The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans

In this episode of The Indianness Podcast, host Sanjay Puri sits down with Dr. Soumitra Dutta, Founding Dean of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and creator of the Global Innovation Index and Network Readiness Index. Dr. Dutta’s journey from academia to global leadership has been defined by innovation, impact, and a vision for digital transformation. Together, they explore how India’s global diaspora is shaping the future of innovation, governance, and AI policy — one transformative idea at a time. 5 Key Takeaways 🌍 How Dr. Dutta’s work on the Global Innovation Index became a global benchmark for over 100 countries. 🧠 Insights into the intersection of AI, policy, and culture — and why “sovereign AI” matters for the Global South. 🎓 Lessons from leading global institutions like Oxford and Cornell, and the mindset behind transformative academic leadership. 🤝 Why collaboration between policymakers, technologists, and educators is key to ensuring responsible AI adoption. 💡 Dr. Dutta’s reflections on Indianness — how values, resilience, and curiosity shape the Indian global identity. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to The Indianness Podcast for more inspiring conversations with global changemakers. 🌏✨ Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumitra-dutta/ 

What does it take to rise from an average student to becoming a visionary CFO in healthcare? In this in-depth conversation, Parinda Gandhi opens up about her extraordinary journey on the Indianness Podcast. Early struggles & immigrant family life in Cleveland. The importance of parental influence on spirituality, culture, and education. How she turned setbacks—like being underestimated academically—into opportunities for growth. Why embracing networking and adaptability transformed her career path. Her perspective on imposter syndrome, failures, and trusting instincts as a leader. 💡 This is a must-watch for aspiring professionals, leaders balancing cultural identities, and anyone chasing meaningful growth. Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parindagandhi/ 

Prof. Priyamvada Natarajan joins the Indianness Podcast for a cosmic conversation on science, curiosity, and the invisible universe. In this powerful episode: Learn how Priyamvada mapped the first dark matter models and studied black hole formation Discover her journey from a curious child in Coimbatore to Chair of Astronomy at Yale Understand the deeper meaning behind scientific mastery and personal growth Explore her powerful reflections on humility, cultural context, and mentorship Named to TIME100 in 2024, hear why she believes luck + preparation = magic 🛰️ A must-watch for science lovers, aspiring change-makers, and anyone fascinated by the universe. 👉 Subscribe and hit the bell icon for more stories of global Indian excellence. 📺 Watch Now and get inspired. Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-natarajan-66b0215/ 

Join us on the Indianness Podcast with Alok Sama as he revisits: A life of 17-hour workdays, massive mergers, and global finance Deep personal reflections on mortality, regret, and missed phone calls How a cadaver at age 10 turned him away from medicine forever Lessons in failure—from cricket to startups—and how they shaped his resilience The moment he realized his son thought he was cool again 📘 This is not just a career story—it's an emotional reckoning. Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aloksama?  ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Setup 04:30 - Welcome to the Podcast 06:30 - Childhood and Family Background 11:50 - The Influence of His Father 15:00 - The Cadaver Incident 18:30 - Luck, Serendipity & Career 21:00 - Schooling and Rejection 24:50 - Cricket, Sports and Resilience 29:00 - Friendships and Long-term Bonds 31:30 - Decision to Study Abroad 36:50 - Cultural Shock in America 40:00 - Wharton and Academics 42:40 - Career at Morgan Stanley 45:00 - Mentorship and Role Models 48:00 - Joining SoftBank 51:00 - Staying After Nikesh Left 52:30 - Pivot to Writing 56:20 - The Money Trap Book 58:00 - New Writing Focus 1:02:00 - Life After Loss 1:05:40 - Redefining Success 1:10:20 - Most Influential Person 

Join us in this episode of the Indianness Podcast as we explore Sonia Vora's inspiring journey—from her immigrant upbringing in Detroit to becoming the Chief Strategy Officer of a mental wellness company and CHRO of the Gates Foundation. 💡 What you’ll learn: How Sonia’s parents shaped her values through resilience and empathy Her pivot from finance to HR, integrating AI and human-centric leadership The power of intrinsic motivation and how to unlock it in yourself and others Stories of cultural duality, name changes, and identity 🔔 Subscribe for more stories of Indian origin change makers 📺 Watch now and be inspired. https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniavora/ 

