Zinnov Podcast - Business Resilience series

L’Oréal has spent more than a century defining beauty, and today, it continues that evolution through technology. In this episode, Susannah Greenberg, Chief Information Officer, Americas, L’Oréal, joins Pari Natarajan, CEO of Zinnov, to discuss how AI, data, and digital platforms are deepening L’Oréal’s connection with consumers and reshaping how beauty is experienced. From precise diagnostics and predictive skincare to AI-enhanced devices and digital try-ons, she breaks down how technology is personalizing beauty at an entirely new level. But the story goes far beyond products. Susannah shares how tools like L’Oréal GPT are transforming the way teams work, reducing repetitive tasks, accelerating problem-solving, and creating space for real creativity. She talks about talent, culture, and the energy inside L’Oréal: a place where new ideas constantly emerge and where creativity and technology meet every day. This episode offers a clear, thoughtful look at how a global brand integrates human insight with intelligent technology not to replace people, but to amplify what they do best. Tune in now.

Proof of concepts were once the hallmark of innovation. Today, they are the bottleneck. The most successful technology partnerships are moving beyond pilots and into production, building together, scaling together, and differentiating together.  In this episode of the Zinnov podcast, Jason McIntyre, VP, Consulting & SI Program - Scale Ecosystem, Databricks, joins Rajat Kohli, Partner at Zinnov, for an unfiltered conversation on the future of ecosystems in the age of data and AI.  From the evolution of system integrators into solution creators to why co-development will define the next decade of alliances, Jason shares what it takes to build partnerships that go beyond enablement and marketing. He explains how differentiation, industry depth, and partner mentality can turn collaboration into a true competitive edge.  Tune in now.       

In this debut episode of Hot Takes & Hard Truths, a new subseries under the Zinnov Podcast: Business Resilience series, Nikhil Kulkarni, Partner, Zinnov, sits down with Mahesh Raja, Chief Growth Officer at Ness Digital Engineering, to unpack a pressing question: If every company is investing in upskilling, why does it feel like no one’s actually learning?   As enterprises pour resources into Gen AI training, cloud certifications, and L&D programs, employees are stretched thin, juggling long hours with self-paced learning they may never use.   This episode goes beyond theory and gets into what’s actually broken, and what it takes to upskill at scale in tech services.   Tune in to find out: Why most learning programs fail to deliver real outcomes Skill to stock vs. skill to order, and why the distinction matters The problem with self-paced learning in delivery-heavy environments Measuring ROI on training: what to track, and what to stop pretending works Why GenAI certifications without real application waste everyone’s time How to personalize learning without overwhelming your teams Whether you're a CHRO, L&D leader, tech executive, or simply someone tired of sitting through another course that doesn’t land, this episode cuts through the noise. Tune in now.

How do you measure software productivity in an AI-first world, and are we focusing on the right metrics? In this episode of the Zinnov Podcast – Business Resilience Series, Pari Natarajan, CEO of Zinnov, speaks with Dr. Ranjit Tinaikar, CEO and Board Member of Ness Digital Engineering, to examine why traditional approaches to measuring productivity fall short in today’s AI-led engineering landscape. The discussion explores the shift from absolute to relative metrics, the structural and behavioral barriers to change, and how AI is enabling organizations to reduce risk and modernize at scale, particularly across mid-market and PE-backed firms. Tune in now for a timely perspective on rethinking productivity, measurement, and value creation in the age of AI.

What does it take to turn a company into a leadership factory — and a country into a product powerhouse? In this premiere episode of Legends & Legacies, Zinnov’s President Sidhant Rastogi sits down with Ajai Chowdhry, Padma Bhushan awardee and HCL co-founder, to decode the DNA of enduring value creation in people, technology, and nations. From pioneering India’s electronics revolution to driving its semiconductor vision, Ajai shares timeless insights on leadership, aspiration, and nation-building. He unpacks HCL’s early strategy of hiring for hunger, not just skills, revealing how entrepreneurial culture and structured sales training created a generation of industry leaders. In a candid diagnosis of India’s services sector, Ajai calls out the urgent need for reinvention, with consultative sales, product-led growth, and IP creation at the core. “India responds best in crisis,” he notes, framing AI disruption not as a threat, but a turning point. Ajai’s advice is clear: Build with intent, lead with confidence, and aim for technology sovereignty - from semiconductors to software. Whether you’re scaling a start-up or steering a legacy firm, this episode offers a front-row seat to India’s tech evolution - and a masterclass in what it takes to shape the future. Tune in Now.

