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- 4 days ago54 min
Navigating Career Curves and Breaks with Chaitra Rao
My guest today is Chaitra Partha Rao, Vice President at Daimler Truck Innovation Center India – Manufacturing , Sales & Aftersales.Chaitra shares how her childhood aspirations to become a neurosurgeon shifted to commerce due to cost constraints, eventually leading her into IT through an internship at a medical diagnostics firm automating stores processes. She describes observing early requirement-gathering and MVP-style delivery, learning the importance of user empathy, and contrasts it with a later failure where a $15M trading interface was rejected because designers didn’t listen to analysts. Her career spans core banking, Fidelity-style investing, equity trading transformation (including crypto/digital assets focus in 2015–2017), and automotive/trucking, emphasizing designing for human touchpoints even amid AI trends. She discusses patience versus outcome-chasing, staying focused via “recalculating” and timeboxing, scaling systems using “day in the life” simulations, cross-cultural user commonalities, cautious optimism about synthetic data, guidance for women returning from career breaks, and grounding routines like yoga, reflection, cooking, and music. The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section00:00 Welcome and Setup00:42 From Medicine to Commerce02:37 First IT Breakthrough05:41 Curiosity Meets Automation10:56 User Empathy in Practice16:33 Human Touch vs AI18:39 Patience and Ambition22:04 Staying Focused Timeboxing26:07 Commute Predictability Hacks26:37 Banking vs Trading Reality28:10 Learning Traders Language31:27 Designing for Scale Patterns36:38 Cross Culture User Insights40:12 AI Synthetic Personas Limits44:27 Returning After Career Break49:12 Staying Grounded Daily Routine51:13 Closing Reflections ThanksChaitra is a seasoned leader with 26 years of experience in IT traversing through Fintech & Automotive domains. Her formative leadership experience stems from working for Fidelity Investments , a company that shaped who she is while putting it to practice and being able to coach and nurture A teams is an opportunity that she experiences with her current organization.She has played various roles that have taken her through learning paths that have been challenging as well as fulfilling in the areas of technology, process and team building. She calls herself as ‘still a work-in-progress’, curious learner who takes one day at a time , enjoying it to the maximum and helping coach leaders and teams to bring their best. She may be reached on: chaitrasreesha@gmail.com
- 1 weeks ago50 min
Navigating Tech and Chaos with Tyler Wells
My guest today is Tyler Wells, co-founder of Brain Grid.Tyler recounts 25+ years in software, from an early IBM XT to work across military communications, startups, Skype/Microsoft, and seven and a half years at Twilio building video and SRE organizations, before founding Propel Data (which didn’t find product-market fit) and then Brain Grid. He describes an experiment-driven approach to building high-performance systems by defining hypotheses, creating a “steel thread” MVP, and prioritizing observability for 2:00 AM incidents. He discusses how AI coding shifts focus from typing code to architecture, documentation, critical thinking, and red-teaming plans, while warning that agents need guidance on separation of concerns and DRY to avoid refactor side effects. Brain Grid emerged from using Cursor agents during Propel’s wind-down and aims to generate detailed specs, acceptance criteria, and validation loops so agents implement features reliably, with attention to token efficiency. He also covers co-founder traits, chaos engineering, compliance challenges for solopreneurs, career advice, and staying grounded through exercise, cooking, and family.Tyler Wells is the Co-founder and CTO at BrainGrid, BrainGrid is one of the first platforms built specifically to replace the missing product management role in AI-native software development.He is currently building BrainGrid — helping engineering teams ship faster with AI-assisted requirements breakdown and task management. We're focused on bridging the gap between product ideas and implementation-ready work.His Background: He has spent 25+ years building systems where failure isn't an option—from satellite communications at Hughes Space to real-time video at global scale. I led the team that built Facebook's first video calling feature powered by Skype, then spent 7+ years at Twilio building their Video Platform (WebRTC) and leading SRE/Observability across the company.
