Operations Optimiser

An experienced technologist who has worked in India and the US, Girish Gadamsetty has transitioned seamlessly into the realm of business operations, undertaking influential roles in driving and contributing to a spectrum of organisation-wide initiatives and projects. He is not just a problem solver but also a force multiplier, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the organisations and leaders in fast-paced environments. Girish Gadamsetty, Director- Business Operations, Adobe, is an accomplished business operations leader with an impressive track record of over 25 years in the dynamic IT industry. Corporate Citizen brings you excerpts of his exclusive interview wherein he talks on his career journey, experience in business operations, his hobbies and much more

"At this moment in time, there’s ample reason for pride in being an Indian. India finds itself in an enviable position, with its robust economic growth standing out as a shining beacon amid the global economic challenges"

Corporate Citizen: Take us through your learning journey that shaped your career.

Girish Gadamsetty: My father was a civil engineer who worked with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). His job required him to be transferred to different parts of the country every two to three years. As a result, I had the privilege of residing and receiving my education in various regions of India. I was born in what was then Bihar, but is now part of Jharkhand. Subsequently, I lived in Manipur, Andaman, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, and Delhi, with Vishakhapatnam being the place where I completed my schooling. This unique experience provided me with valuable opportunities to adapt to diverse environments, learn new languages, immerse myself in various cultures and cuisines, and ultimately played a significant role in shaping my personality.

Ever since my school days, I found great pleasure in taking the lead in coordinating and orchestrating events, whether within my college or within the community. My passion for painting and my innate creativity naturally manifested in my presentation skills, leading to the inclusion of more visual and creative elements in my corporate presentations.

Within my organisation I also take on the role of hosting numerous leadership events, offsite gatherings and workshops. These occasions often feature esteemed senior executives from our industry, who graciously share their valuable insights with our engineers and leaders, providing them with a deeper understanding of the latest industry developments and trends.

CC: Share with us your experience of working in the US. What was your hands-on experience working over there?

In 1997, I earned my Masters in Computer Applications (MCA) from GITAM University, Andhra Pradesh. Following my academic pursuits, I embarked on my professional journey with an internship at Indian Airlines in Delhi. Subsequently, I joined Wipro, where I contributed for slightly over a year in India before transitioning to the United States under Wipro's auspices. During my tenure with Wipro in the US, I engaged in numerous impactful projects, including implementations and migrations. Following my tenure with Wipro, I joined Vignette Corporation, a renowned content management product firm. Later in my career, I had the privilege of working at Johnson Controls, a prominent automotive components company, and subsequently at John Deere, a global leader in tractor manufacturing.

My experience of working in the United States holds immense value for me. It provided me with invaluable insights into the operations of businesses, the prevailing work culture, and the intricate dynamics within organisations. Collaborating with professionals from around the world enriched my perspective by exposing me to a wide array of cultures, their nuances and sensibilities. As a result, I have honed my ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners, cultivate robust professional relationships, and communicate in a relatable and impactful manner.

CC: After working in US for few years many opt to settle there, but you decided to return. What compelled you to return to India?

I was enjoying a successful career, and my wife had completed her master's degree and established a thriving career in the United States. However, in 2005, we made the deliberate decision to return to India for two compelling reasons. First and foremost, it was a personal choice driven by the aging of our parents and in-laws. We believed it made sense to be closer to them, facilitating enjoyable bond/interactions between them and their beloved grandchildren. Additionally, we recognised that India was on the cusp of significant growth and transformation, evident by the signs of progress and growth emerging at that time. Leveraging the experience we had gained abroad, we saw the potential to contribute to India's evolving landscape, both in terms of organisational growth and our personal and professional development. Looking back, we consider this move a highly strategic and rewarding decision.

CC: What prompted you to take switch over from the field of technology to business operations?

