Aishvarya Srivastava

I often think about the conversations that have influenced me on my journey.   One particularly impactful conversation I heard was on a podcast by Ranveer Allahbadia with Dr A Velumani. Dr. Velumani's journey from a small village to achieving something remarkable embodies resilience, focus, and simplicity. One thing he said that struck a chord with me was, "Don’t complain about what you don’t have. Make the best of what you do have."   These words aren't just advice – they're a way of life. It's about accepting where you are and finding the strength within yourself to create something extraordinary. When we stop complaining and start creating, we realize that we are capable of more than we ever imagined. Ultimately, it’s not about how much we have, but how much we make of what we have. And that's where true success lies.   As I reflect on the wisdom shared in this conversation, I'm reminded of the saying: "Sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from the simplest words," like those from Dr. Velumani.   1. Start where you are, with what you have. 2. Focus on what you can do today. 3. Turn challenges into opportunities. 4. Keep things simple. 5. Lead with empathy. 6. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. 7. Stay true to your values. 8. Make the most of what’s in front of you. 9. Believe in your potential. 10. Give back as you grow.   Dr. Velumani’s lessons aren't just for the business world – they are lessons for life. They remind us that, regardless of where we start, what we have, or what challenges we face, we all have the potential to create something extraordinary.   Here is the link to the podcast. I believe that all young people should hear this podcast to understand the true meaning of success. https://lnkd.in/dG5Y-NmC #business #entrepreneurship #inspiring #theranveershow

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Discover the Future of RFPs with Gen AI! Excited to share our latest blog on how Generative AI is revolutionizing the RFP process. Learn about the benefits of AI automation and how it's reshaping procurement. Don't miss out—read now https://lnkd.in/g9_ZAqnt Request a demo today to see our solution in action! https://lnkd.in/dMbDHN-J

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Cognizant’s Power Move: $500M in Deals, 125K Promotions and Salary Surges. Cognizant Technology Services is witnessing renewed optimism in the demand for technology services after a period of slow growth, according to CFO Jatin Dalal. The company secured five major deals, each exceeding $100 million, in the last quarter, signaling strong market opportunities and high-value contracts. Dalal noted that Cognizant has outperformed its guidance for two consecutive quarters, indicating a positive shift, although caution is still warranted given mixed economic data. Addressing concerns about entry-level salaries, Dalal clarified that Cognizant offers competitive pay for engineers, with salaries ranging from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, and that recent reports of lower salaries were based on a misunderstanding. He also highlighted Cognizant’s commitment to employee well-being, pointing out that the company has delivered pay hikes to 290,000 employees globally and has promoted over 125,000 associates since 2022. Under the leadership of CEO Ravi Kumar S, Cognizant is making progress in its turnaround efforts, achieving 2.1% sequential growth in the June quarter after overcoming previous declines. The company is also expanding its presence in tier-2 cities in India, with new facilities in Bhubaneswar, Indore, and Hyderabad, as part of its strategy to tap into diverse talent pools across the country. Dalal emphasized the vast career opportunities in the IT industry, noting that many of Cognizant’s top leaders started as engineers and have advanced to significant roles within the company. He also pointed to the potential for global mobility and career growth, reinforcing Cognizant’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for long-term success. #cognizant #IT #Egineering #Fresher #technology #HR #Naukri #Engineer #Tier2

