Episodes
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On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder and Trustee at Ashoka University, Founding Dean of ISB, Founder of Harappa Education and President at upGrad. Dr. Sinha is a visionary leader in education and entrepreneurship. He has reshaped higher education in India and is now setting his sights on the entire world.
Dr. Sinha shares how his upbringing, his father and his sisters’ resilience inspired and motivated him. He discusses his views on India’s educational system, the skills educational leaders should possess and how even introverts can learn them.
Key Takeaways:
(02:18) Dr. Sinha’s upbringing in Patna and his father’s influence.
(03:54) Leadership lessons that shaped Dr. Sinha’s career.
(10:22) How mentorship impacted his career and life.
(20:16) Dr. Sinha’s sister’s challenges and resilience.
(39:02) On the straitjacketed Indian education system.
(54:17) On creating a plan for Malaysia’s economic growth.
(57:28) Learning from the best universities and applying it to the Indian context.
(58:06) The importance of giving students a choice.
(01:00:29) Developing tribe and leadership skills online.
(1:03:06) The importance of solving the right problems in entrepreneurship.
(1:07:19) Introverts can develop people skills and be effective leaders.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pramathsinha/
Ashoka University | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university/
Ashoka University | Website -
https://www.ashoka.edu.in
upGrad LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ueducation/
upGrad | Website -
https://www.upgrad.com
Indian School of Business (ISB) -
https://www.isb.edu
Harappa Education -
https://harappa.education
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On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Jha shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small village in Bihar, India, to being asked by the President of the United States to join his administration. He also opens up about facing racism in high school and how support at Columbia University helped shape his dual identity and career.
Key Takeaways:
(03:01) Dr. Jha’s childhood memories in Bihar.
(08:51) The great unknown of moving to Canada.
(17:11) The move to New Jersey and the harsh reality of facing racism.
(19:25) Facing a high school teacher who told him to change his name.
(25:47) Learning to embrace both his Indian and American identities.
(38:59) The President’s invitation to join the White House as COVID-19 Response Coordinator.
(40:00) The privilege of working in the West Wing as an Indian immigrant.
(41:25) The value of building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
(42:34) Why service is one of the most enriching experiences in life.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Ashish Jha -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashish-jha-b9aab41/
Columbia University -
https://www.columbia.edu
Brown University School of Public Health -
https://graduateprograms.brown.edu/graduate-program/public-health-mph?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=MPH&utm_content=traffic&creative=613468509292&keyword=brown%20university%20masters%20in%20public%20health&matchtype=b&network=g&device=c&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwreW2BhBhEiwAavLwfLqUIDqHZqKhWapyYPIskdsJHEW872WYuwCVEI0U4PObifvPrFTEdxoCRUIQAvD_BwE
Harvard Medical School -
https://hms.harvard.edu
University of Toronto -
https://www.utoronto.ca
World Health Organization (WHO) -
https://www.who.int
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Episodes manquant?
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Community is the foundation on which success is built. A strong support network opens opportunities and helps us overcome even the most challenging adversity.
On this episode, I’m joined by Mamta Patel Nagaraja, Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to explore her unconventional journey from a small town in Texas to a prominent role at NASA.
Key Takeaways:
(00:16) The value of making decisions based on available information.
(06:06) Overcoming academic and social challenges in school.
(12:21) The drive for academic excellence and early leadership roles.
(27:33) Critical decisions and sacrifices made in pursuit of becoming an astronaut.
(30:25) The importance of following rules and the impact of small decisions.
(33:28) Dealing with rejection and finding new dreams after setbacks.
(41:08) Visualization and storytelling as techniques for dreaming new dreams.
(50:59) The importance of empathy, listening, and making thoughtful decisions.
(57:16) The impact of 9/11 on personal safety and awareness.