Early in my career, I cultivated a habit of immersing myself in business literature, which ignited a profound interest in corporate and business strategy. While I engaged with intriguing technical challenges, I remained keen on grasping the business aspects of the endeavours. My experience in 'intrepreneurship' at MindTree exposed me to the exhilarating world of establishing and managing an organisation. It soon became evident that my innate strengths resonated with this domain, prompting me to embark on a journey of self-reinvention. In 2007, I embarked on an executive management programme at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, to acquire the essential skills in areas such as finance, HR, and operations. Fast forward to 2023, more than 15 years have elapsed since I transitioned into the realm of Business Operations, and it feels like a natural fit. Over this span, I have undertaken pivotal roles, playing a substantial part in driving and contributing to a diverse array of initiatives and transformations spanning the entire corporate landscape.

CC: How did your immersive experience of intrepreneurship at MindTree, set the stage for your subsequent career trajectory into business operations?

I had the privilege of learning from the founding leaders while spearheading the development of the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) practice at MindTree. It felt like taking on an entrepreneurial challenge within the organisation, and the term that aptly describes this experience is 'intrepreneurship.' During this journey, I collaborated closely with various teams, including sales, marketing, knowledge management, culture and competence, and process teams. I actively participated in selling the solution, running marketing campaigns, creating a knowledge base, establishing learning portals, and defining development and test methodologies. Essentially, it was akin to constructing a self-contained entity within the larger organisation. This immersive experience not only enriched my skill set but also marked my initial foray into the realm of business operations, setting the stage for my subsequent career trajectory.

"The rapid pace of technological change, including AI’s evolution, is accelerating, and every industry must adapt to this ongoing revolution for survival"

CC: Why has been your decade long stint in Adobe been an enriching and inspiring experience for you?

Adobe stands out as an exceptionally innovative and creative company with a dynamic culture that fosters growth. During my decade at Adobe, I've had the privilege of witnessing two industry- transforming milestones. The first was Adobe's pioneering shift to a SaaS business model, establishing itself as one of the early large enterprises to embrace this transformation. More recently, I've seen the integration of generative AI into our flagship products, marking another significant advancement. Throughout this journey, I've played a pivotal role in scaling our department, expanding it fourfold in the past decade. This achievement resulted from a series of strategic initiatives, transformative efforts, and cultural shifts across various domains, presenting both an intriguing challenge and an opportunity for personal growth within the organisation. This success story owes much to the inspirational leadership and the robust engineering culture at Adobe. Here, innovative ideas are not only welcomed but also supported with the necessary resources and funding. This level of empowerment has been a game-changer. In summary, my journey at Adobe thus far has been exceptionally enriching and inspiring.

CC: While India is entering the period of demographic dividend, women workforce participation rates remain very low. In such a situation how can India obtain the much hoped for demographic dividend?

India is poised to benefit from its demographic advantage, which is projected to last until around 2050 and possibly beyond. However, there is untapped potential in increasing the participation of women in the Indian workforce. If more women join the workforce, this demographic advantage could be extended for another 10 to 20 years, injecting fresh talent and providing a substantial advantage. Furthermore, the global landscape has changed significantly with the simultaneous and rapid spread of technologies like AI and machine learning (ML) to all corners of the world. Many countries are now considering the adoption of Indian solutions such as Aadhar, UPI, and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Building solutions for India inherently involves scaling for a massive population of 1.4 billion, a unique challenge and opportunity not found in many other countries.

CC: How can India sustain and maximise the benefits of its current growth trajectory?

At this moment in time, there's ample reason for pride in being an Indian. India finds itself in an enviable position, with its robust economic growth standing out as a shining beacon amid the global economic challenges. With a burgeoning and dynamic consumer market, an expanding middle class wielding greater purchasing power, and the forces of globalisation and urbanisation in play, India has become a magnet for global brands seeking new opportunities. In the realm of IT, companies focused on digital transformation are forecasting remarkable growth, defying the prevailing pessimism in the global landscape. India's transformation from merely serving as the world's back office to becoming a valued partner is a remarkable narrative within the Indian IT industry.

