Mr. Upendra Kanuru Doctoral Candidate, Cloud Tech, FinOps, DevSecOps, SRE, FLMI, ACS, AAPA, ALMI, AHM, SAFe, Six Sigma Green Belt An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Mr. Upendra Kanuru Mr. Upendra Kanuru   for being awarded “International DevSecOps Leader of The Year – Information Technology (USA)“ Published on :- 30th May 2025 Awarded by Bizox Media Network as a Global Technology Leaders Awards 2025 Questionnaire for Exclusive Interview: Kindly brief us about the outset of your career. My career trajectory commenced in August 2011 at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where I systematically advanced through roles as a Developer, Senior Developer, and ultimately, a Module Lead. My foundational contributions at TCS involved the meticulous analysis of existing systems, the development of innovative components, and the optimization of processes to enhance efficiency and ensure quality. A significant early undertaking included the development and ongoing maintenance of a sophisticated mainframe policy administration system, critical to insurance operations. This pivotal experience cultivated my deep technical proficiency across mainframes, databases, and quality assurance methodologies. These formative roles were instrumental in honing my capabilities to comprehend complex systems and engineer robust solutions, thereby establishing the crucial technical bedrock for my subsequent specialization in cloud technologies and DevSecOps. As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success? When reflecting on the personal qualities most instrumental to my success, three stand out prominently: Adaptability: The technology landscape is in perpetual evolution, particularly within the dynamic realms of cloud and DevSecOps. My career trajectory, spanning from foundational mainframe systems to cutting-edge cloud architectures, has consistently demanded a profound willingness to embrace novel tools, methodologies, and challenges. This inherent flexibility has been critical in successfully navigating complex public cloud transformation projects and seamlessly transitioning across diverse technological stacks. Proactive Learning: This quality works hand-in-hand with adaptability. I am consistently driven to acquire new knowledge and skills, not merely in response to immediate needs, but by actively anticipating industry shifts and future demands. This commitment is clearly evidenced by my continuous pursuit of advanced certifications in areas such as FinOps, SRE, and AI, complemented by my ongoing doctoral studies specializing in Cybersecurity. This dedication ensures I remain at the forefront of innovation, consistently equipped to deliver optimal solutions. Collaboration and Communication: Effective leadership in a globalized, technology-driven environment necessitates exceptional collaboration and communication. My experience working with diverse teams across multiple countries—including India, Mexico, and the US —and my direct engagement with client directors, executives, and vice presidents, have significantly honed my ability to articulate complex technical concepts with clarity. This proficiency has been pivotal in fostering a cohesive “One Team One Vision” environment, crucial for successful project execution and stakeholder alignment. What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional? As an individual and a professional, I am fundamentally guided by two core aims: unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and an absolute focus on strategic value creation. My personal philosophy champions relentless self-betterment; this compels me to consistently learn, adapt, and refine my proficiencies, ensuring I contribute optimally to every challenge. My demonstrated track record, particularly in optimizing complex business processes through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, directly reflects this dedication to operational excellence and enhanced efficiency. Central to my professional ethos is the ideal of value creation. My overarching objective is to serve within agile leadership capacities, spearheading growth and transformation initiatives that precisely align with, and ultimately advance, organizational vision. This commitment translates into a tangible focus on delivering measurable business impact, whether achieved through boosting operational efficiency by 40% via strategic cloud migrations or through judiciously optimizing cloud spending by fostering a comprehensive FinOps culture. What are the primary offerings of your company? The primary offerings to which I contribute, based on my current and recent professional engagements, predominantly revolve around Cloud DevSecOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), and comprehensive IT transformation initiatives within the highly regulated insurance and financial services sectors. At USAA, my recent focus has been on architecting and implementing robust DevOps pipelines and establishing advanced observability for the Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Content Management System on AWS Cloud. This foundational work enables omnichannel content delivery for a diverse portfolio of financial products. Key responsibilities included configuring stringent security controls for AEM components, developing automated lifecycle processes for critical infrastructure refresh, and ensuring high availability and disaster recovery across disparate AWS regions. During my tenure at DISH Network, specifically supporting Sling TV, I specialized in critical SRE activities for their expansive video streaming platform. This