Welcome to Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, our exclusive guest Umesh Lakshman, Vice President, Solutions Architecture, National Mid-Markets and Channels at Lumen Technologies, dove deep into the transformative power of mentorship, continuous learning, and the art of delivering value by truly understanding customer needs. 

Umesh brings to the table a passion for mentorship and the extraordinary impact it has on shaping career paths. With an emphasis on continuous learning, Umesh shares how he leverages online platforms to stay ahead of the curve.

In this heart-to-heart with GrowthQ CEO, Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayorinde (ENFP) , we’ll explore Umesh's unique approach to job interviews, the value of building relationships, and his insights into navigating cultural landscapes within the first crucial 90 days of a new role. He also discloses his strategies on networking, continuous education, and the importance of understanding customer-centric solutions beyond pure selling—an ethos that reflects the evolving shift from hardware to a predominantly software and services model within the tech industry.

Join us as Umesh recounts career-defining moments, the transition to leadership, the pivotal shift after two decades with a technological powerhouse, and the lessons learned from his inaugural year leading a team. It's an episode replete with advice for future CROs, stressing the significance of embracing our identity as a superpower to unlock our fullest potential and empower others.

GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential.

GrowthQ is an AI-powered career navigation platform matching ambitious individuals with ideal roles, mentors, and career development resources all while allowing employers to apply to you. GrowthQ's AI-Assistant, Gigi, even uses data and AI to guide you on your dream career path.

Start navigating your career with our AI Assistant, Gigi at https://beta.growthq.co/

Follow us on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/growthq