IT has seen the most disruptive changes in the last 20 years and the pace of disruption is getting further intensified. From Mainframes to Cloud, this evolution has been phenomenal. The industry and technology will continue to disrupt and in many cases cannibalize itself. Lots of development and disruption is further anticipated in Cloud, Data, AI, UX, Cyber Security and Quantum computing. The future seems very uncertain but definitely very exciting with lots of new opportunities. My curiosity is, as always, at its peak.
Tell us about your background, journey and upbringing.
I have been born and brought up in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Have been in the industry from last 20 yrs. Started as an Electronics Engineer and later on moved into IT industry, pursuing my passion for developing software. Have developed IT solution for different domains within Financial Services like Credit Cards, Insurance, Pension, Asset Management and now Broking and Distribution. Have grown up the ranks from being a software developer to leading IT organizations.
Software development has always been my passion and I enjoy designing, coding and developing IT solutions while solving complex business problems. I am a hard core disciplinarian and strong on commitments. I believe that 'there is no short cut to success'.
What made you interested in this field and how did you narrow down?
Coding and Software Development had always been my passion. I loved solving mathematical equations, solving George Summer's riddles and programming for micro-processors. Somehow, software programming of all kinds - hardware or software - came naturally to me.
While I did my Engineering in Electronics driven by my passion for Chip designing and microprocessor programming, during the initial course of my career, I very well understood that developing software for businesses is what I love doing and would like to do throughout my career.
What does your typical work day look like?
Coding and Software Development had always been my passion. I loved solving mathematical equations, solving George Summer's riddles and programming for micro-processors. Somehow, software programming of all kinds - hardware or software - came naturally to me.
While I did my Engineering in Electronics driven by my passion for Chip designing and microprocessor programming, during the initial course of my career, I very well understood that developing software for businesses is what I love doing and would like to do throughout my career.
What does your typical work day look like?
My Work day starts at 5 am with going through the important mails, and then quickly deciding the 'To Do' list for the day. I start my official working at 9, meeting my leaders for a quick half hour 'huddle' and agreeing on team's priorities for the day. Most of the day is spent meeting business teams, partners, leaders and vendors.
I love to look for new developments in business and technology and am always curious to learn more. I ensure that I spend atleast an hour browsing or reading on any such new developments or innovation.
I am a typical small town person. Hence for lunch and tea-breaks always need and seek company of my colleagues or friends.
Several global companies have come out and thrown their support behind not needing a formal education. What is your opinion about this for your field?
In the last decade, exposure and access to information has been a 'revolution'. Myths around, only 'standard education' guaranteeing a successful career, are being challenged and put to test. While we have seen unicorns coming from school or college dropouts, the overall % of such organizations or leaders is still very low - quite a 'handful'.
In my opinion, it is not a standard formal education that does the trick for a successful career. A 'quality' skill based focused education is required for people to build successful career in the field and domain of their choice. There are plenty of quality skill based trainings available on Coursera, Udacity, Udemy platforms and even if folks take any such 'full' stream of course with a focused approach, a successful career can be guaranteed. Do note that soft skills are equally important to succeed in any career and many of these get developed and strengthened only through mentoring, coaching, networking and social interactions.
However, from a future job security perspective, a Btech, MBA or MS degree from reputed college or university still scores higher and will continue to do so. It is and will continue to remain an individual's choice. Talented people with strong skill sets will have an opportunity to work as Freelancer and I anticipate that this stream will keep growing gradually.
Google, Adobe and most MNCs have a strict policy around sharing ex-employee data. How can one approach background checks in this situation?
Employee data has a strong privacy context and any performance, inter-personal or behavioural skills related data has to be strictly governed. The data that is required from a background check perspective is primarily around employment tenure of employee with the organization and the designations veracity.
I love to look for new developments in business and technology and am always curious to learn more. I ensure that I spend atleast an hour browsing or reading on any such new developments or innovation.
I am a typical small town person. Hence for lunch and tea-breaks always need and seek company of my colleagues or friends.
Several global companies have come out and thrown their support behind not needing a formal education. What is your opinion about this for your field?
In the last decade, exposure and access to information has been a 'revolution'. Myths around, only 'standard education' guaranteeing a successful career, are being challenged and put to test. While we have seen unicorns coming from school or college dropouts, the overall % of such organizations or leaders is still very low - quite a 'handful'.
