technology.52:44 – 53:06 — Closing advice: be curious about how you can enjoy failure.  Quotable Quotes “A person who keeps experimenting… and looks forward to failures.”“Kumaran of yesterday will not be the Kumaran who goes to sleep today.”“The power of compounding becomes very high.”“If you don’t have a user who wants to pay for it… what is the value of your product?”“Even if you can’t get somebody to pay you hundred rupees… you have not delivered that value.”“To me, a lot of code is nothing but debt.”“People should fall in love with failure.”“An architect is somebody who ensures happiness of the user.”“Be curious about how you can enjoy failure.”Kumaran Profile:Technology professional with 20+ years experience (Unix, Windows, Cloud AI)Conducts two podcast series: "Saturday Architecture" and "Mindset Matters"Experience spans from hands-on development to business architectureKnown for: Connecting technical and philosophical conceptsKey Philosophies:"If you don't have pain, you haven't done anything"Long-term thinking reveals patterns short-term goals missAge brings pattern recognition advantage despite reduced raw capacityCommon sense is the most uncommon thing﻿Kumaran can be contacted at https://www.linkedin.com/in/akumaran/ @ctomentor is Kumaran’s  twitter handle

Loving Failure and Learning Daily with Kumaran Anandan

In this podcast episode, Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Shubhangi M Josiam, Digital Head APAC of Alstom about her 18+ year journey across GE and Alstom, moving from core IT and infrastructure roles to customer-facing digital transformation leadership across APAC.Shubangi shares candid stories about career pivots, leadership programs, Lean Six Sigma, building IT from scratch post-acquisition, and navigating cross-cultural teams—ending with powerful advice for women professionals to be bold and go for roles before feeling “fully ready”. 00:00 – 01:50 — Introduction to Shubangi’s APAC digital leadership role and IT’s shift from backend to customer-facing solutions.01:52 – 04:41 — Early inspiration for engineering, switching from electronics to information science driven by a love for programming.04:42 – 07:56 — Entering GE through walk-ins, starting in captive IT, and learning end-to-end infrastructure fundamentals.08:20 – 11:49 — Discovering GE’s leadership culture and choosing Lean Six Sigma for outcome-driven career growth.12:06 – 14:28 — Leading a consumer experience transformation project and early exposure to Agile and product thinking.14:29 – 16:08 — Managing ERP operations and learning real-world supply chain complexity during system transitions.16:08 – 18:09 — Navigating acquisitions, making tough career exits, and prioritising personal sustainability.18:46 – 23:51 — Joining Alstom during post-acquisition chaos and helping build IT systems from the ground up.23:51 – 25:50 — Building digital and analytics platforms, hiring data scientists, and scaling analytics maturity.25:51 – 27:47 — Transitioning into regional IT leadership and driving large-scale digital change during COVID.27:48 – 29:37 — Moving into customer-facing digital rail solutions across APAC and continuous learning from the market.30:00 – 32:19 — Managing APAC time zones through clusters while maintaining work–life balance.32:20 – 36:45 — Leading across cultures by balancing company values with local working styles.46:46 – 48:36 — Building trust through direct feedback, transparency, and authentic leadership.48:38 – 50:43 — Final advice: be bold, apply even if you’re not “ready,” and trust yourself to figure it out. <h2> Quotable Quotes </h2>“If you want to do something, go for it. Help will come—and you will figure it out.”“Men apply saying, ‘I’ll figure it out.’ Women apply saying, ‘I meet only five out of ten requirements.’ That’s what stops us.”“I didn’t tick all the boxes, but I figured it out.”“Worst case, you fail. Big deal. You learn. It’s not the end of the world.”“IT is no longer a backend engine—it’s delivering real digital solutions to customers.” Trusted Partner in Driving Impactful Digital Transformation & Empowering Businesses Through Technology.As the Digital Services Regional Head for APAC at Alstom, I drive transformative digital solutions tailored to the rail industry, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and customer engagement. My efforts include collaborating with diverse teams to deliver cutting-edge rail digital solutions while ensuring advanced cybersecurity measures for robust data protection. By aligning technological initiatives with business goals, our team enhances service quality and builds scalable, future-ready solutions for the region.  With over 20 years of experience in IT strategy and transformation, I have a proven track record of delivering impactful results acro… Shubangi can be reached at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhangi-mj/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhangi-mj/</a>

