Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Sunil David, Digital Technology Consultant |Ex-Regional Director(IOT)- AT&T  we discuss What does it take to evolve from installing multiplexers in the 90s to becoming one of India’s most respected IoT evangelists and startup mentors? In this episode, Sunil David shares his three-decade journey across telecom, IoT, and digital transformation.  Early Career FoundationsSunil began his professional journey in 1994, right after completing his Electronics and Communication Engineering. Unlike many peers who shifted to unrelated fields, he was one of the “lucky few,” as he puts it, to continue working in his chosen discipline for decades.<ul><li>First role – Multiplexers & Railway Networks</li><li> His very first assignment was with a small company where he installed multiplexers across India’s railway network. These devices connected mainframe computers to remote terminals, ensuring reliable communication across long distances. This hands-on experience with infrastructure and connectivity became the bedrock for his later work in telecom.</li><li>CMS Computers – Networking Era</li><li> He then moved to CMS Computers, focusing on LAN and WAN networking solutions. This gave him exposure to enterprise IT and network integration, skills that were highly relevant when India’s telecom sector was on the cusp of privatization.</li><li>Telstra Wecom (1996) – Entering Telecom’s Liberalization Phase</li><li> A pivotal career move came in 1996 when Sunil joined Telstra Wecom, a joint venture between Telstra Australia and VSNL (later Tata Communications). This was just two years after India opened its telecom sector to private players—a historic shift.</li></ul><h3>AT&T and Passion for IoT</h3>After short but formative experiences in networking, VSAT installations, and enterprise software, 2000 marked a turning point when Sunil joined AT&T. What began as a role in sales grew into a 14-year career where he rose to become Regional Head for South India, handling enterprise connectivity services.<ul><li>Focused on telecom and enterprise connectivity, including mobile, landline, and data services for large enterprises.</li><li>Built strong CXO-level relationships, gaining insight into how enterprises viewed technology not just as infrastructure, but as enablers of business growth.</li><li>Developed a strategic mindset: learning how to sell not just technology, but business outcomes—a skill that would become vital in his IoT work.</li><li> After a short return to Telstra, Sunil came back to AT&T in 2017—this time with a completely different mandate: to lead AT&T’s IoT business in India and ASEAN.</li><li>This was when IoT adoption globally was still nascent, and in India it was just taking shape. Sunil recalls that he had been personally fascinated by IoT since 2011–2012, when the idea of “things being connected to the internet”—from cars to machines—caught his imagination.</li></ul> Technology Evangelism & Mentorship<ul><li>Speaking engagements became not just a platform to promote AT&T’s services, but also a way to educate enterprises and build credibility in the ecosystem.</li><li>At AT&T, Sunil saw how business and technology intersect—sparking his next chapter as a technology evangelist with a focus on strategy, startups, and purpose-driven innovation.</li><li class="ql-indent-1">His first keynote was on 9th August 2017.</li><li class="ql-indent-1">From there, he went on to speak at 400+ industry forums, covering IoT, AI, metaverse, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He transitioned from corporate leader to solopreneur and mentor, working with startups in AI, IoT, sustainability, and climate change.</li><li>His contributions to CII, NASSCOM, and initiatives like Women Wizards Rule Tech, where he has mentored thousands of women in digital skills.</li><li>How he manages his time, creates content for 32,000+ LinkedIn followers, and leverages tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to boost productivity.</li><li>Practical advice for professionals: continuous learning, attending industry forums, building a legacy, and balancing financial, physical, and spiritual well-being.</li></ul>At this time Sunil David, works on immersing himself in a specific set of fields to be a thought leader, and fully dedicate himself to mentorship, sustainability, and giving back. <h3> Quotable Moments from Sunil David</h3><h3> </h3>“Imagine the value you can unlock when billions of assets—from machines in a factory to vehicles on the road—start generating data. The opportunities to monetize and transform industries are humongous.”“We are clearly seeing the move from being reactive to predictive. Thanks to AI and IoT, enterprises can act proactively before something causes damage—whether it’s a machine on a shop floor or even human health.”“Optimizing energy usage is not just good for the environment—it makes business sense. Lower energy bills mean direct savings, while reducing carbon emissions benefits the planet.”“Learning never stops. We are in a lifelong journey of learning and unlearning. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”“It’s not just about financial success. You have to ask yourself—what legacy am I leaving behind? Will people remember the impact I created?”“My forte is B2B, especially AI and IoT for manufacturing and sustainability. Staying focused allows me to truly add value to startups, rather than spreading myself thin.”About Sunil DavidSunil David is an Independent Digital Technology Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the IT and Telecom Industry . He’s spent almost 20 years with AT&T India. In his last stint with AT&T held from March 2017 until April 2022 , he was the Regional Director – IOT( India and ASEAN ). He’s had extensive experience in Business Strategy , Sales , Business Development and Alliance & Partnership building during my AT&T stints . Sunil is associated as a Gold Mentor with T-Hub ( Telangana Hub) based in Hyderabad one of India’s largest startup incubators supporting some of India’s most innovative technology startups specifically focused on areas around Smart Manufacturing and ESG. Sunil is a much sought after speaker in several industry forum on topics related to IOT, AI, 5G, Digital Transformation , Industry 4.0 and 5.0 , Gen AI, Metaverse, Future of Technology , Future of Work , Digital Marketing , Cyber security , Quantum Computing, ESG etc. He has also authored a number of articles for various technology websites, B2B Tech and telecom related publications and a few prominent media houses like Fortune India, Indian Express, Moneycontrol, ET Edge , Communications Today, Voice and Data, etc. Sunil is actively engaged with Industry bodies like CII, NASSCOM , IET, IACC etc working on a number of National initiatives around Digital Transformation advocacy and awareness for Enterprises especially SMEs, Digital Skilling for Women, Startup-Corporate connect , ESG awareness etc. Sunil is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune ( Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with specialization in Marketing ) Sunil can be reached at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-david-8165971/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-david-8165971/</a>

Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Sunil David, Digital Technology Consultant |Ex-Regional Director(IOT)- AT&T  we discuss What does it take to evolve from installing multiplexers in the 90s to becoming one of India’s most respected IoT evangelists and startup mentors? In this episode, Sunil David shares his three-decade journey across telecom, IoT, and digital transformation. Early Career FoundationsSunil began his professional journey in 1994, right after completing his Electronics and Communication Engineering. Unlike many peers who shifted to unrelated fields, he was one of the “lucky few,” as he puts it, to continue working in his chosen discipline for decades.First role – Multiplexers & Railway Networks His very first assignment was with a small company where he installed multiplexers across India’s railway network. These devices connected mainframe computers to remote terminals, ensuring reliable communication across long distances. This hands-on experience with infrastructure and connectivity became the bedrock for his later work in telecom.CMS Computers – Networking Era He then moved to CMS Computers, focusing on LAN and WAN networking solutions. This gave him exposure to enterprise IT and network integration, skills that were highly relevant when India’s telecom sector was on the cusp of privatization.Telstra Wecom (1996) – Entering Telecom’s Liberalization Phase A pivotal career move came in 1996 when Sunil joined Telstra Wecom, a joint venture between Telstra Australia and VSNL (later Tata Communications). This was just two years after India opened its telecom sector to private players—a historic shift.AT&T and Passion for IoTAfter short but formative experiences in networking, VSAT installations, and enterprise software, 2000 marked a turning point when Sunil joined AT&T. What began as a role in sales grew into a 14-year career where he rose to become Regional Head for South India, handling enterprise connectivity services.Focused on telecom and enterprise connectivity, including mobile, landline, and data services for large enterprises.Built strong CXO-level relationships, gaining insight into how enterprises viewed technology not just as infrastructure, but as enablers of business growth.Developed a strategic mindset: learning how to sell not just technology, but business outcomes—a skill that would become vital in his IoT work. After a short return to Telstra, Sunil came back to AT&T in 2017—this time with a completely different mandate: to lead AT&T’s IoT business in India and ASEAN.This was when IoT adoption globally was still nascent, and in India it was just taking shape. Sunil recalls that he had been personally fascinated by IoT since 2011–2012, when the idea of “things being connected to the internet”—from cars to machines—caught his imagination.Technology Evangelism & MentorshipSpeaking engagements became not just a platform to promote AT&T’s services, but also a way to educate enterprises and build credibility in the ecosystem.At AT&T, Sunil saw how business and technology intersect—sparking his next chapter as a technology evangelist with a focus on strategy, startups, and purpose-driven innovation.His first keynote was on 9th August 2017.From there, he went on to speak at 400+ industry forums, covering IoT, AI, metaverse, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He transitioned from corporate leader to solopreneur and mentor, working with startups in AI, IoT, sustainability, and climate change.His contributions to CII, NASSCOM, and initiatives like Women Wizards Rule Tech, where he has mentored thousands of women in digital skills.How he manages his time, creates content for 32,000+ LinkedIn followers, and leverages tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to boost productivity.Practical advice for professionals: continuous learning, attending industry forums, building a legacy, and balancing financial, physical, and spiritual well-being.At this time Sunil David, works on immersing himself in a specific set of fields to be a thought leader, and fully dedicate himself to mentorship, sustainability, and giving back. Quotable Moments from Sunil David“Imagine the value you can unlock when billions of assets—from machines in a factory to vehicles on the road—start generating data. The opportunities to monetize and transform industries are humongous.”“We are clearly seeing the move from being reactive to predictive. Thanks to AI and IoT, enterprises can act proactively before something causes damage—whether it’s a machine on a shop floor or even human health.”“Optimizing energy usage is not just good for the environment—it makes business sense. Lower energy bills mean direct savings, while reducing carbon emissions benefits the planet.”“Learning never stops. We are in a lifelong journey of learning and unlearning. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”“It’s not just about financial success. You have to ask yourself—what legacy am I leaving behind? Will people remember the impact I created?”“My forte is B2B, especially AI and IoT for manufacturing and sustainability. Staying focused allows me to truly add value to startups, rather than spreading myself thin.”About Sunil DavidSunil David is an Independent Digital Technology Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the IT and Telecom Industry . He’s spent almost 20 years with AT&T India. In his last stint with AT&T held from March 2017 until April 2022 , he was the Regional Director – IOT( India and ASEAN ). He’s had extensive experience in Business Strategy , Sales , Business Development and Alliance & Partnership building during my AT&T stints .Sunil is associated as a Gold Mentor with T-Hub ( Telangana Hub) based in Hyderabad one of India’s largest startup incubators supporting some of India’s most innovative technology startups specifically focused on areas around Smart Manufacturing and ESG.Sunil is a much sought after speaker in several industry forum on topics related to IOT, AI, 5G, Digital Transformation , Industry 4.0 and 5.0 , Gen AI, Metaverse, Future of Technology , Future of Work , Digital Marketing , Cyber security , Quantum Computing, ESG etc. He has also authored a number of articles for various technology websites, B2B Tech and telecom related publications and a few prominent media houses like Fortune India, Indian Express, Moneycontrol, ET Edge , Communications Today, Voice and Data, etc.Sunil is actively engaged with Industry bodies like CII, NASSCOM , IET, IACC etc working on a number of National initiatives around Digital Transformation advocacy and awareness for Enterprises especially SMEs, Digital Skilling for Women, Startup-Corporate connect , ESG awareness etc.Sunil is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune ( Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with specialization in Marketing )Sunil can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-david-8165971/

Software People Stories

Building Bridges Between Startups and Enterprises with Sunil David

In this episode Shiv is in conversation with Jason Casey, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Identity. Jason talks about his early fascination with technology, his career trajectory, and how he entered cybersecurity. He describes Beyond Identity's mission to eliminate passwords and improve identity verification. Jason shares insights on staying ahead in cybersecurity, touching on topics like AI, supply chain attacks, and trusted computing. He discusses the transition from CTO to CEO, the importance of curiosity and experimentation in both early and mid-career stages, and his personal practices for managing stress and staying grounded.00:25 Jason Casey's Early Fascination with Technology01:22 Journey into Cybersecurity02:23 Understanding the Hacker Mindset03:58 Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity06:57 Fundamentals of AI and Security09:01 Challenges and Innovations in AI Security10:16 Building Secure Systems with AI13:50 The Cost of Real-Time Security15:24 Deterministic vs. Probabilistic Security Controls17:19 The Role of Honeypots in Cybersecurity18:44 Adversarial Tactics and Device Posture21:15 AI in Software Development and Security25:17 Trusted Computing in Aerospace and Defense27:01 Hardware-Based Trusted Computing28:04 Genesis of Beyond Identity29:31 Meeting Jim Clark32:17 Beyond Identity's Mission34:04 Transition from CTO to CEO37:17 Career Tips for Cybersecurity50:06 Personal Practices to Stay Grounded <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jassoncasey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jassoncasey/</a> Jasson Casey currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Beyond Identity, where he's built an identity security platform for enterprises to make identity-based attacks impossible.Jasson has 20+ years of experience delivering security and networking products to all markets and customer types, including global enterprises and carriers. He served as CTO at Security Scorecard, Fellow in CyberSecurity with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and as Advisor to IronNet CyberSecurity, a security startup founded by Gen. (Ret) Keith Alexander.Prior to Beyond Identity, Jasson was VP of Engineering at IronNet CyberSecurity and oversaw development of the vendor's revolutionary collective intelligence platform and pioneered new approaches to total network observability, including limitless wire rate packet capture with truly elastic retention abilities.He also brings a long history of innovation advocacy for Software Defined Networks (SDN) through his work founding and leading Flowgrammable, and serving as a member of the Software Leadership Council at the Open Networking Foundation. Previously he held roles in product management, business development and engineering with CenturyTel(CenturyLink), Level3(CenturyLink), and Alcatel(Nokia).Jasson has a BSEE from the University of Texas at Austin and has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Texas A&M University.