Resources Mentioned:
Mamta Patel Nagaraja -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamtapatelnagaraja/
NASA | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasa/
NASA | Website -
https://www.nasa.gov
Mamta Patel Nagaraja -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamta_Patel_Nagaraja
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On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist of IBM Research, IBM Fellow, and Vice President of IBM Technology & Technical Community. Dr. Puri shares his journey from Kurukshetra’s National Institute of Technology to spearheading innovations at IBM, reflecting on how his early fascination with electronics and mathematics shaped his career. It’s a story of passion, perseverance and profound impact.
Key Takeaways:
(00:11) Contributing new knowledge rather than just absorbing information is crucial.
(01:22) Early life experiences in a university campus environment.
(04:18) The significance of a safe and stimulating childhood in shaping future leaders.
(16:35) A love for mathematics and logical problem-solving shaped Dr. Puri’s academic and professional trajectory.
(33:02) Dr. Puri’s passion for electronics and building things from an early age guided his career choices.
(49:21) The importance of having mentors and role models in shaping one’s career and personal growth.
(53:32) Success is defined by contributing to a body of knowledge and having a respected, credible standing in one’s field.
(01:02:45) Focus on the work itself rather than the results to achieve excellence.
(01:04:10) The role of mentors, including family members and colleagues, is indispensable in achieving success.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Ruchir Puri -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchir-puri-b117021a/
IBM Research -
https://research.ibm.com
NIT Kurukshetra -
https://nitkkr.ac.in
IIT Kanpur -
https://www.iitk.ac.in
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Success is not a straight line; it's about seizing opportunities and learning at every step.
In this episode, I’m joined by Raju Narisetti, Leader, Global Publishing at McKinsey & Company. Raju’s 33-year career spans media and publishing across continents, from launching Mint in India to The Wall Street Journal. His unconventional journey from Hyderabad to leading global media is a testament to resilience and lifelong learning.
Key Takeaways:
(01:35) The influence of a diverse cultural background on Raju's career.
(03:29) The value of education and its transformative power.
(06:42) Overcoming challenges during his schooling years.
(09:32) How early career experiences shaped Raju’s professional path.
(16:49) The value of rural management education in building resilience.
(20:10) The significance of education in overcoming life's challenges.
(34:15) The critical role of mentors in personal and professional development.
(40:09) The importance of embracing new opportunities and continuous learning.
(51:56) Managing setbacks and turning them into learning experiences.
Resources Mentioned:
Raju Narisetti -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajunarisetti/
McKinsey & Company -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mckinsey/
”Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande -
https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/
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Community is the foundation on which success is built. A strong support network opens opportunities and helps us overcome even the most challenging adversity.
In this episode, I’m joined by Sonalee Parekh, Chief Financial Officer of RingCentral, a large software company. Sonalee has held leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, served on several boards and has over a 20-year career on Wall Street.
Key Takeaways:
(02:29) Growing up in a mixed-race household.
(05:32) Visiting India for the first time was a culture shock.
(12:30) The influence of her resilient grandmother.
(17:17) How her father’s forward-thinking nature shaped her.
(35:25) Achieving early success in her career.
(37:22) The impact moving to London had on her career.
(45:47) The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.
(46:10) The value of pushing oneself to be uncomfortable.
(47:32) The strategic selection of mentors.
(50:59) Feeling at home in the Silicon Valley community.
Resources Mentioned:
Sonalee Parekh -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonaleeparekh/
RingCentral | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ringcentral/
Hewlett Packard Enterprise -
https://www.hpe.com/us/en/home.html
RingCentral | Website -
https://www.ringcentral.com
Goldman Sachs -
https://www.goldmansachs.com
Barclays Capital -
https://home.barclays
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Community is the foundation on which success is built. A strong support network opens opportunities and helps us overcome even the most challenging adversity.
On this episode, I’m joined by Prem Natarajan, Chief Scientist, EVP, and Head of Enterprise Data and AI at Capital One, to explore his journey from Chennai to leading AI initiatives at a major financial services company.
Key Takeaways:
(00:11) The value of continual security testing.
(00:18) The importance of prioritizing your security issues.
(19:47) How early life influences and role models shape career ambitions.