In this podcast episode, Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Shubhangi M Josiam, Digital Head APAC of Alstom about her 18+ year journey across GE and Alstom, moving from core IT and infrastructure roles to customer-facing digital transformation leadership across APAC.Shubangi shares candid stories about career pivots, leadership programs, Lean Six Sigma, building IT from scratch post-acquisition, and navigating cross-cultural teams—ending with powerful advice for women professionals to be bold and go for roles before feeling “fully ready”.00:00 – 01:50 — Introduction to Shubangi’s APAC digital leadership role and IT’s shift from backend to customer-facing solutions.01:52 – 04:41 — Early inspiration for engineering, switching from electronics to information science driven by a love for programming.04:42 – 07:56 — Entering GE through walk-ins, starting in captive IT, and learning end-to-end infrastructure fundamentals.08:20 – 11:49 — Discovering GE’s leadership culture and choosing Lean Six Sigma for outcome-driven career growth.12:06 – 14:28 — Leading a consumer experience transformation project and early exposure to Agile and product thinking.14:29 – 16:08 — Managing ERP operations and learning real-world supply chain complexity during system transitions.16:08 – 18:09 — Navigating acquisitions, making tough career exits, and prioritising personal sustainability.18:46 – 23:51 — Joining Alstom during post-acquisition chaos and helping build IT systems from the ground up.23:51 – 25:50 — Building digital and analytics platforms, hiring data scientists, and scaling analytics maturity.25:51 – 27:47 — Transitioning into regional IT leadership and driving large-scale digital change during COVID.27:48 – 29:37 — Moving into customer-facing digital rail solutions across APAC and continuous learning from the market.30:00 – 32:19 — Managing APAC time zones through clusters while maintaining work–life balance.32:20 – 36:45 — Leading across cultures by balancing company values with local working styles.46:46 – 48:36 — Building trust through direct feedback, transparency, and authentic leadership.48:38 – 50:43 — Final advice: be bold, apply even if you’re not “ready,” and trust yourself to figure it out. Quotable Quotes “If you want to do something, go for it. Help will come—and you will figure it out.”“Men apply saying, ‘I’ll figure it out.’ Women apply saying, ‘I meet only five out of ten requirements.’ That’s what stops us.”“I didn’t tick all the boxes, but I figured it out.”“Worst case, you fail. Big deal. You learn. It’s not the end of the world.”“IT is no longer a backend engine—it’s delivering real digital solutions to customers.”Trusted Partner in Driving Impactful Digital Transformation & Empowering Businesses Through Technology.As the Digital Services Regional Head for APAC at Alstom, I drive transformative digital solutions tailored to the rail industry, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and customer engagement. My efforts include collaborating with diverse teams to deliver cutting-edge rail digital solutions while ensuring advanced cybersecurity measures for robust data protection. By aligning technological initiatives with business goals, our team enhances service quality and builds scalable, future-ready solutions for the region. With over 20 years of experience in IT strategy and transformation, I have a proven track record of delivering impactful results acro…Shubangi can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhangi-mj/ 

From Backend IT to Frontline Digital Transformation with Shubhangi

As we step into 2026, a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners for your time, trust, and continued support. Your engagement, feedback, and encouragement mean a lot to us and inspire us to keep creating meaningful conversations and content.Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year 2026—may it bring good health, fresh opportunities, and continued learning. Looking forward to growing and learning together in the year ahead! Here is the link to the AI story mentioned in the podcasthttps://youtu.be/wjgbCiZmbEE Hope you enjoy!!

As we step into 2026, a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners for your time, trust, and continued support. Your engagement, feedback, and encouragement mean a lot to us and inspire us to keep creating meaningful conversations and content.Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year 2026—may it bring good health, fresh opportunities, and continued learning. Looking forward to growing and learning together in the year ahead!Here is the link to the AI story mentioned in the podcasthttps://youtu.be/wjgbCiZmbEEHope you enjoy!!

New Year message from our Hosts

In this episode, Hasan Siddiqui, a veteran in the IT industry, recounts his extensive and diverse career in the software and technology industry, offering valuable insights and advice along the way. He starts with his academic beginnings, influenced by the late Professor V Rajaraman, and traces his journey through various pivotal roles at companies like Burroughs, Unisys, and TCS. He discusses his work on significant international projects, his tenure at CBS, his experiences with matrix organizations, corporate politics, and his eventual transition into academic roles and consulting. Hasan also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, maintaining professional relationships, and staying optimistic and adaptable in the ever-evolving tech landscape. 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions00:52 Early Career and Influential Mentors02:43 First Major Projects and Overseas Assignments05:32 Learning and Adapting in France08:43 Transition to Account Management and Return to India12:03 Building a Career in Bangalore and Pune18:31 Navigating Corporate Politics and Final Career Moves32:03 Introduction to Can Bay and HSBC32:37 Challenges and Responsibilities at GDC35:27 Transition to Academia37:55 Return to Industry and Career Lessons40:40 Retirement and New Ventures41:55 Continuous Learning and Technology Trends45:45 Managing Large Teams and Client Relations51:51 Networking and Building Relationships54:09 Retirement Philosophy and Personal Practices01:00:40 Final Thoughts and Advice The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section. Hasan Siddiqui is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and an accomplished technology and business education leader in the international IT industry spanning corporate strategy, business development, GDC/ODC set up and operations, talent management and academics.He has played senior management roles at Cap Gemini, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Covansys and Symbiosis university.He may be reached at: <a href="mailto:it.career.lighthouse@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">it.career.lighthouse@gmail.com</a>

In this episode, Hasan Siddiqui, a veteran in the IT industry, recounts his extensive and diverse career in the software and technology industry, offering valuable insights and advice along the way. He starts with his academic beginnings, influenced by the late Professor V Rajaraman, and traces his journey through various pivotal roles at companies like Burroughs, Unisys, and TCS. He discusses his work on significant international projects, his tenure at CBS, his experiences with matrix organizations, corporate politics, and his eventual transition into academic roles and consulting. Hasan also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, maintaining professional relationships, and staying optimistic and adaptable in the ever-evolving tech landscape. 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions00:52 Early Career and Influential Mentors02:43 First Major Projects and Overseas Assignments05:32 Learning and Adapting in France08:43 Transition to Account Management and Return to India12:03 Building a Career in Bangalore and Pune18:31 Navigating Corporate Politics and Final Career Moves32:03 Introduction to Can Bay and HSBC32:37 Challenges and Responsibilities at GDC35:27 Transition to Academia37:55 Return to Industry and Career Lessons40:40 Retirement and New Ventures41:55 Continuous Learning and Technology Trends45:45 Managing Large Teams and Client Relations51:51 Networking and Building Relationships54:09 Retirement Philosophy and Personal Practices01:00:40 Final Thoughts and Advice The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section.Hasan Siddiqui is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and an accomplished technology and business education leader in the international IT industry spanning corporate strategy, business development, GDC/ODC set up and operations, talent management and academics.He has played senior management roles at Cap Gemini, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Covansys and Symbiosis university.He may be reached at: it.career.lighthouse@gmail.com 

Embracing Change and Challenges with Hasan Siddiqui

My guest today is Ravikiran Pothukuchi, the leader of Dassault Systèmes’ Enterprise Portfolio business in India.In this conversation, Ravi shares his journey from his humble beginnings in a small village in India to becoming a key player in Dassault Systems' business landscape. Ravi dives deep into his upbringing, education, and multiple career transitions that shaped his professional life. Key highlights include his transition from an R&D role to a customer-facing role, the importance of building human connections, the value of curiosity, and how he integrated traditional knowledge with modern business strategies.Notable quotes and insights punctuate the narrative, offering valuable lessons on adaptability, resilience, and the power of networking. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:36 Early Life and Education03:26 Higher Education and Career Beginnings13:24 Transition to Business Development19:14 Leadership and Team Management26:39 Transitioning to Customer-Facing Roles27:33 The Challenges of Business Development31:30 The Importance of Networking35:21 Building Genuine Connections40:05 Navigating Career Transitions46:22 Personal Practices for Staying Grounded47:02 The Five Cs Framework for Success49:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The timestamps are approximate, and after the intro that is about 90 seconds.For more closer timestamps, add 90 seconds to the labels above Ravikiran Pothukuchi is the leader of Dassault Systèmes’ Enterprise Portfolio business in India. In this role, he is responsible for defining the business strategy to expand the company’s Portfolio presence in India’s rapidly growing economic sectors. Ravikiran began his career with Dassault Systèmes in 2004, initially working in various roles within the Research and Development (R&D) organization before transitioning to business development in 2011. In 2017, he assumed responsibility for increasing market share across the company’s core industry vertical, achieving a year-over-year double-digit growth for five consecutive years. He is now entrusted with the responsibility of tapping the growth potential of Dassault Systèmes’ Enterprise portfolio while diversifying into new industries and segments.Ravikiran holds degrees from prestigious institutions, IIT-Madras and IIM-Bangalore. He is also a DAAD scholar and a member of several industry organizations, including SAE and IFCCI. Ravi may be reached at: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravikiran-pothukuchi-47750312/?originalSubdomain=in" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravikiran-pothukuchi-47750312/?originalSubdomain=in</a>

My guest today is Ravikiran Pothukuchi, the leader of Dassault Systèmes’ Enterprise Portfolio business in India.In this conversation, Ravi shares his journey from his humble beginnings in a small village in India to becoming a key player in Dassault Systems' business landscape.Ravi dives deep into his upbringing, education, and multiple career transitions that shaped his professional life. Key highlights include his transition from an R&D role to a customer-facing role, the importance of building human connections, the value of curiosity, and how he integrated traditional knowledge with modern business strategies.Notable quotes and insights punctuate the narrative, offering valuable lessons on adaptability, resilience, and the power of networking. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:36 Early Life and Education03:26 Higher Education and Career Beginnings13:24 Transition to Business Development19:14 Leadership and Team Management26:39 Transitioning to Customer-Facing Roles27:33 The Challenges of Business Development31:30 The Importance of Networking35:21 Building Genuine Connections40:05 Navigating Career Transitions46:22 Personal Practices for Staying Grounded47:02 The Five Cs Framework for Success49:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe timestamps are approximate, and after the intro that is about 90 seconds.For more closer timestamps, add 90 seconds to the labels aboveRavikiran Pothukuchi is the leader of Dassault Systèmes’ Enterprise Portfolio business in India. In this role, he is responsible for defining the business strategy to expand the company’s Portfolio presence in India’s rapidly growing economic sectors.Ravikiran began his career with Dassault Systèmes in 2004, initially working in various roles within the Research and Development (R&D) organization before transitioning to business development in 2011. In 2017, he assumed responsibility for increasing market share across the company’s core industry vertical, achieving a year-over-year double-digit growth for five consecutive years. He is now entrusted with the responsibility of tapping the growth potential of Dassault Systèmes’ Enterprise portfolio while diversifying into new industries and segments.Ravikiran holds degrees from prestigious institutions, IIT-Madras and IIM-Bangalore. He is also a DAAD scholar and a member of several industry organizations, including SAE and IFCCI.Ravi may be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravikiran-pothukuchi-47750312/?originalSubdomain=in

