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Category: Career

  • Wired for the Future: My Next Chapter with AgenticAI at WinWire

    Wired for the Future: My Next Chapter with AgenticAI at WinWire

    “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin
    And today, that change is powered by Agentic AI…

    As Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI & one of the leading voices in this space, says:
    “We’re going from a world where you have to tell computers what to do, to a world where they do things for you.”

    🚀 Thrilled to announce a bold new chapter – I’ve joined the incredible world of WinWire! 
    Together, we’re going to wire the future – with purpose, with vision, and with Agentic AI at the center of it all.

    🧠 Why Agentic AI?

    The Age of Agency is upon us!

    Agentic AI is the most profound shift in technology & business since the birth of the internet. It’s reshaping how we work, innovate & lead. The future belongs to those who can harness it — boldly, responsibly & strategically.

    🔍 Why WinWire?

    When I asked myself what I truly wanted next, this was my checklist:

    ✅ A platform to build & scale
    ✅ Strategic ownership & creative freedom
    ✅ Brilliant minds to collaborate with
    ✅ The chance to shape the next frontier of AI

    🙏 And then came WinWire — the right mission, the right moment & the right people.

    “Growth comes from investing in growth. Think differently, embrace behavioral change & harness the power of AI.” — Deb Cupp, President, Microsoft Americas

    WinWire stood out as a Microsoft-first consulting leader with an authentic grasp of Agentic AI’s power. No fluff. No AI-washing. Just clarity, conviction, and cutting-edge execution.

    💡 What made me say YES?

    ✨ A culture that breathes people-first, technology leadership, and execution excellence
     ✨ Visionary & humane leadership — Absolutely loved CEO Ashu Goel’s deep thinking, candour & agility. CTO Vineet Arora’s brilliant thought process, tech understanding & humility impressed me beyond measure. 
     ✨ Passionate & compassionate team — Huge gratitude to Kalyan G, Eugene Agresta, Sujata Das, Nitin Shinde & Subba

    At WinWire, I felt immediate alignment — on values, ambition & the shared desire to build something meaningful

    🎯 My Focus at WinWire:

    🔹 Accelerate & scale our Agentic AI GTM playbook to the next level
    🔹 Drive broader adoption of lighthouse use cases & industry-focused solutions
    🔹 Amplify growth with Microsoft field teams & across key verticals
    🔹 Spark conversations, shape narratives & lead with impact

    🌎 The world is shifting. Fast. And I’m fired up to be part of this journey where strategy, innovation & purpose come together.

    If you’re curious about Agentic AI, innovation, or meaningful tech — let’s talk.

    Let’s reimagine what’s possible.

    Let’s wire the future.

    “Hazaaron khwaishein aisi, ke har khwaish pe dam nikle
    Bohat niklay mere armaan, lekin phir bhi kam nikle.”
    — Mirza Ghalib

  • “Hum hai raahi pyaar ke, phir milenge chalte chalte…”

    “Hum hai raahi pyaar ke, phir milenge chalte chalte…”

    “Hum hai raahi pyaar ke, phir milenge chalte chalte…”

    Goodbyes are strange.

    They bring flashbacks and memories… smiles and tears… anxiety and gratitude.

    But the circle of life continues.

    I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful people around me — who made saying goodbye the hardest part. It’s the daily interactions we part with, not the eternal connections.

    Thank you for a beautiful farewell — where we relived stories, celebrated memories, and honored the amazing ride we had together.

    🙏 Special gratitude to:

    • Apexon Management & Yatendra – for the belief and acknowledgment in building the Infostretch institution & Apexon journey. Teamwork truly makes the dream work.

    • Harish & Utpal – for your kind words and gracious memories

    • Alliance Rockstars – Kavita & Geetanjali

    • Ignite Superstars – Geetanjali, Pravin, Dr. Heli

    • Wonderful Igniters – Krunal, Anand, Jankit, Xama

    • Buddies Forever – Devangbhai, Milind, Kalpana, Ayushbhai, Paras, Mihir, Sheetal, Chirag, Pranay, Anil & everyone!

    And a heartfelt salute to our silent heroes – the ever-smiling Housekeeping, Security & Admin teams — thank you for the love, affection, and care that touched me deeply.

    • Ashokbhai – for always being there with airport rides and warm smiles

    • Jigar – for your support that kept my energy and focus intact

    • Ramibhai & Security Team – for always watching over

    This isn’t goodbye. Just a “see you later” — with deep gratitude and endless love. 💙

  • The Ignite Life: Sunshine. Smiles. Sukoon

    The Ignite Life: Sunshine. Smiles. Sukoon

    “The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate — to make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

     — Ralph Waldo Emerson

    As I sign off from Apexon after 16 incredible years, I want to pause and celebrate something very close to my heart—Ignite.

