#377 A Fireside Chat with Ramesh Subramanian on AI, Transformation, and the Modern CFO

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we are joined by Ramesh Subramanian, a seasoned transformational leader and CFO with over 25 years of experience in global multinationals and government entities. Ramesh shares his deep insights into the critical factors that drive successful digital and business transformation, emphasizing the importance of addressing resistance to change and ensuring that transformations are led from the top with a clear vision. He highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that simultaneously addresses strategy, culture, and capabilities to achieve sustainable success.

Ramesh also delves into the evolving role of the modern CFO, describing it as the “chief storyteller” who integrates value across the organization and ensures the monetization of that value. He stresses the importance of understanding and embracing new technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, not only for the C-suite but across the organization. As a proponent of ESG, Ramesh discusses the significance of sustainability and why businesses must embed ESG principles to remain competitive and attract top talent.

The conversation also explores real-world AI use cases that have successfully delivered value in areas such as customer service, personalized marketing, predictive maintenance, and healthcare diagnostics. Ramesh emphasizes that AI is more than just chatbots; it’s a powerful tool that can drive efficiency and real-time decision-making across various industries.

Towards the end of the episode, Ramesh shares valuable life and business lessons drawn from his extensive career. He discusses the importance of embracing change, maintaining a growth mindset, and achieving work-life integration. For future leaders, he underscores the necessity of staying customer-focused, fostering diversity and inclusion, and building strong ecosystems that create lasting value.

About Ramesh:

With over 25 years of international experience, Ramesh is a transformational leader & a strategic CFO who has successfully steered world leading global MNCs such as FedEx, Inchcape PLC, Ericsson AB, Volex PLC as well as Government entities in the GCC such as Bahrain International Circuit ( F1 circuit) & Ras Al Khaimah

economic Zone (RAKEZ) towards greater efficiency and profitability. In his illustrious career spanning over 5 countries he has built, coached, motivated high-

performance multinational/multicultural teams that consistently deliver. He has a proven track record of driving business & digital transformations, innovation &

growth, improving P&L scenarios, and implementing crucial change initiatives while maintaining employee & creditor loyalty and trust.

He excels in shaping business strategies and addressing growth challenges for growing, mature and declining businesses. Ramesh Subramanian is a skilled negotiator with balanced judgement, capable of steering consensus among core business disciplines with diverse agenda.

www.linkedin.com/in/ramesh0508

01:09 Ramesh Subramanian's Background

02:51 Challenges in Digital Transformation

03:51 Formulas for Successful Digital Transformation

16:05 AI Use Cases and Emerging Areas

23:37 Expectations from a Modern CFO

28:04 Importance of ESG and Sustainability

33:12 Life and Business Lessons

43:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts