We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful NAGA SIMHADRI APPARAO POLIREDDI. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with NAGA SIMHADRI APPARAO below.
NAGA SIMHADRI APPARAO, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience has been nurtured through the rich tapestry of experiences in my more than two-decade-long journey in the Information Technology industry and academia. The foundation lies in my academic pursuits, where earning a Master of Computer Science degree from Arizona State University exemplified my dedication to excellence.
Professionally, I have navigated through various roles, from contributing to Fortune 500 company projects to actively engaging in the realms of Web Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Chat Bots. The challenges and successes in these domains have been instrumental in building my resilience. I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of my work in diverse sectors, including Finance, Airline, and Telecom, showcasing adaptability and versatility.
Actively participating as a Peer Work Reviewer for esteemed journals and contributing to publications in renowned outlets like IEEE, Springer Nature, and Elsevier has exposed me to rigorous scrutiny and continuous learning. This continuous engagement with cutting-edge technologies and the academic community has been a source of resilience, reinforcing my commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.
Furthermore, my role as a Distinguished Speaker at international conferences such as IEEE and the Euro Global Summit on Content Distribution Networks (CDN) has not only allowed me to share insights but has also exposed me to diverse perspectives, fostering adaptability in the face of evolving industry landscapes.
In the challenging task of reviewing client projects at onsite locations, such as Saudi Telecom Company in Riyadh and Nokia Networks Portugal, I’ve encountered various scenarios that demanded resilience. Evaluating complex products and leading initiatives like the Hyper Precision Location project for Verizon Wireless has been a testament to my ability to thrive in demanding environments.
Overall, resilience for me is an intrinsic part of my professional DNA, forged through academic rigor, diverse project experiences, active engagement with the scientific community, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the dynamic field of Information Technology.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
With a professional journey spanning over two decades in both the Information Technology industry and academia, I am presently serves as a Solution Designer and Technical Manager at IKON Tech Services LLC, stationed at a client location in the Phoenix, Arizona, USA. My commitment to academic excellence is underscored by the attainment of a Master of Computer Science post-graduation degree from Arizona State University (ASU).
Bringing a wealth of experience totaling 20 years, I have specialized in Web Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the implementation of Chat Bots utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) and NodeJs. My proficiency extends to impactful contributions in web development, particularly on projects for Fortune 500 companies and various clients. Beyond my technical duties, I actively contributes as a Peer Work Reviewer for esteemed journals in fields such as Soft Computing, Measurement Sensors, Optical and Quantum Electronics. Additionally, I have authored publications in distinguished journals, including IEEE, Springer Nature, and Elsevier, along with contributing to book chapters published by Taylor and Francis.
As a distinguished figure in the field, I have played a pivotal role not only in the development of Information Technology but has also gained recognition for his scholarly contributions. Standing as a Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow Member of The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) further accentuates my stature in the professional community.
Throughout my illustrious career, I have made a significant impact across diverse sectors, spanning Finance, Airline, Telecom, and beyond. My demonstrated ability to excel in varied environments speaks to my versatility and adaptability.
Recognized for my technical acumen, I have been actively sought after as a Distinguished Speaker at prestigious international technical conferences, including IEEE and the 4th Euro Global Summit on Content Distribution Networks (CDN). Noteworthy is my expertise in implementing Web Accessibility and Chatbots technologies for the American Express website in the USA, drawing attention. Furthermore, I have been invited as a distinguished speaker to contribute to conferences like the Adv. Satellite Global Conference 2023 and Biol-Bios Global Conference 2023 on AI/ML.
During my tenure at TATA, I was specifically selected to review client software projects at onsite locations, encompassing assignments with Saudi Telecom Company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Nokia Networks Portugal. My expertise extended to evaluating products such as Netcracker Telecom Rating and Billing for Saudi Telecom Company, Nokia NetAct Operation Support Systems (OSS) for Nokia Networks Portugal, and the Hyper Precision Location project for Verizon Wireless.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my extensive journey spanning more than two decades in the Information Technology industry and academia, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
1. Versatility and Adaptability:
The ability to thrive in varied environments across sectors such as Finance, Airline, Telecom, and beyond has been instrumental. My capacity to adapt to diverse challenges and excel in different domains has allowed me to make significant contributions and stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry.
2. Technical Acumen and Innovation:
A core pillar of my success has been a deep technical understanding in areas including Web Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Chat Bots using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and NodeJs. This proficiency has empowered me to lead and contribute meaningfully to projects for Fortune 500 companies, leaving a lasting impact on the technology landscape.
3. Thought Leadership and Community Engagement:
Actively participating as a Peer Work Reviewer for reputable journals and contributing to esteemed publications in IEEE, Springer Nature, Elsevier, and book chapters published by Taylor and Francis has been crucial. Thought leadership, recognized by my status as a Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow Member of The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), has not only elevated my professional standing but also allowed me to share insights at distinguished international conferences. Engaging with the global technical community has been a source of continuous learning and growth.
These three facets—versatility, technical acumen, and thought leadership—have collectively shaped my journey, enabling me to navigate complex challenges, lead impactful projects, and contribute significantly to both the practical and academic dimensions of the Information Technology field.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that significantly influenced my professional development is ‘The Innovators Dilemma’ by Clayton M. Christensen. This seminal work explores the challenges faced by established companies in adapting to disruptive innovations. In the dynamic field of Information Technology, where adaptability is key, Christensen’s insights have resonated with me.
The book’s core message about the importance of disruptive technologies, the need for continual innovation, and the perils of complacency has profoundly shaped my approach to technology and business. In the fast-evolving landscape of Web Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Chat Bots, embracing disruptive innovation is not just a strategy but a necessity.
One nugget of wisdom that particularly struck a chord with me is Christensen’s emphasis on the significance of sustaining and disruptive innovations coexisting within an organization. Balancing the pursuit of incremental improvements with the foresight to recognize and leverage disruptive technologies has been a guiding principle in my career.
Another valuable insight from the book is the concept of ‘jobs to be done.’ Understanding the fundamental needs and challenges that users face and innovating solutions to address those needs has been a driving force in my work, especially in implementing technologies like Web Accessibility and Chatbots.
‘The Innovators Dilemma’ has been a source of inspiration in navigating the complexities of the Information Technology landscape. Its teachings about the importance of agility, innovation, and a forward-looking mindset have undoubtedly contributed to my ability to make meaningful contributions across diverse sectors, from Finance and Airline to Telecom and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Pw4-KmgAAAAJ&hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apparao-polireddi-1942b126/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp0aUV3YGsM
