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.
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.
“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.”
Shubangi can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhangi-mj/
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 podcast
https://youtu.be/wjgbCiZmbEE
Hope you enjoy!!
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 Introductions
00:52 Early Career and Influential Mentors
02:43 First Major Projects and Overseas Assignments
05:32 Learning and Adapting in France
08:43 Transition to Account Management and Return to India
12:03 Building a Career in Bangalore and Pune
18:31 Navigating Corporate Politics and Final Career Moves
32:03 Introduction to Can Bay and HSBC
32:37 Challenges and Responsibilities at GDC
35:27 Transition to Academia
37:55 Return to Industry and Career Lessons
40:40 Retirement and New Ventures
41:55 Continuous Learning and Technology Trends
45:45 Managing Large Teams and Client Relations
51:51 Networking and Building Relationships
54:09 Retirement Philosophy and Personal Practices
01:00:40 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
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 Welcome
00:36 Early Life and Education
03:26 Higher Education and Career Beginnings
13:24 Transition to Business Development
19:14 Leadership and Team Management
26:39 Transitioning to Customer-Facing Roles
27:33 The Challenges of Business Development
31:30 The Importance of Networking
35:21 Building Genuine Connections
40:05 Navigating Career Transitions
46:22 Personal Practices for Staying Grounded
47:02 The Five Cs Framework for Success
49:46 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravikiran-pothukuchi-47750312/?originalSubdomain=in
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 Welcome
00:42 Early Career and Web Hosting Business
02:49 Transition to Software Development
03:51 Joining Advisor Group and Pro
05:06 Challenges of Running a Business as a Teenager
07:55 Learning and Growth in a Larger Company
09:14 Becoming a CISO and Security Focus
12:21 Evolving Security Landscape and AI
15:01 Data Security and Insider Risk Management
20:51 Zero Trust Environments and Legacy Systems
23:58 Sleepless Nights and Security Concerns
25:50 Balancing Innovation and Security
26:11 Finding Joy in Leadership
26:54 Navigating the CTO and CISO Roles
28:55 Keeping Up with Technology Trends
31:27 Hyper-Personalization and Security Risks
36:02 The Role of Open Source in Security
41:03 Career Advice for Aspiring Security Professionals
45:35 The Impact of AI on Security Jobs
49:11 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/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 Welcome
00:25 Yaron's Origin Story
02:39 Joys and Pains of Open Source
05:21 Challenges of Open Source Coordination
06:14 Role Differences: Architect vs. CTO
08:21 Corporate Influence on Open Source
10:00 On-Prem vs. Cloud-Based Models
11:34 Scalability in Hybrid Environments
13:22 Introduction to Dapper and D Grid
18:05 Security and Supply Chain Challenges
23:27 Low-Code and No-Code Development
25:29 Transition from Corporate to Startup
27:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life
28:31 Music and Software Development Parallels
31:14 Getting Involved in Open Source
32:21 Future of AI and Software Jobs
33:50 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
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.
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.
“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.
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 Finance
Rupam 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.
“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 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.
In this episode, Shiv is in conversation with Mike Maynard, the Managing Director/CEO of the Napier Group, a PR firm.
Mike shares his unconventional career journey from electronics engineering to marketing and recounts his initial interest in mathematics and eventual pivot to electronics engineering, sparked by a school project.
Despite enjoying engineering, he realized his strengths lay in explaining technical details rather than executing them, leading him to roles in technical support and eventually to marketing.
Mike discusses the lack of planning in his career and how opportunistic decisions led him to buy a tech agency just before the dot-com crash in 2001.
He elaborates on the challenges and importance of bridging the empathy gap between engineers and marketers, emphasizing communication as a crucial factor.
The episode also explores the impact of regulatory processes on hardware companies, the importance of diligent marketing in the age of AI, and the evolving landscape of B2B podcasts.
Mike wraps up by offering career tips for those transitioning to marketing, underscoring the value of data analysis skills over traditional creative skills.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:27 Mike's Journey into Technology
01:54 Transition to Marketing
04:22 Challenges in Marketing and Engineering
09:00 Bridging the Gap Between Teams
13:27 Handling Hardware and Software Delays
18:56 Lean Approaches and Reputation Management
21:45 The Hype and Reality of Tech Products
22:10 The Silicon Valley and Bangalore Comparison
23:07 The Importance of Perseverance for Founders
24:51 Product-Led Development vs. Marketing
27:11 The Role of Gen AI in Marketing
34:20 The Future of Podcasting in B2B Marketing
38:47 Career Tips for Aspiring Marketers
42:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Note – above timings are approximate; exact timing may be off by a minute or so
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard/
In this episode, Shiv is in conversation with Prasad Chodavarapu, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Aganitha.ai
In this conversation, Prasad, a tech veteran turned bio-pharma enthusiast, discusses his unique career trajectory from software development to founding a startup in the life sciences space. Prasad shares his journey, starting from his early days in tech during the nascent stages of the internet in the mid-90s, working in startups, and his transition to a large enterprise consulting role.