(21:30) The critical role of mentors and asymmetrical mentorship relationships.
(29:00) Learning life lessons through sports and teamwork.
(36:22) Early technical projects shaping an engineering career.
(41:00) Balancing foundational understanding with pragmatic goals in engineering.
(50:23) The importance of curiosity and admitting when you don't know.
(56:25) Transitioning from academia to industry and the AI revolution.
(01:07:11) Family influence and persistence as a mantra.
(01:08:51) Nurturing relationships and leveraging education.
(01:09:13) Advice on leveraging education and imagination for young professionals.
Resources Mentioned:
Prem Natarajan -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajan/
Capital One -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-one/
BBN Technologies -
https://www.bbn.com/
University of Southern California -
https://www.usc.edu/
Amazon Alexa -
https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/alexa
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Success in the business world often hinges on one’s ability to solve problems and navigate challenges. This week, I’m joined by Shruti Gandhi, General Partner and Founding Engineer of Array Ventures and Commissioner of the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System. Shruti shares her inspiring journey from working at IBM to leading a venture capital firm focused on enterprise data startups.
Key Takeaways:
(00:02) Career progression at IBM to the CEO chairman’s office.
(00:37) Finding a home and belonging in San Francisco.
(00:53) The impact of Bombay’s unsafe environment on her desire to leave.
(12:00) Shruti’s family’s immigration journey from India to the US.
(23:39) Reverse engineering venture-backed companies.
(31:29) Passion for venture capital and setting an example.
(34:41) Guiding principle: “My life is my message.”
(37:00) Finding alternative outlets to thrive.
Resources Mentioned:
Shruti Gandhi -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutigandhi/
Array Ventures -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/array-ventures/
IBM -
https://www.ibm.com/
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On this episode, I’m joined by Dhireesha Kudithipudi, Founding Director of the MATRIX AI Consortium and Director of the Neuromorphic AI Lab at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Dhireesha shares insights from her journey, which began in a small village in India and has led her to the forefront of developing energy-efficient AI systems that mimic the human brain.
Key Takeaways:
(00:11) The impact of childhood experiences on career paths.
(00:26) The influence of family and community on personal and professional growth.
(00:50) The transition from traditional computing to neuromorphic AI.
(01:28) How biologically-inspired AI can address real-world problems.
(02:19) The importance of a holistic approach to AI development.
(05:17) The role of education in shaping future innovators.
(08:06) Challenges and opportunities in leading AI research.
(13:27) The potential of AI to revolutionize energy efficiency.
(22:19) Insights on mentorship and its impact on career development.
(53:11) Reflections on the evolving landscape of AI and future directions.
Resources Mentioned:
Dhireesha Kudithipudi -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhireesha/
MATRIX AI Consortium at UTSA -
https://ai.utsa.edu/
University of Texas at San Antonio Neuromorphic AI Lab -
https://www.nuailab.com/
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Taking chances and learning from new experiences can lead to incredible personal and professional growth. Embracing change and stepping out of one's comfort zone are keys to continual success.
On this episode, I’m joined by Sowmya Gottipati, Head of Global Supply Chain Technology of Estée Lauder Companies, for an inspiring discussion on her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Key Takeaways:
(00:53) The importance of taking risks and avoiding life on autopilot.
(05:10) The need to constantly seek growth and learning.
(07:27) The challenges of adapting to new environments during childhood.
(12:45) The significance of pursuing higher education abroad.
(21:30) The role of supportive parents in career development.
(25:30) The desire to break traditional molds and seek freedom.
(30:10) Embracing new opportunities at Estée Lauder.
(35:20) The impact of creating a culture of joy in the workplace.
(42:00) The complexities of holding both an Indian and American identity.
(47:55) Encouraging more women in technology and leadership roles.
(51:45) Avoiding career plateaus and seeking continual growth.
(54:30) Blending Indian and American cultures for future generations.
