Software People Stories

PM Power Consulting

Stories of what worked and sometimes what did not, in the course of discovering, designing, developing and delivering software based solutions – as shared by practitioners who went through these situations.

  1. Beyond Clean Tech: From Science to Scale with Hiranmayee Vedam

    23H AGO

    Beyond Clean Tech: From Science to Scale with Hiranmayee Vedam

    In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri sits down with Hiran Vedam, Co-founder of Ashwatha Earth, to explore how climate innovation is evolving beyond buzzwords into real systems change. From her beginnings in chemical engineering to building a venture studio focused on translating breakthrough science into scalable climate companies, Hiran shares a grounded perspective on what it truly takes to build a sustainable future. Hiran Vedam shares her journey from chemical engineering to climate tech commercialization.Ashwatha Earth focuses on building climate companies by translating science into scalable ventures.Conversation framed around women leaders in climate and deep tech.️ Climate Tech EvolutionShift from clean tech to climate tech, but the mission remains sustainability.Circularity and responsible material use are central themes.Need to rethink systems that nature cannot naturally recycle.Climate innovation goes beyond solar and wind.Key areas: thermal storage, alternative fuels, advanced materials, and fusion.Industrial heat and heavy transport remain major decarbonization challenges. Startup & Solution ExamplesAshwatha Earth building PVC upcycling solutions.Emerging climate startups in emissions tracking, digital twins, hydrogen storage, carbon capture, and biochar.Strong in deployment, financial models, and application-layer innovation.Gaps in deep-tech ownership, patents, and long-term risk capital.Opportunity to move from adoption to innovation leadership. Software & AI in ClimateAI accelerates optimization, modeling, and material discovery.Data availability is still a major limitation.AI complements science rather than replacing it.Institutional co-founder approach to take tech from lab to market for making Venture Studio ModelHigher success probability compared to traditional VC power-law models.Focus on zero-to-one building and de-risking innovation.Local solutions can scale globally when economics and distribution are solved. Quotable Quotes from the Episode“It doesn’t matter whether we call it clean tech or climate tech — the goal is a sustainable future for all.”“Electrons alone won’t solve the energy problem. Heat, materials, and chemistry matter just as much.”“Circularity isn’t a trend — it’s learning to live within the limits of the planet.”“The Global South is great at deploying solutions, but deep-tech ownership is where we need to grow.”“AI can optimize what exists — but the fundamental breakthrough still has to come from science.” Hiranmayee Vedam is a climate tech entrepreneur, chemical engineer, and Co-founder of Ashwatha Earth, a venture studio focused on translating breakthrough science into scalable sustainability ventures. An alumna of IIT Madras, she brings over 17 years of experience spanning process engineering, advanced materials, and climate technology commercialization. Over the years, she has contributed to research-led innovation and knowledge sharing across materials, energy systems, and sustainability, with work that bridges academic insight and industrial application. Known for her systems-thinking approach to circularity, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and production-scale climate solutions, Hiranmayee is actively shaping pathways for Global South innovations to move from research pilots to real-world impact. Hiran can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiranvedam/