In this episode Shiv is in conversation with Jason Casey, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Identity. Jason talks about his early fascination with technology, his career trajectory, and how he entered cybersecurity. He describes Beyond Identity's mission to eliminate passwords and improve identity verification. Jason shares insights on staying ahead in cybersecurity, touching on topics like AI, supply chain attacks, and trusted computing. He discusses the transition from CTO to CEO, the importance of curiosity and experimentation in both early and mid-career stages, and his personal practices for managing stress and staying grounded.00:25 Jason Casey's Early Fascination with Technology01:22 Journey into Cybersecurity02:23 Understanding the Hacker Mindset03:58 Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity06:57 Fundamentals of AI and Security09:01 Challenges and Innovations in AI Security10:16 Building Secure Systems with AI13:50 The Cost of Real-Time Security15:24 Deterministic vs. Probabilistic Security Controls17:19 The Role of Honeypots in Cybersecurity18:44 Adversarial Tactics and Device Posture21:15 AI in Software Development and Security25:17 Trusted Computing in Aerospace and Defense27:01 Hardware-Based Trusted Computing28:04 Genesis of Beyond Identity29:31 Meeting Jim Clark32:17 Beyond Identity's Mission34:04 Transition from CTO to CEO37:17 Career Tips for Cybersecurity50:06 Personal Practices to Stay Groundedhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jassoncasey/Jasson Casey currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Beyond Identity, where he's built an identity security platform for enterprises to make identity-based attacks impossible.Jasson has 20+ years of experience delivering security and networking products to all markets and customer types, including global enterprises and carriers. He served as CTO at Security Scorecard, Fellow in CyberSecurity with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and as Advisor to IronNet CyberSecurity, a security startup founded by Gen. (Ret) Keith Alexander.Prior to Beyond Identity, Jasson was VP of Engineering at IronNet CyberSecurity and oversaw development of the vendor's revolutionary collective intelligence platform and pioneered new approaches to total network observability, including limitless wire rate packet capture with truly elastic retention abilities.He also brings a long history of innovation advocacy for Software Defined Networks (SDN) through his work founding and leading Flowgrammable, and serving as a member of the Software Leadership Council at the Open Networking Foundation. Previously he held roles in product management, business development and engineering with CenturyTel(CenturyLink), Level3(CenturyLink), and Alcatel(Nokia).Jasson has a BSEE from the University of Texas at Austin and has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Texas A&M University.

Exploring Cybersecurity Innovation with Jasson Casey

In this interesting conversation with Eric Müller, Product Engineering Associate Director at Work & Co, part of Accenture Song, he shares many nuggets including: - The importance of balancing perfect architecture with practical, implementable solutions.- Acknowledging and managing technical debt efficiently.- Understanding business needs to prevent over-engineering.- Creating high-performing teams through trust, communication, and ensuring appropriate tools and training are in place.- The significance of empathy, both towards team members and clients, and developing a well-rounded worldview.- Addressing security vulnerabilities proactively and maintaining rigorous safety standards.- Utilizing Gen AI tools like ChatGPT with caution, emphasizing verification and human oversight.- Personal practices that help maintain a work-life balance and ensure continuous personal growth, such as engaging in hobbies like photography and cooking, exercising, and maintaining effective communication within teams. Eric Müller, is an Associate Director focusing on Product Engineering and Digital Security at Work & Co, part of Accenture Song, where leads engineering teams and supported automated processes to deliver high-quality digital products for the past decade. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and security, Eric has worked across various industries including banking, social media, B2B, retail, fashion, and online gaming. His extensive background includes significant roles at Wells Fargo Bank, Charles Schwab, Razorfish, and Mekanism, where he delivered award-winning projects for clients such as Microsoft, Business Wire, Anza, and Vibrant Planet. Eric fosters empathetic leadership and transparent communication to build resilient, high-performing tech teams. An advocate for healthy agency-client collaboration, Eric involves partners early and often in the development process. His experience has proven that stronger client relationships result in better products. Beyond his professional achievements, Eric is an amateur photographer and baking enthusiast who loves discussing security. Eric may be reached at: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmullersf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmullersf/</a>

In this interesting conversation with Eric Müller, Product Engineering Associate Director at Work & Co, part of Accenture Song, he shares many nuggets including:- The importance of balancing perfect architecture with practical, implementable solutions.- Acknowledging and managing technical debt efficiently.- Understanding business needs to prevent over-engineering.- Creating high-performing teams through trust, communication, and ensuring appropriate tools and training are in place.- The significance of empathy, both towards team members and clients, and developing a well-rounded worldview.- Addressing security vulnerabilities proactively and maintaining rigorous safety standards.- Utilizing Gen AI tools like ChatGPT with caution, emphasizing verification and human oversight.- Personal practices that help maintain a work-life balance and ensure continuous personal growth, such as engaging in hobbies like photography and cooking, exercising, and maintaining effective communication within teams.Eric Müller, is an Associate Director focusing on Product Engineering and Digital Security at Work & Co, part of Accenture Song, where leads engineering teams and supported automated processes to deliver high-quality digital products for the past decade. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and security, Eric has worked across various industries including banking, social media, B2B, retail, fashion, and online gaming.His extensive background includes significant roles at Wells Fargo Bank, Charles Schwab, Razorfish, and Mekanism, where he delivered award-winning projects for clients such as Microsoft, Business Wire, Anza, and Vibrant Planet. Eric fosters empathetic leadership and transparent communication to build resilient, high-performing tech teams.An advocate for healthy agency-client collaboration, Eric involves partners early and often in the development process. His experience has proven that stronger client relationships result in better products. Beyond his professional achievements, Eric is an amateur photographer and baking enthusiast who loves discussing security.Eric may be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmullersf/