encompassed establishing comprehensive observability for numerous technical components, automating cloud infrastructure deployments on AWS, and actively cultivating an SRE culture among development teams by defining clear Service Level Indicators (SLI), Objectives (SLO), and Agreements (SLA). My responsibilities also extended to performance testing, proactive incident management, and participating in the essential on-call rotation for production incidents. Earlier at Tata Consultancy Services, my contributions were centered on large-scale cloud migration projects for the ALIP (Accenture Life and Annuities Insurance Platform), including hosting ALIP software on AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) and facilitating the migration of extensive datasets from on-premises to cloud-native databases. Furthermore, I was instrumental in enabling broader cloud DevOps practices, modernizing health acquisition workflows, and onboarding brokered health products. Collectively, my efforts consistently revolve around building, securing, optimizing, and managing resilient, cloud-native solutions tailored for the demanding requirements of large enterprises in regulated industries. What have been the toughest obstacles you’ve faced in your career? The most formidable obstacle throughout my career has consistently been navigating the intricate cultural and operational shifts inherent in large-scale digital transformations within traditional enterprise environments. The transition of clients from deeply entrenched, often mainframe-dependent systems to agile, cloud-native infrastructures transcends mere technical complexity; it represents a profound organizational and cultural undertaking. Overcoming inherent resistance to change, cultivating a collaborative DevOps and FinOps culture, and uniting diverse global teams (from India, Mexico, and the US) towards a unified vision and new operational paradigms has proven exceptionally demanding. Furthermore, ensuring seamless business continuity

Swathi Adimulam OCI Cloud & AI Architect at Oracle “From Village Roots to Cloud Heights: The Steady Rise of Swathi Adimulam” Swathi Adimulam, currently serving as a Cloud and AI Architect at Oracle, traces her journey from a quiet village to the forefront of technological innovation with a deep sense of purpose and determination. Growing up, she was influenced by the strong values of education and aspiration instilled by her parents and teachers. This early support laid a solid foundation for what would become a focused and progressive career in technology. Her professional path began at IBM, where she joined as a software engineer. Working closely with teams that built applications from the ground up, she gained valuable technical experience and developed a desire to contribute to meaningful projects. This formative role helped sharpen her skills and sparked a long-term commitment to delivering impactful solutions. Swathi’s next chapter unfolded at Oracle, where she stepped into the position of Senior Software Engineer. Here, her journey into the world of cloud technology began. She led a successful migration project from on-premises systems to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), a project that proved to be a turning point. This success led to further involvement in cloud migrations and the design of cloud-native architectures, particularly for high-compliance projects across the US and UK public sectors. Her role evolved further when she joined the Oracle Architecture Office as a Cloud and AI Architect. In this capacity, she has played a key part in shaping foundational architectural patterns for cloud and AI solutions across various industries. Her work not only contributes to Oracle’s internal innovation but also supports the broader enterprise ecosystem. Driven by a passion for learning, Swathi has taken a keen interest in emerging technologies, particularly Generative AI. Her curiosity and proactive approach have led her to lead several AI-based solution initiatives, underlining her commitment to staying current and adaptable in a fast-changing industry. Staying Ahead: The Mindset Behind Swathi Adimulam’s Success in Tech Swathi reflects on her career with a thoughtful awareness of the traits that have shaped her path. In an industry known for rapid change and constant innovation, she attributes much of her success to a few core personal qualities that have remained consistent throughout her journey. A strong passion for learning has been central to her growth. Swathi has always been eager to explore new technologies and stay ahead of evolving trends. From transitioning into cloud computing to diving into emerging fields like Generative AI and Quantum Computing, she has consistently pursued opportunities to expand her skill set. This mindset has not only helped her deliver thoughtful and effective solutions but has also allowed her to contribute meaningfully to innovation within her organization. Equally important has been her resilience. Like many in the tech field, she has faced her share of challenges—unexpected technical issues, changing project goals, and demanding timelines. In these moments, Swathi’s ability to stay composed and work through problems has been key. Rather than being discouraged by setbacks, she has used them as opportunities to learn and grow, always keeping her focus on delivering outcomes. Swathi also credits her proactive nature as a driving force behind her accomplishments. Taking initiative and owning her work has helped her lead complex projects, particularly in cloud architecture and AI. She has never