    34 min
  2. Building Global Tech Solutions with VR Govindarajan

    FEB 21

    Building Global Tech Solutions with VR Govindarajan

    In this episode of Software People Stories, VR Govindarajan, aka Govi, the co-founder and executive chairman of Perfios Software, shares his comprehensive journey from the early days of his career to building successful startups. Govi dives deep into his academic background, industry experience, and the various startups he co-founded, including Aztec Soft and Perfios. He emphasizes the importance of technology-focused innovation, building a product company out of India, and navigating the challenges of operating in a regulated industry. Govi also shares his insights on the value of teamwork, culture, and maintaining a larger purpose beyond just making money. Throughout the conversation, he provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs on raising funds, managing teams, and scaling businesses globally.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:35 Govi's Background and Career Journey 01:43 Early Startups and Challenges 02:48 Building Aztec Soft and Going Public 03:10 Transition to Perfios and Product Focus 06:18 Navigating the Dot-Com Bust 08:18 Acquisitions and Selling to MindTree 13:41 Importance of Team Effort 17:34 Choosing the BFSI Sector 20:39 Challenges in a Regulated Industry 22:29 Managing B2B Sales and Integration 24:26 Focusing on Product Development 24:46 Creating a New Market Category 25:06 Challenges of Evangelizing a New Product 26:21 Leveraging Global Trends 28:07 Expanding to International Markets 34:25 Managing Code and Customizations 36:54 Importance of Local Customer Support 38:11 Leveraging AI and Data 41:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 44:51 The Importance of Culture and Values 48:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section As the Co-founder & Executive Chairman, Govi has been the driving force behind building Perfios into the Operating system for the BFSI in India and across the globe. Perfios is an acknowledged technology driven SaaS Pioneer that works across almost all financial institutions (Banking and Insurance Sector) both in India and across 18 countries in South East Asia, Middle East and North Africa. Perfios is a Unicorn and is backed by some of the best Global Investors. As a fintech Pioneer, Govi has been part of many committees in industry forums such as FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. He has been an active speaker at many BFSI related conferences and public institutions. He brings over 35 years of rich experience in the IT industry across the US and India. Before co-founding Perfios, Govi was the Co-founder, CTO, and Board Member at Aztecsoft, a pioneering force in the offshore product development space. From being a startup, Aztecsoft got listed in the Indian markets and was run as a public company before being sold to another Public company. Prior to starting Aztecsoft, he played a key role in advancing database technologies at global technology leaders such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and IBM. Govi holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts and a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.  He may be reached at: govi@perfios.com

    51 min
  3. Knowledge Management Insights with Jordan Richards

    FEB 14

    Knowledge Management Insights with Jordan Richards

    In this episode of Software People Stories, Jordan Richards, a Digital Transformation and Knowledge Management technologist, and Founder of Tacitous (www.tacitous.com) a Knowledge Management blueprint and platform designed to help organisations capture, retain, and share critical knowledge at scale shares his extensive experience with technology and knowledge management. From his early days with the ZX 80 computer to his consulting work with oil companies, Jordan emphasizes the importance of solving real-world problems through technology. He advocates for a 'people first, process second, technology third' approach, and shares insights on how to ensure successful adoption of IT solutions by understanding user stories and daily workflows. Jordan discusses the critical importance of managing both knowledge and collaboration within organizations, especially with regard to retirees, and touches on the implications of AI and digital twins in modern business environments. He also shares personal practices that help him stay grounded and continuously updated with the latest trends in technology.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:45 Guest's Origin Story in Technology 01:43 Solving Problems with Technology 02:15 User-Centric Approach to IT Solutions 05:02 Challenges in IT Deployment 05:41 Building Effective IT Strategies 06:40 Understanding Organizational Knowledge Flows 11:14 Importance of Personas in IT Solutions 18:56 Knowledge Management and AI 27:56 Engaging Retirees: Challenges and Solutions 29:38 Building a National Repository of Expertise 32:04 Encouraging Knowledge Sharing and Consumption 34:41 The Role of AI in Knowledge Management 39:21 The Importance of Human Oversight in Technology 43:07 Staying Updated and Lifelong Learning 49:00 Personal Principles for Staying Grounded The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section Jordan Richards is a Digital Transformation and Knowledge Management technologist, and Founder of Tacitous (www.tacitous.com) a Knowledge Management blueprint and platform designed to help organisations capture, retain, and share critical knowledge at scale. With 20+ years of international experience across high-risk and complex environments (including Oil & Gas and large-scale operations), Jordan specialises in institutional memory, lessons learned, communities of practice, and AI-enabled knowledge retention. He works with government entities, NGOs, and industry leaders to build practical, technology-enabled KM ecosystems that strengthen workforce continuity and organisational resilience. Website: www.tacitous.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrichards/ Email: collaboration@tacitous.com