What does it really take to own the room, especially when it wasn’t designed for you? We’re back with Season 2 of Woman in the Mirror, a Zinnov podcast series hosted by Nitika Goel, CMO at Zinnov. And we’re opening with a powerhouse: Rama Bijapurkar. Rama is one of India’s most respected thinkers on business strategy, market behavior, and leadership. Author. Board member. Educator. Trailblazer. For decades, she’s shaped how companies, governments, and society make decisions — and in this episode, she lets us into the inner world behind that public power. In this much-awaited conversation, Rama shares what it means to chart your course through boardrooms, biases, and life’s unexpected turns — especially for women in leadership. She doesn’t believe in destination thinking. She believes in navigation — in responding to what the moment demands, in evolving through instinct and serendipity. Or as she calls it, being from the navigational school of life. She speaks candidly about building personal support systems, choosing courage over comfort, and staying true to yourself when it would be easier to blend in. It’s sharp. It’s stirring. And it’s filled with the kind of truth that lingers long after the episode ends. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room, at the table, or in the story, let this episode be your reminder: You already do. Plug in. Reflect. And maybe, rewrite your own script.

What happens when sustainability stops being a cost center and starts becoming a competitive edge? In this episode of the Zinnov Podcast – Business Resilience Series, host Pari Natarajan, CEO, Zinnov, sits down with Catherine Kniker, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, PTC, and Dave Duncan, Head of Sustainability, PTC. From their personal journeys into the world of sustainability to the surprising ways AI and circular design are reshaping manufacturing, this conversation goes beyond buzzwords. It’s about why the smartest companies are rethinking products, profits, and purpose — all at once. If you're a leader looking to future-proof your business or simply curious about how sustainability is becoming the new driver of growth and resilience, this episode is for you. Tune in now. Want to go deeper? Product Sustainability for Dummies by PTC is a practical guide to reducing product footprints while boosting profitability. Download Now: https://bit.ly/4dE6X4m

What happens when AI, data, and experience design collide? In this episode of the Zinnov Podcast – Business Resilience Series, Pari Natarajan sits down with Rajaram Radhakrishnan, CEO & Board member of Ciklum, to explore how Experience Engineering is reshaping enterprise growth in the age of Generative AI. With over three decades in tech leadership, Raj shares deeply personal stories of transformation — from the early days of India’s telecom revolution to building global delivery models that fuse customer insight, engineering rigor, and AI smarts. Tune in to hear: • The real ROI of AI (and why many are missing the point) • What “Experience-first” truly means, with real life case studies • How to embed AI into physical products • And what makes Ciklum’s integrated delivery model a client favorite This episode stands out not just for its strategic clarity, but for its practical optimism, and Raj’s belief that young engineers are the new agents of transformation.

Imagine a world where creativity isn't just a passion - it's a driving force that disrupts industries, shatters expectations, and sparks bold change. In this powerful episode of Woman in the Mirror, Nitika Goel, CMO of Zinnov, steps beyond tech to dive into the world of women in the arts - a space where innovation and creativity break through barriers. Join Nitika and an incredible panel of trailblazing women, Jahnavi Phalkey, Shanthamani Muddaiah, and Yamini Telkar as they discuss how they navigate the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. These women aren’t just making art—they’re making history. Discover how they’re rewriting the rules, amplifying their voices, and redefining what it means to be a leader in the creative world. At Zinnov, we believe that creativity fuels innovation, and this conversation will show you exactly why.    

"If you cannot explain something in a simple way, you probably don’t understand it." These words from Kamal Natarajan, SVP of Allstate Technology Solutions, encapsulate the challenge—and opportunity—facing the insurance industry today. Technology has become inseparable from business, but the key to transformation lies not in chasing the latest tech, but in simplifying complex systems to improve customer experiences. In this episode of the Zinnov Podcast: Business Resilience Series, Karthik Padmanabhan, Managing Partner at Zinnov, sits down with Kamal Natarajan to discuss how he is helping transform Allstate into a tech-driven, customer-first organization. With over two decades of experience, Kamal has built high-performing teams, led large-scale digital transformation initiatives, and pioneered AI-driven innovations that are reshaping how insurance operates. He shares his insights on leveraging Gen AI, automation, and digital ecosystems to not just modernize, but humanize the insurance experience. "We don’t lead with Gen AI—we lead with empathy," Kamal explains. He discusses how Allstate is experimenting with AI to create conversational, intelligent voice experiences that guide customers through critical moments, ensuring interactions feel natural and supportive rather than robotic. Beyond technology, Kamal also delves into the cultural shift required for true digital transformation—from empowering engineers to rethink legacy processes to fostering a mindset that values purposeful innovation over complexity. He emphasizes that the future of leadership will not be about technology ownership, but about technology fluency. "The role of technology organizations is going to fade away. Every leader needs to have a strong technology quotient—knowing how to think with a tech-enabled mindset rather than relying on a CIO to do it for them." From reimagining customer engagement to reshaping how insurance is delivered, Kamal’s approach offers a blueprint for companies looking to stay ahead in an era of AI-driven disruption.