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Few things people don’t say out loud but it’s true: 1. Sales culture in India is toxic at a lot of places. ☢️ You might think that it’s not that bad in your org, but maybe you have been led to believe that this is normal. When I started my first job with Vernacular, one of the Sales Director said: “You are a wild horse, you have not been tamed” Da fck? I had just asked him to give me some tips on how to cold call? 2. A lot of Founders suck at Sales. 🤮 Yep, they have a product sense, overall operational sense, they raise money, build the product and then they just want Salesfolks to make their startup succesful. Ugh! They literally have monkey brains while looking at sales. 3. SDRs are the pawns of the game. ♟️ ( Cancel me, I don’t care) Have seen and heard enough to say this, the SDR leaders, VP Sales and CROs don’t really care that much about SDRs. They think they are easily replacable and also they can get away with any behaviour with them. Because the SDR is generally someone who is very early into their career and they will not risk talking back. Well, I have and even if people might label you as a difficult person, ah well, a lot of times their ego is hurt. 4. SDR Job Hopping is bad! Well Glass house 🤷🏻‍♂️ I recently had dissected the profile of a well known “SDR Leader” who himself was never a SDR and had changed jobs every year or so. And there are many 😏 5. Pay peanuts. Especially the folks who bring US Deals that close in $10K-$50K or even bigger $300K-$500K, I have seen them get paid 12-15 LPA. Ratio brother, ratio! 6. Replace the SDRs with AI Well, now you have ideas, go ahead, do that. a) AI is still not there b) Noise that will be created will be blocked ( remember Gated? ) And does any Sales Leader, SDR Manager thinks about what will happen to the SDRs when that shift happens? Naah fam, they ain’t worried about you. Truth is, at lot of places, these leaders sit with the founders and then you folks just become a column on a spreadsheet. There is lot more to say, but till then I’d just encourage you to talk to more salesfolks, understand the good and bad of it. All that glitters is not Gold! 🎤

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While selling NPS, especially #CorporateNPS, I always quote this - "Sit back, Relax and Enjoy" - to make a point about why one should invest in NPS. ⏹️ You can get returns higher than NPS in many places but NPS will give you inflation adjusted returns with peace of mind. ⏹️ → Investment guidelines formulated by regulator #PFRDA, ↳ laid by the best practices ensure the safeguard of a subscriber ↳ and on top of that a trust (#NPSTrust) that monitors the performance and activities of the fund managers diligently. → So, don't you think, you deserve a system that manages your retirement savings and make the investment grow 📈 with the utmost care - and that is what the NPS Architecture !! 📌 So, invest in NPS and "Sit back, Relax and Enjoy" your investment journey !! #LetsTalkNPS #NPS #Pension #Investment #RetirementPlanning

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SAP to hire more employees in India!! Christian Klein said SAP’s main team for its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy is located in India, with more leaders heading development teams based out of the country. #SAP #SAPAI #SAPINDIA

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Presenting the Rapid Fire Clarity of the 100th ClariTea Chat milestone session. Key insights and paradoxes from the Digital Scorecard were discussed by a panel of 6 leaders: Prabir Jha, Vijay Ramachandran, Vijay Sethi, Arun Gupta, Rajeev Jorapur, and Jagdish Belwal.    This 100th ClariTea Chat a year ago featured a Rapid Fire session on many things Cloud - on prem vs public cloud, exit options of SaaS/ Paas, pros and cons of consolidation, hindrances to hybrid cloud models, etc. The valuable insights are worth revisiting in this concise pdf format.    We also discussed the CDO role’s relevance in present time.    Share your thoughts on these views by commenting below.      #jc1stprinciples #jcinsights #ClariTeaChat    

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🥁 Quiet quitting but make it loud. Start your week with motivation. ☑️ A satisfied employee who receives the right motivation and is provided with the correct incentives based on their capabilities will choose to stay longer. #timesofindia #toi #mondaynews #employeesatisfaction #peoplefirst #futureofwork #linkedin

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What has Indian Idol got to do with Relative Estimates ? If you watched the theater round of Indian Idol, they either directly sent the candidate to Top 15 ( setting the story point baseline) or in case they had doubts they put the candidate on hold ( parked for planning poker) . In the end they called all the on Hold candidates together in the room and then they were able to quickly determine which ones were relatively better and closer to baseline based on performance , complexity of genre etc. Relative estimates work exactly the same way. Scope items which are clear in terms of scope , complexity and confidence become the baseline stories and then everything else can be relatively estimated when compared to these baseline stories. #deliverymanagement