Indianness Podcast: Harini Gopalakrishnan on Learning, Integrity, and Career Growth 🎧 How does integrity and a strong foundation shape career success? In this engaging episode of the Indianness Podcast, Sanjay Puri interviews Harini Gopalakrishnan, CTO for Life Sciences at Snowflake. Harini reflects on her career journey, from her early days in Chennai to becoming a leader in healthcare technology. 📌 Topics Covered: The impact of growing up in a joint family How her grandmother’s lessons on integrity shaped her career The value of foundational knowledge in professional success Why saying "no" can build more trust than saying "yes" How continuous learning and adaptability are key to career longevity 🚀 Watch now to learn how Harini’s approach to integrity and learning drives her success!  Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harinigopalakrishnan/  ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Podcast Episode Highlights   1:05 - Harini’s early life: Born in Kerala, raised in Chennai, bilingual roots, and joint family upbringing.   2:05 - Emphasis on education and gender equality in her family.   3:03 - Memories of grandparents and their influence (moral values, music lessons).   4:03 - Learning veena and lifelong lessons from foundational skills.   5:15 - Career advice: Importance of foundational knowledge and adaptability.   7:34 - Balancing passion vs. practicality in career choices.   10:14 - Transition to college: Networking, curiosity, and cultural adaptability.   13:05 - Discussing integrity and saying "no" in professional settings.   17:38 - Choosing computer science: Pragmatism and societal expectations.   20:07 - Undergrad experience: Fun vs. academic rigor, soft skills.   24:27 - First job at Cognizant: Corporate challenges and self-discovery.   30:01 - Pursuing a master’s in bioinformatics: Risk-taking and career pivots.   34:06 - Career inflection points: Moving to tech, international exposure.   39:56 - Working in Europe and cultural adaptability lessons.   46:04 - Leadership style influenced by Indian values (integrity, customer focus).   50:10 - Failures and resilience: Returning to India post-master’s.   53:44 - Role of mentors: Grandmother, professors, and customer guidance.   55:34 - Lightning round: Coffee lover, remote work preference, intuition over data.

In this episode of the Indianness Podcast, we sit down with Anjana Harve, EVP & CIO at BJ’s Wholesale Club, to explore the intersection of leadership, innovation, and digital transformation. With a career spanning multiple industries, she shares insights on navigating AI advancements, leading global teams, and fostering an inclusive tech culture. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✔ How to drive large-scale digital transformation across diverse industries. ✔ The future of AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making. ✔ Lessons from leading Fortune 500 companies through technological shifts. ✔ The importance of mentorship and diverse leadership in tech. 🚀 This episode is a must-watch for aspiring leaders, tech professionals, and innovators!  Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjanaharve/  ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode Highlights 01:05 - Early Life & Roots in India 03:46 - Father’s Influence: Integrity & Perception 08:11 - Leadership Lessons from a Judge 13:23 - Mother’s Role: Curiosity & Self-Improvement 17:00 - Adapting to Change & Building Connections 20:14 - Work-Life Balance & Family Feedback 25:39 - Career Journey: From India to the U.S. 30:27 - Defining Indianness in Leadership 36:09 - Mentorship & Inflection Points 44:47 - Lightning Round Q&A 52:55 - Final Takeaways 

In this episode, Dr. Pradeep Khosla reflects on his career, the role of mentorship, and the importance of embracing challenges. Learn how his Indian roots influenced his approach to leadership and innovation in the U.S. education system. Resources Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradeepkhosla/ https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/about/about-the-chancellor/index.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradeep_Khosla 