Curiosity-Driven Success with Ravikiran Pothukuchi

In this episode of the Software People Stories, my guest Ben Wilcox is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at ProArch. Ben shares his fascinating journey from building a web hosting business as a teenager to his current role as CTO and CISO at ProArch. Ben discusses the evolution of his career, his involvement in various projects, and the ever-changing landscape of security, especially with the advent of AI. He also provides valuable insights into how enterprises should approach security, the complexities of data localization, and the importance of a continuous security model. The conversation also delves into career advice for aspiring IT and security professionals. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:42 Early Career and Web Hosting Business02:49 Transition to Software Development03:51 Joining Advisor Group and Pro05:06 Challenges of Running a Business as a Teenager07:55 Learning and Growth in a Larger Company09:14 Becoming a CISO and Security Focus12:21 Evolving Security Landscape and AI15:01 Data Security and Insider Risk Management20:51 Zero Trust Environments and Legacy Systems23:58 Sleepless Nights and Security Concerns25:50 Balancing Innovation and Security26:11 Finding Joy in Leadership26:54 Navigating the CTO and CISO Roles28:55 Keeping Up with Technology Trends31:27 Hyper-Personalization and Security Risks36:02 The Role of Open Source in Security41:03 Career Advice for Aspiring Security Professionals45:35 The Impact of AI on Security Jobs49:11 Conclusion and Contact Information The timestamps are approximate, and after the intro that is about 90 seconds.For more closer timestamps, add 90 seconds to the labels above Ben Wilcox is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at ProArch, where he leads the company’s cloud, security, and AI enablement strategy. With more than 20 years of experience spanning software engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture, Ben helps organizations modernize their technology foundations while navigating the evolving threat landscape.Ben’s career began in hands-on development and infrastructure work, giving him a deep technical grounding that informs his leadership today. He has built and led high-performing engineering teams, guided complex cloud migrations, and designed modern security programs that balance innovation with risk management. At ProArch, he works closely with clients to architect AI-ready, scalable systems that drive business transformation.Connect with Ben:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wilcox" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wilcox" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wilcox</a>

In this episode of the Software People Stories, my guest Ben Wilcox is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at ProArch. Ben shares his fascinating journey from building a web hosting business as a teenager to his current role as CTO and CISO at ProArch. Ben discusses the evolution of his career, his involvement in various projects, and the ever-changing landscape of security, especially with the advent of AI. He also provides valuable insights into how enterprises should approach security, the complexities of data localization, and the importance of a continuous security model. The conversation also delves into career advice for aspiring IT and security professionals.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:42 Early Career and Web Hosting Business02:49 Transition to Software Development03:51 Joining Advisor Group and Pro05:06 Challenges of Running a Business as a Teenager07:55 Learning and Growth in a Larger Company09:14 Becoming a CISO and Security Focus12:21 Evolving Security Landscape and AI15:01 Data Security and Insider Risk Management20:51 Zero Trust Environments and Legacy Systems23:58 Sleepless Nights and Security Concerns25:50 Balancing Innovation and Security26:11 Finding Joy in Leadership26:54 Navigating the CTO and CISO Roles28:55 Keeping Up with Technology Trends31:27 Hyper-Personalization and Security Risks36:02 The Role of Open Source in Security41:03 Career Advice for Aspiring Security Professionals45:35 The Impact of AI on Security Jobs49:11 Conclusion and Contact InformationThe timestamps are approximate, and after the intro that is about 90 seconds.For more closer timestamps, add 90 seconds to the labels aboveBen Wilcox is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at ProArch, where he leads the company’s cloud, security, and AI enablement strategy. With more than 20 years of experience spanning software engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture, Ben helps organizations modernize their technology foundations while navigating the evolving threat landscape.Ben’s career began in hands-on development and infrastructure work, giving him a deep technical grounding that informs his leadership today. He has built and led high-performing engineering teams, guided complex cloud migrations, and designed modern security programs that balance innovation with risk management. At ProArch, he works closely with clients to architect AI-ready, scalable systems that drive business transformation.Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wilcox

