The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans

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 i...

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 cult...

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...

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 thi...

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 inspire...

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 Takeaway...

On this episode, I welcome Praveen Akkiraju , Managing Director of Insight Partners . Praveen shares insights gained on his journey from the lush landscapes of Andhra Pradesh into a leading role in the global tech and investment world. His story is a clear example of how embracing our cultural roots — coupled with adaptability and visionary leadership — can lead to unparalleled success. Key Takeaw...

On this episode, I’m joined by Kalyan Peri , Chief Information Officer of Commercial Business at Conduent . His life story is not just about the ascent to technological leadership but also about the values and experiences that shape a visionary over the course of a lifetime.  Key Takeaways: (00:50) Village upbringing had a profound and lasting impact on Kalyan. (01:08) Grandparents share their...

On this episode, I’m joined by Aarti Holla-Maini , the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) . Her story weaves together the richness of Indian heritage with her impactful global career, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing diverse worlds. Key Takeaways: (00:09) - Navigating personal attacks in professional scenarios. (01:58) - The influe...

In this episode, I’m joined by Shailesh Upreti , a visionary melding his Indian heritage with cutting-edge scientific innovation. Now the Founder and Director of iM3NY and Founder and CEO of C4V , Shailesh’s journey from a small village in Uttarakhand to the forefront of sustainable energy is as inspiring as it is enlightening. Key Takeaways: (01:50) Shailesh’s upbringing in Uttarakhand was deeply...

In this episode, Ashwin Rangan , Chief Information Officer of ICANN , shares his remarkable story about shifting from Bangalore to becoming a pivotal figure in global internet governance. Ashwin reveals details of his story that demonstrate how to leverage challenges into opportunities, the essence of mentorship and the transformative power of technology. Key Takeaways: (03:26) Growing up in a clo...

In the heart of innovation lies a story of tradition, a narrative that blends the past with future possibilities. On this episode, I am joined by Nikhil Deshpande , Chief Digital and AI Officer for the Georgia Technology Authority . He embodies this blend, weaving his rich cultural heritage with a vision for digital transformation. Key Takeaways: (01:36) Nikhil’s journey from Mumbai’s vibrant cult...

From the colorful landscapes of Chennai to the corridors of Silicon Valley, Bask Iyer ’s remarkable journey is a fusion of innovation, leadership, and the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome the visionary CEO of BaskMind.com and former CIO of VMware and Dell, onto our platform. Join us as Bask shares the milestones and wisdom that catapulted him to the forefront of tec...

On this episode, I am joined by Professor Rama Ramakrishnan , a seasoned academic and advisor with a history in the corporate and academic worlds. He shares his unique journey and insights. Currently serving as a Professor of Practice at the Sloan School of Management, MIT, Rama also has experience from his tenure at Salesforce and various startups. Key Takeaways: (02:09) The influence of Rama’s e...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sanjay Rishi , CEO of Work Dynamics at JLL . With a rich background in global leadership across major firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers, Johnson Controls and IBM, Dr. Rishi shares insights into the evolving role of technology in our work and living spaces. Key Takeaways: (01:58) Dr. Rishi’s journey from a small town in India to leading global roles. (02:29) Th...

In the ever-evolving field of technology and entrepreneurship, blending cultural roots with innovation creates a powerful formula for success. On this episode, I sit down with Arjun Dev Arora , Managing Partner of FormatOne , to explore how his journey demonstrates this blend, carving a unique niche in the tech world. Key Takeaways: (00:22) Arjun’s early life in Minnesota and tech upbringing in Ca...

The most unexpected paths in life often lead to the most rewarding destinations. This fact rings true for Maneesh Goyal , COO of the Mayo Clinic Platform, whose journey from a small town in India to the forefront of healthcare innovation is nothing short of remarkable.  On this episode, I have the pleasure of discussing with Maneesh details about his transition from electrical engineering to...

In this episode, I am joined by Prith Banerjee , the Chief Technology Officer of ANSYS, Inc . From a nomadic childhood to leading technological innovations, Prith’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision. We uncover insights from his journey across continents and industries. Key Takeaways: (03:14) How his adaptability was ingrained from a childhood of frequent relocations. (0...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan , the Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation . His journey from a passionate student in Chennai to leading one of the most significant science and technology institutions in the United States is nothing short of inspiring. Key Takeaways: (02:10) The early influence of Dr. Panchanathan’s parents and their emphasis on strong value...

In the world of tech and innovation, understanding the journey behind success can be as inspiring as the achievements themselves. On this episode, I’m joined by Rama Akkiraju, Vice President AI/ ML for IT at NVIDIA . Rama shares her remarkable journey from Hyderabad, India, to becoming a leader in one of the most dynamic fields today. Key Takeaways: (00:48) Rama's role and her journey in the AI in...

Leadership in the digital age demands more than expertise. It requires a daring spirit and a willingness to learn continuously.  Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Amit Singh , chief business officer of Palo Alto Networks and former Google Cloud President. Amit’s remarkable journey from sales to senior leadership highlights the essence of adaptive leadership in a rapidly evolving cybersecuri...

Sanjay Koyani , Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Department of Labor , joins me to explore the powerful intersection of technology, public health and leadership. On this episode, we delve into Sanjay's personal and professional journey. He takes us from his culturally rich upbringing to leading technological advancements in public service. His story is a testament to the power of diverse exper...

On this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Raj Gupta , Former Chairman of APTIV PLC; Former Chairman and CEO of Rohm and Haas; Past Chairman of the American  Chemistry Council and the Society of Chemical Industry America Section; and Former Chairman of Avantor Inc.  Raj recounts his inspiring journey from a small Indian village to leading a global corporation. He discusses the profound imp...

In this episode, I sit down with the trailblazing Chef, Shrimoyee Chakraborty , Presenter and Producer at Bagh Films Limited. From her early days in Kolkata's suburbs to becoming a culinary and media sensation in London, Shrimoyee's journey is a testament to tenacity, vision and passion. Key Takeaways: (01:06) The essence of understanding beginnings.  (04:52) Navigating a conservative environ...

The journey from humble beginnings to industry leadership contains invaluable lessons and experiences.  In this episode, I sit down with Ravi Simhambhatla , Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Innovation Officer of Avis Budget Group Inc. With an eventful career marked by tenures at Virgin America, Tesla and various airlines, Ravi models resilience, adaptability and the transformati...