waited for opportunities to come her way—instead, she has sought them out, shaped them, and followed through with commitment and care. As she looks to the future, Swathi remains grounded in these values. Recognition Rooted in Impact: Swathi Adimulam’s Professional Milestones At Oracle, Swathi has received several honors that reflect her commitment to innovation and excellence. Among these is the IMPACT award, which acknowledged her role in delivering a cloud-native platform tailored for high-compliance customers. She was also recognized with the “Pedal to the Front” department award for leading AI solution initiatives and the Moonshot award for her consistent delivery of high-quality results. Her work has been commended frequently by senior leaders, including directors and vice presidents, underscoring the value she brings to every project. Beyond organizational recognition, Swathi has earned professional credibility through memberships in key industry groups. She is an individual member of the Association of Enterprise Architects and holds a membership with IEEE. Her knowledge and experience have also led her to serve as a cloud advisor to a startup, a role that allows her to share her insights in real-world business contexts. Swathi’s dedication to exploring new technologies is also evident in her academic pursuits. She has filed a patent related to the use of quantum computing techniques in distributed energy resource orchestration systems, demonstrating her interest in applying advanced technologies to practical problems. Her qualifications include a set of respected certifications. She is a TOGAF-certified Enterprise Architect Practitioner and holds multiple Oracle Cloud Infrastructure certifications across various years, including those focused on architecture and AI foundations. These credentials reflect her ongoing commitment to learning and her readiness to work across complex systems. Shaping Tomorrow: Swathi Adimulam’s Vision for a Responsible Tech Future Looking ahead, Swathi is focused on advancing the adoption of cloud computing and ethical artificial intelligence. With her experience in both fields, she believes the next phase of innovation must prioritize transparency, fairness, and scalability. For her, the goal is not just to build intelligent systems, but to ensure they serve a broader purpose—helping businesses grow while remaining aligned with ethical standards. Swathi envisions a future where responsible AI development drives both progress and accountability. She sees this approach as essential, not only for the success of enterprises but also for the wider benefit of society. Her efforts will continue to emphasize scalable solutions that are built with integrity and foresight. A key part of Swathi’s plan includes expanding her role in global thought leadership. She is eager to contribute to research, serve on advisory boards, and engage with leading technology forums. These platforms, she believes, are important spaces for sharing ideas, learning from peers, and influencing the direction of emerging

Richard Larson, Mitsui Professor at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology The activities encompassing operations research, systems engineering, educational technology, and public sector consulting are central to modern problem-solving and innovation. Operations research and systems engineering focus on applying mathematical models, statistical analysis, and optimization to complex systems, improving efficiency and effectiveness in sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure. Educational technology leverages digital tools and platforms to enhance learning experiences and expand access to quality education worldwide. Meanwhile, public sector consulting supports governments and international organizations by providing data-driven strategies for urban planning, disaster management, and public service optimization. Together, these industries play a crucial role in shaping intelligent, efficient, and sustainable solutions for both societal and organizational challenges. Richard Larson, an accomplished scholar, started with a fearless decision to skip kindergarten, demonstrating early independence. His career course was initially mapped for engineering, but during his graduate studies at MIT, he found himself drawn to teaching. This epiphany propelled him to academia, where he emerged as a celebrated professor, marrying engineering acumen with creative pedagogy. Larson’s career is one of dedication to learning and mentoring, informed by his early experiences and a desire to influence future generations. The Remarkable Story of How a Five-Year-Old Boy Defied Conformity, Chose the Path of Freedom, and Planted the Seeds of Intellectual Rebellion That Would Challenge the Status Quo Richard Larson’s history started in an early assertion of independence that would continue through his life of self-management. At age five, he was given a choice by his parents: to go to kindergarten or not, as kindergarten was not required in Pennsylvania. Little Dickie, he remembers, asked for the weekend to make up his mind. His Monday reply, “No kindergarten for me!” was an expression of his need for independence. This modest exercise in decision-making uncovered a formative characteristic that would reverberate throughout his professional life: a libertarian temperament based on careful consideration. That same autonomy led him into the academic community. As he worked towards a graduate degree at MIT, Larson accepted a teaching assistantship to help pay the bills. It was then that he felt the thrill of teaching, seeing