In the world of finance, numbers tell stories, but who are the women behind those numbers? The leaders who turn spreadsheets into strategy, setbacks into stepping stones, and challenges into lasting change. Welcome to this episode of Woman in the Mirror: BFSI Edition where our host, Nitika Goel, CMO, Zinnov, is in conversation with three trailblazers — Veda Persad, Country Executive, Northern Trust India, Mamatha Madireddy, Managing Director & Head of HSBC Global Service Centres (GSCs), India, and Sirisha Voruganti, CEO & Managing Director, Lloyds Technology Centre. This isn’t a collection of success stories. It’s an honest exploration of grit, resilience, and sisterhood in one of the most demanding industries. It’s about finding comfort in shared experiences, learning from failures, and understanding that struggle is part of the journey—because it’s through those struggles that we grow and rise. For every leader or aspiring leader who has ever doubted themselves, and for everyone who believes leadership isn’t about fitting in but standing out—this is your moment. Dive into the stories that matter. Because leadership isn’t a destination—it’s the moments you rise above. Welcome to Woman in the Mirror. Tune in now!

Ever wondered what it really takes to lead in healthcare? Not just the strategies and successes, but the quiet moments of doubt, the unexpected triumphs, and the beautiful chaos of balancing it all? In this conversation on Healthcare Leadership, three industry titans take us behind the scenes. Join Zinnov’s CMO, Nitika Goel, as she sits down with three remarkable women: Lene Hylling Axelsson, Novo Nordisk; Kalavathi GV, Siemens Healthineers; Mohua Sengupta, Novartis—leaders who aren’t just driving change in healthcare but transforming the industry. Their stories offer a masterclass in modern leadership. Together, they share battle-tested strategies for navigating boardroom dynamics and building high-stakes operations across continents. What makes their insights so compelling is their honesty about the trade-offs leadership demands. Through reflections on balancing work and life, managing personal sacrifices, and setting boundaries, they provide a practical guide for leaders striving to make an impact while staying authentic in today’s complex global landscape.

In this episode of the Business Resilience Series, Healthcare leaders and CIOs discuss how cutting-edge technologies like AI and Automation along with approaches like Telemedicine are transforming the Healthcare industry. From alleviating administrative burdens to enhancing patient care, these innovations are paving the way for more efficient, intelligent hospitals. With insights from industry experts, we explore the critical role of technology in addressing resource shortages, improving patient outcomes, and combating clinician burnout. Tune in to discover how CIOs are at the helm of this digital transformation to reshape the future of Healthcare. Guests: Dr. Luis Taveras, CIO, Author, Lehigh Valley Health Network Girish Venkatachaliah, Chief Technology Officer, agilon Health Hema Purohit, CTO – EMEA, Public Sector & Healthcare, Microsoft Amit Phadnis, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, RapidAI Michelle Greene, EVP, Chief Information Officer, Cardinal Health

In an era where cyber resilience can make or break a business, how are Enterprise Software companies adapting their customer success strategies? Dive into this compelling episode of the Zinnov Podcast Business Resilience Series, featuring Sarv Saravanan, Chief Customer Officer at Commvault and Pari Natarajan, CEO, Zinnov. In this fascinating discussion Sarv shares his wealth of experience and provides unique insights into the evolving landscape of customer success. He unveils: Commvault's innovative six-phase customer journey Cutting-edge metrics for measuring customer success beyond NPS The game-changing role of AI in customer self-service and support Strategies for effective partner enablement The integration of product management within customer success As a leader steering a global customer success organization, Sarv offers unique perspectives on leveraging diverse teams to swiftly solve complex customer challenges. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or customer success professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies. Tune in now.

In this insightful episode of the Zinnov Podcast Business Resilience Series, Pari Natarajan, CEO of Zinnov, and Vijay Guntur, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Head - Ecosystems & Practices at HCL Technologies, explore the transformative impact of AI on the engineering landscape. The conversation delves into how AI is reshaping various sectors and driving innovation across industries. Key highlights: • The importance of ecosystem partnerships in the AI era • Real-world use cases of AI in e-commerce, healthcare, and software engineering • Innovative approaches to talent development and the future of AI literacy This episode offers valuable insights for tech leaders, innovators, and anyone interested in understanding how AI is revolutionizing engineering and business processes. Discover how companies are navigating the AI revolution, simplifying complexity for customers, and preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