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India's per capita income growth continues to maintain a steady trajectory, averaging around 6-7% annually, fueling the rise of #D2CBrands driven by evolving consumer behavior. The shift from #Ineed to #Iwant purchasing decisions is evident in the way urban consumers are spending. 🛍️ 📈 Key Trends and Insights: Fashion, Beauty, and Personal Care: These categories are witnessing double-digit MoM growth in NMV, reflecting strong demand across age groups. 👗💄 Breakout Categories: With increasing disposable incomes, segments like Jewellery, Nutrition Supplements, Home Improvement, Personal Electronics, and even Toys are experiencing rapid growth, recording YoY increases of 25-40%. 💍🏡🎮 Urban consumers are dedicating a larger wallet-share to D2C purchases than ever before, showing over 20% incremental growth beyond the top 6 metro cities. This is a clear indication that the D2C wave is not just an urban elite phenomenon but is making inroads into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well. 🌟 India’s #GrowthStory is unfolding at an unprecedented pace, and #ConsumerBehavior is at the heart of this transformation. Are you ready to tap into this massive potential? #D2CInsights #MacroTrends #IndustryGrowth #IndiaGrowthStory #ConsumerTrends #RetailTransformation #DigitalIndia #StartupEcosystem #Entrepreneurship Refer link in comments

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Hardik Pandya moved to Mumbai Indians as captain of their IPL T20 cricket team, MI hasn't done that well since. Some lessons on change management and my takeaways from the transition. A high profile switch, loads of money, the best performers that money can buy and not so great results till now. And plenty of backlash to go by IMO, strategically, it may have been a good move to depend on an allrounder of the pedigree of Hardik, yet the speed and manner of the transition didn't help MI. Culture may not eat strategy for breakfast, still it plays an important part in a team's success. No wonder the US special forces depend on performance and trust on team mates in a situation. The transition didn't build on the culture, it seemed to undermine it and the fans of the franchise felt betrayed by this change. This transition was less than ideal in terms of creating a relaxed environment in the team and ensuring the support of the fans. There are some things that may make business sense, but to some stakeholders, they may feel wrong. Its difficult to rally the team and the stakeholders post that. In terms of change management process followed, having a guiding coalition in terms of senior players would have helped, as would have created a strategic vision for the change and communicating it accordingly. Kotter's change management model(https://lnkd.in/gCe8q79n) can guide us here. In contrast, we see CSK, with clear process on what they stand for, what culture they want to build and how they differentiate themselves. And a hell of a leader in Dhoni that embodied the culture and commitment they stand for. Going forward, i feel it will be good for MI to acknowledge the elephant in the room, take responsibility of the change not well executed, address sentiments that have been hurt, and chart the way forward together as a team. A team/group coach can help. The current pressure on Hardik Pandya doesn't do him, MI or the Indian T20 WC chances any good. This is what i think. What do you think? (Image credit BCCI/IPL) #culture #changemanagement #performance #productivity #IPL #MI #CSK #teamcoaching #groupcoaching

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I am happy to share my article published on CRN India, that highlights how today, every business recognizes the advantages of digitization; however, digitization is not an isolated, “one and done” activity, but rather, an ongoing endeavor of implementation and improvement. Hence a closed loop system or process with a continuous feedback mechanism allowing continuous monitoring, and modification when required, is critical for successful digitization; in addition, the system’s self-regulation capabilities improve stability and help to achieve targeted outcomes. The article further elaborates about the closed loop in marketing and impact of new technologies. Please do read and share your feedback/comments. https://lnkd.in/gx7w7Dxd Infosys Aster, Infosys Digital Experience, Infosys

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Years ago, I attended FabIndia’s AGM to make a film for The New Constructs, alongside Sudhakar Ram. , Cofounder at Mastek . I expected a typical corporate meeting. Instead, I witnessed something remarkable. As I entered the room, I was prepared to capture footage of corporate discussions about profits and strategies. But I saw The artisans—the very individuals who wove the fabrics that built FabIndia’s identity—weren’t just a part of some symbolic gesture. They were sitting at the table, participating as shareholders, engaging in conversations about trends, profits, and the future of the brand. William Bissell, the founder of FabIndia, was on stage, but he wasn’t the only voice. This wasn’t a typical business meeting—it was a collaborative process where artisans played an essential role in shaping the direction of the company. These craftsmen, who had nurtured and preserved India’s ancient textile arts, were now decision-makers, with their voices carrying equal weight. As a storyteller , I was struck by the depth of authenticity this demonstrated. FabIndia wasn’t just a brand that marketed handcrafted products; it was a brand that empowered and uplifted the very artisans who made it what it was. The film we were making wasn’t going to be just about the beauty of their products—it would now tell the story of real people, their craftsmanship, and their integral role in the company. Witnessing this level of involvement made it clear that FabIndia’s authenticity goes beyond marketing or aesthetics. It’s about honoring its roots, being transparent, and ensuring that those who bring life to the brand are recognized as key stakeholders. That day, I understood what it means for a brand to not just tell stories, but to live them fully. If you’re ready to master the art of Brand Storytelling and receive one-on-one mentorship, join my WhatsApp group where I announce my exclusive limited mentorship programs for founders. Find the link in the comments. #BrandStorytelling #AuthenticBrand #StorytellinginBusiness