    55 min
  4. Navigating Technological Changes with Sudipta Lahiri

    FEB 7

    Navigating Technological Changes with Sudipta Lahiri

    In this podcast episode, Sudipta Lahiri, Head Of Engineering and Products at Nimblework, Inc shares his compelling journey from growing up in a cosmopolitan township and studying metallurgical engineering to becoming a leader in the tech industry. He discusses his early career experiences, including a pivotal moment that led him to quit his job at SAIL and pursue further education at IIT Madras. Sudipta delves into his transition from engineering to account management and later into sales. He emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, the challenges and benefits of using AI in software development, and his personal practices that help him stay organized and effective in a fast-evolving industry. Key takeaways include the necessity of understanding the end goal, leveraging change agents for successful tool adoption, and the indispensable role of cognitive behavioral skills in leadership.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:37 Early Life and Education 03:20 First Job and Career Pivot 05:12 Graduate Studies and Entry into IT 07:59 Joining Wipro and Early Projects 12:17 Transition to Sales and Account Management 14:39 Challenges and Success in Sales 15:42 Return to India and Joining i2 Technologies 17:18 Joining Digité and Embracing Agile 19:26 Reflections on Career and Mentorship 28:21 Challenges in Developing Platforms for Developers and Managers 29:24 Focusing on Efficiency for Developers 30:34 Evolving Processes to Minimize Data Entry 33:25 Addressing Tool Adoption Challenges 34:11 Identifying and Leveraging Change Agents 40:06 Balancing Process and Flexibility 46:25 Impact of AI on Software Development 54:19 Personal Practices for Staying Grounded   The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudiptalahiri/ Head Of Engineering and Products at Nimblework, Inc. (Distinguished Fellow, Kanban University, SPC4, AKT, KCP, DAD/CDA) ● Three decades of international leadership experience across diverse industry verticals ● Multi-cultural exposure ranging from a $4 billion company to running a technology start-up ● A Lean/Agile coach and practitioner passionate about helping multiple organizations and teams gain agility and enhanced productivity ● Demonstrated success in developing new products for Lean Software Development ● Entrepreneurial style with an exemplary record in strategic planning, business development, solid execution, and developing high performing teams

    1 hr
  5. Tech Entrepreneurial Insights with Bhargav Bhikkaji

    FEB 2

    Tech Entrepreneurial Insights with Bhargav Bhikkaji

    In this podcast episode, Shiv is in conversation with Bhargav Bhikkaji, a tech leader, entrepreneur, and founder-CTO of MajorDomo Inc with deep expertise in cloud and Gen-AI driven enterprise software.  In this episode of Software People Stories, Bhargav shares his inspiring journey from his early interest in physics and mathematics to becoming a DevOps pioneer. Initially focused on engineering and computer networking, Bhargav's career path led him through various roles at HCL Cisco and Dell before transitioning to an entrepreneurial venture. He describes the challenges of moving back to India, starting a consulting business, and eventually founding a company that focuses on DevOps and AI deployment solutions. Bhargav emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, continuous learning, and staying grounded through personal practices like long-distance running.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:31 Early Interests and Education 03:13 First Steps in Networking 04:21 Career Growth and Innovations 05:13 Transition to DevOps and Kubernetes 07:23 Starting a Consulting Business 10:27 Challenges and Strategies in Networking 18:08 Patents and Open Source Debate 26:36 Navigating the Transition from Technical Expert to Entrepreneur 27:42 Understanding Customer Needs in Product Development 29:45 Balancing Immediate Customer Demands with Long-Term Solutions 32:10 Managing Multiple Roles in a Startup 33:49 The Importance of Customer Conversations and Product Market Fit 34:36 Challenges in Developing Developer Tools 37:42 Articulating the Value Proposition of Major Domo 40:41 Handling Rollbacks and Ensuring Transaction Integrity 46:52 Keeping Pace with Rapid Technological Changes 49:00 Staying Grounded Amidst the Chaos 50:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The timestamps are approximate and do not include the time for the intro. Add about 90 seconds to locate the section. Bhargav Bhikkaji is a tech leader, entrepreneur, and founder-CTO of MajorDomo Inc with deep expertise in cloud and Gen-AI driven enterprise software.  As the Founder, Bhargav leads the development of platform solutions that simplify and automate complex cloud-native and Gen-AI operations.  He is passionate about bridging the gap between cutting-edge technologies and real-world outcomes, sharing insights on GenAI, RAG, LLMOps, enterprise AI, and governance through talks, articles, and video series.  Bhargav’s work blends engineering excellence with strategic thinking, helping teams adopt scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud and AI solutions. Outside work, Bhargav enjoys endurance running and often reflects on resilience and growth—bringing the same mindset to tech and leadership that he applies in life’s challenges One can reach out to Bhargav Bhikkaji at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhargav-bhikkaji and  http://x.com/bbhikkaji

