Ramesh Padmanabhan

I work with organizations to design strategies that take a systems change approach, grounded in a digital and people first approach, to create non-linear impact.

I am a crossover from the corporate world to the social sector. Having played CxO roles in both, I’ve learned that the real engine of transformation is not technology alone, but a people-first culture. I believe strategies come alive when they are co-created with a team of co-travellers—where leaders contribute and every employee feels connected to the vision.

My journey in the social sector began with Edubridge, a skill development organization, where I managed the growth and expansion of the organization pan India. Later, as CTO at the Piramal Foundation, I contributed to the technology roadmap, conceptualizing a platform for primary healthcare and education leadership. Most recently, I served as CEO of ARMMAN, a non-profit using technology to advance maternal and child health at population scale. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for how systems must align for impact to last.

Before this chapter, I spent years in the corporate world, where I started out as a programmer and grew into leadership positions in technology firms like NSE.IT and MphasiS. At IBM Consulting, I worked with global clients navigating the intersection of business and technology. My formative years in technology were with the Tatas and Kanbay, where I built solutions for the financial and telecom businesses.

Across these worlds, my goal has been connecting people to purpose, and for finding ways in which technology can be a lever to scale. I believe in building a culture that transforms how teams see themselves and their collective ability to do more good with less.enness, willingness to learn, and the ability to reflect freely and radically.