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Dear Connections, We are on a mission to scale our sales team in Bangalore with driven, high-energy professionals who are eager to create transformative, game-changing moments. If you’re someone who thrives on executing flawless strategies, making bold decisions, and leading with confidence and resilience, this opportunity is calling your name. No playing defence, no retreat—just pushing forward with bold moves. We are currently hiring for Account Management roles with 3-5 years of experience specifically in cloud sales for both enterprise and government segments. We are looking for young blood—dynamic individuals who have honed their expertise exclusively in selling cloud solutions. We need professionals who are not just familiar with cloud technology but are deeply embedded in it—someone who has navigated complex sales cycles, understood the intricacies of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and driven innovation through cloud adoption for their clients.The candidate should be well-versed in presenting cloud strategies to C-level executives, overcoming objections, and tailoring cloud offerings to meet specific business needs. If you live and breathe cloud technology and have a proven track record of success—whether it's closing cloud deals, scaling enterprise solutions, or helping clients migrate to cutting-edge cloud platforms—we want to hear from you. If cloud selling isn’t your area of focus, this role won’t be the right fit. Here’s what we value: 1. Approach every customer meeting with the understanding that the CEO or CTO across you is not just a senior executive but your partner in shaping strategic outcomes and ready to co-create solutions along with us. 2. Truly listen and understand before taking action. Mastering the art of insightful communication is essential to delivering customised cloud solutions that exceed expectations. Interested candidates can reach out to [email protected]. #digital #hosting #privatecloud #cloudservice #virtualization #cloudcomputing #cloud #technology #vmware #linux #networking #devops #server #cloudsecurity #storage #privacy #virtualmachine #iaas

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Sap India CEO dies at age 42. This was headline in 2009. 15 years on, seems we learnt lessons from the tragedy.  Over 745,000 people die annually from overwork and the resulting health issues as per a WHO study. A survey by CareerBuilder found that 61% of workers feel burnt out in their current jobs. That's more than half the workforce! I get it. Your job is crucial. That project needs finishing, those emails won't answer themselves, and your boss just added another task to your already overflowing plate. But here's a reality check - what good is all that hard work if you're running yourself into the ground? So, what can we do about it? Here are a few simple steps: 1. Take regular breaks: Step away from your desk every hour, even if it's just for a few minutes. 2. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours a night. Your emails can wait until morning. And yes put all notifications to silent mode, ideally put your mobile on “Sleep mode”. Yes thats available on most mobiles in the “Clock” 3. Move your body: Exercise isn't just good for your physique; it's a stress-buster too. Simple movement like walking to the coffee machine fires up more neurons than writing an email. 4. Learn to say no: You're not a superhero, and that's okay. 5. Make time for things you enjoy: All work and no play makes for a very dull (and stressed) you. Remember, you're not just an employee, a CEO, or a fresher. You're a human being with needs that go beyond your job description. Your health - both mental and physical - is your most valuable asset. Without it, all those long hours and late nights won't mean much. So, take a deep breath, step away from your desk for a moment, and ask yourself: "Am I taking care of me?" If the answer is no, it's time to make a change. Your body (and your future self) will thank you for it. #stress @health #toxicwork #sleep https://lnkd.in/gBKJsMz6

