Leadership and Learning with Umesh Lakshman: A Guide for Aspiring CROs

04/03/24 • 33 min

The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQ

Welcome to Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, our exclusive guest Umesh Lakshman, Vice President, Solutions Architecture, National Mid-Markets and Channels at Lumen Technologies, dove deep into the transformative power of mentorship, continuous learning, and the art of delivering value by truly understanding customer needs.
Umesh brings to the table a passion for mentorship and the extraordinary impact it has on shaping career paths. With an emphasis on continuous learning, Umesh shares how he leverages online platforms to stay ahead of the curve.

In this heart-to-heart with GrowthQ CEO, Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayorinde (ENFP) , we’ll explore Umesh's unique approach to job interviews, the value of building relationships, and his insights into navigating cultural landscapes within the first crucial 90 days of a new role. He also discloses his strategies on networking, continuous education, and the importance of understanding customer-centric solutions beyond pure selling—an ethos that reflects the evolving shift from hardware to a predominantly software and services model within the tech industry.

Join us as Umesh recounts career-defining moments, the transition to leadership, the pivotal shift after two decades with a technological powerhouse, and the lessons learned from his inaugural year leading a team. It's an episode replete with advice for future CROs, stressing the significance of embracing our identity as a superpower to unlock our fullest potential and empower others.

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Previous Episode

Kathy Saye’s Guide for Aspiring Leaders and Working Parents

Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In our latest episode, Kathy Saye, an exemplary leader from Cisco, shared profound insights on authentic relationship-building, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and the art of balancing personal and professional life. She unveiled the secret behind transitioning from sales to leadership, emphasizing that it's not about the titles but the impact we create.
Kathy's wisdom on mentorship, prioritizing life's glass balls over the plastic ones, and her unique zigzag career path, was not just inspiring but a strategic blueprint for aspiring leaders. GrowthQ CEO Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayorinde (ENFP) and Kathy explored the dynamics of diverse team leadership, the applicability of the DISC personality assessment, and the power of genuineness in maintaining partner relationships. Kathy's journey from a fresh Carnegie Mellon graduate to a role model at Cisco unveils lessons on career navigation, the balance between building a business and nurturing people, and the embracing of professional pivots.

The episode promises to enlighten future Chief Revenue Officers and any professional striving for growth, as Kathy offers her seasoned perspective on risk-taking and career exploration.

Next Episode

Chris Richardson on the Power of Authenticity and Leading with Empathy

Hello and welcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we’re honored to host Chris Richardson, Cloud Transformation Sales Leader at Google Cloud - a luminary in sales and go-to-market strategy. Renowned for his engaging personality, Chris is not only recognized within his professional sphere but also sought after as a speaker. He inspires others by sharing insights on how experiences, even the traumatic or difficult ones, can be the catalyst for success and growth.

Chris’s story resonates widely, reminding us that the path to accomplishment is often paved with the bricks of perseverance and the courage to use life’s trials as fuel for our aspirations.

Get ready to explore the importance of a non-linear career and authentic expression as Chris reveals how these elements have been instrumental to his growth, from public speaking engagements to key roles at major companies like Google. Chris shares his experiences with overcoming challenges, embracing curiosity, and the crucial development of strong communication skills. His insights are vital for those looking to lead with empathy and strategic insight.

Join us for this powerful session filled with actionable advice, as the talk unfolds between GrowthQ CEO, Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayorinde (ENFP) and Chris while he imparts the wisdom of navigating the path to CRO with determination and authenticity.