Priyesh Gopalakrishnan : Influencing The Future Of Business In The Constantly Changing Digital Environment
Priyesh Gopala-krishnan
Co-Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer
Priyesh specializes in Project Management, Leadership Dev-elopment and Coaching, with extensive experience in Agile Scrum and SAFe Methodologies. His expertise extends to working closely with CXOs and senior executives, devising IT solutions aligned with business objectives, driving organizational change, and establishing best practices for offshore services. With certifications in SAFe practices and Life Coaching, Priyesh exemplifies leadership and innovation in empowering the businesses and individuals. Let’s hear more from him.
Could you share some key moments from your career that have shaped your journey?
I started my professional journey back in 1998 right after graduating from university. This period coincided with the Y2K issue, which brought a surge of IT opportunities to India. Being an electrical engineer, I transitioned into the IT sector during this time, marking a pivotal moment in my career. Joining Cognizant in 1998 was a dream come true and I remained with them for 26 years, growing alongside the company as it expanded from 900 to over 3.5 lakh employees. Throughout my tenure I held various roles within Cognizant, from developer to Director, gaining exposure to different technologies like mainframe, web development, and quality engineering. I also had the chance to work in
different domains such as insurance, which broadened my skill set and knowledge base.
One of the highlights was my international assignments, inclu- ding stints in Switzerland and the UK, where I managed customer departments and collaborated with diverse teams, enriching my understanding of global cultures and business practices. As I progressed, I discovered a passion for training and coaching, which led me to focus on leadership deve- lopment, consulting and coaching in recent years. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my current career trajectory.
How has your time at Mahatma Gandhi University influenced your career path?
Being part of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala was a dynamic experience. Unlike a single campus setup, the university had multiple affiliated colleges across the state. From my plus one education through to my B.Tech degree, I spent about six years within this educational framework. Besides academic pursuits, I actively participated in the National Service Scheme as a volunteer secretary for a couple of years. This involved organizing camps in remote areas during breaks, contributing to societal needs like road construction and other community initiatives. Such experiences taught me about creating impactful change and developing qualities like compassion and empathy, which are invaluable in professional settings.
Moreover, organizing various events during my studies provided insights into project management fundamentals - planning, execution, and monitoring - essential skills that I could later apply in my career. Living in hostels also offered a unique perspective, exposing me to diverse cultures and personalities, fostering skills in communication and adaptation outside of familiar environments. These experiences collectively shaped my approach to life and work, offering valuable lessons beyond the classroom.
Could you please tell us about your leader- ship approach?
Certainly, my leadership style today leans towards participative and servant leadership. I value my team's input and always seek their opinions before making decisions, striving to involve them in the process. Leading by example, building trust, and aligning everyone towards common objectives are core principles I adhere to. Also,
One of the highlights was my international assignments, inclu- ding stints in Switzerland and the UK, where I managed customer departments and collaborated with diverse teams, enriching my understanding of global cultures and business practices. As I progressed, I discovered a passion for training and coaching, which led me to focus on leadership deve- lopment, consulting and coaching in recent years. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my current career trajectory.
Being adap- table, curious, & committed to continuous improvement is crucial for success in today's dynamic enviro-nment
How has your time at Mahatma Gandhi University influenced your career path?
Being part of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala was a dynamic experience. Unlike a single campus setup, the university had multiple affiliated colleges across the state. From my plus one education through to my B.Tech degree, I spent about six years within this educational framework. Besides academic pursuits, I actively participated in the National Service Scheme as a volunteer secretary for a couple of years. This involved organizing camps in remote areas during breaks, contributing to societal needs like road construction and other community initiatives. Such experiences taught me about creating impactful change and developing qualities like compassion and empathy, which are invaluable in professional settings.
Moreover, organizing various events during my studies provided insights into project management fundamentals - planning, execution, and monitoring - essential skills that I could later apply in my career. Living in hostels also offered a unique perspective, exposing me to diverse cultures and personalities, fostering skills in communication and adaptation outside of familiar environments. These experiences collectively shaped my approach to life and work, offering valuable lessons beyond the classroom.
Could you please tell us about your leader- ship approach?
Certainly, my leadership style today leans towards participative and servant leadership. I value my team's input and always seek their opinions before making decisions, striving to involve them in the process. Leading by example, building trust, and aligning everyone towards common objectives are core principles I adhere to. Also,
transparency is key. I believe in openly discussing reasons decisions and fostering a culture of respect where learning from each other, regardless of seniority, is encouraged. This approach has been integral to my leadership style.
Can you share any significant challenges you faced on your journey to becoming a successful leader?
Absolutely, facing hardships is quite normal, especially in our industry where interactions with people are constant. Dealing with diverse personalities and perspectives while meeting the expectations of customers and team members was a key challenge in my leadership role. Learning to manage conflicts, leverage opportunities for learning, and improve team dynamics were ongoing hurdles.
Personally, one of my main challenges was overcoming self-doubt and building confidence in my abilities. I tackled this by delving into Nuero Linguistic Programming (NLP) and self-improvement, shifting my focus to understanding human behavior and mindset. This shift helped me gain insights into handling various situations, including managing conflicts, customer expectations, and team dynamics. As the saying goes, 'You are what you think,' I became more conscious of my thoughts and speech, which significantly contributed to my growth as a confident and effective leader, capable of navigating through diverse challenges.
What advice would you offer to emerging industry leaders?
My advice would be to remain adaptable and curious. The world is evolving rapidly, and there's something to learn from every interaction and situation. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and stay open-minded, whether you're interacting with senior colleagues, peers, or juniors. Being adaptable, curious, and committed to continuous improvement is crucial for success in today's dynamic environment.
Priyesh Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer, Catalyzt- 360 Consulting Services
Priyesh Gopalakrishnan is an accomplished IT leader with 26 years of experience in driving Large Scale Program Management, Digital Transfor- mation, and Agile strategies. As the Co-Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Catalyzt360 Consulting Services, he empowers organizations and individuals to excel in the ever-evolving digital landscape through strategic leadership and personal transformation coaching expertise.
Can you share any significant challenges you faced on your journey to becoming a successful leader?
Absolutely, facing hardships is quite normal, especially in our industry where interactions with people are constant. Dealing with diverse personalities and perspectives while meeting the expectations of customers and team members was a key challenge in my leadership role. Learning to manage conflicts, leverage opportunities for learning, and improve team dynamics were ongoing hurdles.
Personally, one of my main challenges was overcoming self-doubt and building confidence in my abilities. I tackled this by delving into Nuero Linguistic Programming (NLP) and self-improvement, shifting my focus to understanding human behavior and mindset. This shift helped me gain insights into handling various situations, including managing conflicts, customer expectations, and team dynamics. As the saying goes, 'You are what you think,' I became more conscious of my thoughts and speech, which significantly contributed to my growth as a confident and effective leader, capable of navigating through diverse challenges.
What advice would you offer to emerging industry leaders?
My advice would be to remain adaptable and curious. The world is evolving rapidly, and there's something to learn from every interaction and situation. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and stay open-minded, whether you're interacting with senior colleagues, peers, or juniors. Being adaptable, curious, and committed to continuous improvement is crucial for success in today's dynamic environment.
Priyesh Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer, Catalyzt- 360 Consulting Services
Priyesh Gopalakrishnan is an accomplished IT leader with 26 years of experience in driving Large Scale Program Management, Digital Transfor- mation, and Agile strategies. As the Co-Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Catalyzt360 Consulting Services, he empowers organizations and individuals to excel in the ever-evolving digital landscape through strategic leadership and personal transformation coaching expertise.