students finally understand difficult concepts. That was the beginning of my teaching career,” he adds, straying from his initial intention to become a practicing engineer. When MIT extended an assistant professorship to him, he jumped at it, embracing a career that would enable him to forge both knowledge and the individuals who seek it. The Profound Emotional Intelligence and Transformative Teaching Methods Behind One of MIT’s Most Influential Educators What does it take to make a teacher utterly unforgettable? For Richard Larson, it comes down to three fundamental attributes: empathy for students, a real interest in reaching out to them, and clear thinking. These are not soft skills alone; they are the pillars of his philosophy of teaching. In a time that tends to value intellect over compassion, Larson’s blend of both makes him stand out as a mentor, rather than merely a professor. He is a firm believer in giving students the ability to think for themselves, promoting the value of independent thought and critical thinking. “Do not follow the crowd,” Larson cautions, encouraging students to forge their paths, as he did. Larson’s influence extends beyond conventional classroom instruction; he has built platforms and movements that have revolutionized educational practices. His leadership with BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies) and LINC (Learning International Networks Consortium) demonstrates his passion for democratizing education. Larson has never ceased to find ways to make learning interesting and accessible, from mentoring students at MIT to creating global educational collaborations. His commitment to remaking education shows his faith in making knowledge universally accessible, preparing students to think critically and for themselves as they interact with their world. How Richard Larson Combines Operations Research and Simple Tools to Revolutionize Everyday Problem-Solving Richard Larson has made a significant contribution to world operations research, especially in areas such as queueing theory, urban service systems, and disaster management. His innovative models, such as the Hypercube Queueing Model, have impacted key sectors such as healthcare, aviation, and public safety, influencing infrastructures globally. Larson’s impact goes beyond scholarly work. Having retired from early studies, he turned his attention to preaching “Model Thinking,” which is something he strongly believes in. In his book MODEL THINKING for Everyday Life, Larson advocates the use of pencil and paper instead of digital processors. Larson is convinced that this hands-on technique ensures higher cognitive involvement, memory retention, and problem-solving. In breaking down sophisticated theories, Larson enables people to think systematically and creatively in daily life. His writing harmoniously combines the intellectual with the popular, clearly reflecting his intent to democratize innovation. Larson’s faith in model-based thinking accessible to everyone is empowering the tool to be strong for individuals of all backgrounds and not only specialists. His emphasis on real-world, practical applications highlights the value of placing systematic thought into the hands of everyone as an improved means of making decisions and solving problems. The Personal Philosophy That Drives His Unyielding Commitment to Academic Precision and Excellence in Every Endeavor Despite all his towering intellectual contributions, Richard Larson has always valued the human touch. One of the most challenging tasks for him was balancing his professional life with his personal life. In a place like MIT, the weight of research and teaching can be so overwhelming at times that everything else takes a backseat. Larson, however, made an extra effort to toggle between the two roles, taking off the MIT hat at home, leaving it by the door. He talks about his recently deceased wife, M. Elizabeth Murray, fondly, referring to her as his SoulMate and compass. She was the mother of his three children, and she played the most crucial role in encouraging Larson to see and pursue his genuine intellectual passion: not merely learning about queues, but converting the gospel of model thinking. Her inspiration, he says, brought him to a greater level of

Issac Qureshi CEO of Bowarr Management Ltd. An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Issac Qureshi Since the last two decades, the banking sector has seen a revolutionary transformation in the means by which organizations raise capital, go public, and grow beyond borders. Conventionally established mechanisms have been displaced by more rapid, effective responses fueled by technological innovation, changes in regulation, and international appetite for investment. In this challenging landscape, an emerging generation of financial leadership is now centered, not just around profit, but around trust, sustainability, and long-term outcomes. Today’s financial top dogs are those who predict market shifts, accept disruption, and design smart frameworks for growth. These individuals combine deep financial knowledge with forward-looking vision, resetting the way capital is raised and allocated. Their impact is creating a more accessible, equitable, and interwoven financial future. Issac Qureshi’s journey from finance enthusiast to globally renowned advisor and entrepreneur exemplifies modern ethical leadership in today’s dynamic financial landscape. With a mission to empower businesses and investors through strategic structuring and innovative capital access, he has reshaped traditional norms. By creating new, smarter, and more