In this dynamic episode of the Zinnov Podcast’s Business Resilience Series, Pari Natarajan, CEO of Zinnov, sits down with Krithika Bhat, Chief Information Officer at Pure Storage, for a compelling conversation about leadership and resilience. Krithika, a seasoned IT leader with over 20 years of experience, reveals her strategic playbook for thriving in high-growth tech environments. Discover how she transformed her approach during her first 100 days at Pure Storage, focusing on teamwork, collaboration, and a growth mindset to drive business success. She unveils how Pure Storage is revolutionizing the data storage industry with groundbreaking innovations. The discussion underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in today’s fast-paced tech landscape, offering valuable insights for leaders and organizations navigating the complexities of technological advancements. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone eager to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical strategies to elevate your approach and embrace the future of technology with confidence.

In this episode, Pari Natarajan, CEO, Zinnov, sits down with Denis Lacroix, President, Amadeus for over 35 years, to explore the thrilling evolution of the travel industry and its transformative impact on the company. Denis recounts the rollercoaster ride through the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how Amadeus’ pioneering SaaS business model not only helped them survive a 90% revenue drop but also seize unexpected growth opportunities as airlines reevaluated their strategies. Hear how Amadeus turned crisis into triumph, capturing market share and leading the charge in the travel tech revolution. Denis also delves into the vibrant, multicultural DNA of Amadeus, which has been a game-changer in building global teams and fostering innovation. Denis also shares insider insights on the cutting-edge trends reshaping travel, from personalized retail experiences to groundbreaking mobile technologies emerging in markets like India. This episode is packed with compelling stories and forward-looking visions that will inspire and excite anyone interested in the future of travel and technology.

In this captivating episode of the Zinnov Podcast, Pari Natarajan, CEO of Zinnov, gives us an exclusive look inside Broadridge, a powerhouse in financial technology. Pari sits down with Tyler Derr, Broadridge's Chief Technology Officer, and Sheenam Ohrie, the Managing Director of Broadridge Financial Solutions, India.   Together, they explore the seismic shifts transforming the Fintech landscape and reveal how Broadridge is not just keeping up, but setting the pace for innovation. Tyler and Sheenam share Broadridge's unique strategy of forging powerful alliances with both tech titans and cutting-edge start-ups, offering listeners a sneak peek into the company's forward-thinking game plan.  The conversation goes deeper, uncovering how Broadridge cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship, continuous learning, and reverse mentoring. These elements are key to unlocking fresh perspectives and empowering teams to stay ahead of the curve.   Whether you're a Fintech aficionado or curious about how top companies lead the charge in innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable ideas.

Can globally distributed software teams truly unlock their full potential through autonomy and collaboration? Peter George, CTO of HMH, joins Nilesh Thakker, President of Zinnov, to share his battle-tested insights on striking this delicate balance. Discover how to balance autonomy and collaboration in globally distributed software teams. Learn about the transformative impact of AI tools on software engineering and content creation Peter dives deep into the transformative power of cutting-edge AI tools like Co-pilot and CodeGPT, exploring how they can augment human ingenuity in software engineering and content creation processes. Beyond technology, Peter unveils the secrets to nurturing cohesive, high-performing global teams that thrive on shared vision, empowerment, and a culture of excellence. He dissects the intricate dynamics of distributed workforces, offering a treasure trove of actionable strategies for leaders, managers, and team members alike. Don't miss this invaluable episode packed with game-changing insights! Tune in now to revolutionize your approach to managing globally distributed software teams and harness the full potential of AI in your organization.

with Jennifer Goschke, VP & Country Leader, 7-Eleven Global Solution Center - India; Prashanti Bodugum, Vice President - Engineering, U.S. Omni Platforms, and Tech, Walmart Global Tech; and Monica Pirgal, Managing Director, Neiman Marcus India Behind every successful business is a leader with a story. But how often do we get to hear it? The latest episode of "Women in the Mirror" offers a rare glimpse into the lives of three inspirational women leaders shaping the Retail GCC landscape. Join Zinnov's CMO Nitika Goel as she sits down with Jennifer Goschke of 7-Eleven, Prashanti Bodugum of Walmart, and Monica Pirgal from Neiman Marcus to uncover how they've climbed the ranks at these retail giants. In this candid conversation, our guests peel back the layers of their success, revealing pivotal moments that defined their careers, strategies for tackling self-doubt, secrets to balancing ambition with personal life, and insights on driving innovation in retail. This isn't just another business talk. It's an intimate look at the human side of leadership - the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career journey, these stories offer invaluable insights into leading with authenticity and vision. Tune in now to discover how these women aren't just adapting to change - they're actively shaping the future of retail and business leadership.