On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder and Trustee at Ashoka University, Founding Dean of ISB, Founder of Harappa Education and President at upGrad. Dr. Sinha is a visionary leader in education and entrepreneurship. He has reshaped higher education in India and is now setting his sights on the entire world.Dr. Sinha shares how his upbringing, his father and his sisters’ resilience inspired and motivated him. He discusses his views on India’s educational system, the skills educational leaders should possess and how even introverts can learn them.Key Takeaways:(02:18) Dr. Sinha’s upbringing in Patna and his father’s influence.(03:54) Leadership lessons that shaped Dr. Sinha’s career.(10:22) How mentorship impacted his career and life. (20:16) Dr. Sinha’s sister’s challenges and resilience. (39:02) On the straitjacketed Indian education system.(54:17) On creating a plan for Malaysia’s economic growth.(57:28) Learning from the best universities and applying it to the Indian context. (58:06) The importance of giving students a choice.(01:00:29) Developing tribe and leadership skills online.(1:03:06) The importance of solving the right problems in entrepreneurship.(1:07:19) Introverts can develop people skills and be effective leaders.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha -https://www.linkedin.com/in/pramathsinha/Ashoka University | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university/Ashoka University | Website -https://www.ashoka.edu.in upGrad LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ueducation/upGrad | Website - https://www.upgrad.comIndian School of Business (ISB) -https://www.isb.edu Harappa Education -https://harappa.educationThanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Jha shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small village in Bihar, India, to being asked by the President of the United States to join his administration. He also opens up about facing racism in high school and how support at Columbia University helped shape his dual identity and career.Key Takeaways:(03:01) Dr. Jha’s childhood memories in Bihar.(08:51) The great unknown of moving to Canada. (17:11) The move to New Jersey and the harsh reality of facing racism.(19:25) Facing a high school teacher who told him to change his name.(25:47) Learning to embrace both his Indian and American identities.(38:59) The President’s invitation to join the White House as COVID-19 Response Coordinator.(40:00) The privilege of working in the West Wing as an Indian immigrant.(41:25) The value of building and maintaining meaningful relationships.(42:34) Why service is one of the most enriching experiences in life.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Ashish Jha -https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashish-jha-b9aab41/Columbia University -https://www.columbia.eduBrown University School of Public Health -https://graduateprograms.brown.edu/graduate-program/public-health-mph?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=MPH&utm_content=traffic&creative=613468509292&keyword=brown%20university%20masters%20in%20public%20health&matchtype=b&network=g&device=c&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwreW2BhBhEiwAavLwfLqUIDqHZqKhWapyYPIskdsJHEW872WYuwCVEI0U4PObifvPrFTEdxoCRUIQAvD_BwEHarvard Medical School -https://hms.harvard.eduUniversity of Toronto -https://www.utoronto.caWorld Health Organization (WHO) -https://www.who.intThanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Community is the foundation on which success is built. A strong support network opens opportunities and helps us overcome even the most challenging adversity.On this episode, I’m joined by Mamta Patel Nagaraja, Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to explore her unconventional journey from a small town in Texas to a prominent role at NASA.Key Takeaways:(00:16) The value of making decisions based on available information.(06:06) Overcoming academic and social challenges in school.(12:21) The drive for academic excellence and early leadership roles.(27:33) Critical decisions and sacrifices made in pursuit of becoming an astronaut.(30:25) The importance of following rules and the impact of small decisions.(33:28) Dealing with rejection and finding new dreams after setbacks.(41:08) Visualization and storytelling as techniques for dreaming new dreams.(50:59) The importance of empathy, listening, and making thoughtful decisions.(57:16) The impact of 9/11 on personal safety and awareness.Resources Mentioned:Mamta Patel Nagaraja - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamtapatelnagaraja/NASA | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasa/NASA | Website - https://www.nasa.govMamta Patel Nagaraja - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamta_Patel_NagarajaThanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist of IBM Research, IBM Fellow, and Vice President of IBM Technology & Technical Community. Dr. Puri shares his journey from Kurukshetra’s National Institute of Technology to spearheading innovations at IBM, reflecting on how his early fascination with electronics and mathematics shaped his career. It’s a story of passion, perseverance and profound impact.Key Takeaways:(00:11) Contributing new knowledge rather than just absorbing information is crucial.(01:22) Early life experiences in a university campus environment.(04:18) The significance of a safe and stimulating childhood in shaping future leaders.(16:35) A love for mathematics and logical problem-solving shaped Dr. Puri’s academic and professional trajectory.(33:02) Dr. Puri’s passion for electronics and building things from an early age guided his career choices.(49:21) The importance of having mentors and role models in shaping one’s career and personal growth.(53:32) Success is defined by contributing to a body of knowledge and having a respected, credible standing in one’s field.