Evolving Security Practices with Ben Wilcox

In this episode of Software People Stories, Shiv is in conversation with Yaron Schneider, co-founder of Diagrid and a seasoned developer and entrepreneur deeply involved in the open source movement.Yaron shares his origin story, starting from programming at age 11 to his current role as co-founder of Diagrid. He discusses his early foray into university education, experience in the military, and his progression within the software industry, including a notable tenure at Microsoft.Yaron delves into the joys and pains of working in open source, detailing the challenges and rewards of maintaining a project with thousands of contributors and balancing corporate and community needs. The discussion also touches on the complexities of scaling in hybrid environments, the risks associated with supply chain attacks, and the evolving role of developers in the age of AI and low-code solutions.Yaron concludes by offering advice for those aspiring to contribute to open source and sharing personal strategies for managing the stresses of startup life.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:25 Yaron's Origin Story02:39 Joys and Pains of Open Source05:21 Challenges of Open Source Coordination06:14 Role Differences: Architect vs. CTO08:21 Corporate Influence on Open Source10:00 On-Prem vs. Cloud-Based Models11:34 Scalability in Hybrid Environments13:22 Introduction to Dapper and D Grid18:05 Security and Supply Chain Challenges23:27 Low-Code and No-Code Development25:29 Transition from Corporate to Startup27:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life28:31 Music and Software Development Parallels31:14 Getting Involved in Open Source32:21 Future of AI and Software Jobs33:50 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe timestamps are approximate, and after the intro that is about 90 seconds.For more closer timestamps, add 90 seconds to the labels above Yaron Schneider is a visionary technologist and open source pioneer who has fundamentally shaped how developers build distributed applications. As co-creator of Dapr and KEDA—both graduated CNCF projects—he has enabled tens of thousands of enterprises to build more resilient, scalable cloud-native systems. Dapr is currently used by an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 enterprise users worldwide, while KEDA adoption may be even broader, though it is more difficult to estimate precisely.Now co-founder of Diagrid, Yaron is building the next generation of platforms that make it easier to develop and operate distributed applications and AI agents. His deep expertise in distributed systems, combined with years of leadership at Microsoft on scalable cloud architecture, positions him at the forefront of the agentic AI revolution.Recognized as an industry innovator in open source and platform engineering, Yaron bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical developer tools. His work continues to define how modern applications are built, deployed, and scaled in the cloud-native era.

In this episode of Software People Stories, Shiv is in conversation with Yaron Schneider, co-founder of Diagrid and a seasoned developer and entrepreneur deeply involved in the open source movement.Yaron shares his origin story, starting from programming at age 11 to his current role as co-founder of Diagrid. He discusses his early foray into university education, experience in the military, and his progression within the software industry, including a notable tenure at Microsoft.Yaron delves into the joys and pains of working in open source, detailing the challenges and rewards of maintaining a project with thousands of contributors and balancing corporate and community needs. The discussion also touches on the complexities of scaling in hybrid environments, the risks associated with supply chain attacks, and the evolving role of developers in the age of AI and low-code solutions.Yaron concludes by offering advice for those aspiring to contribute to open source and sharing personal strategies for managing the stresses of startup life. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:25 Yaron's Origin Story02:39 Joys and Pains of Open Source05:21 Challenges of Open Source Coordination06:14 Role Differences: Architect vs. CTO08:21 Corporate Influence on Open Source10:00 On-Prem vs. Cloud-Based Models11:34 Scalability in Hybrid Environments13:22 Introduction to Dapper and D Grid18:05 Security and Supply Chain Challenges23:27 Low-Code and No-Code Development25:29 Transition from Corporate to Startup27:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life28:31 Music and Software Development Parallels31:14 Getting Involved in Open Source32:21 Future of AI and Software Jobs33:50 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe timestamps are approximate, and after the intro that is about 90 seconds.For more closer timestamps, add 90 seconds to the labels aboveYaron Schneider is a visionary technologist and open source pioneer who has fundamentally shaped how developers build distributed applications. As co-creator of Dapr and KEDA—both graduated CNCF projects—he has enabled tens of thousands of enterprises to build more resilient, scalable cloud-native systems. Dapr is currently used by an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 enterprise users worldwide, while KEDA adoption may be even broader, though it is more difficult to estimate precisely.Now co-founder of Diagrid, Yaron is building the next generation of platforms that make it easier to develop and operate distributed applications and AI agents. His deep expertise in distributed systems, combined with years of leadership at Microsoft on scalable cloud architecture, positions him at the forefront of the agentic AI revolution.Recognized as an industry innovator in open source and platform engineering, Yaron bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical developer tools. His work continues to define how modern applications are built, deployed, and scaled in the cloud-native era.