Resources Mentioned:
Sowmya Gottipati -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sowmyagottipati/
Estée Lauder Companies -
https://www.elcompanies.com/
Columbia Business School -
https://business.columbia.edu/about-us
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On this episode, Kedar Deshpande, former CEO of Zappos and Groupon, joins me to share his insights on leadership, entrepreneurship and redefining success. Kedar’s perspective on curiosity and questioning the status quo has led him to make a significant impact in various sectors.
Key Takeaways:
(01:02) The importance of looking for disproportionate impact.
(04:33) Redefining success: it’s about the journey.
(13:00) The influence of an entrepreneurial family background.
(20:26) Transitioning from software engineering to project management.
(30:28) How financial challenges shaped Kedar’s career decisions.
(40:47) Improving strategies for financial assistance.
(50:19) Inspiration from Tony Hsieh’s book "Delivering Happiness."
(51:31) The significance of company culture at Zappos.
(56:09) Questioning fundamentals to understand core issues.
(58:56) Taking opportunities in different sectors without a background.
(01:02:53) Finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.
(01:06:09) Defining Indianness as hospitality and authenticity.
Resources Mentioned:
Kedar Deshpande -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kedard/
Zappos -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zappos.com/
Groupon -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/groupon/
“Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh -
https://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446576220
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On this episode, I’m joined by Kaschit Pandya, Chief Technology Officer of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America. Kaschit shares insights from his journey from IT roles in India to leading technology efforts at one of the largest government agencies in the US.
Key Takeaways:
(00:30) Seeking mentors who genuinely invest in your growth.
(08:20) Kaschit’s early life in India influenced his values and career trajectory.
(15:45) Balancing personal identity with professional roles in a diverse cultural setting.
(22:10) Genuine mentorship impacts career advancement and personal development.
(30:25) Navigating the shift from private sector dynamism to public sector impact.
(38:55) Building resilience through personal and professional challenges.
(45:10) Strong family bonds play an important role in shaping our personal and professional life.
(52:30) How embracing diversity enriches professional experiences and outcomes.
(57:15) The significance of authenticity in leadership and professional relationships.
(1:03:50) Reflections on the ongoing journey of learning and growth in a leadership role.
Resources Mentioned:
Kaschit Pandya -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaschitp/
Internal Revenue Service -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/irs/
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown -
https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419
“Think Again” by Adam Grant -
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/1984878107
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Every story begins with roots that nurture towering ambitions. In this episode, I’m joined by Sita Sonty, CEO of Space Tango and a guest lecturer at MIT. From the artful stages of Bharatanatyam to the technological helm of Space Tango, Sita Sonty is an example of how blending cultural heritage with modern innovation propels leadership in aerospace technology.
Key Takeaways:
(00:05) Embracing cultural roots to enhance leadership in technology.
(08:14) Family decisions significantly impact personal and professional paths.
(15:48) Benefits of early cultural exposure in shaping global perspectives.
(20:37) Challenges and rewards of growing up in a multicultural environment.
(25:31) Confronting and dismantling gender and cultural stereotypes in STEM.
(30:15) Strategies for overcoming cultural barriers to succeed professionally.
(35:50) The importance of empathy in leading technologically diverse teams.
(40:05) Leveraging diversity as a strategic advantage in innovation.
(45:29) Developing resilience through overcoming personal adversities.
(50:18) Utilizing storytelling to bridge cultural divides and enhance team dynamics.
(55:30) Harnessing personal heritage to inform and inspire leadership qualities.
Resources Mentioned:
Sita Sonty -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-sita-sonty-9a423741/
MIT -
https://www.mit.edu/
Space Tango -
https://www.spacetango.com/
Herding Rockets: Improving Space Traffic Management -
https://spacenews.com/op-ed-herding-rockets-improved-space-traffic-management-will-accelerate-industry-growth/
Space and SPACs: A COVID Romance -
https://spacenews.com/op-ed-space-and-spacs-a-covid-romance/
Automation: Key to the Future Space Economy -
https://spacenews.com/op-ed-automation-a-key-enabler-of-the-future-space-economy/
Latest Updates from Space Tango -
https://spacetango.com/latest/
Watch: Innovations in Space Technology -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRnNHM-OvfQ
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
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On this episode, I welcome Dr. Ravi Pendse, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at the University of Michigan. He joins us to discuss how appreciation has guided his personal and professional journey, deeply rooted in his rich cultural heritage.