The conversation dives into the challenges and learnings from shifting into the bio-pharma industry, the impact of AI in this space, the complexities of scientific data, and the nuances of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Prasad also offers valuable career advice for newcomers and those experiencing a mid-career crisis, emphasizing the importance of combining disciplines and lifelong learning.
We wrap up with personal insights on how Prasad maintains balance in his life through music and family support.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:54 Career Beginnings in Software and Technology
04:04 Transition to Life Sciences and Biotech
07:25 Challenges and Innovations in Scientific Computing
09:51 The Role of AI and Data in Modern Science
16:29 Preserving and Digitizing Knowledge Systems
19:42 Startup Journey and Entrepreneurial Insights
24:17 Scientific Collaboration and Practical Applications
32:42 Modeling and Prediction Cycles
33:37 Validating Predictions in the Lab
33:42 Solving Customer Problems with Algorithms
35:33 Understanding the Drug Development Value Chain
37:41 Challenges in Clinical Trials
40:06 The Impact of AI on Science and Technology
45:19 Career Advice for Life Sciences and Computing
51:18 Personal Techniques for Managing Uncertainty
Prasad Chodavarapu is a hands-on tech business exec with 25+ years of exp. in growing tech businesses from start-up stage to a billion-dollar scale
His expertise and track record is in building multi-disciplinary teams
He is a published author, with patents in Data and Process engineering
He is a Co-Founder & Managing Director at Aganitha.ai
His interests include: Deep Science (Comp Bio & Quantum Chem) + Deep Tech (AI/ML, LLMs, Data, Cloud) for accelerating R&D at global BioPharma, Re-imagining with Agentic & Generative AI, every process & app in disease studies, therapeutic design & dev, synthesis, clinical, medical & regulatory affairs.
Among his earlier roles: HCL Tech: SVP & Global delivery head for Transformation Services
He is an alumnus of Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) & IIT Kharagpur
Channels to reach him:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chprasad/
@Omics_Chap on X,
@omics-chap.bsky.social on Bluesky
In this special episode celebrating seven years of the 'Software People Stories
podcast, hosts Anita Shiva, Shiv, Gayatri, and Chitra reflect on their journey. They
discuss the origins, challenges, milestones, and personal experiences of managing
the podcast, offering insights into what kept them motivated. The conversation also
touches on the evolution of the podcast, notable guests, and some of the humorous
behind-the-scenes moments. Looking ahead, the hosts share their vision for the next
phase, including ideas for new formats and expanding the podcast's reach to a
broader audience.
00:00 Introduction and Nervous Beginnings
00:25 Celebrating Seven Years of Podcasting
01:29 The Origins of Software People Stories
02:55 Why Podcasting? Personal Journeys
06:29 Consistency and Habits for Success
12:11 Preparation and Rituals Before Recording
16:54 Tips for Aspiring Podcasters
22:59 Funny and Memorable Moments
31:25 The Power of Storytelling
31:49 Revealing Untold Stories
32:34 Insights from Guests
33:31 Personal Journeys and Reflections
34:42 Influences and Upbringing
37:34 Memorable Guests
44:01 Podcasting Habits and Observations
52:22 Future Aspirations and Gratitude
Thank you Listeners for making this happen
In this special episode of 'Software People Stories,' , our guest is Dr. Krishna Prasad, known more popularly as KP from the 'Full Stack Leadership Cast.' KP shares his journey into podcasting, inspired by the host's longstanding podcast. They discuss the concept of full stack leadership, emphasizing a holistic approach to leadership that impacts business, influences people, and focuses on self-development. KP highlights his experiences from the first season, discussing the challenges of podcasting and the valuable insights gained from his diverse guests. They also delve into the prospects for the next season, including potential global guests and cross-industry learning.
00:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement
00:12 Welcoming the Guest: KP from Full Stack Leadership Cast
01:29 KP's Podcasting Journey and Inspirations
04:46 The Concept of Full Stack Leadership
10:57 Insights from Season One
15:47 Plans for Season Two and Listener Feedback
21:05 Where to Listen and Final Thoughts
Note – above timings are approximate; exact timing may be off by a minute or so
You can listen to the Full Stack leadershipcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4XtBUzCNYXDusMt0HS-T6-hl1BHXpyN9
Or on the PM Power website
https://www.pm-powerconsulting.com/full-stack-leadershipcast/
More on KP at: https://www.pm-powerconsulting.com/experts/krishna-prasad/
In this episode, Shiv is in conversation with Naresh Choudhary, Senior Vice President, Quality & Productivity, Infosys Ltd.
Naresh shares his career journey starting from humble beginnings in Mumbai, studying engineering at VJTI, working at Arvind Mills, and eventually contributing to Infosys for 25 years. The discussion covers his transition from manufacturing to IT, the influence of mentors, various roles at Infosys, and the importance of reframing roles. Naresh also emphasizes the value of great work, networking, mentorship, and maintaining a work-life balance. He talks about driving innovation and change management effectively within a large organization through transparent communication, planning, and continuous feedback. Finally, Naresh offers personal practices like journaling, exercising, and separating work from family time to stay grounded and calm.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Early Career and Education
02:00 Transition to Infosys
03:43 Roles and Responsibilities at Infosys
07:16 Mentorship and Career Growth
10:28 Defining Great Work
15:32 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
19:28 The Importance of Mentors
24:23 Networking and Time Management
29:19 Clearing the Mind for Focus
29:51 Work-Life Balance and Breaks
30:59 Organizational Change and Trust
33:51 Planning and Transparency in Change
34:51 Process Over Tools
36:04 Sponsorship and Milestone Reviews
37:46 Encouraging Knowledge Sharing
43:58 Innovation and Idea Management
47:33 Staying Grounded Amidst Responsibilities
53:00 Personal Practices for Balance
56:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Bio:
In his stint at Infosys over 2 decades, Naresh has worked in different roles in Software Delivery, Consulting, Quality Assurance, Open Source, Enterprise Platforms, Products, Tools & Technology that have provided him opportunities to work on key transformation programs.
Naresh has experience in Software Development, Quality System Design, Process definition, Implementation and Consulting, Product & Platform Engineering, Software Reuse, Knowledge Management, Training, Audits and Assessments. He possesses a sound understanding of various quality models, methodologies and frameworks like CMMI, ISO, Six Sigma, MBNQA, AI, Automation, Agile, DevSecOps & SRE.
Naresh participates on several product councils and advisory boards with Infosys’ global technology partners and is currently leading the effort on reimagining the tooling, engineering excellence, digital platforms, Lean and automation landscape for the enterprise
He is a self confessed Foodie, History enthusiast, Amateur Chef, Motivational Speaker
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nareshchoudhary/
In this episode, Shiv is in conversation with George Mundassery, former SVP and Global head, AI and Automation with Tech Mahindra.
George shares his extensive journey in the IT industry, starting from his early days with Tatas in power systems to his role in automation and AI implementation. George recounts his experiences working with various technologies, including mainframes, real-time systems, Fortran 77, C, and C++, and later transitioning to commercial applications and enterprise solutions with Tuxedo and WebLogic. He also discusses the challenges and successes in delivering large-scale applications, the importance of data management, and the critical role of customer engagement and team collaboration. Additionally, George offers valuable advice for aspiring IT professionals and those navigating mid-career challenges, emphasizing continuous learning, teamwork, and adapting to change.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:10 Curiosity About Architects
00:29 George's Origin Story
01:12 Early Career in Power Systems
02:44 Transition to Commercial Applications
03:38 Exciting Journey with Middleware
05:23 Experience with HCL and Startups
07:13 Setting Up Automation and AI Units
10:51 Challenges in Data Management
15:49 Role as a CTO and Technology Adoption
18:43 Importance of Non-Functional Aspects
22:29 Handling Technical Risks in Projects
28:05 Building a Strong Team from Scratch
30:17 Balancing Technology, Customers, and Overheads
33:22 Challenges and Successes in Automation and AI
37:56 The Impact of Generative AI on Software Engineering
46:29 Advice for IT Professionals at Different Career Stages
53:17 Staying Grounded in a Fast-Paced Industry
56:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mundassery-2117533/
George Mundassery is a seasoned IT leader with 40 years of global service delivery experience, recognized for his pioneering contributions in Intelligent automation and AI. He has served as Global Head of Automation and AI and held senior roles at major firms like Tech Mahindra representing the face of AI and automation initiatives. Throughout his career, he had been focused on building high-performing teams and establishing competencies to deliver value and outcome to global customers through Business and IT transformation programs. George is acknowledged as a respected thought leader and member in leading organizations and think tanks, having shaped robust AI and Automation ecosystems and mentored cross-functional international teams.
My guest today is Michael Ferranti, VP of Marketing at Unleash. In this conversation Michael recounts his journey from the banking sector to the tech world starting during the 2008 financial crisis.
He explains how the launch of Amazon's cloud services led him to join Rackspace, a leading hosting provider at the time.
Michael emphasizes the importance of culture in a company’s success and delves into his career in developer tools, touching upon the shifts in cloud computing, containerization, and microservices architecture, up to the current generative AI revolution.
He discusses the differences between building software for financial services and for developers, stressing the necessity of upskilling to maintain credible conversations with target audiences.
Key insights shared include best practices for feature management, emphasizing the importance of small batch sizes in DevOps, and the critical need for empathy and strong mission alignment in work culture.
Michael concludes with career advice for those looking to enter or advance in software marketing, highlighting the importance of curiosity and adaptability in the fast-evolving tech landscape.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:09 Michael's Journey into Tech
01:29 Early Career at Rackspace
03:28 Transition to Developer Tools
04:31 Differences Between BFSI and Developer Domains
05:42 Understanding Developer Needs
10:04 Feature Management and Testing in Production
13:10 Balancing Technical and Business Requirements
29:30 Building a Strong Company Culture
34:45 Staying Updated with Industry Trends
38:17 Career Tips for Aspiring Marketers
42:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrantim/
Michael Ferranti is a seasoned enterprise technologist and product strategist with deep experience in the developer tools and cloud-native ecosystems. Across companies like Portworx, Teleport, and now Unleash, Michael has consistently been at the forefront of how modern engineering teams build, release, and secure software at scale.
He’s led product and marketing teams through high-growth phases, acquisitions, and major category creation efforts—often sitting at the intersection of infrastructure innovation and developer experience. At Portworx, he helped define the Kubernetes-native storage and backup category. At Teleport, he worked on reimagining secure infrastructure access by replacing legacy VPNs and PAM tools with developer-first identity-based access. At Unleash, he’s helping redefine how teams manage feature delivery with open-source roots and enterprise-grade scale.
Michael speaks the language of engineering leaders because he’s worked side-by-side with them for over a decade. His approach to go-to-market is grounded in understanding real user workflows, developer psychology, and the shifting realities of enterprise architectures—from Kubernetes to DevSecOps to open-source adoption models.
Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Sunil David, Digital Technology Consultant |Ex-Regional Director(IOT)- AT&T we discuss What does it take to evolve from installing multiplexers in the 90s to becoming one of India’s most respected IoT evangelists and startup mentors? In this episode, Sunil David shares his three-decade journey across telecom, IoT, and digital transformation.
Early Career Foundations
Sunil began his professional journey in 1994, right after completing his Electronics and Communication Engineering. Unlike many peers who shifted to unrelated fields, he was one of the “lucky few,” as he puts it, to continue working in his chosen discipline for decades.
After short but formative experiences in networking, VSAT installations, and enterprise software, 2000 marked a turning point when Sunil joined AT&T. What began as a role in sales grew into a 14-year career where he rose to become Regional Head for South India, handling enterprise connectivity services.
Technology Evangelism & Mentorship
At this time Sunil David, works on immersing himself in a specific set of fields to be a thought leader, and fully dedicate himself to mentorship, sustainability, and giving back.
“Imagine the value you can unlock when billions of assets—from machines in a factory to vehicles on the road—start generating data. The opportunities to monetize and transform industries are humongous.”
“We are clearly seeing the move from being reactive to predictive. Thanks to AI and IoT, enterprises can act proactively before something causes damage—whether it’s a machine on a shop floor or even human health.”
“Optimizing energy usage is not just good for the environment—it makes business sense. Lower energy bills mean direct savings, while reducing carbon emissions benefits the planet.”
“Learning never stops. We are in a lifelong journey of learning and unlearning. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”
“It’s not just about financial success. You have to ask yourself—what legacy am I leaving behind? Will people remember the impact I created?”
