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 ..read more

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 for ..read more

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) Leader ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

In this episode, I’m joined by Shailesh Upreti, a visionary melding his Indian heritage with cutting-edge scientific innovation. Now the Founder and Director of iM3NY and Founder and CEO of C4V, Shailesh’s journey from a small village in Uttarakhand to the forefront of sustainable energy is as inspiring as it is enlightening. Key Takeaways: (01:50) Shailesh’s upbringing in Uttarakhand was deeply rooted in educational values. (11:01) Adapting to new schools shaped his resilience. (14:01) Shailesh opens up about the crucial support from his brother. (23:13) Folk music and nature spark his crea ..read more

In this episode, Ashwin Rangan, Chief Information Officer of ICANN, shares his remarkable story about shifting from Bangalore to becoming a pivotal figure in global internet governance. Ashwin reveals details of his story that demonstrate how to leverage challenges into opportunities, the essence of mentorship and the transformative power of technology. Key Takeaways: (03:26) Growing up in a close-knit, extended family environment in Bangalore fostered a sense of community and belonging. (05:31) Ashwin’s grandfather, the first in his family to attend university, profoundly impacted his value ..read more

In the heart of innovation lies a story of tradition, a narrative that blends the past with future possibilities. On this episode, I am joined by Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital and AI Officer for the Georgia Technology Authority. He embodies this blend, weaving his rich cultural heritage with a vision for digital transformation. Key Takeaways: (01:36) Nikhil’s journey from Mumbai’s vibrant culture to tech innovation. (07:25) From Sir J.J. School of Art and IIT Bombay to tech leadership in Georgia. (12:50) Meeting his life partner in college and the impact it had on him. (24:49) Driving digi ..read more

From the colorful landscapes of Chennai to the corridors of Silicon Valley, Bask Iyer’s remarkable journey is a fusion of innovation, leadership, and the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome the visionary CEO of BaskMind.com and former CIO of VMware and Dell, onto our platform. Join us as Bask shares the milestones and wisdom that catapulted him to the forefront of technological leadership, embodying the essence of global success through authenticity and insight. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Bask Iyer's journey from Chennai to Silicon Valley. (05:45) The formative role ..read more