    What started as a small idea turned into a movement of compassion.

     A platform where we didn’t just give back—we grew.

     We didn’t just support causes—we created change.

     We didn’t just help others—we found ourselves.

    ✨ Ignite has been a happiness project. Our sunshine corner. 

     From mentoring changemakers to empowering NGOs, from learning with leaders to creating lifelong bonds—Ignite has truly ignited me.

    Thank you Rutesh Shah for igniting the mission and providing unbelievable trust and unconditional support

    To every Igniter who chose hope over cynicism, kindness over convenience—thank you. Thank you Geetanjali Sahni, Pravinsinh Rathod, Heli Z Karvat, PhD, Zil Shah, Krunal Sagan, Jankit Shah, Anand Rohit, Sejal Bavishi, Nitin Nikumbh, Charu Mishra, Kashish, Rohini Chandra

    Thank you Manish Mathuria, Sriniketh Chakravarthi, Anand Kabra, Vinu Venkatesh

    To every NGO partner, colleague, and volunteer who shared your light—thank you.

    Because of you, the world is a better place.

    As I move into the next chapter, Ignite remains a part of who I am—and always will be.

    Here’s to living well—and giving well.

    One Life At A Time!

  • The Incredible Sixteen-Year Journey @ Infostretch & Apexon

    The Incredible Sixteen-Year Journey @ Infostretch & Apexon

    Today marks the end of one of the most defining chapters in my journey.

    After 16 incredible years at Apexon (formerly Infostretch), I sign off with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and purpose.

    In 2009, I walked into the Infostretch office with curiosity, energy, and ideas. The reception desk bore a powerful message by Mahatma Gandhi—“Be the change you wish to see in the world”—and I knew I was at the right place. That message became my mantra.

    Over the years, what followed was nothing short of extraordinary—a journey across continents, business verticals, strategic pivots, and cultural transformation. From startup energy to scaled enterprise; from late-night brainstorms to global partnerships—I’ve had the privilege of helping build something meaningful.

    Infostretch Founders Rutesh Shah & Manish Mathuria gave me complete freedom and encouragement.  With their intellectual humility and supreme trust, they inspired beyond measure. The company was being built with great alignment of vision, mission and values. As Infostretch moved from one orbit to another, I relished the opportunity to take multiple challenges and make a difference. The Infostretch story reached a new peak with the investment backing of Goldman Sachs and Everstone Group to create a strong platform called Apexon, which unlocked a new level of learnings and opportunities.

    Beyond all of these, I am really proud of Infostretch and Apexon for creating the amazing culture, ownership of executing customer’s business vision, winning the customer trust and confidence, and learning from best and brightest minds.

    🔑 5 Timeless Lessons I Carry Forward:

    1. Entrepreneurship = Ownership: Act like an owner, think like a founder.
    2. Excellence is a Habit: Relentlessly chase excellence—success will follow.
    3. Culture Wins: Culture eats strategy for breakfast, lunch and dinner—but when they align, magic happens.
    4. Leadership Multiplies: Leaders create more leaders. True leaders are humble, secure and rise by lifting others. They elevate, empower and energise people!
    5. Learn. Unlearn. Relearn: Technology business keeps changing and only curious minds with passion for continuous learning thrive successfully. Be lifelong learners! Stay curious, stay humble.

    💡 Highlights & Memories That Shaped Me:

    • Annual planning offsites, night long brainstorming, animated discussions & Bollywood stories
    • Designing new business models for Indian telcos
    • Mobile app development and certification business
    • The making of the Infostretch house
    • European expansion
    • Leading key deals in fintech, payments, and healthcare
    • Building the Global Alliances
    • Spearheading Ignite program: Global giving back & philanthropy program
    • Hosting events like Mobile Monday, Koffee with Karania, Hot Seat, Filmy Fridays, and our legendary Sales Super Saturdays
    • Winning trust, building culture, and co-creating lasting impact with an amazing team

    These are not just career milestones—they’re life moments. They shaped the leader I am today.

    🙏 A Thank You Note From The Heart:

    To all my customers, partners, colleagues and friends – they are the reason that each day of the sixteen years journey was filled with purpose, energy and joy!

    Rutesh Shah for being one of the biggest cheer leaders for me – While he has led with example, showcased passion with compassion and treated everyone with respect, he has been an amazing mentor and guiding light to me.

