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

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/


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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.


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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.


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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/




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

Key Takeaways:

(00:07) Education’s role in shaping futures is critical.
(01:38) Praveen’s early life in Andhra Pradesh influenced his global perspective.
(02:23) The transformative decision to further education in the US.
(04:06) Shifting career focus to internet technologies at the digital era’s dawn.
(07:15) Leadership through the tech industry’s evolutions and challenges.
(09:00) Mentorship and team cohesion can act as success drivers.
(13:27) Insights into the US and Indian startup ecosystems’ maturation.
(15:49) Commit to nurturing the next generation of talent.
(44:00) Curiosity and lifelong learning are personal growth engines.
(47:22) Navigating global market shifts with agility.
(52:36) Ethical considerations in technology and investment’s future.
(56:03) The balance between technological innovation and societal impact.
(59:15) “Indianness” as a foundation for resilience in the global scene.

Resources Mentioned:

Praveen Akkiraju -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveenakkiraju/
Insight Partners | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight--partners/
Insight Partners | Website -
https://www.insightpartners.com/
Cisco Systems -
https://www.cisco.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.


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On this episode, I’m joined by Kalyan Peri, Chief Information Officer of Commercial Business at Conduent. His life story is not just about the ascent to technological leadership but also about the values and experiences that shape a visionary over the course of a lifetime.

Key Takeaways:

(00:50) Village upbringing had a profound and lasting impact on Kalyan.
(01:08) Grandparents share their wisdom on character development and future aspirations.
(01:16) Experiences at elite institutions proved to be life-changing. 
(03:25) Transitioning from a tranquil village to the dynamic world of technology.
(09:06) Kalyan journeyed from a small village to being a beacon of innovation.
(15:53) Identify what drives you to make progress in life.
(21:10) Balance the scales of personal well-being with professional success.
(26:06) The right friends will help you reach your goals. 
(37:42) Technology can be a lever for societal benefit, with a spotlight on healthcare.
(45:01) Looking ahead with a vision to leverage technology for the common good.
(46:34) Emphasizing the importance of health, education and continuous personal growth.


Resources Mentioned:

Kalyan Peri - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyanperi/
Conduent - https://www.linkedin.com/company/conduent/
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) - https://www.iitsystem.ac.in/
Infosys - https://www.infosys.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