Furthermore, the evolving geopolitical situation involving China has created opportunities for India, particularly in the manufacturing sector. This shift is poised to fuel substantial expansion in the Indian manufacturing industry, generating employment across various sectors and contributing to overall economic growth. However, it's important to acknowledge that India still faces certain structural challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Overcoming these hurdles will be essential for sustaining and maximising the benefits of India's current growth trajectory.

"Work-life balance is a concept often seen as elusive, but I believe in the idea of work-life integration, where personal and professional aspects coexist harmoniously. The key lies in effective prioritisation and being present in the right place at the right time"

CC: Artificial Intelligience (AI) field is developing very fast and is impacting every other field. So in your opinion how development of AI will impact everyone?

A few years ago, the internet was a transformative force, and today, it has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. In the near future, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to follow a similar trajectory, becoming an integral and inseparable aspect of our existence. As AI continues to advance, it will assume a central role in shaping our societies, influencing how we live, work, and engage with technology.

The rapid pace of technological change, including AI's evolution, is accelerating, and every industry must adapt to this ongoing revolution for survival. A compelling example of technology's disruptive power is evident in the rapid adoption of ChatGPT, amassing a million users within a week of its launch. This demonstrates the compelling influence and potential of transformative technology.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the development of AI also triggers important ethical and societal considerations. These encompass concerns regarding bias, privacy, and the potential impact on employment. Consequently, ongoing discussions and dialogues are molding regulations and guidelines to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.

CC: In today's fast-paced world, how do you find a healthy work-life balance?

Work-life balance is a concept often seen as elusive, but I believe in the idea of work-life integration, where personal and professional aspects coexist harmoniously. The key lies in effective prioritisation and being present in the right place at the right time. For instance, my day typically begins with a quick review of work emails and my schedule, helping me plan ahead. Mornings are dedicated to assisting my wife in preparing our children for school.

My workout routine, whether on the treadmill or yoga mat, becomes an opportunity for personal growth as I listen to enriching audiobooks or podcasts. In the evening, I take a break for an early dinner and cherished moments with my family before engaging in work calls with global teams. The day concludes with reflection and gratitude.

I also allocate time for periodic breaks from work, such as a morning movie outing with my wife followed by a delightful lunch at a restaurant before returning to work. Additionally, I've learned to seize opportunities for work outside the conventional office environment, like working from my car during my son's cricket matches. Adobe's annual global shutdown in winter offers a valuable chance to unwind on family vacations, providing a mental break from the routines of home and work life. During my free time, I pursue hobbies like learning to play the Tabla, enjoying a game of cricket, immersing myself in audiobooks or savoring my favorite music. This approach to work-life integration allows me to embrace the ebb and flow of life's demands while nurturing my personal passions and connections.

CC: In keeping with the “get out there and see the world” ethos, how do you fulfill your travel aspirations?

Thanks to Adobe's annual global winter shutdown, which spans from Christmas through the New Year, coupled with the ever-expanding national highway network across India, I have had the remarkable opportunity to embark on explorations of Incredible India. These journeys have taken the form of captivating road trips, allowing me to immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty, diverse cuisine, and rich culture that India has to offer.

Having spent over seven years living and exploring the United States, I found that nothing quite compares to the natural wonders, culinary delights, and cultural tapestry of India. I've traversed a multitude of destinations, including the pristine beaches of Andaman Islands, the wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park, the cultural city of Amritsar, the enchanting landscapes of Manali, the serene backwaters of Kerala, the spiritual temple towns of Tamil Nadu and the national parks of Karnataka, with many of these memorable adventures unfolding on the open road.

My aspiration is to further expand my exploration to encompass the enchanting regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan in the West, the timeless beauty of Kashmir and the historical wonders of Agra in the North, the uncharted terrains of Northeast India, the cultural diversity of West Bengal in the East, and the vibrant tapestry of Tamil Nadu in the South. These journeys are not only about discovering new places but also about revisiting cherished childhood memories in locations where my father's postings once took us (Andaman, Kolkata, Imphal, etc.). In addition to my Indian sojourns, I have also ventured abroad, experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultures of the United States and Singapore during my vacations.