“My forte is B2B, especially AI and IoT for manufacturing and sustainability. Staying focused allows me to truly add value to startups, rather than spreading myself thin.”
About Sunil David
Sunil David is an Independent Digital Technology Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the IT and Telecom Industry . He’s spent almost 20 years with AT&T India. In his last stint with AT&T held from March 2017 until April 2022 , he was the Regional Director – IOT( India and ASEAN ). He’s had extensive experience in Business Strategy , Sales , Business Development and Alliance & Partnership building during my AT&T stints .
Sunil is associated as a Gold Mentor with T-Hub ( Telangana Hub) based in Hyderabad one of India’s largest startup incubators supporting some of India’s most innovative technology startups specifically focused on areas around Smart Manufacturing and ESG.
Sunil is a much sought after speaker in several industry forum on topics related to IOT, AI, 5G, Digital Transformation , Industry 4.0 and 5.0 , Gen AI, Metaverse, Future of Technology , Future of Work , Digital Marketing , Cyber security , Quantum Computing, ESG etc. He has also authored a number of articles for various technology websites, B2B Tech and telecom related publications and a few prominent media houses like Fortune India, Indian Express, Moneycontrol, ET Edge , Communications Today, Voice and Data, etc.
Sunil is actively engaged with Industry bodies like CII, NASSCOM , IET, IACC etc working on a number of National initiatives around Digital Transformation advocacy and awareness for Enterprises especially SMEs, Digital Skilling for Women, Startup-Corporate connect , ESG awareness etc.
Sunil is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune ( Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with specialization in Marketing )
Sunil can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-david-8165971/
In this episode Shiv is in conversation with Jason Casey, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Identity. Jason talks about his early fascination with technology, his career trajectory, and how he entered cybersecurity. He describes Beyond Identity's mission to eliminate passwords and improve identity verification. Jason shares insights on staying ahead in cybersecurity, touching on topics like AI, supply chain attacks, and trusted computing. He discusses the transition from CTO to CEO, the importance of curiosity and experimentation in both early and mid-career stages, and his personal practices for managing stress and staying grounded.
00:25 Jason Casey's Early Fascination with Technology
01:22 Journey into Cybersecurity
02:23 Understanding the Hacker Mindset
03:58 Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity
06:57 Fundamentals of AI and Security
09:01 Challenges and Innovations in AI Security
10:16 Building Secure Systems with AI
13:50 The Cost of Real-Time Security
15:24 Deterministic vs. Probabilistic Security Controls
17:19 The Role of Honeypots in Cybersecurity
18:44 Adversarial Tactics and Device Posture
21:15 AI in Software Development and Security
25:17 Trusted Computing in Aerospace and Defense
27:01 Hardware-Based Trusted Computing
28:04 Genesis of Beyond Identity
29:31 Meeting Jim Clark
32:17 Beyond Identity's Mission
34:04 Transition from CTO to CEO
37:17 Career Tips for Cybersecurity
50:06 Personal Practices to Stay Grounded
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jassoncasey/
Jasson Casey currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Beyond Identity, where he's built an identity security platform for enterprises to make identity-based attacks impossible.
Jasson has 20+ years of experience delivering security and networking products to all markets and customer types, including global enterprises and carriers. He served as CTO at Security Scorecard, Fellow in CyberSecurity with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and as Advisor to IronNet CyberSecurity, a security startup founded by Gen. (Ret) Keith Alexander.
Prior to Beyond Identity, Jasson was VP of Engineering at IronNet CyberSecurity and oversaw development of the vendor's revolutionary collective intelligence platform and pioneered new approaches to total network observability, including limitless wire rate packet capture with truly elastic retention abilities.
He also brings a long history of innovation advocacy for Software Defined Networks (SDN) through his work founding and leading Flowgrammable, and serving as a member of the Software Leadership Council at the Open Networking Foundation. Previously he held roles in product management, business development and engineering with CenturyTel(CenturyLink), Level3(CenturyLink), and Alcatel(Nokia).
Jasson has a BSEE from the University of Texas at Austin and has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Texas A&M University.
In this interesting conversation with Eric Müller, Product Engineering Associate Director at Work & Co, part of Accenture Song, he shares many nuggets including:
- The importance of balancing perfect architecture with practical, implementable solutions.
- Acknowledging and managing technical debt efficiently.
- Understanding business needs to prevent over-engineering.
- Creating high-performing teams through trust, communication, and ensuring appropriate tools and training are in place.
- The significance of empathy, both towards team members and clients, and developing a well-rounded worldview.