agile financial avenues, Issac changed how firms scale and expand and created a permanent legacy marked by vision, trust, and a commitment to long-term value and contribution. Celebrated Leadership, Global Awards, and the Recognition of Excellence Across Finance, Structuring, Advisory, and Long-Term Corporate Value Creation Issac’s finance and business strategy career has earned him international recognition and a string of prestigious accolades for his innovative contributions. With a reputation for consistently pushing boundaries and driving measurable impact, he has garnered acclaim from both industry peers and global organizations. His pioneering efforts in taxation, access to capital, and structuring finance were featured on the front cover of CIO Times, establishing him as an industry thought leader. Of the many accolades that Issac has earned, the Best Wealth & Tax Planning Advisory Award by Wealth & Finance International was a particularly significant one, in recognition of his experience in providing tax-optimized, client-driven financial planning. His ability to simplify complex financial models and optimize long-term value made him a winner of the Leading Specialist in Tax & Wealth Structuring Award at the Global 100 Awards, as well as the Best Tax Structuring Advisor Award by Corporate America Today. Issac’s success in mergers and acquisitions was also acknowledged by the Wealth & Finance M&A Awards, and he was ranked as one of the Top 100 Global Leaders, part of an exclusive group of business shapers. These rewards are more than a reflection of personal achievement for Issac; they represent the strength in numbers of teamwork, innovation, and responsible finance. Every award is a testament to his dedication to transforming the financial sector, working towards making frameworks more efficient, inclusive, and future-oriented. His efforts continue to inspire and set a new benchmark for financial strategies, significantly impacting businesses globally. Expanding Financial Innovation with Blockchain, AI, and Emerging Technology for a Transparent, Intelligent, and Decentralized Investment Ecosystem Worldwide Issac is reforming the future of finance through the incorporation of new technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and decentralized finance (DeFi) into business operations. As Bowarr’s CEO, his revolutionary approaches are opening doors for the future generation of investment and capital markets. His interest in digital equity and AI-based investment technologies has the vision to increase transparency, efficiency, and investor involvement, especially across borders. His dedication to innovation extends beyond keeping up with trends, he seeks to redefine access to money. Through the use of blockchain, he seeks to decentralize trust, lower transaction costs, and make systems more transparent. With AI, he sees real-time market intelligence to allow for quicker, more precise financial decisions. These technologies unlock new worldwide possibilities for growth, making capital more accessible and expansion opportunities more available for businesses, particularly small and mid-cap firms. What distinguishes Isaac is his emphasis on ethical finance. His work is not merely about creating effective systems; it’s about creating flexible, future-proofed frameworks that are in line with larger human aspirations. By making innovation the centre of finance, he is helping to create a more sustainable financial future. His dream is to make finance not only smarter and more efficient but also transparent, inclusive, and equitable for generations to come. Issac’s work continues to encourage and inform a global financial environment that prioritizes accessibility, equity, and lasting influence. Sustainability, Adaptability, and Legacy: Long-Term Mission to Reshape Global Finance with Ethics, Vision, and True Human Value While many in the financial world chase short-term returns and quick wins, Issac stands apart with a steadfast commitment to long-term value creation and global impact. His leadership philosophy and financial strategies are deeply rooted in sustainability, adaptability, and the intention to build a lasting legacy. These principles have not only shaped his journey but have become the foundation of Bowarr’s unique approach to business. As the head of Bowarr, Issac continually focuses on designing innovative financial solutions that can withstand economic fluctuations, geopolitical changes, and evolving regulatory landscapes. He supports businesses in creating scalable, resilient models that endure beyond immediate success. For Issac, legacy is far more than a personal milestone. It’s about creating systems that empower others, nurturing meaningful relationships, and leaving behind structures that continue to provide value long after his direct involvement ends. He approaches every transaction, whether a complex merger or a direct listing, as an opportunity to contribute to a more ethical, stable, and human-centred financial ecosystem. Issac’s methods are proactive rather than reactive. He stays ahead of market trends, ensuring that every client benefits from strategies built for the future, not just the present. His belief in mentorship, collaboration, and intergenerational knowledge sharing reinforces his larger mission: to transform finance into a force for societal good. Finance, as he sees it, should serve real people, entrepreneurs, investors, and entire communities. With this vision, he is not only shaping today’s financial landscape but is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and impactful tomorrow.