    Apexon Leaders—Sumitra, Somesh, Sriniketh, Vamsi, Sandeep, Anil, Anand, Vinu—your leadership sharpened mine.

    To my early crew at Infostretch—Manish, Shalin, Pinakin, Avery, Siva, Vipul, Palvinder, Leila, Anil, Padmini, Michael, Kanhai, Deven, Kinjan—we built something beautiful.

    Awesome Champions: Jay, Gaurav, Vaibhavi, Rajesh, Rupal, Chinar, Niraj, Anushree, Bhavana, Aris, Brijal, Avani, Harish, Yatendra, Ankit, Sheetal, Murali, Chetan and others who made this journey joyful!

    Alliance Rockstars: Rama, Adarsh, Kavita, Geetanjali, Prashant, Viveck for creating amazing impact with frugal resources

    Amazing Ignite Team: Geetanjali, Zil, Heli, Pravin, Kashish, Charu and local leaders Krunal, Jankit, Sejal, Anand, who work for a cause and not applause!

    Family & Friends: Aditya, Aangi & Komal & Friends for accepting that Apexon was the fourth family member for 16 years – the one who was part of all our vacations and weekends!

    (If I’ve missed names, forgive me—so many memories flooding in!)

    📖 As I Turn the Page…

    While the celebrated thinker Daniel Kahneman states that we only remember our most intense and concluding experiences – ‘Peak-End Theory’, I remember it all. Because Apexon wasn’t just a job—it was a mission, a family, a journey.

    I leave with no regrets—only deep gratitude, enduring friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

    Here’s to new beginnings. To applying everything I’ve learned to what comes next—at the intersection of technology, innovation, and impact.

    Forever a cheerleader and well-wisher of Team Apexon.

    Thank you for the 16-year magic. 🙏

  • Listening – A rare and an extinct quality!

    Listening – A rare and an extinct quality!

    Listening – A rare and an extinct quality!

    In the world that constantly wants to speak and be heard, listen seems almost a forgotten skill! 

    And how costly it is! Yet we do not realise it!

    God gave us two ears and one month – But we do not understand!

    Listen to customers and business will never fail!

    Listen to employees and success will soar!

    Listen to friends and relationships will enrich!

    Listen to kids and family will smile!

    Listen to heart and life will thrive!

  • The River Of Life – Keep Flowing!

    The River Of Life – Keep Flowing!

    Keep Flowing

    Keep Growing

    Be like a river. 

    Keep flowing. 

    Find the way. 

    Reduce speed. 

    Fasten pace. 

    Never rest. 

    Become the ocean. 

    Pic: Jeremy Bishop

  • Winning At Life & Sports – Harsha Bhogle Masterclass

    Winning At Life & Sports – Harsha Bhogle Masterclass

    Winning At Life & Sports – Monday Morning Motivation As Olympics Conclude!

    One Of The Finest Talks By The Wise & Accomplished Harsha Bhogle – A Trailblazer!

    Indian Institute Of Management Ahmedabad Is India’s Best & World’s Finest Management Institute – Watch A Life Masterclass By Its Alumni Who Succeeded In The Non-Traditional IIMA Profession

    – Can you work as hard as you can when no one is watching?

    – Humility and gratitude matter the most

    – Patriotism is in paying taxes, not Instagram posts

    – Big orchards encourage other trees to blossom

    Happy to see the reinforcement of these amazing nuggets laced with cricketing and non-cricketing examples! Loved it!

  • Sightless, Not Visionless

    Sightless, Not Visionless

    True Visionary

    Change Maker

    Successful Entrepreneur

    Highly Inspiring

    MIT’s First International Visually Impaired Student

    Indian President Abdul Kalam’s Hero

    Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30

    What a list of accolades! Srikanth Bolla’s is an inspirational figure with hordes of achievements that even fully abled can only dream of! Srikanth is a visionary who happens to be visually challenged.

    I had the great honour of interviewing the legendary Srikanth Bolla in a fireside chat at Apexon. Anand Kabra, our Chief People and Transformation Officer, facilitated the event as part of Celebrating Apexon.

    Srikanth shared his journey from a sightless newborn to an award-winning industrialist.Srikanth’s life is indeed extra ordinary – an ecstatic father names his son after legendary cricketer Srikanth but is shattered to see a sightless baby. He is about to be buried alive, but mother begs for his life and saves him. The bullying in school, the rise in a special school, fighting and winning the case against Indian education system for not allowing visually challenged students to study science, getting a place in Indian cricket team, rejection by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), selection by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), life in America, return to India, struggles for setting up his business and his entrepreneurial success. He was President Abdul Kalam’s hero and he invested in Srikanth’s startup.