- 2 weeks ago51 min
Building a Business Dream with L A Balamurugan
My guest today is L.A. Balamurugan, known as Bala. With extensive experience in software development, he now plays the role of a delivery coach.In this conversation filled with nuggets from his experience, Bala shares his career journey from a computer science degree in the early 1990s to roles at HCL, Perot Systems in the US, and Manugistics.After earning a master’s in information systems and software engineering from George Mason University, he joined HP Labs in Bangalore as an R&D project/program manager on HP OpenView and became involved in early Agile/Scrum adoption and scaling. He later launched a boutique consulting firm and co-founded BookMyTrainings.com (a training marketplace), grew it with angel funding, and expanded into payment collection and L&D program management before COVID led to winding it down. He then spent about seven years as an Agile coach and recently published a startup-focused book, "What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Up," covering founder blind spots, idea alignment, co-founder choices, and emotional resilience.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:30 Early Career at HCL01:53 Textile Systems Tech Stack02:28 US Onsite Perot Systems03:41 Supply Chain at Manugistics05:20 Return to India and Masters06:13 HP Labs and Agile Shift08:10 Entrepreneurship Leap08:57 Building BookMyTrainings10:23 Payments and Revenue Model11:52 SAFe Training and Coaching13:43 COVID Impact and Book Writing16:22 Learning New Domains Fast19:03 Dual Hat PM and Scrum22:48 Two Sided Marketplace Insights25:03 Training Pain Points26:05 Building Trust Platform26:53 Win Win Marketplace29:26 AI In Learning Paths32:06 Agile Culture Vs Delivery34:49 Writing Startup Book40:08 Career Tips In AI Era44:47 Co Founder Dilemma47:24 Staying Grounded49:56 Closing ThoughtsL. A. Balamurugan, or Bala, began his career as a computer science engineer, studying in India and later completing his Master’s in the USA. After sixteen years building software products and leading teams, he moved into entrepreneurship, founding multiple ventures including BookMyTrainings, a well known training marketplace in India. Following the pandemic and the closure of the startup, Bala now works as a Delivery Coach helping software teams deliver better products faster. His entrepreneurial journey inspired his book, What I Wish I Knew Before I Started: A Founder’s Guide to Understanding One’s Blind Spots and Equipping Before Venturing.Bala’s Linkedin profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/labmuruganLink to his book: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0GFNP7NTG
- 3 weeks ago54 min
Unleashing Potential with Rajesh Sharma
In this episode, I am in conversation with Rajesh Sharma, co-founder and chief product officer of ProHance. Rajesh covers a lot of ground starting from his move from Public Sector to SaaS Founder.Rajesh describes his path from a modest middle-class upbringing in Shimla and a mechanical engineering degree to a stable career at HPCL, then a major career reset into software after quitting his public-sector job to take an IBM course and restarting as a trainee. He later co-founded JaMocha Tech (now ProHance) in 2009 with co-founder Kishore Reddy, backed early by angel investor Sudhir Sharma, aiming to build a world-class software product from India. After experimenting with multiple products and learning that market feedback matters more than expert opinions, they focused on ProHance, a horizontal work visibility and effectiveness platform, now with 250+ customers in 23 countries, ~200+ employees, and a private equity majority investor. He emphasizes the importance of complementary co-founders, supportive family, direct founder-customer feedback loops, profitability and frugality, outcome ownership, and adopting AI internally and in-product.00:00 Welcome and Setup01:00 Origin Story and Courage02:10 From Shimla to Bangalore04:22 Quitting HPCL for IT07:06 Starting the Company11:06 Why Team Matters14:02 Family Support System16:56 Finding Product Market Fit18:45 Choosing the Winning Product23:18 Selling a Horizontal SaaS24:31 Business Meets Tech25:48 Customer Value Mindset27:36 Product Decisions and Risk30:36 Start Small MVP33:01 Founder Led Feedback Loop35:28 Scaling Global Teams36:05 Leaders From Customers39:16 AI Adoption and Roadmap46:03 Staying Grounded Values50:21 Parting Advice Start NowRajesh Sharma is a first-generation entrepreneur and the co-founder of ProHance, a highly successful, self-funded, profitable SaaS startup built from the ground up in Bangalore, India.Born and raised in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Rajesh earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from MNIT, Jaipur. He began his professional journey with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), one of India’s leading public sector oil and gas companies.After over 12 years at HPCL, Rajesh identified the rising potential of the IT sector and made a strategic career transition in 2000, moving from a stable corporate role to the technology industry as a software engineer. He gained practical experience in software product development with companies including Network Solutions, International Decision Systems, and JSoft.In 2009, Rajesh co-founded JaMocha Tech with Kishore Reddy (later renamed ProHance) where he leveraged his techno-functional expertise to build a profitable, debt-free SaaS enterprise. Today, ProHance stands as a global platform with over 200 enterprise customers and an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of around $18 million. In December 2023, ChrysCapital acquired a 75% stake in ProHance, fuelling its next phase of global expansion across regions such as the Philippines, Australia, and South America.Throughout his career, he has consistently embraced roles beyond his core expertise, applying a hands-on, practical approach that combines on-the-job learning with sound judgment. This rare combination has shaped him into a
- Apr 18, 202652 min
A real natural with Arundathi Rao