(01:02:45) Focus on the work itself rather than the results to achieve excellence.(01:04:10) The role of mentors, including family members and colleagues, is indispensable in achieving success.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Ruchir Puri - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchir-puri-b117021a/IBM Research - https://research.ibm.comNIT Kurukshetra - https://nitkkr.ac.inIIT Kanpur - https://www.iitk.ac.inThanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Success is not a straight line; it's about seizing opportunities and learning at every step.In this episode, I’m joined by Raju Narisetti, Leader, Global Publishing at McKinsey & Company. Raju’s 33-year career spans media and publishing across continents, from launching Mint in India to The Wall Street Journal. His unconventional journey from Hyderabad to leading global media is a testament to resilience and lifelong learning.Key Takeaways: (01:35) The influence of a diverse cultural background on Raju's career.(03:29) The value of education and its transformative power.(06:42) Overcoming challenges during his schooling years.(09:32) How early career experiences shaped Raju’s professional path.(16:49) The value of rural management education in building resilience.(20:10) The significance of education in overcoming life's challenges.(34:15) The critical role of mentors in personal and professional development.(40:09) The importance of embracing new opportunities and continuous learning.(51:56) Managing setbacks and turning them into learning experiences.Resources Mentioned:Raju Narisetti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajunarisetti/McKinsey & Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mckinsey/”Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande - https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Community is the foundation on which success is built. A strong support network opens opportunities and helps us overcome even the most challenging adversity.In this episode, I’m joined by Sonalee Parekh, Chief Financial Officer of RingCentral, a large software company. Sonalee has held leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, served on several boards and has over a 20-year career on Wall Street.Key Takeaways:(02:29) Growing up in a mixed-race household. (05:32) Visiting India for the first time was a culture shock. (12:30) The influence of her resilient grandmother. (17:17) How her father’s forward-thinking nature shaped her. (35:25) Achieving early success in her career.(37:22) The impact moving to London had on her career. (45:47) The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.(46:10) The value of pushing oneself to be uncomfortable. (47:32) The strategic selection of mentors.(50:59) Feeling at home in the Silicon Valley community.Resources Mentioned:Sonalee Parekh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonaleeparekh/RingCentral | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ringcentral/Hewlett Packard Enterprise - https://www.hpe.com/us/en/home.htmlRingCentral | Website - https://www.ringcentral.comGoldman Sachs - https://www.goldmansachs.comBarclays Capital - https://home.barclaysThanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Community is the foundation on which success is built. A strong support network opens opportunities and helps us overcome even the most challenging adversity.On this episode, I’m joined by Prem Natarajan, Chief Scientist, EVP, and Head of Enterprise Data and AI at Capital One, to explore his journey from Chennai to leading AI initiatives at a major financial services company.Key Takeaways:(00:11) The value of continual security testing.(00:18) The importance of prioritizing your security issues.(19:47) How early life influences and role models shape career ambitions.(21:30) The critical role of mentors and asymmetrical mentorship relationships.(29:00) Learning life lessons through sports and teamwork.(36:22) Early technical projects shaping an engineering career.(41:00) Balancing foundational understanding with pragmatic goals in engineering.(50:23) The importance of curiosity and admitting when you don't know.(56:25) Transitioning from academia to industry and the AI revolution.(01:07:11) Family influence and persistence as a mantra.(01:08:51) Nurturing relationships and leveraging education.(01:09:13) Advice on leveraging education and imagination for young professionals.Resources Mentioned:Prem Natarajan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajan/Capital One - https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-one/BBN Technologies - https://www.bbn.com/University of Southern California - https://www.usc.edu/Amazon Alexa - https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/alexaThanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Success in the business world often hinges on one’s ability to solve problems and navigate challenges. This week, I’m joined by Shruti Gandhi, General Partner and Founding Engineer of Array Ventures and Commissioner of the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System. Shruti shares her inspiring journey from working at IBM to leading a venture capital firm focused on enterprise data startups.Key Takeaways:(00:02) Career progression at IBM to the CEO chairman’s office.(00:37) Finding a home and belonging in San Francisco.(00:53) The impact of Bombay’s unsafe environment on her desire to leave.(12:00) Shruti’s family’s immigration journey from India to the US.(23:39) Reverse engineering venture-backed companies.(31:29) Passion for venture capital and setting an example.(34:41) Guiding principle: “My life is my message.”(37:00) Finding alternative outlets to thrive.Resources Mentioned:Shruti Gandhi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutigandhi/Array Ventures - https://www.linkedin.com/company/array-ventures/IBM - https://www.ibm.com/Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