Leadership Lessons in Tech with with Eric Müller

My guest today is Steven Puri, founder of the Sukha, that offers solutions to help individuals increase their productivity through being in a flow state. Steven was a senior executive at DreamWorks Pictures and 20th Century Fox, who has successfully transitioned into the tech industry.He shares his career journey, from producing computer graphics for movies like 'Independence Day' to his ventures in the tech space, raising $21 million in venture capital.He discusses the importance of cross-domain learning, productivity, and achieving a flow state.Steven delves into how his background in both film and tech has shaped his approach to managing remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the significance of meaningful work and the right conditions for flow.He also introduces his company, Suka, that has been built based on insights into various tools and techniques. This episode offers useful insights for leaders and individuals aiming to enhance their productivity and creativity. Among the topics he covers are:<ul><li>Career in the Entertainment Industry</li><li>Transition to Tech and Entrepreneurship</li><li>Challenges and Learnings from Failures</li><li>Building Remote and Hybrid Teams</li><li>Creative Brainstorms and Flow States</li><li>Leadership and Team Dynamics</li><li>Maintaining Culture in Remote Teams</li><li>The Rise of Gig Work</li><li>The Trigger for Suka</li><li>Creating a Flow State App</li><li>Overcoming Procrastination</li><li>The Importance of Music</li><li>Building a Supportive Community</li><li>Synchronizing Team Flow</li><li>Tips for Leaders to Foster Flow</li><li> </li></ul>Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. Steven’s first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more. After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company - ‘sukha’ means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment’ in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to have a focused experience and a healthy, productive workday. Steven lives in Austin, TX now.

My guest today is Steven Puri, founder of the Sukha, that offers solutions to help individuals increase their productivity through being in a flow state.Steven was a senior executive at DreamWorks Pictures and 20th Century Fox, who has successfully transitioned into the tech industry.He shares his career journey, from producing computer graphics for movies like 'Independence Day' to his ventures in the tech space, raising $21 million in venture capital.He discusses the importance of cross-domain learning, productivity, and achieving a flow state.Steven delves into how his background in both film and tech has shaped his approach to managing remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the significance of meaningful work and the right conditions for flow.He also introduces his company, Suka, that has been built based on insights into various tools and techniques. This episode offers useful insights for leaders and individuals aiming to enhance their productivity and creativity.Among the topics he covers are:Career in the Entertainment IndustryTransition to Tech and EntrepreneurshipChallenges and Learnings from FailuresBuilding Remote and Hybrid TeamsCreative Brainstorms and Flow StatesLeadership and Team DynamicsMaintaining Culture in Remote TeamsThe Rise of Gig WorkThe Trigger for SukaCreating a Flow State AppOvercoming ProcrastinationThe Importance of MusicBuilding a Supportive CommunitySynchronizing Team FlowTips for Leaders to Foster FlowSteven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. Steven’s first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more. After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company - ‘sukha’ means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment’ in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to have a focused experience and a healthy, productive workday. Steven lives in Austin, TX now.

Hollywood to Tech with Steven Puri

In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri Kalyanaraman speaks with Shikha Munjal, Associate Director Fidelity International, about her dynamic journey across technology, finance, people management and community building. Shikha Munjal’s story begins in a small town in Haryana, where she pursued computer science engineering—a choice influenced by her father’s vision rather than her own. What started as a decision made for her soon turned into a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving.She began her career with Accenture in Bangalore, diving straight into the corporate world just two days after finishing her final exams. Although trained in one technology, she was placed on projects with Informatica and data technologies, which opened a new career-long interest in data management and reporting tools.From there, Shikha moved to Headstrong (later acquired by Genpact), working primarily with Morgan Stanley’s account, and even spent nearly a year onsite in Tokyo. That global experience left a lasting impression on her work ethic—she admired the Japanese culture of discipline, continuous learning, and deep focus.Her journey next took her to JP Morgan in Mumbai, where she strengthened her expertise in financial services and data-driven systems. But personal circumstances brought her back to the Delhi NCR region, where she eventually joined Fidelity International, her professional home for over a decade.At Fidelity, Shikha grew into senior leadership, taking on roles that blended technology, business analysis, and product management. She emphasized not just building solutions, but delivering real business outcomes—aligning technology with the fast-paced demands of the financial services industry.Along the way, she invested in continuous learning—pursuing certifications in Informatica, IBM, product management, financial analysis, and cloud/data platforms like Snowflake. She transitioned from being a technologist to a business leader and product owner, always guided by her growth mindset.Beyond her corporate role, Shikha has been an active advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as a chapter lead at AnitaB.org North India. She blends her professional identity with her personal roles as a mother, wife, daughter, and sister, often saying that her strength comes from integrating all these parts of her life.Today, as Associate Director at Fidelity International, Shikha is shaping data strategies, product roadmaps, and inclusive leadership practices—all while staying curious, resilient, and adaptable in an era of rapid technological and business change. <h3>Quotable Moments from Shikha Munjal’s Episode</h3><ol><li>“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts – I’ve learned to blend my roles as a mother, daughter, professional, and leader.”</li><li>“Comfort and growth do not coexist. The moment I feel my work is not challenging me, I know it’s time to evolve.”</li><li>“What keeps me going is not climbing the career ladder, but continuously adding to my profile and learning something new.”</li><li>“If you enjoy the process of learning, the outcomes will follow naturally.”</li><li>“In technology, every four to eight years your skills get challenged – you need to continuously upskill to stay relevant.”</li><li>“I always believed that being connected to the business side meant being connected to the real world – solving real problems, not just writing code.”</li><li>“We need to embrace uncertainty rather than rush to solve it. Sometimes dwelling on the ambiguity gives deeper insights.”</li><li>“Data today is like a marketplace—you should be able to shop for it within an organization, but with the right entitlements and governance.”</li></ol> Shikha Munjal is Associate Director at Fidelity International with over 20 years of experience in technology and financial services. She has held roles at Accenture, HCL, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and now Fidelity. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, she has led the North India chapter of AnitaB.org. Shikha is passionate about data, product management, and continuous learning, and believes in shaping her career with curiosity and resilience. Shikha can be reached at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-munjal-19370113a/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-munjal-19370113a/</a>

In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri Kalyanaraman speaks with Shikha Munjal, Associate Director Fidelity International, about her dynamic journey across technology, finance, people management and community building.Shikha Munjal’s story begins in a small town in Haryana, where she pursued computer science engineering—a choice influenced by her father’s vision rather than her own. What started as a decision made for her soon turned into a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving.She began her career with Accenture in Bangalore, diving straight into the corporate world just two days after finishing her final exams. Although trained in one technology, she was placed on projects with Informatica and data technologies, which opened a new career-long interest in data management and reporting tools.From there, Shikha moved to Headstrong (later acquired by Genpact), working primarily with Morgan Stanley’s account, and even spent nearly a year onsite in Tokyo. That global experience left a lasting impression on her work ethic—she admired the Japanese culture of discipline, continuous learning, and deep focus.Her journey next took her to JP Morgan in Mumbai, where she strengthened her expertise in financial services and data-driven systems. But personal circumstances brought her back to the Delhi NCR region, where she eventually joined Fidelity International, her professional home for over a decade.At Fidelity, Shikha grew into senior leadership, taking on roles that blended technology, business analysis, and product management. She emphasized not just building solutions, but delivering real business outcomes—aligning technology with the fast-paced demands of the financial services industry.Along the way, she invested in continuous learning—pursuing certifications in Informatica, IBM, product management, financial analysis, and cloud/data platforms like Snowflake. She transitioned from being a technologist to a business leader and product owner, always guided by her growth mindset.Beyond her corporate role, Shikha has been an active advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as a chapter lead at AnitaB.org North India. She blends her professional identity with her personal roles as a mother, wife, daughter, and sister, often saying that her strength comes from integrating all these parts of her life.Today, as Associate Director at Fidelity International, Shikha is shaping data strategies, product roadmaps, and inclusive leadership practices—all while staying curious, resilient, and adaptable in an era of rapid technological and business change.Quotable Moments from Shikha Munjal’s Episode“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts – I’ve learned to blend my roles as a mother, daughter, professional, and leader.”“Comfort and growth do not coexist. The moment I feel my work is not challenging me, I know it’s time to evolve.”“What keeps me going is not climbing the career ladder, but continuously adding to my profile and learning something new.”“If you enjoy the process of learning, the outcomes will follow naturally.”“In technology, every four to eight years your skills get challenged – you need to continuously upskill to stay relevant.”“I always believed that being connected to the business side meant being connected to the real world – solving real problems, not just writing code.”“We need to embrace uncertainty rather than rush to solve it. Sometimes dwelling on the ambiguity gives deeper insights.”“Data today is like a marketplace—you should be able to shop for it within an organization, but with the right entitlements and governance.”Shikha Munjal is Associate Director at Fidelity International with over 20 years of experience in technology and financial services. She has held roles at Accenture, HCL, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and now Fidelity. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, she has led the North India chapter of AnitaB.org. Shikha is passionate about data, product management, and continuous learning, and believes in shaping her career with curiosity and resilience.Shikha can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-munjal-19370113a/

Blending Roles, Breaking Ceilings with Shikha Munjal

My guest today is Harish Chandramowli, Co-founder & CTO of Flair software.In this conversation, Harish talks about his journey from his early university days in India at Amrita University to leading roles in major companies like Bloomberg and MongoDB. He articulates his shift to a niche field combining software engineering with security, his experience at Johns Hopkins University, and his eventual move into cloud security engineering. Harish shares insightful narratives about his founding a small startup and the creation and development of Flair, a fashion tech platform, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he encountered. Topics include his approach to managing remote teams, dealing with the pressures of startup life, the challenges of prioritization, and maintaining a work-life balance. Harish also discusses the importance of understanding customer needs and integrating AI and security in product development. Some of the topics covered are:<ul><li>Introduction and Early Career</li><li>Graduate Studies and Early Professional Experience</li><li>Career at Bloomberg and MongoDB</li><li>Startup Journey and MongoDB Experience</li><li>Transition to Flair and Early Challenges</li><li>Insights on Security and AI</li><li>Building Flair and Remote Team Management</li><li>Empowering Engineers Through Customer Interaction</li><li>Challenges of Managing Remote Teams</li><li>Retention and Team Dynamics</li><li>Balancing Startup Pressures and Personal Growth</li><li>Navigating the Fashion Industry's Legal Landscape</li><li>Building Global Products from India</li><li>Staying Grounded Amidst Startup Challenges</li></ul>Harish Chandramowli is a second-time founder who started his career in deeply technical roles—building cloud infrastructure and security at MongoDB. Over time, he evolved from shipping code to selling ideas—learning the language of customers, diving into sales-led discovery, and translating that into product strategy. Today, Harish blends technical depth with commercial instinct to build tools that solve real operational pain with clarity and impact

My guest today is Harish Chandramowli, Co-founder & CTO of Flair software.In this conversation, Harish talks about his journey from his early university days in India at Amrita University to leading roles in major companies like Bloomberg and MongoDB. He articulates his shift to a niche field combining software engineering with security, his experience at Johns Hopkins University, and his eventual move into cloud security engineering. Harish shares insightful narratives about his founding a small startup and the creation and development of Flair, a fashion tech platform, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he encountered. Topics include his approach to managing remote teams, dealing with the pressures of startup life, the challenges of prioritization, and maintaining a work-life balance. Harish also discusses the importance of understanding customer needs and integrating AI and security in product development.Some of the topics covered are:Introduction and Early CareerGraduate Studies and Early Professional ExperienceCareer at Bloomberg and MongoDBStartup Journey and MongoDB ExperienceTransition to Flair and Early ChallengesInsights on Security and AIBuilding Flair and Remote Team ManagementEmpowering Engineers Through Customer InteractionChallenges of Managing Remote TeamsRetention and Team DynamicsBalancing Startup Pressures and Personal GrowthNavigating the Fashion Industry's Legal LandscapeBuilding Global Products from IndiaStaying Grounded Amidst Startup ChallengesHarish Chandramowli is a second-time founder who started his career in deeply technical roles—building cloud infrastructure and security at MongoDB. Over time, he evolved from shipping code to selling ideas—learning the language of customers, diving into sales-led discovery, and translating that into product strategy. Today, Harish blends technical depth with commercial instinct to build tools that solve real operational pain with clarity and impact

Data, Security, and Startups with Harish Chandramowli

In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri Kalyanaraman speaks with Dr. G Uma, Professor in the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering and Dean of Institutional Development & Alumni Relations at NIT Trichy. An alumna herself, Dr. Uma reflects on her 27-year journey in academia, her pioneering work in MEMS technology, and her deep commitment to guiding future engineers. From humble beginnings as the first faculty in a rural college to shaping NIT Trichy’s international profile, Dr. Uma’s career blends research excellence, institution building, and mentorship. She shares candid stories of early struggles, the leap into doctoral research, building one of South India’s first MEMS Design Centers, and balancing administrative leadership with a hands-on teaching approach.Listeners will also hear her grounded advice on health, career focus, networking, and completing what you start—whether that’s a degree or a passion project. She speaks openly about the challenges of motivating today’s students in a world of distractions and the importance of developing both technical skills and professional ethics. Key Takeaways:<ul><li>Passion for Teaching – How a rural college role ignited her lifelong love for education.</li><li>MEMS Pioneer – Building a MEMS Design Center in 2004, ahead of its time in India.</li><li>Doctorate with Purpose – Why PhDs are about philosophy, not just a title.</li><li>Mentoring Future Engineers – Using societal problem-solving and teamwork to develop leadership in students.</li><li>Advice for Students – Stay clear on your goals, master your core field, network widely, and prioritize health.</li><li>Institutional Vision – Balancing global branding for NIT Trichy with deep alumni engagement.</li></ul> Notable Quotes:“Only when we are able to do what we are doing at present best, can we achieve our passion.” “PhD is not just another degree — it’s a philosophy in research.” “Health is the most important thing in the world; without it, everything else is zero.” Perfect for:<ul><li>Students seeking clarity on career paths in engineering.</li><li>Academics balancing research, teaching, and administration.</li><li>Alumni curious about NIT Trichy’s vision and outreach.</li><li>Anyone inspired by stories of perseverance, innovation, and mentorship.</li></ul> Dr. Uma started her academic career in 1992 and joined the Department of ICE, NIT, Tiruchirappalli, in 1999. She is currently serving as a Professor and Dean of the Institutional Development & Alumni Relations. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held several significant leadership roles, including Coordinator of the ISRO- STIC (Space Technology Incubation Centre), ICC Presiding Officer, Additional Chief Warden, Head of Instrumentation and Control Engineering Department, Faculty Advisor of the International Society for Automation (ISA) at NITT, Ladies HostelWarden and Associate Dean.Dr. Uma has made substantial contributions to her field, having authored over 90 research papers in reputed international journals and presented more than 60 papers at conferences. She has also contributed to two book chapters and served as one of the editors of a monograph on Nuclear Instrumentation and Control. Furthermore, she holds three granted Indian patents, demonstrating her innovative work in the field. She has been the principal investigator for several sponsored research projects and has guided over ten research scholars and more than 50 postgraduate students, nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers. Dr. Uma also played a pivotal role in two national programs on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), namely NPSM and NPMASS, further advancing the research and development of MEMS technologies in India.Dr. Uma has been recognized with the Young Scientist Fellowship from the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) and was recently honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) from MIT, Anna University. Her research interests encompass the design of sensors and actuators, Micro- Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), biomedical instrumentation, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing biomedical technologies Dr. G. Uma, a native of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Master of Engineering in Instrumentation Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai and Ph.D. in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli.

In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri Kalyanaraman speaks with Dr. G Uma, Professor in the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering and Dean of Institutional Development & Alumni Relations at NIT Trichy. An alumna herself, Dr. Uma reflects on her 27-year journey in academia, her pioneering work in MEMS technology, and her deep commitment to guiding future engineers.From humble beginnings as the first faculty in a rural college to shaping NIT Trichy’s international profile, Dr. Uma’s career blends research excellence, institution building, and mentorship. She shares candid stories of early struggles, the leap into doctoral research, building one of South India’s first MEMS Design Centers, and balancing administrative leadership with a hands-on teaching approach.Listeners will also hear her grounded advice on health, career focus, networking, and completing what you start—whether that’s a degree or a passion project. She speaks openly about the challenges of motivating today’s students in a world of distractions and the importance of developing both technical skills and professional ethics. Key Takeaways:Passion for Teaching – How a rural college role ignited her lifelong love for education.MEMS Pioneer – Building a MEMS Design Center in 2004, ahead of its time in India.Doctorate with Purpose – Why PhDs are about philosophy, not just a title.Mentoring Future Engineers – Using societal problem-solving and teamwork to develop leadership in students.Advice for Students – Stay clear on your goals, master your core field, network widely, and prioritize health.Institutional Vision – Balancing global branding for NIT Trichy with deep alumni engagement. Notable Quotes:“Only when we are able to do what we are doing at present best, can we achieve our passion.” “PhD is not just another degree — it’s a philosophy in research.” “Health is the most important thing in the world; without it, everything else is zero.” Perfect for:Students seeking clarity on career paths in engineering.Academics balancing research, teaching, and administration.Alumni curious about NIT Trichy’s vision and outreach.Anyone inspired by stories of perseverance, innovation, and mentorship.Dr. Uma started her academic career in 1992 and joined the Department of ICE, NIT, Tiruchirappalli, in 1999. She is currently serving as a Professor and Dean of the Institutional Development & Alumni Relations. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held several significant leadership roles, including Coordinator of the ISRO- STIC (Space Technology Incubation Centre), ICC Presiding Officer, Additional Chief Warden, Head of Instrumentation and Control Engineering Department, Faculty Advisor of the International Society for Automation (ISA) at NITT, Ladies HostelWarden and Associate Dean.Dr. Uma has made substantial contributions to her field, having authored over 90 research papers in reputed international journals and presented more than 60 papers at conferences. She has also contributed to two book chapters and served as one of the editors of a monograph on Nuclear Instrumentation and Control. Furthermore, she holds three granted Indian patents, demonstrating her innovative work in the field. She has been the principal investigator for several sponsored research projects and has guided over ten research scholars and more than 50 postgraduate students, nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers. Dr. Uma also played a pivotal role in two national programs on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), namely NPSM and NPMASS, further advancing the research and development of MEMS technologies in India.Dr. Uma has been recognized with the Young Scientist Fellowship from the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) and was recently honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) from MIT, Anna University. Her research interests encompass the design of sensors and actuators, Micro- Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), biomedical instrumentation, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing biomedical technologiesDr. G. Uma, a native of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Master of Engineering in Instrumentation Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai and Ph.D. in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli.