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“Ma’am, you’ll go blind without these!” Before I knew it, a Portuguese street vendor had placed a pair of knock-off Ray-Bans on my face. And you know what? I’m glad he did. My sunglasses had broken earlier, and after hours of squinting in the bright sun, those shades were exactly what I needed. As someone in sales myself, I can appreciate being sold to in the right way. The old saying, "You could sell sand in a desert" isn't really a compliment—it’s a reflection of a pushy, unethical approach. The best sales reps, on the other hand, recognize when their product can genuinely improve someone’s quality of life and make the process of buying it simple and effortless. When sales is done right, it’s not just a transaction—it’s a gift to the buyer. In my case, I didn’t even have to stand up to find what I needed. Now that’s GREAT salesmanship. —— While I may not always be as sharp as the expert vendor I met recently, I strive to give my prospects the best experience possible. Here's how I try to do it: - I review each agency's strategic plan 📋 to understand their human capital modernization goals. - I work with my Solutions Consultants, partner ecosystem, product experts, and industry advisors to identify how my company can partner with the federal government to meet those goals. - I don’t waste prospects' time - I do the work to align our solutions with their objectives & then volunteer time with marketing to ensure our messaging is hitting the spot. - I find the right contacts within each agency responsible for each portion of their Director’s plan, and just like this sunglasses salesman, I try to make it as easy as possible for them to evaluate and partner with us. #Sales done right is not only ethical - it’s also a blessing to the buyer.

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Swiggy’s got competition. Not just from Zomato, but from Deepinder Goyal himself! Last year, Deepinder didn’t just sponsor Shark Tank—he basically became the Shark. 🦈 And let’s be real no amount of ₹25 crore ₹50 crore, or even ₹100 crore sponsorship can replicate the “leadership vibe” he gave off. He was more than a CEO he was a walking, talking masterclass in charisma. I mean, who wouldn’t want to look up to a guy who probably knows more about your favorite dish than you do? 🍲 Now, quick quiz: Can anyone remember who sponsored the last few Shark Tank seasons? Anyone? 🤔 Nope? Didn’t think so. Lesson for us all—be the Shark, not the Sponsorship. 🦈💼 #LeadershipGoals #BeLikeDeepinder #SwiggyVsZomato #JustDivIt

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Narayan Murthy recently sparked an important conversation about work culture by suggesting Indians should work seventy hours a week to drive national progress. This statement has stirred a debate, especially among younger generations, about work-life balance versus the commitment required to build something extraordinary. While it’s easy to take sides, his words carry a deeper message worth reflecting on. History shows us that building organizations of immense scale and impact—like #Infosys, #Tesla, or #Apple—requires extraordinary dedication. Leaders like Narayan Murthy, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs built their visions on relentless effort and a culture that demanded excellence. These companies didn’t just grow; they redefined industries, and that kind of transformation doesn’t happen without people willing to go the extra mile. Murthy’s statement, in this context, highlights the discipline and grit needed to create something groundbreaking. However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone aspires to build the next Infosys or Tesla—and that’s okay. Murthy’s words resonate deeply with those who carry big visions and are ready to make sacrifices for them. For those individuals, pulling up their socks and running the extra mile becomes a natural part of their journey. But for others who prioritize balance or have different goals, their choice to approach work differently deserves equal respect. The key lies in understanding your ambitions and matching your work ethic to what you want to achieve. At its core, Narayan Murthy’s statement isn’t just about hours; it’s about mindset. Building something extraordinary requires extraordinary effort. While debates rage—especially among Gen Zs and Millennials—over his perspective, it’s crucial to recognize that someone of Murthy’s stature speaks from deep experience. Criticizing a visionary like him without understanding the immense sacrifices and grit behind his achievements risks missing the point entirely. For those with the ambition to create the next Infosys, Tesla, or SpaceX, his words are a call to action: success demands stepping up, running the extra mile, and embracing the grind. If that’s not your path, that’s okay, but it doesn’t diminish the value of what he advocates. Progress—whether for individuals or nations—thrives on hard work, respect for experience, and a clear alignment between your dreams and your effort. #NarayanMurthy #WorkEthic #Leadership #VisionaryLeaders #ProgressiveIndia #HardWork #GenZ #Millennials #CareerGrowth #SuccessMindset

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