Naveen Naidu: Engineering Business Success By Reshaping Sap Implementation
Naveen Naidu
CEO
Over the past 18 years, Naveen has spear headed BSS/ OSS digital transformation projects, leveraging SAP’s cutting-edge solutions to optimize operations across Telecom, Cable, ISP, Logistics, Retail, and IoT industries. At VAI, he leads a team that delivers perfection, boasting a 100 percent success rate in SAP rollouts. Naveen’s vision goes beyond mere implementation, he champions strategic, future-ready digital solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead of disruption.
CEO Insights is privileged to interview him, here are the excerpts.
As an alumnus of NIT Rourkela, could you share the most valuable lessons you gained during your education and how they have shaped your career?
During my time at NIT Rourkela, the most valuable lesson I learned was stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing a research and innovation-driven mindset. Coming from a B.Tech (CSIT) background, NIT Rourkela’s rigorous academic environment pushed me to think critically, solve complex problems, and explore new technologies. This research-oriented approach fostered creativity and innovation, which has been pivotal in shaping my
career.
In terms of practical skills, my specia lization in mobile networking & computation and working closely with experienced professors and Ph.D. scholars allowed me was crucial in developing my problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities, which have been directly applicable to my current role.
The hands on research experience including publishing IEEE Journals, gave me a deep understanding of the Telecom Industry. This has been invaluable in helping me tackle complex challenges in the evolving Telecom, Cable & ISP, and IoT landscape. Ultimately, the environment at NIT Rourkela ignited my passion for continuous learning and inno-vation, which I continue to apply in my carrer today.
Please share some memories which stand out to you the most from your experiences at the institute.
Beyond academics, the most enriching experience at NIT Rourkela was the opportunity to connect with people from diverse regions and cultures. The campus was a vibrant mix of backgrounds, and interacting with such a varied group of students gave me invaluable perspectives. The friendships I formed went beyond coursework, as they were rooted in teamwork, collaboration, and shared experiences. Whether through working on projects, participating in sports, or engaging in campus events, these interactions instilled in me the importance of diversity, unity, and mutual respect. The collaborative spirit I experienced there has been instrumentals in shaping both my personal and professional growth.
Can you share your leadership approach and the key guidelines, methodo-logies, or values you follow in your current role?
My leadership approach is grounded in the philosophy of Mario Quintana’s quote, "Don't waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come". In true essence, rather than chasing opportunities, I believe in building a skilled, capable team and creating valuable solutions
In terms of practical skills, my specia lization in mobile networking & computation and working closely with experienced professors and Ph.D. scholars allowed me was crucial in developing my problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities, which have been directly applicable to my current role.
Naveen envisions the company as a premium SAP solutions and services provider, committed to enhancing sustainability, intelli-gence, and profit -ability across indus -tries
The hands on research experience including publishing IEEE Journals, gave me a deep understanding of the Telecom Industry. This has been invaluable in helping me tackle complex challenges in the evolving Telecom, Cable & ISP, and IoT landscape. Ultimately, the environment at NIT Rourkela ignited my passion for continuous learning and inno-vation, which I continue to apply in my carrer today.
Please share some memories which stand out to you the most from your experiences at the institute.
Beyond academics, the most enriching experience at NIT Rourkela was the opportunity to connect with people from diverse regions and cultures. The campus was a vibrant mix of backgrounds, and interacting with such a varied group of students gave me invaluable perspectives. The friendships I formed went beyond coursework, as they were rooted in teamwork, collaboration, and shared experiences. Whether through working on projects, participating in sports, or engaging in campus events, these interactions instilled in me the importance of diversity, unity, and mutual respect. The collaborative spirit I experienced there has been instrumentals in shaping both my personal and professional growth.
Can you share your leadership approach and the key guidelines, methodo-logies, or values you follow in your current role?
My leadership approach is grounded in the philosophy of Mario Quintana’s quote, "Don't waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come". In true essence, rather than chasing opportunities, I believe in building a skilled, capable team and creating valuable solutions
that naturally attract opportunities. This approach helps us focus on what truly matters, creating value first.
I encourage my team to take ownership of their work and provide them with the trust and autonomy to deliver. I avoid micro managing, instead ensuring that my team has the resources, support, and skill sets needed to succeed. A leader can only be as effective as the resources provided to their team. That’s why I prioritize making sure they have the right tools and environment to thrive.
In addition, fostering mutual respect, work-life balance, and a positive atmosphere is essential. I celebrate every success, no matter how big or small and provide continuous, constructive feedback to keep the team on track and motivated. This creates a culture where everyone feels valued and supported in their personal and professional growth.
By empowering my team, maintaining clear communi- cation, and empha- sizing continuous feed- back, we consistently achieve success and build a strong, collaborative work culture. These principles guide not only individual development but also the growth and success of the organization as a whole.
Where do you see yourself in the long-term of your professional journey?
My long-term vision is to significantly contribute to the economic growth of our country by establishing a Global Capability Center (GCC) hub. This hub will serve as a catalyst for innovation, create high-value jobs, and drive the widespread adoption of advanced AI technologies and digital transformation across industries, positioning us at the forefront of global progress.
Naveen Naidu, CEO, Verso Altima India
With a B. Tech in Computer Science & IT from JNTU and an M. Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from NIT Rourkela, Naveen specializes in Mobile Computing & Tele -communications. He brings over two decades of industry experience in digital transformation and has a proven track record in implementing innovative technologies across Telecom, Cable & Media, IoT, Logistics, and more, leveraging SAP solutions to optimize operations and foster long-term value for clients.
I encourage my team to take ownership of their work and provide them with the trust and autonomy to deliver. I avoid micro managing, instead ensuring that my team has the resources, support, and skill sets needed to succeed. A leader can only be as effective as the resources provided to their team. That’s why I prioritize making sure they have the right tools and environment to thrive.
In addition, fostering mutual respect, work-life balance, and a positive atmosphere is essential. I celebrate every success, no matter how big or small and provide continuous, constructive feedback to keep the team on track and motivated. This creates a culture where everyone feels valued and supported in their personal and professional growth.
By empowering my team, maintaining clear communi- cation, and empha- sizing continuous feed- back, we consistently achieve success and build a strong, collaborative work culture. These principles guide not only individual development but also the growth and success of the organization as a whole.
Where do you see yourself in the long-term of your professional journey?
My long-term vision is to significantly contribute to the economic growth of our country by establishing a Global Capability Center (GCC) hub. This hub will serve as a catalyst for innovation, create high-value jobs, and drive the widespread adoption of advanced AI technologies and digital transformation across industries, positioning us at the forefront of global progress.
Naveen Naidu, CEO, Verso Altima India
With a B. Tech in Computer Science & IT from JNTU and an M. Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from NIT Rourkela, Naveen specializes in Mobile Computing & Tele -communications. He brings over two decades of industry experience in digital transformation and has a proven track record in implementing innovative technologies across Telecom, Cable & Media, IoT, Logistics, and more, leveraging SAP solutions to optimize operations and foster long-term value for clients.