Engineering Futures and Purpose with Dr G Uma

My guests today are Cultural engineer-anthropologist Allen Batteau, Ph.D. and design anthropologist Christine Z. Miller, Ph.D., co-authors of the book:  Tools, Totems, and Totalities: The Modern Construction of Hegemonic Technology Christine Miller is a professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and Allen, a retired professor from Wayne State University.They share details of their interdisciplinary backgrounds, their collaborative book project, and the implications of technology on society. They discuss the concept of sociotechnical systems, the brittleness of technology, and the ethical responsibilities of designers and software developers. They also touch upon the potential impact of AI, user-centered vs. social-centered design, and the role of speculative design in fostering innovation and hope for the future of humanity. Some specific topics that they touched upon: <ul><li>Introduction and Guest Backgrounds</li><li>Christine's Academic Journey</li><li>Allen's Career Path</li><li>The Concept of Sociotechnical Systems</li><li>Hegemonic Technology in Software Development</li><li>AI: Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Ignorance?</li><li>User-Centered vs. Social-Centered Design</li><li>The Importance of Broader Perspectives in Education</li><li>The Role of Universities in Broader Education</li><li>The Impact of Habit-Forming Products</li><li>Productivity and Technology</li><li>The Evolution and Impact of the Internet</li><li>Ethical Responsibilities in Technology</li><li>The Urgency and Maintenance in Design</li><li>Brittleness of Technological Systems</li><li>Speculative Design and Future Perspectives</li><li>Concluding Thoughts on Technology and Hope</li></ul> Allen W. Batteau, a cultural anthropologist and professor at Wayne State University, is a leading authority on the intersection of technology and society. His work, funded by agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation, includes numerous publications on aviation, flight safety, and technology in democratic societies.  <a href="https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/ad4408" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/ad4408</a> Christine Miller is a design educator and researcher at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). With expertise in socio-technical systems, her research focuses on how social and cultural dynamics influence technology design and adoption. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, design, and business<a href="https://www.scad.edu/academics/faculty/christine-miller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.scad.edu/academics/faculty/christine-miller</a>

My guests today are Cultural engineer-anthropologist Allen Batteau, Ph.D. and design anthropologist Christine Z. Miller, Ph.D., co-authors of the book:  Tools, Totems, and Totalities: The Modern Construction of Hegemonic TechnologyChristine Miller is a professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and Allen, a retired professor from Wayne State University.They share details of their interdisciplinary backgrounds, their collaborative book project, and the implications of technology on society. They discuss the concept of sociotechnical systems, the brittleness of technology, and the ethical responsibilities of designers and software developers. They also touch upon the potential impact of AI, user-centered vs. social-centered design, and the role of speculative design in fostering innovation and hope for the future of humanity.Some specific topics that they touched upon: Introduction and Guest BackgroundsChristine's Academic JourneyAllen's Career PathThe Concept of Sociotechnical SystemsHegemonic Technology in Software DevelopmentAI: Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Ignorance?User-Centered vs. Social-Centered DesignThe Importance of Broader Perspectives in EducationThe Role of Universities in Broader EducationThe Impact of Habit-Forming ProductsProductivity and TechnologyThe Evolution and Impact of the InternetEthical Responsibilities in TechnologyThe Urgency and Maintenance in DesignBrittleness of Technological SystemsSpeculative Design and Future PerspectivesConcluding Thoughts on Technology and HopeAllen W. Batteau, a cultural anthropologist and professor at Wayne State University, is a leading authority on the intersection of technology and society. His work, funded by agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation, includes numerous publications on aviation, flight safety, and technology in democratic societies.  https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/ad4408Christine Miller is a design educator and researcher at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). With expertise in socio-technical systems, her research focuses on how social and cultural dynamics influence technology design and adoption. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, design, and businesshttps://www.scad.edu/academics/faculty/christine-miller

Technology and Society with Chris Miller and Allen Batteau

My guest today is S Parthasarathy, better known as Spart who is the founder at CuedIn Technologies. In this episode, Spart shares his extensive journey in the software engineering field. Spart's story begins with his initial projects in COBOL programming at Tata Burroughs and the World Bank, working on critical systems in retail, logistics, and financial sectors. He recounts his impactful stint at SWIFT, contributing to the foundation of what has become modern-day financial messaging systems. Spart reflects on his decision to pivot from electrical engineering to computer science, driven by his interest in the engineering of large systems. He details his tenure at Ramco Systems, implementing document-based transactions, model-based code generation, and achieving several tech milestones, including internet integration and 32-bit upgrades. After Ramco, Spart's continued passion for software engineering led him to co-found a SaaS-based ERP solution company, targeting SMEs. Despite early challenges and market readiness issues, he gained crucial insights into cloud-native architectures.Spart's career path took another turn towards consulting and exploring AI, specifically focusing on probabilistic graph learning and the challenges of natural language processing in software engineering. He emphasizes the importance of non-functional requirements, application architecture, and the potential of tools like Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance software development processes. Spart concludes by reflecting on the ongoing evolution of software engineering and his current projects aimed at making software engineering more accessible and efficient with modern tools. Spart has 40+ years of experience in various aspects of software services area covering consultancy, business systems management, product development and Engineering management. Worked with large North American Organizations handling complex projects to implement transaction processing business solutions and data communication networks. Key interests: • Gen AI based solutioning for key business activities • Gen AI enabled SW engineering • Contextual social network driven approach for building business systems • Predictive analytics over operational databases using Bayesian causal networks • Implementing innovative platform based techno-commercial models for software solutions/services delivery. • Cloud computing and SOA based multi-tenant solution Architecture <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/spartp/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/spartp/</a>