    53 min
  6. Navigating Career Paths with Anees Haidary

    JAN 23

    Navigating Career Paths with Anees Haidary

    In this podcast episode, Shiv is in conversation with Anees Haidary, Global Head, Operational Excellence, Data Privacy, and Global Workforce Management at Sasken Technologies. In this engaging episode, Anees shares his remarkable journey in the IT industry, starting from his humble beginnings in a lower-middle-class family in India to becoming a prominent figure in various leadership roles. Anees discusses his educational background in engineering, his early struggles with job interviews, and the pivotal break that led him to a successful career. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and the role of mentors in professional growth. Anees also delves into his experiences with various organizations, including IBM, and his current role, where he oversees multiple portfolios including operational excellence and data privacy. Additionally, Anees highlights his involvement in Toastmasters and the BSPIN network, advocating for networking and professional development at any stage of one’s career. He also shares his personal methods for managing time and staying grounded. The episode is filled with practical tips and inspiring anecdotes, making it a valuable listen for anyone in the software industry. Anees is a Storyteller, Problem Solver, Inventor, Game changer, and Data Privacy and ESG expert.  Being an industry veteran for 25+ years in IT Industry, his role in Leadership at Sasken has helped define a strategy, roadmap & governance mechanism to address business critical problems, Established and sustained the Demand Supply Framework sustaining the core of business, Integrating various cultures post-acquisition, establishing data privacy and information security practice at Sasken among few large initiatives. Being a strong project management enthusiast, and successfully delivered large initiatives jointly with PMI in South Asia, he has been able to deeply influence and integrate world class project management initiatives at Sasken, and various product and services organization in his role as a PMISA champion.  Apart from MBA in HRM, Anees has completed Strategy Thinking Course from IIM Kolkata. Certified in PMP, ITILv3, CSM, ISO 9K, 14K, 27K, 27701 Lead Implementer, ISO 26262 Process Expert, ASPICE v3.1 SME, he has been able to contribute greatly to his organization’s vision and mission 60x4x3. He is also an active public speaker, and chartered Toastmasters Club in his organization, and completed a decade long relationship with Toastmasters International. He is a Certified Public Speaker from Dale Carnegie Institute USA. He heads Project Management Academy, Quality, Customer Experience Management, Data Privacy Office, Audits and Certifications, Special Strategic Initiatives, Delivery Excellence, and Global Workforce Management at Sasken Technologies Limited. Currently he is the Champion at PMI South Asia and Project Management Mentor at Sasken. He co-authored the PM Competency Development Framework (PMCDF) initiative of Project Management Institute (PMI) and integrated into HR competency management systems at Sasken, and mentored various organizations like CISCO, Cushman and Wakefield, Robert Bosch India, Nokia India on leveraging PMCDF for advancing the noble profession of Project management through continuous assessment of PM competency. Anees is the Core member of Risk Management Committee (RMC) at Sasken reporting into the Risk committee of Sasken Board. His white papers are published in International and National Journals and Magazines, websites & newsletters of different forums. He received many awards and honors from different organizations in advancing the field of Project Management. He may be reached at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidary/

    56 min

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Stories of what worked and sometimes what did not, in the course of discovering, designing, developing and delivering software based solutions – as shared by practitioners who went through these situations.