Srini is a highly experienced Delivery/Program Manager with extensive expertise in programme, project, technical and PMO management, process development, risk management, quality assurance, business development, and leading development efforts for business-critical IT applications.
Srini has held multiple roles, including Co-Location Head, overseeing delivery and operations for a development centre, and managing delivery teams and vendors. He has led programmes/projects across various sectors such as banking, finance, insurance, logistics, and telecom, serving a global clientele.
Proficient in defining, leading, and driving end-to-end programmes and project operations, Srini effectively implements several management dynamics, including IT strategy, annual operating plans, strategic execution plans, task and resource allocation, team management, performance monitoring/supervision, management reviews, and training and competency development.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I began my career as a developer (started with COBOL, FoxPro, and Visual Basic), predominantly working on Java and related technologies, and moved on to becoming a Technical Lead, Project/Program Manager and Delivery Manager. I have worked across different Indian IT service companies for global clients, mainly in the banking and insurance sector, and I have worked for some years in telecom and logistics. Throughout this time, I had the opportunity to work on and handle projects involving enterprise software like PegaRULES, Salesforce CRM, and MS Dynamics CRM.
Can you tell us about your role with the Project Foundry?
I am a Principal Program Manager at the Project Foundry, where I focus on leading various Programs/Projects for clients. My responsibilities include leading solution delivery, team management, quality management, vendor management, and quality/process initiatives.
Currently, I work with one of the Project Foundry’s key clients, a market leader in the CRO space for the client’s IT Operations and Application Support Team, handling programs/ projects and other operational workstreams. I have dealt with the delivery of key projects, working with the client’s IT teams and different vendors, including the implementation of a Privileged Access Management solution, migration and implementation of collaboration tools and the setting up of a Disaster Recovery (DR) environment for an enterprise product. In addition to delivery responsibilities, I am also responsible for supporting all the India-based contractors of the Project Foundry.
What motivates you to do what you do?
Having been in IT for many years and seeing how it has evolved, some of the motivating factors for me include learning new things constantly, working and collaborating with team members on complex solutions, deriving a sense of achievement when delivering complex engagements, and continuously delivering value to my organisation and clients. Based on my past experiences of working for different global clients/stakeholders, I can navigate situations effectively and try to add value to the current situation and my stakeholders constantly.
How have you evolved personally and professionally over the years?
Personally, I have become more patient in many ways. I am able to empathise with and understand other people’s viewpoints more practically. I am constantly trying to help others and looking for ways to positively impact others’ lives (even if it is on a small scale). Also, I have become more comfortable handling uncertainties and risky situations.
Professionally, I have had opportunities to work on multiple domains involving different enterprise software, by which I have gained additional skillsets. The last few years, I have been involved in IT Operations and Infrastructure domain, which is new to me, and my learnings have been immense. I have also attended numerous trainings, which have helped me immensely in my work.
What does culture mean to you in a work environment? Why is it Important to you?
Culture is a set of beliefs and attitudes that prevail in an environment that is conducive to the associates/employees and helps them gel with the organisation. The overall behaviours exhibited by associates are shaped by the organisational culture.
Work culture is key for any associate/employee as it helps them to communicate openly, express themselves without hesitation, feel accountable for their work, feel respected and valued, and grow and align themselves to the objectives of the organisation.
How do you maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life?
Though I am still trying to improve on this, I should say that I have made some progress. I have been following some practical tips, including:
- Regular prioritisation of work items (both personal and work-related)
- Following time management techniques
- Deciding to have me-time consciously
- Celebrating even minor milestones to keep myself motivated
- Not getting carried away and consciously respecting work timings whenever possible
- Spending more time with family, friends and colleagues
How do you deliver value to clients?
As a Technical Delivery professional, I am involved in constant value creation for my clients, including identifying their needs, providing the right technical solution with quality, Project Management, Risk Management, and cost-effectiveness, thereby ensuring Customer delight. It has been my constant endeavour to provide value as a Service (VaaS) continuously in Services, Solutions, and Products.
What is the one thing that very few people know about you?
Though I have been in delivery management for some years now, I can quickly learn and develop code to provide technical solutions. In my earlier stint, I wore a developer hat (just as a personal initiative) to support the Technical Team for addressing defects and developing some core modules, which led to significant cost savings to my client.