Host: Chitra Gurjar4 decades and counting, always energized to do something, work is my DNAFrom post and telegraph to giving tuitions to creating her own agency to studyAn advocate for herself, nurturing her desire to serveTurning away “assured” job offers to join Defence Labs as a Scientist at CABSMoved onto a “lesser assurance” to join HPPeople and culture at the heart of her 3+decade stay at HPChallenging status quo, try and fail, Innovation has to be a part of one’s daily lifeStay focused on problems that you are solving and layer tools and technology to solve your problemFocus on incremental delivery of valueHolding a people vision through the course of her workStrong belief that “AI will improve the quality of jobs”Learning is a constant - continue to build Apply training and learning programs intentionallyWorking on a market analysis - next gen quoterStrong belief on impact of AI on Healthcare and EducationBelieving that coaching is something everyone should learn, enable people as answers lie within each oneWorking with a non-profit Daksham skills and Dreams Designs Arundathi has been working in technology and leadership related roles for the last 40+ years. Shestarted her career as a Scientist at Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, India.While at DRDO, she was involved in development of Radar transmitter and controller systems.Arundathi joined Hewlett Packard in 1996 and during her 27+ year career in HP and HPE, she hasworked in multiple roles across various business units. Under her leadership, HP rolled out multiplemarket leading internet services related products on HPUX. She was on one of the key leaderresponsible for setting up Global IT teams offshore centre in India in 2004. She has managed a teamof 3000+ technologists delivering for IT, across multiple technologies and multiple business areasenabling HP(E)’s business. She has successfully lead and delivered multiple IT transformationprojects. She has also lead the people transformation to move towards digital technologies inalignment with the market trends and business needs. She has had a short stint of 2 years at EY asthe Engineering leader for India, in Client Technology, building on Product engineering and deliverycapability. In the recent past she was the Global Program Manager for HPE’s industry leading NextGeneration IT transformation program. She leads the Global Delivery Services organisation, which isthe internal the delivery engine for GIT. She is also the India leader for HPE’s Global IT.Arundathi has led several initiatives in people transformation towards digital transformation,customer centricity and employee engagement. She is passionate about building teams and leaderswho are future proof and future safe. She has a strong passion towards building women leaders intechnology and mentored and coached many women through focussed initiatives. She has also hada stint as the chairperson at HP for Prevention of Sexual Harassment at workplace.Arundathi has as Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics from GovernmentCollege of Technology, Coimbatore and Master of Technology from Indian Institute of Technology,Madras (IITM). She is a certified coach.During her free time, Arundathi loves to teach, coach, travel and read.
- Apr 15, 202632 min
Bits, Banking & Business Analytics with Muthusamy Vetrivel
In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri speaks with Muthusamy Vetrivel, Manager – Business Analytics at Saudi National Bank (formerly Saudi French Bank), about a career that spans over four decades of technological disruption.Vetrivel’s journey is anything but conventional.He began in the granite export business — negotiating documents and standing nervously at bank counters. That experience sparked curiosity: “What happens behind the counter?” That curiosity led him into banking.In the mid-1980s, when computers first entered Indian banks, he was among a select group trained in programming through Aptech — at a time when unions resisted “computers” and they were rebranded as Advanced Ledger Posting Machines (ALPM).From:Assembly language and MS-DOS20 MB storage limits286 machines and floppy disksWriting modules for savings and current accountsTo:Oracle databasesLAN networksCore banking migrationsAnd today — analyzing 5 million customer records in secondsVetrivel has lived through every wave of banking transformation.Now in Riyadh, he leads Business Analytics — studying customer behavior, spending patterns, and helping the bank design better financial products while staying compliant with regulations governed by the Saudi Central Bank.Beyond banking, he serves as a community leader with the Riyadh Tamil Sangam — supporting migrant workers, coordinating repatriation flights during COVID, promoting Tamil literacy, and building recognized Tamil-speaking Toastmasters clubs globally.His philosophy is simple:Be sincere. Be honest. Contribute a little more than expected.A rare combination of technical depth, regulatory understanding, business acumen, and grassroots community service — this episode is a masterclass in longevity, relevance, and purpose.Muthusamy Vetrivel is a seasoned Banking and Data Analytics Specialist with over three decades of combined experience in both information technology and banking operations. He currently serves as Manager – Business Analytics at Saudi National Bank (formerly Banque Saudi Fransi), where he leads analytics initiatives that harness customer insights, large-scale data, and business intelligence to drive product design, customer understanding, and strategic decision-making.Vetrivel’s career uniquely spans core banking systems, software project management, and data analysis, rooted in deep experience with legacy banking platforms and modern analytics environments. Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of banking technology — from early MIS and core banking implementations to advanced analytics workflows processing millions of records.Beyond his professional domain, Muthusamy is also known for community leadership, particularly through his involvement with expatriate cultural and support initiatives, mentoring, and building networks that bridge technical expertise with service and social impact.Vetrivel can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvetrivel/<p