My guest today is S Parthasarathy, better known as Spart who is the founder at CuedIn Technologies.In this episode, Spart shares his extensive journey in the software engineering field. Spart's story begins with his initial projects in COBOL programming at Tata Burroughs and the World Bank, working on critical systems in retail, logistics, and financial sectors. He recounts his impactful stint at SWIFT, contributing to the foundation of what has become modern-day financial messaging systems. Spart reflects on his decision to pivot from electrical engineering to computer science, driven by his interest in the engineering of large systems. He details his tenure at Ramco Systems, implementing document-based transactions, model-based code generation, and achieving several tech milestones, including internet integration and 32-bit upgrades. After Ramco, Spart's continued passion for software engineering led him to co-found a SaaS-based ERP solution company, targeting SMEs. Despite early challenges and market readiness issues, he gained crucial insights into cloud-native architectures.Spart's career path took another turn towards consulting and exploring AI, specifically focusing on probabilistic graph learning and the challenges of natural language processing in software engineering. He emphasizes the importance of non-functional requirements, application architecture, and the potential of tools like Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance software development processes. Spart concludes by reflecting on the ongoing evolution of software engineering and his current projects aimed at making software engineering more accessible and efficient with modern tools.Spart has 40+ years of experience in various aspects of software services area covering consultancy, business systems management, product development and Engineering management. Worked with large North American Organizations handling complex projects to implement transaction processing business solutions and data communication networks. Key interests: • Gen AI based solutioning for key business activities • Gen AI enabled SW engineering • Contextual social network driven approach for building business systems • Predictive analytics over operational databases using Bayesian causal networks • Implementing innovative platform based techno-commercial models for software solutions/services delivery. • Cloud computing and SOA based multi-tenant solution Architecturehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/spartp/

Building the Future: From COBOL to AI with Spart Parthasarathy

My guest today is Galvin Widjaja, founder and CEO of <a href="http://lauretta.io" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Lauretta.io</a> ….In this episode he talks about: <ul><li>Origin story: Galvin Widjaja shares his origin story, including his background and how he got associated with the AI industry .</li><li>Entrepreneurial Journey: Galvin discusses his transition from a quant finance background to becoming an entrepreneur in the AI space .</li><li>AI and Computer Vision: Insights into Galvin's work in AI and computer vision, particularly in security applications .</li><li>Business Challenges: Galvin talks about the challenges faced in running a restaurant chain and the importance of automation and domain expertise .</li><li>Consulting Experience: Reflections on Galvin's consulting experience and the lessons learned in communication and stakeholder management .</li><li>Regulation Tech Project: Details about a regulation tech project Galvin proposed and executed at DBS Bank .</li><li>Family Influence: The impact of Galvin's family background on his entrepreneurial journey, including his father's and grandfather's businesses .</li><li>Pivot to AI: The shift from business processing to AI and the founding of an AI security company .</li><li>Technological Innovations: Discussion on technological innovations in Indonesia and the contributions of Indonesian software engineers </li></ul>﻿CEO & Co-Founder, Lauretta.ioGalvin Widjaja is the founder and CEO of Lauretta AI, a privacy-first computer vision company that helps organizations understand human behavior in physical spaces without relying on identity or biometrics. Under his leadership, Lauretta has become a trusted partner to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA, U.S. Air Force, and major airport and defense agencies across Asia and North America. The company’s AI platform is designed to predict intent, enable preemptive alerts, and provide real-time situational awareness — all while preserving individual privacy.Galvin’s unconventional journey into AI began not in a lab, but behind the counter of a quick-service restaurant he once ran for his father in Singapore. After early career stints in consulting, banking, and tech, a pivotal decision to reconnect with his estranged father led him to manage three migrant-serving restaurants. There, he learned that systems are only as good as the people they serve. That insight shaped his approach to AI — one built not just on precision and scale, but on empathy, equity, and lived experience.Born in Singapore and raised partly in Indonesia, Galvin grew up in entrepreneurial households that saw both massive growth and total collapse. Those early lessons in volatility, resilience, and human complexity now inform his mission to build AI that doesn’t just react — it understands. His work focuses on helping organizations move from static surveillance to dynamic understanding, and from reactive alerts to proactive decision-making — all while respecting the humanity of the people being observed.Galvin may be reached at: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/galvinw/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/galvinw/</a>

My guest today is Galvin Widjaja, founder and CEO of Lauretta.io ….In this episode he talks about:Origin story: Galvin Widjaja shares his origin story, including his background and how he got associated with the AI industry .Entrepreneurial Journey: Galvin discusses his transition from a quant finance background to becoming an entrepreneur in the AI space .AI and Computer Vision: Insights into Galvin's work in AI and computer vision, particularly in security applications .Business Challenges: Galvin talks about the challenges faced in running a restaurant chain and the importance of automation and domain expertise .Consulting Experience: Reflections on Galvin's consulting experience and the lessons learned in communication and stakeholder management .Regulation Tech Project: Details about a regulation tech project Galvin proposed and executed at DBS Bank .Family Influence: The impact of Galvin's family background on his entrepreneurial journey, including his father's and grandfather's businesses .Pivot to AI: The shift from business processing to AI and the founding of an AI security company .Technological Innovations: Discussion on technological innovations in Indonesia and the contributions of Indonesian software engineers ﻿CEO & Co-Founder, Lauretta.ioGalvin Widjaja is the founder and CEO of Lauretta AI, a privacy-first computer vision company that helps organizations understand human behavior in physical spaces without relying on identity or biometrics. Under his leadership, Lauretta has become a trusted partner to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA, U.S. Air Force, and major airport and defense agencies across Asia and North America. The company’s AI platform is designed to predict intent, enable preemptive alerts, and provide real-time situational awareness — all while preserving individual privacy.Galvin’s unconventional journey into AI began not in a lab, but behind the counter of a quick-service restaurant he once ran for his father in Singapore. After early career stints in consulting, banking, and tech, a pivotal decision to reconnect with his estranged father led him to manage three migrant-serving restaurants. There, he learned that systems are only as good as the people they serve. That insight shaped his approach to AI — one built not just on precision and scale, but on empathy, equity, and lived experience.Born in Singapore and raised partly in Indonesia, Galvin grew up in entrepreneurial households that saw both massive growth and total collapse. Those early lessons in volatility, resilience, and human complexity now inform his mission to build AI that doesn’t just react — it understands. His work focuses on helping organizations move from static surveillance to dynamic understanding, and from reactive alerts to proactive decision-making — all while respecting the humanity of the people being observed.Galvin may be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galvinw/

A Journey of Innovation and Challenges with Galvin Widjaja

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.

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.