In my opinion, it is not a standard formal education that does the trick for a successful career. A 'quality' skill based focused education is required for people to build successful career in the field and domain of their choice. There are plenty of quality skill based trainings available on Coursera, Udacity, Udemy platforms and even if folks take any such 'full' stream of course with a focused approach, a successful career can be guaranteed. Do note that soft skills are equally important to succeed in any career and many of these get developed and strengthened only through mentoring, coaching, networking and social interactions.
However, from a future job security perspective, a Btech, MBA or MS degree from reputed college or university still scores higher and will continue to do so. It is and will continue to remain an individual's choice. Talented people with strong skill sets will have an opportunity to work as Freelancer and I anticipate that this stream will keep growing gradually.
Google, Adobe and most MNCs have a strict policy around sharing ex-employee data. How can one approach background checks in this situation?
Employee data has a strong privacy context and any performance, inter-personal or behavioural skills related data has to be strictly governed. The data that is required from a background check perspective is primarily around employment tenure of employee with the organization and the designations veracity.
This is very generic data and is sharable with genuine info seekers. LinkedIn is a rich source of personal and professional information and I can foresee that LinkedIn and similar professional networking platforms will become primary source for a background check in future.
How has your field evolved over the years and what future changes do you predict?
IT has seen the most disruptive changes in the last 20 years and the pace of disruption is getting further intensified. From Mainframes to Cloud, this evolution has been phenomenal. The industry and technology will continue to disrupt and in many cases cannibalize itself. Lots of development and disruption is further anticipated in Cloud, Data, AI, UX, Cyber Security and Quantum computing. The future seems very uncertain but definitely very exciting with lots of new opportunities. My curiosity is, as always, at its peak.
What advice do you have for those eyeing this career?
What has really worked for me is being open minded, curious, courageous and believer in life. I have always been enticed by new developments, new learnings and have so far been an avid learner - all the times. I relate very well to what Mr. Motilal Oswal once shared that " One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up, instead of understanding about what they would gain".
I would only advice that the choice of perspective is ours to either see a 'Calamity in Opportunity' or an 'Opportunity in Calamity'. Open to learning and action orientation does the trick for talented and courageous people.
Which is your favourite book and why?
I love to read on a variety of topics around Philosophy, Literature, Poetry, History, Autobiography and Technology.
Some of the books that will always remain my favourites are - 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran, 'Wings of Fire' by Dr.Kalam, Autobiography of Steve Jobs and recently 'Eat, Sleep and Innovate' from Anthony Scott and Paul Cobban.
Books have been my guide and source of creativity, motivation, reasoning and inspiration. It has taught me to take life as it comes and how to always remain resilient, persistent and positive.
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How has your field evolved over the years and what future changes do you predict?
IT has seen the most disruptive changes in the last 20 years and the pace of disruption is getting further intensified. From Mainframes to Cloud, this evolution has been phenomenal. The industry and technology will continue to disrupt and in many cases cannibalize itself. Lots of development and disruption is further anticipated in Cloud, Data, AI, UX, Cyber Security and Quantum computing. The future seems very uncertain but definitely very exciting with lots of new opportunities. My curiosity is, as always, at its peak.
What advice do you have for those eyeing this career?
What has really worked for me is being open minded, curious, courageous and believer in life. I have always been enticed by new developments, new learnings and have so far been an avid learner - all the times. I relate very well to what Mr. Motilal Oswal once shared that " One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up, instead of understanding about what they would gain".
I would only advice that the choice of perspective is ours to either see a 'Calamity in Opportunity' or an 'Opportunity in Calamity'. Open to learning and action orientation does the trick for talented and courageous people.
Which is your favourite book and why?
I love to read on a variety of topics around Philosophy, Literature, Poetry, History, Autobiography and Technology.
Some of the books that will always remain my favourites are - 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran, 'Wings of Fire' by Dr.Kalam, Autobiography of Steve Jobs and recently 'Eat, Sleep and Innovate' from Anthony Scott and Paul Cobban.
Books have been my guide and source of creativity, motivation, reasoning and inspiration. It has taught me to take life as it comes and how to always remain resilient, persistent and positive.
Shishupal Rathore
Senior Vice President | Business IT
Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited
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