- Mar 29, 202636 min
Beyond Coding: Thriving as a Thinker in the Age of AI with Manisha Deshpande
In this special Women’s Day episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri sits down with Manisha Deshpande, VP, Digital Platform Engineering at Neurealm, for a deeply reflective conversation on career evolution, motherhood, leadership, and thriving in the AI era.Manisha’s journey begins in the early 2000s — renting desktops with friends, coding in C++, and working at startups before “startups” were cool. A pivotal on-site experience early in her career changed how she viewed engineering — from writing code to understanding customer impact.Across 25 years in technology — from digital asset management to identity & access management, from services to product engineering, from engineering leadership to heading UX Centers of Excellence — Manisha shares the inflection points that shaped her:Choosing to intentionally slow down during certain seasons of lifeMoving from domain specialist to product mindset thinkerBridging design and engineeringLeading horizontally across business unitsPreparing teams for AI not just technically — but mentallyShe speaks candidly about:Why “letting go” without regret is powerfulThe importance of showing up every dayBuilding a support system beyond workThe shift from executor to thinker in the AI ageWhy curiosity is the only non-negotiable skillFrom rental 386 desktops to AI agents and workflow automation — this episode is about evolution, resilience, and staying human in a rapidly changing industry.If you’re a software professional navigating change, motherhood, leadership, or the AI disruption — this conversation is both grounding and energizing. Quotable QuotesHere are powerful pull-quotes you can use for LinkedIn, audiograms, or graphics:“Technology is shrinking in shelf life — but curiosity never expires.”“You cannot have it all at the same time. But you can choose your season — without regret.”“If you remain an executor, you will be automated. If you become a thinker, you will thrive.”“Letting go is not failure. It is prioritization.”“Show up every day. Even when you’re slowing down, you’re still moving forward.”“AI can accelerate execution — but intent and context still belong to humans.”“Full stack today is not just technical depth — it is empathy, collaboration, and business awareness.”“Build foundations — health, support systems, hobbies. They are your resilience engine.”“Learning is not optional anymore. But evolution is a choice.”“Be curious, not fearful.”<span style="color:
- Mar 21, 202638 min
Belong, Don't Blur with Dr. Vaijayanthi Srinivasaraghavan (Viji)
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri speaks with Dr. Vaijayanthi Srinivasaraghavan (Viji) — a seasoned technology leader, Senior Director at UPS, and a resilient voice for women navigating complex careers and life transitions.From learning C++ through shared manuals in the early 90s to leading global logistics technology at massive scale, Viji shares a journey shaped by grit, reinvention, and purpose. The conversation explores her early career struggles, health challenges, and defining leadership moments — including navigating motherhood, rebuilding her career, and evolving across roles at IBM before helping build UPS’s Global Capability Center in Chennai.Viji reflects on how technology, AI, and analytics are transforming supply chain ecosystems while emphasizing that leadership today requires curiosity, empathy, and continuous learning. More than a career story, this episode becomes a powerful reflection on resilience — rewriting oneself after setbacks, embracing change without guilt, and building ecosystems that help women thrive.Recorded as part of the Women’s Day special series, this conversation blends technology, humanity, and lived experience — reminding listeners that growth is rarely linear, but always meaningful. Key Highlights from the ConversationEarly career beginnings as an electrical engineer learning software development in the 90s.Overcoming autoimmune health challenges and redefining career paths.Transformational leadership lessons from early mentors and global work experiences.Career evolution through startups, IBM’s long tenure, and transition to UPS.Building and scaling a Global Capability Center with a startup mindset.The role of AI, analytics, and logistics technology in moving millions of packages daily.Continuous learning culture — embracing AI as a hands-on skill across generations.Personal reflections on resilience, single motherhood, cancer survival, and reinvention.Women’s Day message centered on self-worth, removing guilt, and prioritizing wellbeing. Quotable Quotes“Belong — don’t blur. You are here because you deserve to be here.”“AI is here to stay. Don’t stand on the fence — start embracing it.”“Do not feel guilty for choosing yourself. Put the oxygen mask on first.”“Rewrite yourself. Life will throw curveballs — and that’s okay.”“Leadership is not just about technology; it’s about listening and empathy.”“Only if you are okay, the people around you will be okay.”Dr. Vaijayanthi Srinivasaraghavan (Viji) is a seasoned technology leader and Senior Director at UPS India Technology Centre, bringing over three decades of experience across software engineering, supply chain technology, analytics, and global delivery leadership. Her career spans early R&D engineering roles, semiconductor innovation, a long tenure at IBM, and now building next-generation logistics technology at UPS.An alumna of the University of Madras and a strong advocate of continuous learning, Dr. Viji is also a published author. She co-authored the book Shape It: A Perfect Gift for Budding Engineers to Become Industry Ready, a self-development guide that shares real student stories and practical skills to help young engineers navigate evolving workplaces. ()Known for her philos
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