On this episode, I’m joined by Dhireesha Kudithipudi, Founding Director of the MATRIX AI Consortium and Director of the Neuromorphic AI Lab at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Dhireesha shares insights from her journey, which began in a small village in India and has led her to the forefront of developing energy-efficient AI systems that mimic the human brain.Key Takeaways:(00:11) The impact of childhood experiences on career paths.(00:26) The influence of family and community on personal and professional growth.(00:50) The transition from traditional computing to neuromorphic AI.(01:28) How biologically-inspired AI can address real-world problems.(02:19) The importance of a holistic approach to AI development.(05:17) The role of education in shaping future innovators.(08:06) Challenges and opportunities in leading AI research.(13:27) The potential of AI to revolutionize energy efficiency.(22:19) Insights on mentorship and its impact on career development.(53:11) Reflections on the evolving landscape of AI and future directions.Resources Mentioned:Dhireesha Kudithipudi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhireesha/MATRIX AI Consortium at UTSA - https://ai.utsa.edu/University of Texas at San Antonio Neuromorphic AI Lab - https://www.nuailab.com/Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

Taking chances and learning from new experiences can lead to incredible personal and professional growth. Embracing change and stepping out of one's comfort zone are keys to continual success.On this episode, I’m joined by Sowmya Gottipati, Head of Global Supply Chain Technology of Estée Lauder Companies, for an inspiring discussion on her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.Key Takeaways:(00:53) The importance of taking risks and avoiding life on autopilot. (05:10) The need to constantly seek growth and learning. (07:27) The challenges of adapting to new environments during childhood. (12:45) The significance of pursuing higher education abroad. (21:30) The role of supportive parents in career development. (25:30) The desire to break traditional molds and seek freedom. (30:10) Embracing new opportunities at Estée Lauder. (35:20) The impact of creating a culture of joy in the workplace. (42:00) The complexities of holding both an Indian and American identity. (47:55) Encouraging more women in technology and leadership roles. (51:45) Avoiding career plateaus and seeking continual growth. (54:30) Blending Indian and American cultures for future generations.Resources Mentioned:Sowmya Gottipati - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sowmyagottipati/Estée Lauder Companies - https://www.elcompanies.com/Columbia Business School - https://business.columbia.edu/about-usThanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

On this episode, Kedar Deshpande, former CEO of Zappos and Groupon, joins me to share his insights on leadership, entrepreneurship and redefining success. Kedar’s perspective on curiosity and questioning the status quo has led him to make a significant impact in various sectors.Key Takeaways:(01:02) The importance of looking for disproportionate impact.(04:33) Redefining success: it’s about the journey.(13:00) The influence of an entrepreneurial family background.(20:26) Transitioning from software engineering to project management.(30:28) How financial challenges shaped Kedar’s career decisions.(40:47) Improving strategies for financial assistance.(50:19) Inspiration from Tony Hsieh’s book "Delivering Happiness."(51:31) The significance of company culture at Zappos.(56:09) Questioning fundamentals to understand core issues.(58:56) Taking opportunities in different sectors without a background.(01:02:53) Finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.(01:06:09) Defining Indianness as hospitality and authenticity.Resources Mentioned:Kedar Deshpande - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kedard/Zappos - https://www.linkedin.com/company/zappos.com/Groupon - https://www.linkedin.com/company/groupon/“Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh - https://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446576220Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness

On this episode, I’m joined by Kaschit Pandya, Chief Technology Officer of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America. Kaschit shares insights from his journey from IT roles in India to leading technology efforts at one of the largest government agencies in the US.Key Takeaways:(00:30) Seeking mentors who genuinely invest in your growth.(08:20) Kaschit’s early life in India influenced his values and career trajectory.(15:45) Balancing personal identity with professional roles in a diverse cultural setting.(22:10) Genuine mentorship impacts career advancement and personal development.(30:25) Navigating the shift from private sector dynamism to public sector impact.(38:55) Building resilience through personal and professional challenges.(45:10) Strong family bonds play an important role in shaping our personal and professional life.(52:30) How embracing diversity enriches professional experiences and outcomes.(57:15) The significance of authenticity in leadership and professional relationships.(1:03:50) Reflections on the ongoing journey of learning and growth in a leadership role.Resources Mentioned:Kaschit Pandya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaschitp/Internal Revenue Service - https://www.linkedin.com/company/irs/“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419“Think Again” by Adam Grant - https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/1984878107Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show. #Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness