Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Society & Culture
Business
Sports
Health & Fitness
Fiction
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
Loading...
0:00 / 0:00
Podjoint Logo
US
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/3c/93/f2/3c93f24e-e337-600e-b28b-b6e6f8e6bb8f/mza_16283309347382231614.jpeg/600x600bb.jpg
The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Sanjay Puri
52 episodes
2 weeks ago
The Indianness podcast enables leaders of Indian origin to tell their stories to inspire the next generation. Guests include leaders in business, health care, education, NGO’s, politics and various other fields.
Show more...
Careers
Business,
Entrepreneurship
RSS
All content for The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans is the property of Sanjay Puri and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Indianness podcast enables leaders of Indian origin to tell their stories to inspire the next generation. Guests include leaders in business, health care, education, NGO’s, politics and various other fields.
Show more...
Careers
Business,
Entrepreneurship
Episodes (20/52)
The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Indianness Podcast: Harini Gopalakrishnan on Learning, Integrity, and Career Growth – Lessons from the CTO for Life Sciences at Snowflake

Indianness Podcast: Harini Gopalakrishnan on Learning, Integrity, and Career Growth 

🎧 How does integrity and a strong foundation shape career success? In this engaging episode of the Indianness Podcast, Sanjay Puri interviews Harini Gopalakrishnan, CTO for Life Sciences at Snowflake. Harini reflects on her career journey, from her early days in Chennai to becoming a leader in healthcare technology. 

📌 Topics Covered: 


  • The impact of growing up in a joint family 
  • How her grandmother’s lessons on integrity shaped her career 
  • The value of foundational knowledge in professional success 
  • Why saying "no" can build more trust than saying "yes" 
  • How continuous learning and adaptability are key to career longevity 

🚀 Watch now to learn how Harini’s approach to integrity and learning drives her success! 

 


Resources Mentioned: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harinigopalakrishnan/ 

 

⏱️ Timestamps: 

0:00 - Podcast Episode Highlights   

1:05 - Harini’s early life: Born in Kerala, raised in Chennai, bilingual roots, and joint family upbringing.   

2:05 - Emphasis on education and gender equality in her family.   

3:03 - Memories of grandparents and their influence (moral values, music lessons).   

4:03 - Learning veena and lifelong lessons from foundational skills.   

5:15 - Career advice: Importance of foundational knowledge and adaptability.   

7:34 - Balancing passion vs. practicality in career choices.   

10:14 - Transition to college: Networking, curiosity, and cultural adaptability.   

13:05 - Discussing integrity and saying "no" in professional settings.   

17:38 - Choosing computer science: Pragmatism and societal expectations.   

20:07 - Undergrad experience: Fun vs. academic rigor, soft skills.   

24:27 - First job at Cognizant: Corporate challenges and self-discovery.   

30:01 - Pursuing a master’s in bioinformatics: Risk-taking and career pivots.   

34:06 - Career inflection points: Moving to tech, international exposure.   

39:56 - Working in Europe and cultural adaptability lessons.   

46:04 - Leadership style influenced by Indian values (integrity, customer focus).   

50:10 - Failures and resilience: Returning to India post-master’s.   

53:44 - Role of mentors: Grandmother, professors, and customer guidance.   

55:34 - Lightning round: Coffee lover, remote work preference, intuition over data.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 1 minute 4 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Breaking Barriers & Driving Digital Transformation | Indianness Podcast ft. Anjana Harve, EVP & CIO, BJ’s Wholesale Club

In this episode of the Indianness Podcast, we sit down with Anjana Harve, EVP & CIO at BJ’s Wholesale Club, to explore the intersection of leadership, innovation, and digital transformation. With a career spanning multiple industries, she shares insights on navigating AI advancements, leading global teams, and fostering an inclusive tech culture. 


💡 Key Takeaways: 

✔ How to drive large-scale digital transformation across diverse industries. 

✔ The future of AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making. 

✔ Lessons from leading Fortune 500 companies through technological shifts. 

✔ The importance of mentorship and diverse leadership in tech. 

