From Technologist to Transformational Leader: Venki Jayaraman’s Journey with the CTO Programme by ISB Executive Education
For Venki Jayaraman, Group Director of Software Engineering at Walmart, the pursuit of knowledge has been a constant companion throughout his 25-year career. From his early days as a quality engineer to his current role leading engineering teams at one of the largest global retail giants, Jayaraman’s career trajectory exemplifies his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. With a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics, an MBA, and even a Master’s in Hindi literature, Venki’s thirst for knowledge led him to enrol in the Chief Technology Officer Programme from ISB Executive Education.
The programme, designed to equip experienced professionals with the leadership skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern technology, has profoundly impacted Jayaraman’s mindset, career, and approach to leadership. This is his story of transformation, growth, and renewed purpose.
The Motivation for Pursuing the CTO Programme
With decades of technical experience under his belt, Jayaraman sought a programme that would help him transition from a primarily technical role to a more strategic leadership position. He recognised that in order to be an effective CTO, he needed to sharpen his business acumen, understand emerging technologies, and learn how to lead at an organisational level. The ISB Executive Education CTO Programme, with its comprehensive curriculum covering topics like digital transformation, data strategy, and leadership, was the right fit.
“The course material covered everything from data strategy and digital supply chains to leading teams and organisations,” says Jayaraman. He was particularly drawn to the programme’s focus on leadership, both in terms of personal development and in leading large teams through the complexities of the modern tech landscape.
Key Highlights of the CTO Programme
One of the aspects Jayaraman’s appreciated most about the CTO Programme was its structured approach to learning. “What I loved the most was from Week 14 to 18, where we covered data strategy, analytics, and digital supply chain. It was eye-opening,” he reflects. The practical insights gained during these weeks that covered data strategy, analytics, and digital supply chain gave him the tools to implement new strategies within his role at Walmart.
“The success coaches were very engaged throughout the journey, and the discussions with my cohort were incredibly enriching,” he says. The CTO programme wasn’t just about learning in isolation; it was about building relationships, exchanging ideas, and developing solutions with like-minded professionals.
Personal and Professional Transformation
For Jayaraman, the programme has transformed his approach to problem-solving and leadership. “Now, whenever I approach a problem, the first question I ask is, ‘Why not this way?’ That mindset shift has been the most significant transformation for me.”
This new approach has had a tangible impact on his day-to-day work. “The programme helped me develop a different perspective when leading teams and handling crises. My way of handling issues has changed considerably, and even my colleagues have noticed the shift,” he adds. Jayaraman attributes this transformation to the programme’s focus on emerging technologies, leadership, and problem-solving frameworks, which have enhanced his ability to think critically and lead with confidence.
One of the standout modules for him was the one on security, an area where he felt he needed to build expertise at an organisational level. This newfound understanding has enabled him to lead more robust and secure engineering practices within his teams.
Building a Go-To Network of Peers
In addition to the personal and professional growth Jayaraman experienced, the programme also provided him with a network of over 100 fellow CTOs from various industries. “One of the biggest takeaways from the programme is the network I’ve built. I’ve made lifelong friends, and we still discuss new ideas and collaborate through our WhatsApp group,” he shares. These relationships have continue to provide value long after the programme ended, offering him a sounding board for ideas and a source of inspiration.
Advice for Future Participants
When asked what advice he would give to future participants of the CTO Programme, Jayaraman emphasises the importance of time management and honest effort. “Time allocation for the course is very important,” he advises. “Don’t just go through the motions—take the time to engage with the online materials, and be thorough with the assignments. The more effort you put into the programme, the more you’ll get out of it.”
He also encourages participants to apply their learnings to their capstone project, which was a pivotal part of his own experience. “The capstone project helped me apply everything I learned throughout the course. It’s a great way to solidify your understanding of the concepts and see how they work in the real world,” he says.
From Technologist to Technology Leader: The Impact of ISB Executive Education’s CTO Programme
Jayaraman believed that his ability to think strategically, lead with confidence, and embrace emerging technologies — skills gained from ISB Executive Education’s CTO Programme — have positioned him to drive innovation and growth within his organisation. His story is a testament to the power of continuous learning and the impact that the right educational programme can have on a professional’s career.
For exploring more ISB Executive Education programmes, visit Emeritus India.
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Interviewed by Mayanknath Jha
