Inspiring Conversations with Chandra Gundlapalli, Business Digital Transformation Champion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandra Gundlapalli.

Hi Chandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a multicultural (USA, India, Germany, Brazil, and the UK), consistently exceeding expectations hands-on global business technology executive. Established 80% speed-to-market legacy systems digital transformation strategy & execution framework with 10+ years of Fortune 500 global leadership experience in financial, retail, energy, and technology industries. Built modernization accelerators, global TEAMS, and scaled agile lean culture in 3-6 months for 100 to 2000 size, $50M-$2B organizations with $350M business P&L responsibility. Celebrated for dedication to the business digital transformation leadership and TEAM of TEAMS operating model delivery excellence with Marquis top executive and National Diversity Council top 100 diverse leader recognition. Forbes’s tech council writer on emerging trends & cultural transformations. Established cost-effective trusted strategic vendor partnerships and ready-to-go talent connections. Diversity & Inclusion keynote speaker and board member.

Dallas, Texas has been home for the past 2 decades. Learned how to build High Performing diverse TEAMS since my Master’s & Bachelor of Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, and in Pilani (a top university in Asia) as a Cricket captain.

Born to the lower middle class without access to resources in India, my whole family lived on a $100 monthly budget. Despite the limitations, I am very proud of my career and very thankful to all who supported me during the journey, dad taught me hard work & determination and mom taught me empathy.

1. I was a top ranker in my state with a $50M population in my 10+2 standard. I went to the top university (BITS, Pilani) in India where I learned the power of networking, I was cricket captain and was the only Telugu-speaking Andhra state player selected for my University Cricket TEAM.
2. I went to Germany after graduation (the USA economy during 2000 was tanking) and found a job, companies don’t even talk to you if you don’t speak or understand the German language. Learned global culture & people.
3. Came to the United States from Germany and got a Technical Leader opportunity at Perot Systems (Dell acquired Perot).
4. Accelerated career with leadership roles at World’s top companies – Charles Schwab, Thomson Reuters, Dell, Vistra Energy, Cap Gemini, and Unisys.
5. In my recent role, exceeded expectations as a Global Vice President, Technology at a ~$2B Org with a $350M business P&L, and 2000+ Org.

Industry recognitions:

1. Top 100 Diverse Leaders in Technology by National Diversity Council
2. Who’s Who in America Top Executive for dedication to the Field of business transformation
3. Forbes Tech Council & Co-Author of #1 Amazon best-seller – Leading Through the Pandemic Unconventional Wisdom from Heartfelt Leaders
4. Vistra (TXU) Energy 2015 Star Award
5. Charles Schwab Dallas Fort Worth Enterprise Leadership Council & 2018 CIO Award

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Similar to everyone, it is not a smooth road. A lot of learning growing up in India, starting a professional career in Germany, and accelerating my journey in the United States. I am fortunate to find fantastic TEAM members/leaders/mentors along the way. I strongly believe in “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. Try/Fail/Learn/Adopt/Accelerate is the principle I follow.

1. With minimal resources, getting into a top University in India is not easy.
2. Starting a career in Germany without speaking the German language is not easy.
3. Knowing just technology is not enough to grow into a leadership role, need to develop/sharpen people & emotional skills to lead large global TEAMS. Getting a director-level role at Thomson Reuters on an immigration VISA (H1B/EAD) is not easy.
4. Faced with racial discrimination in a couple of instances in my journey, I use this learning to fuel my career acceleration and teach others what not to do.
5. Getting into C-level circles is not easy; I consider this a motivating challenge and I coach aspiring talent to start building solid trusted relationships with proven leaders.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
After very successful business tech executive roles and personally facing the problem of not being able to find credible digital solutions and talent quickly, I am working on 2 priorities (Technology & Talent)

1. Emerging Technology Solution Accelerators – I am building new digital Cloud, AI (Artificial Intelligence) practices/accelerators with 80% speed-to-market & 45% TCO reduction modernization vision, partnering with Silicon Valley based global org.
2. Echelon Talent – “Your Career Elevated By Your Community” mission powered by next-generation internet Web3 & blockchain transparency to address the World’s top finding credible talent in the industry challenge. Echelon pitch https://bit.ly/3SaztyY, Echelon won innovation awards including finalists for Dallas & Austin accelerator programs. In the new Echelon world, talent accelerates career Confidently & Confidentially waking up with multiple offers.

What matters most to you? Why?
Top principles I champion every day.

1. Build Community with Courageous Leadership
2. Accelerating digital transformation/modernization with global diverse TEAMS
3. Work team first, then the problem.
4. Agile & Nimble TEAM of TEAMS Operating Model on the ground.
5. Building personal and professional brands from ZERO

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandra.gundlapalli
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GundlapalliC
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandrasekhar.gundlapalli
• Website: https://www.echelonweb3.com
• Other: http://www.chandragundlapalli.com
  

 

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