Key Takeaways:
(02:20) Early influences of family and education on Ravi’s values.
(07:40) The profound impact of small acts of gratitude.
(12:30) Nature photography as a reflection of life’s opportunities.
(18:10) How humility and gratitude influence both personal and professional realms.
(24:50) The unique cultural respect for elders and teachers in India.
(30:35) Transmitting cultural values across generations.
(36:15) Learning from life’s myriad decisions.
(42:00) The deep impact of appreciating one’s parents.
(47:25) Kindness as a cornerstone of community involvement.
(52:55) Ravi’s enduring commitment to education and mentoring.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Ravi Pendse -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/umichcio/
University of Michigan | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-michigan/
University of Michigan | Website -
https://umich.edu/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
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Every groundbreaking leap forward in technology begins with a simple step taken by someone who dares to think differently. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ravi Pendekanti, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at Western Digital. We explore his journey from a small Indian village to the heights of global tech leadership, and how this embodies the principle of innovative thinking and strategic foresight.
Key Takeaways:
(03:06) Embracing early roots and values from Andhra Pradesh.
(12:47) Learning adaptability through frequent relocations during childhood.
(18:02) The formative influence of homeschooling on personal development.
(24:15) Cultural adaptability gained from transitioning to formal schooling.
(31:30) Building lifelong friendships and resilience at boarding school.
(38:45) Developing leadership through team sports in school.
(45:22) Balancing life and work through outdoor activities.
(52:09) Insights on teamwork and humility from playing competitive hockey.
(59:34) The role of academic excellence in shaping a technology leader.
(1:05:20) Strategic decision-making in career transitions within the tech industry.
Resources Mentioned:
Ravi Pendekanti -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-pendekanti-14b916/
Western Digital | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-digital/
Western Digital | Website -
https://www.westerndigital.com/
Hyderabad Public School -
http://www.hpsbegumpet.org.in/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
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On this episode, I'm joined by Ramesh Razdan, Global CIO of Bain & Company. His journey from a remote village in Kashmir to the helm of a global consulting giant is not just inspiring but a testament to an indomitable spirit of determination and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
(00:51) Ramesh's journey begins in Kashmir, shaping his identity and drive.
(04:19) His father's Padma Shri award inspires a legacy of excellence.
(07:13) Choosing engineering as a catalyst for change.
(14:33) The transformative power of mentorship.
(22:37) Transitioning to the US opens new career vistas.
(34:11) Leadership demands curiosity, resilience and adaptability.
(48:48) Success evolves from personal achievements to broader societal impacts.
(53:39) Gratitude as a cornerstone of a fulfilling life.
(57:52) Authenticity in personal and professional realms.
Resources Mentioned:
Ramesh Razdan -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshrazdan/
Bain & Company -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/
Savitribai Phule Pune University -
https://www.unipune.ac.in/
Padma Shri Award -
https://padmaawards.gov.in/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
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On this episode, I’m joined by Raju Rajan, Chief Technologist for US East Globals at Hewlett Packard Enterprises and the pioneering force behind ReWild Long Island. His journey from the educational lanes of Chennai to the corridors of global tech leadership and environmental advocacy exemplifies a narrative rich with determination, innovation and a deep-rooted connection to heritage.
Key Takeaways:
(01:33) From Chennai to global tech leader: Raju’s transformative journey.
(06:20) Education as a cornerstone for generational success.
(12:15) The impact of India’s rural-to-urban migration on achievement.
(19:45) Overcoming the immigrant’s challenge in the tech landscape.
(26:30) Balancing tech innovation with environmental responsibility.
(33:52) The enriching influence of diverse cultural experiences.
(41:07) Mentorship’s role in tech career navigation.