- Addressing security vulnerabilities proactively and maintaining rigorous safety standards.
- Utilizing Gen AI tools like ChatGPT with caution, emphasizing verification and human oversight.
- Personal practices that help maintain a work-life balance and ensure continuous personal growth, such as engaging in hobbies like photography and cooking, exercising, and maintaining effective communication within teams.
Eric Müller, is an Associate Director focusing on Product Engineering and Digital Security at Work & Co, part of Accenture Song, where leads engineering teams and supported automated processes to deliver high-quality digital products for the past decade. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and security, Eric has worked across various industries including banking, social media, B2B, retail, fashion, and online gaming.
His extensive background includes significant roles at Wells Fargo Bank, Charles Schwab, Razorfish, and Mekanism, where he delivered award-winning projects for clients such as Microsoft, Business Wire, Anza, and Vibrant Planet. Eric fosters empathetic leadership and transparent communication to build resilient, high-performing tech teams.
An advocate for healthy agency-client collaboration, Eric involves partners early and often in the development process. His experience has proven that stronger client relationships result in better products. Beyond his professional achievements, Eric is an amateur photographer and baking enthusiast who loves discussing security.
Eric may be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmullersf/
My guest today is Steven Puri, founder of the Sukha, that offers solutions to help individuals increase their productivity through being in a flow state.
Steven was a senior executive at DreamWorks Pictures and 20th Century Fox, who has successfully transitioned into the tech industry.
He shares his career journey, from producing computer graphics for movies like 'Independence Day' to his ventures in the tech space, raising $21 million in venture capital.
He discusses the importance of cross-domain learning, productivity, and achieving a flow state.
Steven delves into how his background in both film and tech has shaped his approach to managing remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the significance of meaningful work and the right conditions for flow.
He also introduces his company, Suka, that has been built based on insights into various tools and techniques. This episode offers useful insights for leaders and individuals aiming to enhance their productivity and creativity.
Among the topics he covers are:
Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life.
Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM.
After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects.
Steven’s first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more.
After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company - ‘sukha’ means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment’ in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to have a focused experience and a healthy, productive workday.
Steven lives in Austin, TX now.
In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri Kalyanaraman speaks with Shikha Munjal, Associate Director Fidelity International, about her dynamic journey across technology, finance, people management and community building.
Shikha Munjal’s story begins in a small town in Haryana, where she pursued computer science engineering—a choice influenced by her father’s vision rather than her own. What started as a decision made for her soon turned into a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving.
She began her career with Accenture in Bangalore, diving straight into the corporate world just two days after finishing her final exams. Although trained in one technology, she was placed on projects with Informatica and data technologies, which opened a new career-long interest in data management and reporting tools.
From there, Shikha moved to Headstrong (later acquired by Genpact), working primarily with Morgan Stanley’s account, and even spent nearly a year onsite in Tokyo. That global experience left a lasting impression on her work ethic—she admired the Japanese culture of discipline, continuous learning, and deep focus.
Her journey next took her to JP Morgan in Mumbai, where she strengthened her expertise in financial services and data-driven systems. But personal circumstances brought her back to the Delhi NCR region, where she eventually joined Fidelity International, her professional home for over a decade.
At Fidelity, Shikha grew into senior leadership, taking on roles that blended technology, business analysis, and product management. She emphasized not just building solutions, but delivering real business outcomes—aligning technology with the fast-paced demands of the financial services industry.
Along the way, she invested in continuous learning—pursuing certifications in Informatica, IBM, product management, financial analysis, and cloud/data platforms like Snowflake. She transitioned from being a technologist to a business leader and product owner, always guided by her growth mindset.
Beyond her corporate role, Shikha has been an active advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as a chapter lead at AnitaB.org North India. She blends her professional identity with her personal roles as a mother, wife, daughter, and sister, often saying that her strength comes from integrating all these parts of her life.
Today, as Associate Director at Fidelity International, Shikha is shaping data strategies, product roadmaps, and inclusive leadership practices—all while staying curious, resilient, and adaptable in an era of rapid technological and business change.
Shikha Munjal is Associate Director at Fidelity International with over 20 years of experience in technology and financial services. She has held roles at Accenture, HCL, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and now Fidelity. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, she has led the North India chapter of AnitaB.org. Shikha is passionate about data, product management, and continuous learning, and believes in shaping her career with curiosity and resilience.
Shikha can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-munjal-19370113a/