Global Voices of Tech with Sudesh Prasad

Sudesh

A curated archive of rare interviews with global tech leaders, conducted between 1999 and 2010. Hosted by Sudesh Prasad, a former Journalist at Dataquest and Voice & Data magazine, and now an independent technology writer. This series is curated using Google’s Notebook LM, a powerful AI research tool.

Episodes

  1. JAN 8

    Gene Hodges on Cybersecurity's Shift: From Infrastructure to Data Protection (Websense CEO, 2008)

    In this episode, I revisit my 2008 interview with Gene Hodges, then CEO of Websense, conducted during my time as a journalist at Dataquest. Hodges made a striking observation that feels even more relevant today: cybersecurity threats were shifting from attacking infrastructure to targeting data itself. The conversation explores: Why attackers no longer wanted systems to fail—but wanted them to run quietly while stealing data The limitations of perimeter and device-centric security models The early rise of data-centric and information assurance strategies Web security challenges emerging from Web 2.0 and user-generated content How enterprises and governments needed to rethink security architectures Websense’s own journey mirrors this shift. Founded in 1994 and public by 2000, the company was later acquired by Vista Equity Partners in 2013 and subsequently by Raytheon in 2015, leading to its evolution and rebranding as Forcepoint a data-first security company. This episode is part of my ongoing effort to curate and revive archival interviews with global technology leaders, originally published in Dataquest, and reinterpret them for today’s digital and AI-driven era using Google NotebookLM. Disclaimer: This episode is an AI-curated interpretation based on my original Dataquest interview, recreated using Google NotebookLM; views reflect the context of the time, and minor transcription or interpretation errors may exist.

    13 min
  2. 07/17/2025

    René Penning de Vries on NXP, India’s R&D Rise, and the Semiconductor Future

    In this special archival episode of Global Voices of Tech, I bring you a conversation from January 2010 with René Penning de Vries, then CTO of NXP Semiconductors, done during his visit to Bangalore and originally published in Dataquest magazine.From investing in high-performance mixed-signal innovation to driving automotive electronics and NFC adoption, René outlined NXP’s strategy for technology leadership and meaningful impact, especially in collaboration with Indian R&D. He spoke passionately about India’s potential beyond cost arbitrage and how its teams were beginning to take on end-to-end product ownership, a vision that continues to resonate today.We have also included an updated segment outlining René’s contributions post-NXP, particularly his role in integrated photonics (as Chairman of PhotonDelta) and quantum technology (via Orange Quantum Systems), where he continues to shape the future of semiconductors globally.DisclaimerThis episode is part of a curated podcast series that brings back insightful conversations with top global tech leaders from the 2000s. Originally published in Dataquest, these archival interviews offer timeless lessons on leadership, innovation, and transformation. This episode is generated from original published content and curated using AI (NotebookLM). While best efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some minor errors or voice artifacts may occur. The episode has been updated with recent career highlights for better context.

    10 min
  3. 07/03/2025

    Jay Kerley on IT Transformation & Green Tech at Applied Materials (2010)

    In this episode, we revisit a 2010 interview with Jay Kerley, then Deputy CIO and Corporate VP of Applied Materials, recorded during his visit to Bangalore. At the time, Kerley was leading one of the most ambitious IT transformations in the semiconductor industry — consolidating 17 decentralized IT groups, cutting vendors from 50 to just two, and building a global platform to support 3D CAD-led product development. Key insights include: Applied’s shift to global collaboration through MPLS, Teamcenter, and unified CAD environments The impact of IT on the India R&D center, empowering local teams to drive innovation Their move to video-first communication via Cisco Telepresence and Webex integration Early discussions on remote work and high-performance computing from home (in 2010!) How IT contributed to 20% of Applied’s goal to reduce 50,000 tons of carbon footprint globally A nuanced take on why telecom was outsourced globally but IT infrastructure was retained in-house Jay’s comments on sustainability, mobility, and the evolution of enterprise IT still resonate deeply today. This interview was conducted by Sudesh Prasad for Dataquest magazine. About the PodcastGlobal Voices of Tech brings to life rare, archival interviews with global tech leaders — curated using Google’s NotebookLM , and hosted by Sudesh Prasad, ex-Dataquest journalist and independent technology writer. Disclaimer:This episode is generated from original published content and curated using AI (NotebookLM). While best efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some minor errors or voice artifacts may occur.

    13 min

About

A curated archive of rare interviews with global tech leaders, conducted between 1999 and 2010. Hosted by Sudesh Prasad, a former Journalist at Dataquest and Voice & Data magazine, and now an independent technology writer. This series is curated using Google’s Notebook LM, a powerful AI research tool.