🚀 This episode is a must-watch for aspiring leaders, tech professionals, and innovators! 


 


Resources Mentioned: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjanaharve/ 

 

⏱️ Timestamps: 

00:00 - Episode Highlights 

01:05 - Early Life & Roots in India 

03:46 - Father’s Influence: Integrity & Perception 

08:11 - Leadership Lessons from a Judge 

13:23 - Mother’s Role: Curiosity & Self-Improvement 

17:00 - Adapting to Change & Building Connections 

20:14 - Work-Life Balance & Family Feedback 

25:39 - Career Journey: From India to the U.S. 

30:27 - Defining Indianness in Leadership 

36:09 - Mentorship & Inflection Points 

44:47 - Lightning Round Q&A 

52:55 - Final Takeaways 

Show more...
2 months ago
58 minutes 7 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Leadership, Innovation, and Indianness: A Conversation with Dr. Pradeep Khosla

In this episode, Dr. Pradeep Khosla reflects on his career, the role of mentorship, and the importance of embracing challenges. Learn how his Indian roots influenced his approach to leadership and innovation in the U.S. education system. 


Resources Mentioned: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradeepkhosla/ 

https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/about/about-the-chancellor/index.html 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradeep_Khosla 


Show more...
3 months ago
58 minutes 50 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Transforming Education and Leadership with Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, ​​Founder & Trustee of Ashoka University, Founding Dean of ISB, Founder of Harappa Education and President at upGrad

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




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

Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 15 minutes 10 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
How Indian Roots, Bullying and Academic Excellence Shaped White House Leadership with Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Brown University School of Public Health and Former White House COVID-19 Coordinato

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





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

Show more...
6 months ago
45 minutes 5 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
The Power of Decision-Making in High-Stakes Environments with Mamta Patel Nagaraja

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




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

Show more...
7 months ago
1 hour 4 minutes 23 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
From NIT Kurukshetra to IBM Fellow: An Inspiring Journey with Dr. Ruchir Puri Chief Scientist of IBM Research; IBM Fellow; VP of IBM Corporate Technology

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




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

Show more...
8 months ago
1 hour 5 minutes 16 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Lessons in Resilience and Innovation From Media Veteran Raju Narisetti

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/




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

Show more...
10 months ago
58 minutes 11 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Discovering Leadership and Family Perspectives with Sonalee Parekh of RingCentral

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




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

Show more...
10 months ago
55 minutes 51 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
The Evolution of AI in Financial Services Explored by Dr. Prem Natarajan

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





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

Show more...
11 months ago
1 hour 10 minutes 8 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
The Journey of Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital with Shruti Gandhi

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/





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

Show more...
11 months ago
42 minutes 11 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
A Childhood of Resilience and Creativity Fuels AI Innovation with Dhireesha Kudithipudi of UTSA

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/





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

Show more...
11 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 37 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Innovating Global Supply Chains at Estée Lauder with Sowmya Gottipati

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






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

Show more...
12 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes 26 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Harnessing Entrepreneurial Spirit for Social Good with Kedar Deshpande

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





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

Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 10 minutes 50 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Leading Change at the IRS: Kaschit Pandya's Cultural Journey

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





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

Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 7 minutes 31 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Charting a Path From Cultural Foundations to Leading Space Tango with Sita Sonty

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.




#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Show more...
1 year ago
53 minutes 25 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Reflecting on the Impact of Teaching and Learning From Experiences with Dr. Ravi Pendse

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.



#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Show more...
1 year ago
54 minutes 55 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Following the Journey From Andhra Pradesh to Silicon Valley with Ravi Pendekanti of Western Digital

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.



#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 5 minutes 11 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Building Bridges of Innovation From Kashmir to the World of Technology with Ramesh Razdan of Bain & Company

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.



#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Show more...
1 year ago
57 minutes 12 seconds

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
Leadership in Technology and Environmental Stewardship with Raju Rajan

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.





#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Show more...
1 year ago
57 minutes 1 second

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
The Indianness podcast enables leaders of Indian origin to tell their stories to inspire the next generation. Guests include leaders in business, health care, education, NGO’s, politics and various other fields.