Software People Stories

In this episode, Shiv is in conversation with Prasad Chodavarapu, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Aganitha.aiIn this conversation, Prasad, a tech veteran turned bio-pharma enthusiast, discusses his unique career trajectory from software development to founding a startup in the life sciences space. Prasad shares his journey, starting from his early days in tech during the nascent stages of the internet in the mid-90s, working in startups, and his transition to a large enterprise consulting role. The conversation dives into the challenges and learnings from shifting into the bio-pharma industry, the impact of AI in this space, the complexities of scientific data, and the nuances of interdisciplinary collaboration. Prasad also offers valuable career advice for newcomers and those experiencing a mid-career crisis, emphasizing the importance of combining disciplines and lifelong learning. We wrap up with personal insights on how Prasad maintains balance in his life through music and family support.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:54 Career Beginnings in Software and Technology04:04 Transition to Life Sciences and Biotech07:25 Challenges and Innovations in Scientific Computing09:51 The Role of AI and Data in Modern Science16:29 Preserving and Digitizing Knowledge Systems19:42 Startup Journey and Entrepreneurial Insights24:17 Scientific Collaboration and Practical Applications32:42 Modeling and Prediction Cycles33:37 Validating Predictions in the Lab33:42 Solving Customer Problems with Algorithms35:33 Understanding the Drug Development Value Chain37:41 Challenges in Clinical Trials40:06 The Impact of AI on Science and Technology45:19 Career Advice for Life Sciences and Computing51:18 Personal Techniques for Managing UncertaintyPrasad Chodavarapu is a hands-on tech business exec with 25+ years of exp. in growing tech businesses from start-up stage to a billion-dollar scaleHis expertise and track record is in building multi-disciplinary teamsHe is a published author, with patents in Data and Process engineeringHe is a Co-Founder & Managing Director at Aganitha.aiHis interests include: Deep Science (Comp Bio & Quantum Chem) +  Deep Tech (AI/ML, LLMs, Data, Cloud) for accelerating R&D at global BioPharma, Re-imagining with Agentic & Generative AI, every process & app in disease studies, therapeutic design & dev, synthesis, clinical, medical & regulatory affairs.Among his earlier roles: HCL Tech: SVP & Global delivery head for Transformation ServicesHe is an alumnus of Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) & IIT KharagpurChannels to reach him:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chprasad/@Omics_Chap on X, @omics-chap.bsky.social on Bluesky

In this special episode celebrating seven years of the 'Software People Stories podcast, hosts Anita Shiva, Shiv, Gayatri, and Chitra reflect on their journey. Theydiscuss the origins, challenges, milestones, and personal experiences of managingthe podcast, offering insights into what kept them motivated. The conversation alsotouches on the evolution of the podcast, notable guests, and some of the humorousbehind-the-scenes moments. Looking ahead, the hosts share their vision for the nextphase, including ideas for new formats and expanding the podcast's reach to abroader audience.00:00 Introduction and Nervous Beginnings00:25 Celebrating Seven Years of Podcasting01:29 The Origins of Software People Stories02:55 Why Podcasting? Personal Journeys06:29 Consistency and Habits for Success12:11 Preparation and Rituals Before Recording16:54 Tips for Aspiring Podcasters22:59 Funny and Memorable Moments31:25 The Power of Storytelling31:49 Revealing Untold Stories32:34 Insights from Guests33:31 Personal Journeys and Reflections34:42 Influences and Upbringing37:34 Memorable Guests44:01 Podcasting Habits and Observations52:22 Future Aspirations and GratitudeThank you Listeners for making this happen

In this special episode of 'Software People Stories,' , our guest is Dr. Krishna Prasad, known more popularly as KP from the 'Full Stack Leadership Cast.' KP shares his journey into podcasting, inspired by the host's longstanding podcast. They discuss the concept of full stack leadership, emphasizing a holistic approach to leadership that impacts business, influences people, and focuses on self-development. KP highlights his experiences from the first season, discussing the challenges of podcasting and the valuable insights gained from his diverse guests. They also delve into the prospects for the next season, including potential global guests and cross-industry learning.00:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement00:12 Welcoming the Guest: KP from Full Stack Leadership Cast01:29 KP's Podcasting Journey and Inspirations04:46 The Concept of Full Stack Leadership10:57 Insights from Season One15:47 Plans for Season Two and Listener Feedback21:05 Where to Listen and Final ThoughtsNote – above timings are approximate; exact timing may be off by a minute or soYou can listen to the Full Stack leadershipcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4XtBUzCNYXDusMt0HS-T6-hl1BHXpyN9Or on the PM Power websitehttps://www.pm-powerconsulting.com/full-stack-leadershipcast/More on KP at: https://www.pm-powerconsulting.com/experts/krishna-prasad/

In this episode, Shiv is in conversation with Naresh Choudhary, Senior Vice President, Quality & Productivity, Infosys Ltd.Naresh shares his career journey starting from humble beginnings in Mumbai, studying engineering at VJTI, working at Arvind Mills, and eventually contributing to Infosys for 25 years. The discussion covers his transition from manufacturing to IT, the influence of mentors, various roles at Infosys, and the importance of reframing roles. Naresh also emphasizes the value of great work, networking, mentorship, and maintaining a work-life balance. He talks about driving innovation and change management effectively within a large organization through transparent communication, planning, and continuous feedback. Finally, Naresh offers personal practices like journaling, exercising, and separating work from family time to stay grounded and calm.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:23 Early Career and Education02:00 Transition to Infosys03:43 Roles and Responsibilities at Infosys07:16 Mentorship and Career Growth10:28 Defining Great Work15:32 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome19:28 The Importance of Mentors24:23 Networking and Time Management29:19 Clearing the Mind for Focus29:51 Work-Life Balance and Breaks30:59 Organizational Change and Trust33:51 Planning and Transparency in Change34:51 Process Over Tools36:04 Sponsorship and Milestone Reviews37:46 Encouraging Knowledge Sharing43:58 Innovation and Idea Management47:33 Staying Grounded Amidst Responsibilities53:00 Personal Practices for Balance56:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBio:In his stint at Infosys over 2 decades, Naresh has worked in different roles in Software Delivery, Consulting, Quality Assurance, Open Source, Enterprise Platforms, Products, Tools & Technology that have provided him opportunities to work on key transformation programs.Naresh has experience in Software Development, Quality System Design, Process definition, Implementation and Consulting, Product & Platform Engineering, Software Reuse, Knowledge Management, Training, Audits and Assessments. He possesses a sound understanding of various quality models, methodologies and frameworks like CMMI, ISO, Six Sigma, MBNQA, AI, Automation,  Agile, DevSecOps & SRE.Naresh participates on several product councils and advisory boards with Infosys’ global technology partners and is currently leading the effort on reimagining the tooling, engineering excellence, digital platforms, Lean and automation landscape for the enterpriseHe is a self confessed Foodie, History enthusiast, Amateur Chef, Motivational Speakerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nareshchoudhary/

In this episode, Shiv is in conversation with George Mundassery, former SVP and Global head, AI and Automation with Tech Mahindra.George shares his extensive journey in the IT industry, starting from his early days with Tatas in power systems to his role in automation and AI implementation. George recounts his experiences working with various technologies, including mainframes, real-time systems, Fortran 77, C, and C++, and later transitioning to commercial applications and enterprise solutions with Tuxedo and WebLogic. He also discusses the challenges and successes in delivering large-scale applications, the importance of data management, and the critical role of customer engagement and team collaboration. Additionally, George offers valuable advice for aspiring IT professionals and those navigating mid-career challenges, emphasizing continuous learning, teamwork, and adapting to change.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:10 Curiosity About Architects00:29 George's Origin Story01:12 Early Career in Power Systems02:44 Transition to Commercial Applications03:38 Exciting Journey with Middleware05:23 Experience with HCL and Startups07:13 Setting Up Automation and AI Units10:51 Challenges in Data Management15:49 Role as a CTO and Technology Adoption18:43 Importance of Non-Functional Aspects22:29 Handling Technical Risks in Projects28:05 Building a Strong Team from Scratch30:17 Balancing Technology, Customers, and Overheads33:22 Challenges and Successes in Automation and AI37:56 The Impact of Generative AI on Software Engineering46:29 Advice for IT Professionals at Different Career Stages53:17 Staying Grounded in a Fast-Paced Industry56:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughtshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mundassery-2117533/George Mundassery is a seasoned IT leader with 40 years of global service delivery experience, recognized for his pioneering contributions in Intelligent automation and AI. He has served as Global Head of Automation and AI and held senior roles at major firms like Tech Mahindra representing the face of AI and automation initiatives. Throughout his career, he had been focused on building high-performing teams and establishing competencies to deliver value and outcome to global customers through Business and IT transformation programs.  George is acknowledged as a respected thought leader and member in leading organizations and think tanks, having shaped robust AI and Automation ecosystems and mentored cross-functional international teams.

My guest today is Michael Ferranti, VP of Marketing at Unleash. In this conversation Michael recounts his journey from the banking sector to the tech world starting during the 2008 financial crisis. He explains how the launch of Amazon's cloud services led him to join Rackspace, a leading hosting provider at the time. Michael emphasizes the importance of culture in a company’s success and delves into his career in developer tools, touching upon the shifts in cloud computing, containerization, and microservices architecture, up to the current generative AI revolution. He discusses the differences between building software for financial services and for developers, stressing the necessity of upskilling to maintain credible conversations with target audiences. Key insights shared include best practices for feature management, emphasizing the importance of small batch sizes in DevOps, and the critical need for empathy and strong mission alignment in work culture. Michael concludes with career advice for those looking to enter or advance in software marketing, highlighting the importance of curiosity and adaptability in the fast-evolving tech landscape.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 Michael's Journey into Tech01:29 Early Career at Rackspace03:28 Transition to Developer Tools04:31 Differences Between BFSI and Developer Domains05:42 Understanding Developer Needs10:04 Feature Management and Testing in Production13:10 Balancing Technical and Business Requirements29:30 Building a Strong Company Culture34:45 Staying Updated with Industry Trends38:17 Career Tips for Aspiring Marketers42:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughtshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrantim/Michael Ferranti is a seasoned enterprise technologist and product strategist with deep experience in the developer tools and cloud-native ecosystems. Across companies like Portworx, Teleport, and now Unleash, Michael has consistently been at the forefront of how modern engineering teams build, release, and secure software at scale.He’s led product and marketing teams through high-growth phases, acquisitions, and major category creation efforts—often sitting at the intersection of infrastructure innovation and developer experience. At Portworx, he helped define the Kubernetes-native storage and backup category. At Teleport, he worked on reimagining secure infrastructure access by replacing legacy VPNs and PAM tools with developer-first identity-based access. At Unleash, he’s helping redefine how teams manage feature delivery with open-source roots and enterprise-grade scale.Michael speaks the language of engineering leaders because he’s worked side-by-side with them for over a decade. His approach to go-to-market is grounded in understanding real user workflows, developer psychology, and the shifting realities of enterprise architectures—from Kubernetes to DevSecOps to open-source adoption models.

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/

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.

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/

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.