Empowering Developers with Yaron Schneider

Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Madhavan Jagannathan (Maddy) , Instrument and Control Engineer by training, software technologist by experience, and financial explorer at heart. With over two decades of experience across HCL, Adobe, EMC, Dell, and VMware, Maddy brings together deep tech, systems thinking, and a passion for financial markets. Gayatri introduces Maddy, highlighting 17 years of friendship and his rare mix of humor, humility, and insight across hardware, software, and finance. 02:00 – The Physics of Curiosity Maddy recalls his fascination with science, choosing physics for his undergraduate degree, and his early ambition to pursue research at IITs before pragmatically opting for instrumentation at Madras Institute of Technology.05:00 – The Unplanned Leap into Software A “lucky break” leads him into HCL Technologies, where a chance campus interview launches his career in software — landing him in the prestigious Cisco division during the early internet boom.08:00 – Early Memories of the Software World Maddy reflects on working at the intersection of hardware and network management — when internet access was rationed, innovation was exploding, and curiosity was rewarded.10:00 – Settling into the Tech Ecosystem He discusses how he initially longed for the process industry, only to realize that the software world offered greater opportunities, intellectual challenge, and balance — ultimately leading teams early in his career.13:00 – From HCL to Adobe: Finding the Power of Software Maddy shares how joining Adobe in Noida, during its early transition to SaaS, transformed his understanding of software’s reach and power. “That one year at Adobe changed my view of what software could do.”16:00 – The EMC and Dell Era: Process Meets Innovation He moves from startups to EMC, where he embraces Six Sigma, process excellence, and later joins Dell, leading teams focused on data center innovation. “Dell was about process discipline and fast engineering — a perfect blend of structure and innovation.”20:00 – Clarifying ‘Process’: From Chemistry to Systems Thinking Maddy reflects on how his training in process control and systems modeling shaped his understanding of software and organizational design.23:00 – Discovering Financial Markets His long-standing curiosity about stock markets takes root. From reading stock pages in newspapers to managing his first ESOPs, Maddy begins to explore investing and financial systems deeply. “It started with curiosity — how a single number next to a company name could tell a story.”26:00 – The Birth of a Trader Inspired by his MBA classes and a growing interest in quantitative methods, Maddy takes professional trading courses — blending math, technology, and market behavior. “Trading is where math, technology, and psychology collide.”29:00 – Lessons from the Trading Floor He shares insights from independent trading during COVID, emphasizing discipline, emotional control, and the realization that he’s better suited for his own portfolio than managing others’ money.32:00 – The Intersection of Tech and Finance Maddy discusses how his tech background enhances his understanding of market microstructures, algorithmic trading, and the growing influence of AI and quantum computing in finance.35:00 – The Philosophy of Continuous Exploration For Maddy, trading and technology are both lifelong explorations. “Markets teach you more than finance — they teach you patience, humility, and the ability to think statistically about your own life.”38:00 – Reflections on Career and Curiosity Gayatri and Maddy reflect on his multi-layered career: from a hardware engineer and software innovator to a financial thinker who continues to connect systems, people, and ideas.<h3> Key Themes:</h3><ul><li>Evolving from hardware and instrumentation to deep software systems</li><li>The interplay between process thinking and product innovation</li><li>Lifelong learning and curiosity as a career compass</li><li>Applying software and systems logic to financial markets</li><li>Emotional intelligence and discipline in trading</li></ul><h3> Memorable Quotes:</h3>“Trading is where math, technology, and psychology collide.”“That one year at Adobe changed my view of what software could do.”“Markets teach you more than finance — they teach you patience, humility, and the ability to think statistically about your own life.”“I didn’t plan my career — I followed my curiosity, and that made all the difference.”<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhavan-jagannathan-559bb51/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhavan-jagannathan-559bb51/</a> Madhavan “Maddy” Jagannadhan is a seasoned technologist and financial explorer whose career spans hardware engineering, software system leadership and independent investing. With early roots in instrumentation and network hardware, Maddy went on to lead development teams at industry names like HCL Technologies, Adobe Inc., EMC Corporation and Dell Technologies—designing software-driven systems and complex processes. Today, Maddy blends his systems thinking, curiosity and trading insight into mentoring, personal investing and bridging tech and financial markets.  Madhavan has an engineering degree in Instrumentation and Control from MIT (Anna University) and an MBA degree from Great Lakes Institute of Management.

Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Madhavan Jagannathan (Maddy) , Instrument and Control Engineer by training, software technologist by experience, and financial explorer at heart. With over two decades of experience across HCL, Adobe, EMC, Dell, and VMware, Maddy brings together deep tech, systems thinking, and a passion for financial markets. Gayatri introduces Maddy, highlighting 17 years of friendship and his rare mix of humor, humility, and insight across hardware, software, and finance.02:00 – The Physics of Curiosity Maddy recalls his fascination with science, choosing physics for his undergraduate degree, and his early ambition to pursue research at IITs before pragmatically opting for instrumentation at Madras Institute of Technology.05:00 – The Unplanned Leap into Software A “lucky break” leads him into HCL Technologies, where a chance campus interview launches his career in software — landing him in the prestigious Cisco division during the early internet boom.08:00 – Early Memories of the Software World Maddy reflects on working at the intersection of hardware and network management — when internet access was rationed, innovation was exploding, and curiosity was rewarded.10:00 – Settling into the Tech Ecosystem He discusses how he initially longed for the process industry, only to realize that the software world offered greater opportunities, intellectual challenge, and balance — ultimately leading teams early in his career.13:00 – From HCL to Adobe: Finding the Power of Software Maddy shares how joining Adobe in Noida, during its early transition to SaaS, transformed his understanding of software’s reach and power. “That one year at Adobe changed my view of what software could do.”16:00 – The EMC and Dell Era: Process Meets Innovation He moves from startups to EMC, where he embraces Six Sigma, process excellence, and later joins Dell, leading teams focused on data center innovation. “Dell was about process discipline and fast engineering — a perfect blend of structure and innovation.”20:00 – Clarifying ‘Process’: From Chemistry to Systems Thinking Maddy reflects on how his training in process control and systems modeling shaped his understanding of software and organizational design.23:00 – Discovering Financial Markets His long-standing curiosity about stock markets takes root. From reading stock pages in newspapers to managing his first ESOPs, Maddy begins to explore investing and financial systems deeply. “It started with curiosity — how a single number next to a company name could tell a story.”26:00 – The Birth of a Trader Inspired by his MBA classes and a growing interest in quantitative methods, Maddy takes professional trading courses — blending math, technology, and market behavior. “Trading is where math, technology, and psychology collide.”29:00 – Lessons from the Trading Floor He shares insights from independent trading during COVID, emphasizing discipline, emotional control, and the realization that he’s better suited for his own portfolio than managing others’ money.32:00 – The Intersection of Tech and Finance Maddy discusses how his tech background enhances his understanding of market microstructures, algorithmic trading, and the growing influence of AI and quantum computing in finance.35:00 – The Philosophy of Continuous Exploration For Maddy, trading and technology are both lifelong explorations. “Markets teach you more than finance — they teach you patience, humility, and the ability to think statistically about your own life.”38:00 – Reflections on Career and Curiosity Gayatri and Maddy reflect on his multi-layered career: from a hardware engineer and software innovator to a financial thinker who continues to connect systems, people, and ideas. Key Themes:Evolving from hardware and instrumentation to deep software systemsThe interplay between process thinking and product innovationLifelong learning and curiosity as a career compassApplying software and systems logic to financial marketsEmotional intelligence and discipline in trading Memorable Quotes:“Trading is where math, technology, and psychology collide.”“That one year at Adobe changed my view of what software could do.”“Markets teach you more than finance — they teach you patience, humility, and the ability to think statistically about your own life.”“I didn’t plan my career — I followed my curiosity, and that made all the difference.”https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhavan-jagannathan-559bb51/Madhavan “Maddy” Jagannadhan is a seasoned technologist and financial explorer whose career spans hardware engineering, software system leadership and independent investing. With early roots in instrumentation and network hardware, Maddy went on to lead development teams at industry names like HCL Technologies, Adobe Inc., EMC Corporation and Dell Technologies—designing software-driven systems and complex processes. Today, Maddy blends his systems thinking, curiosity and trading insight into mentoring, personal investing and bridging tech and financial markets. Madhavan has an engineering degree in Instrumentation and Control from MIT (Anna University) and an MBA degree from Great Lakes Institute of Management.

Numbers, Networks, and Nuance with Madhavan Jagannathan

Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Rupam Tandon,  Financial Executive with 30 years of experience across banking, asset management, and insurance. She’s also a certified Independent Director (IoD), ESG specialist, and startup mentor. She talks about her journey starting in a small town to traveling the globe and literally spreading her wings. Gayatri Kalyanaraman, Host for Software People Stories podcast and co-founder Sangatna Angels welcomes Rupam Tandon and sets the tone for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and governance. Highlights of the conversation are here 01:00 – Early Career and Foundations in FinanceRupam shares her beginnings in Dubai’s financial industry during the 1990s — a period of rapid banking expansion — and lessons on trust, relationships, and financial discipline.03:00 – London Years & the Global Financial Crisis She moves to London to work with asset managers and hedge funds, witnessing firsthand the subprime crisis and collapse of major institutions like Lehman Brothers and AIG.07:00 – Return to India & Setting Up Global Operations Rupam explains her decision to return to India for family reasons and how she helped transition a major bank’s operations from Ireland to Bangalore — navigating SEC and FCA audits successfully.10:00 – The Shift to Insurance and Building Communities She discusses moving from investment banking to insurance, leading initiatives in Risk, ESG, and Cyber, and mentoring senior executives.13:00 – Reflections on Technology & Automation From manual processes to automation and bots — Rupam contrasts the early years of finance with today’s data-driven governance and the rise of straight-through processing (STP).16:00 – Navigating Change and Cultural Adaptation Growing up in Lucknow and moving across continents, Rupam reflects on adapting to different work cultures, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities.20:00 – Decision-Making and Balancing Life & Work Rupam shares personal stories about taking career risks, balancing motherhood, and receiving mentorship and compassion from colleagues during turbulent times.24:00 – Continuous Learning & Board Readiness She outlines her professional upskilling journey — courses from ISB, IIM Bangalore, and IoD — and her belief in lifelong learning as a foundation for effective governance.27:00 – Second Innings: Purpose and Governance for the Future Rupam shares her vision for the next decade — mentoring startups, strengthening governance frameworks, and shaping ethical, transparent organizations. <h3> Memorable Quotes:</h3>“Success without ethics is incomplete.”“Governance isn’t about control — it’s about responsibility.”  “It’s time for stewardship — to give back, guide, and help the next generation grow with integrity.”“Even the strongest institutions can collapse if governance, risk, and culture are not aligned.” <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupam-tandon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupam-tandon/</a>After nearly three decades of experience across industries and markets, She is now embarking on my second innings with a focus on startup governance and scaleups. Her journey has been a diverse one, spanning Global roles (in UAE & UK, India) in business strategy, branding, communications, and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about helping companies build strong, sustainable foundations for growth. As an alumnus of Lucknow University and the Indian School of Business (ISB), where she specialized in Negotiation as part of an Executive Management Program, I’ve honed my ability to adapt and thrive in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.My Core Strengths:- Strategic Oversight: Managing boards/foundations and aligning teams with business goals- Business Model Innovation: Identifying opportunities at the intersection of strategy, branding, product development, and customer experience- Start up consulting , Fintech, Finance based business.- Reputation Building: Creating narratives that enhance corporate reputation and build trust- Communications Strategy: Developing integrated communication plans to engage stakeholders and drive impact- Mentorship & Coaching: Supporting founders, leaders, and teams to grow through personalized guidance and coaching- Crisis Communications: Navigating through challenges to protect and strengthen brand reputation- Networking & Ecosystem Building: Cultivating strategic partnerships and growing influential networks- CSR & Sustainability: Defining and driving impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives Rupam Tandon is a certified board director and former investment banker with expertise in governance, risk, and sustainability. She advises startups and SMEs on ethical leadership and board resilience, teaches ESG and stakeholder strategy to executives, and mentors emerging leaders. She advocates for policy-led reforms in India’s entrepreneurial governance landscape.

Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Rupam Tandon,  Financial Executive with 30 years of experience across banking, asset management, and insurance. She’s also a certified Independent Director (IoD), ESG specialist, and startup mentor. She talks about her journey starting in a small town to traveling the globe and literally spreading her wings. Gayatri Kalyanaraman, Host for Software People Stories podcast and co-founder Sangatna Angels welcomes Rupam Tandon and sets the tone for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and governance. Highlights of the conversation are here01:00 – Early Career and Foundations in FinanceRupam shares her beginnings in Dubai’s financial industry during the 1990s — a period of rapid banking expansion — and lessons on trust, relationships, and financial discipline.03:00 – London Years & the Global Financial Crisis She moves to London to work with asset managers and hedge funds, witnessing firsthand the subprime crisis and collapse of major institutions like Lehman Brothers and AIG.07:00 – Return to India & Setting Up Global Operations Rupam explains her decision to return to India for family reasons and how she helped transition a major bank’s operations from Ireland to Bangalore — navigating SEC and FCA audits successfully.10:00 – The Shift to Insurance and Building Communities She discusses moving from investment banking to insurance, leading initiatives in Risk, ESG, and Cyber, and mentoring senior executives.13:00 – Reflections on Technology & Automation From manual processes to automation and bots — Rupam contrasts the early years of finance with today’s data-driven governance and the rise of straight-through processing (STP).16:00 – Navigating Change and Cultural Adaptation Growing up in Lucknow and moving across continents, Rupam reflects on adapting to different work cultures, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities.20:00 – Decision-Making and Balancing Life & Work Rupam shares personal stories about taking career risks, balancing motherhood, and receiving mentorship and compassion from colleagues during turbulent times.24:00 – Continuous Learning & Board Readiness She outlines her professional upskilling journey — courses from ISB, IIM Bangalore, and IoD — and her belief in lifelong learning as a foundation for effective governance.27:00 – Second Innings: Purpose and Governance for the Future Rupam shares her vision for the next decade — mentoring startups, strengthening governance frameworks, and shaping ethical, transparent organizations. Memorable Quotes:“Success without ethics is incomplete.”“Governance isn’t about control — it’s about responsibility.”  “It’s time for stewardship — to give back, guide, and help the next generation grow with integrity.”“Even the strongest institutions can collapse if governance, risk, and culture are not aligned.”https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupam-tandon/After nearly three decades of experience across industries and markets, She is now embarking on my second innings with a focus on startup governance and scaleups. Her journey has been a diverse one, spanning Global roles (in UAE & UK, India) in business strategy, branding, communications, and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about helping companies build strong, sustainable foundations for growth. As an alumnus of Lucknow University and the Indian School of Business (ISB), where she specialized in Negotiation as part of an Executive Management Program, I’ve honed my ability to adapt and thrive in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.My Core Strengths:- Strategic Oversight: Managing boards/foundations and aligning teams with business goals- Business Model Innovation: Identifying opportunities at the intersection of strategy, branding, product development, and customer experience- Start up consulting , Fintech, Finance based business.- Reputation Building: Creating narratives that enhance corporate reputation and build trust- Communications Strategy: Developing integrated communication plans to engage stakeholders and drive impact- Mentorship & Coaching: Supporting founders, leaders, and teams to grow through personalized guidance and coaching- Crisis Communications: Navigating through challenges to protect and strengthen brand reputation- Networking & Ecosystem Building: Cultivating strategic partnerships and growing influential networks- CSR & Sustainability: Defining and driving impactful corporate social responsibility initiativesRupam Tandon is a certified board director and former investment banker with expertise in governance, risk, and sustainability. She advises startups and SMEs on ethical leadership and board resilience, teaches ESG and stakeholder strategy to executives, and mentors emerging leaders. She advocates for policy-led reforms in India’s entrepreneurial governance landscape.

From Banking to Boardrooms with Rupam Tandon

Stories of what worked and sometimes what did not, in the course of discovering, designing, developing and delivering software based solutions – as shared by practitioners who went through these situations.

Stories of what worked and sometimes what did not, in the course of discovering, designing, developing and delivering software based solutions – as shared by practitioners who went through these situations.

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Software People Stories

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