(48:59) Envisioning technology’s sustainable future.
(53:24) The importance of community in fostering environmental and technological progress.
Resources Mentioned:
Raju Rajan -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajurajan/
Hewlett Packard Enterprises -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hewlett-packard-enterprise/
ReWild Long Island -
http://rewildlongisland.org/
Hewlett Packard US East Global -
https://www.hp.com/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
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On this episode, I welcome Praveen Akkiraju, Managing Director of Insight Partners. Praveen shares insights gained on his journey from the lush landscapes of Andhra Pradesh into a leading role in the global tech and investment world. His story is a clear example of how embracing our cultural roots — coupled with adaptability and visionary leadership — can lead to unparalleled success.
Key Takeaways:
(00:07) Education’s role in shaping futures is critical.
(01:38) Praveen’s early life in Andhra Pradesh influenced his global perspective.
(02:23) The transformative decision to further education in the US.
(04:06) Shifting career focus to internet technologies at the digital era’s dawn.
(07:15) Leadership through the tech industry’s evolutions and challenges.
(09:00) Mentorship and team cohesion can act as success drivers.
(13:27) Insights into the US and Indian startup ecosystems’ maturation.
(15:49) Commit to nurturing the next generation of talent.
(44:00) Curiosity and lifelong learning are personal growth engines.
(47:22) Navigating global market shifts with agility.
(52:36) Ethical considerations in technology and investment’s future.
(56:03) The balance between technological innovation and societal impact.
(59:15) “Indianness” as a foundation for resilience in the global scene.
Resources Mentioned:
Praveen Akkiraju -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveenakkiraju/
Insight Partners | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight--partners/
Insight Partners | Website -
https://www.insightpartners.com/
Cisco Systems -
https://www.cisco.com/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness
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On this episode, I’m joined by Kalyan Peri, Chief Information Officer of Commercial Business at Conduent. His life story is not just about the ascent to technological leadership but also about the values and experiences that shape a visionary over the course of a lifetime.
Key Takeaways:
(00:50) Village upbringing had a profound and lasting impact on Kalyan.
(01:08) Grandparents share their wisdom on character development and future aspirations.
(01:16) Experiences at elite institutions proved to be life-changing.
(03:25) Transitioning from a tranquil village to the dynamic world of technology.
(09:06) Kalyan journeyed from a small village to being a beacon of innovation.
(15:53) Identify what drives you to make progress in life.
(21:10) Balance the scales of personal well-being with professional success.
(26:06) The right friends will help you reach your goals.
(37:42) Technology can be a lever for societal benefit, with a spotlight on healthcare.
(45:01) Looking ahead with a vision to leverage technology for the common good.
(46:34) Emphasizing the importance of health, education and continuous personal growth.
Resources Mentioned:
Kalyan Peri -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyanperi/
Conduent -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/conduent/
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) -
https://www.iitsystem.ac.in/
Infosys -
https://www.infosys.com/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness
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On this episode, I’m joined by Aarti Holla-Maini, the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). Her story weaves together the richness of Indian heritage with her impactful global career, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing diverse worlds.
Key Takeaways:
(00:09) - Navigating personal attacks in professional scenarios.
(01:58) - The influence of a diverse family heritage on personal development.
(04:37) - Choosing a path less traveled — from traditional roles to a global career.
(10:04) - The impact of cultural identity in shaping life and work.
(18:04) - The life-changing decision to study Law with German at King’s College.
(30:46) - Experiences in ambassadorial roles in varied professional settings.
(37:16) - Meditation as a tool for overcoming challenges and personal growth.
(46:34) - Learning and adapting to life across different countries.
(52:37) - The importance of introspection and self-realization in personal journeys.
Resources Mentioned:
Aarti Holla-Maini -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarti-holla-maini-a6093a9/
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-nations-office-for-outer-space-affairs/
United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs | Website -
https://www.unoosa.org/
King’s College London -
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/
Sehaj Marg -
https://www.sahajmarg.org/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness
- Montre plus
