Pioneering the AI Revolution
Sudhakar Rao
Head, Asia Pacific Japan, GSI Partners,
UiPath
With an impressive 27-year track record in global sales, strategy, cloud, digitisation, collaboration, and transformation, Sudhakar Rao, the Head of Asia Pacific Japan for GSI Partners at UiPath. is a trailblazer in the world of AI, bringing his unparalleled expertise to drive organisations towards the forefront of technological innovation. At the helm of UiPath’s Asia Pacific and Japan division, Sudhakar is on a relentless mission to reshape the digital landscape. Embracing the power of AI, he empowers businesses to not only stay competitive but thrive in the digital age. From attracting millennials to crafting unforgettable customer experiences, Sudhakar seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology into the fabric of everyday life, unlocking endless possibilities for forward-thinking organisations.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sudhakar has navigated through diverse regions, effortlessly transforming challenges into opportunities. His mastery of design thinking and a proven track record of managing P&L and go-to-market strategies have fostered a results-driven culture that fuels success even in the most complex of situations. In his previous roles, including Vice President, Sales at SAP, Sudhakar made waves in the industry by propelling SAP’s cloud and digital businesses to new heights. His strategic partnerships and innovative approach have earned him widespread recognition as a dynamic leader in the technology realm.
With an unwavering dedication to leveraging AI for transformative change, Sudhakar’s journey serves as a guiding beacon for organisations ready to embrace the future. In this exclusive interview with TradeFlock, he invites businesses to join him in shaping a world where AI-driven advancements redefine the very essence of innovation, propelling humanity towards a brighter and more promising tomorrow.Â
With over 27+ years of experience, how has your professional journey shaped your leadership style?
Throughout my professional journey, I have traversed an unconventional path, transitioning from roles as an engineer, consultant, programme manager, and sales strategist to my current position as a thought leader in go-tomarket and sales. My unwavering focus has always been on achieving customer success. This arduous journey has not only honed my ability to develop and nurture the next generation of leaders but has also cultivated an environment that fosters inclusive growth and embraces transformational leadership. I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals, fostering creativity, and moulding organisations to be future-ready. Head, Asia Pacific Japan, GSI Partners, UiPath Pioneering the AI Revolution 10 Best Leaders from AI in India 2023 42 My diverse experiences have shaped me into a professional who is committed to driving success and making a lasting impact on the organisations I am privileged to be a part of.
How do you attract millennials and integrate technology into their lives while adapting to the evolving needs and expectations of the younger workforce?
At top-tier technology companies, innovation is ingrained in the culture, serving as their guiding principle. These companies create a space where individuals from all generations can collaborate to develop products that benefit customers, the environment, and society as a whole. Emphasising collective thinking and diverse perspectives, they foster future-ready solutions, making the younger workforce and emerging talent instrumental in shaping the organisation’s future.
As a design thinking leader, how do you foster creativity and innovation within your team to adapt to the fastchanging tech landscape?
Every organisation aspires to inspire their talent to become ‘intrapreneurs,’ actively driving an innovation culture. Design thinking serves as the bedrock for fostering diverse thinking and problem-solving, allowing teams to identify untapped opportunities and beyond. Embracing design thinking cultivates an agile and innovative organisational culture, nurturing a product-minded approach that accelerates innovation at break-neck speeds.
How do you see AI technologies transforming automation and impacting industries in the future?
AI is set to revolutionise culture, computing, and predictability. Its potential to reduce social inequality and combat climate change through information processing and analysis is significant. When combined with human efforts, AI can amplify the impact of actions taken. As AI becomes more prevalent, the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders will be transformed, fostering a collaborative work culture with transparent outcome measurements. Automating transactions will enable continuous real-time learning and enhance cognitive executive functions, contributing to exceptional leadership talent. Across industries, AI will bring transparency, speed, and sustainable innovative solutions, elevating customer and stakeholder experiences to unprecedented levels. Both governmental and non-governmental bodies stand to benefit from AI’s transformative power.
As someone who values philanthropy, could you share your experiences volunteering with organisations like Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army?
Since my early days as a child, giving back to society has left an indelible mark on my life. Volunteering has been a transformative experience, opening my eyes to the challenges faced by our communities and the power of teamwork in creating lasting change. The invaluable lessons learned have not only instilled a sense of purpose but have also honed my thinking and leadership skills. It has shaped me into a better thinker and a more compassionate leader, driven to make a positive impact on the world.
Can you share some of your favourite hobbies or interests outside of work that help you unwind and recharge?
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a topic close to my heart, and I strive to be a responsible citizen, promoting sustainable growth wherever possible. One of my most significant initiatives involves ‘integrated regenerative farming,’ focusing on reforestation and carbon sequestration practises. By taking this initiative with my family, we aim to create a sustainable environment while improving the livelihoods of farmers and ourselves. The response has been encouraging, with many marginalised farmers joining us on this journey, and I am hopeful that our efforts will have a far-reaching impact. To maintain my well-being and stay energised, I prioritise physical fitness through regular visits to the gym and practising yoga. Keeping myself active and rejuvenated enables me to remain committed to making a positive difference in the world.