    Srikanth shared the journey of his life with all the ups and downs with an unprecedented level of candour and authenticity – he even revealed his mistakes and bad habits.

    Apexon associates and their family were highly inspired by Srikanth and the non-stop flow of questions was a proof of his impact.

    A few excerpts of Srikanth’s quotes:

    I am sightless, not visionless. Sight is of the eyes, but the vision comes from the mind.

    I can do anything.

    The challenges, insults and bullying motivated me further to do well in life.

    The fight is in my internal DNA. I will not accept things as they are – I will fight for the change. I am not afraid of anyone or anything.

    I believe in equality and equal ability. I do not want reservation, nor I tick the ‘blind’ column in any form.

    I aspire to be India’s first visually challenged president. India can be a first world country. And I have a vision for the new India.

    Loneliness is the biggest poverty.

    I am a workaholic and restless person, but I do appreciate and endorse the need for a healthy work life balance.

    My company employees’ people with all different abilities. I believe compassion is what makes you rich.

    My favourite movies are Mahanati, Dhoni, and Soorarai Pottru. I can watch my favourite movies even 100 times.

    I would love to play myself in a movie.

    Srikanth movie was made in 41 days, and everyone was very committed. The movie was made in 20% less than allocated budget. Sharad Kelkar charged only Rs 111 for the movie.

    Tu Mil Gaya is my favorite song from Srikanth movie

    I love non-vegetarian food.

    Truly, it was an amazing and enchanting evening with Srikanth who indeed is a living example that everything is possible when one has a clear goal and is totally determined! If Sri can, so can we!

  • Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth – A Cinematic Triumph! A Must-Watch!

    Srikanth is based on the extraordinary life of Srikanth Bolla – an inspirational figure with hordes of achievements that even fully abled can only dream of! Srikanth is a visionary who happens to be visually impaired. 

    Srikanth’s life is indeed extra ordinary and it provides director Tushar Hiranandani with a solid material – an ecstatic father names his son after legendary cricketer Srikanth but is shattered to see a sightless baby. He is about to be buried alive, but mother begs for his life and saves him. The bullying in school, the rise in a special school, fighting and winning the case against Indian education system for not allowing visually challenged students to study science, getting a place in Indian cricket team, rejection by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), selection by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), life in America, return to India, struggles for setting up his business and his entrepreneurial success – all captured beautifully. 

    The best part of the movie is that it is showcases Srikanth’s mistakes and follies – when he takes his success and well-wishers for granted – the movie thus not ending as a sugar coated sycophantic hagiographical movie.  

    Rajkumar Rao shines with his sincerity and authenticity. His dives into the mind and heart of Srikanth and gives a nuanced performance. His snapping of fingers, arrogance, emotional speech – he balances all emotions and there is not a single false note. He is confident – I am not trying to be a hero,  I am the hero! Rajkumar takes his own craft to next level and this is indeed an award winning performance. 

    Sharad Kelkar is rock solid and makes a tremendous impact as a loyal friend and well-wisher of Srikanth. Lovely act. Jyothika impresses with her compassionate and understanding where she becomes Srikanth’s backbone. Their performances are a vital strength of the movie. Alaya has a small but charming role as Srikanth’s love interest. . 

    Strong script and nice story telling. Full marks to the director Tushar Hiranandani. Cinematic liberties are indeed taken to elevate certain events and drive home certain points but Srikanth does not get boring or preachy at anytime. No bechara – Only barabari! 

    The songs are beautifully composed and strengthen the story. Tu Mil Gaya and Jeena Sikha De are romantic beauties but the recomposed Papa Kehte Hai fits very aptly with the storyline. 

    Srikant is an inspirational, positive and spirit lifting movie that deserves to be watched with the full family! 

    If Sri can, so can you!

    #srikanth #srikanthreview #srikanthmovie #srikanthbolla #rajkumarrao #bollywood #newrelease #weekendwatch #biopic #hindicinema #indiancinema #inspiration #motivation #visuallychallenged #tseries

  • Paper Napkin – The Hottest Programming Platform

    Paper Napkin – The Hottest Programming Platform

    Imagination and creativity are the only passports for a meaningful future in the AI driven world!

    Paul Daugherty, Accenture Group Chief Executive & Chief Technology Officer , is spot on when he says: “The hottest new programming platform is the napkin.”

    Focus on the vision and leave the execution to AI enablers!

    Image: Alex Padurariu