The Power of Perseverance in Building a Tech Legacy with Ashwin Rangan
The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian AmericansShow Notes
In this episode, Ashwin Rangan, Chief Information Officer of ICANN, shares his remarkable story about shifting from Bangalore to becoming a pivotal figure in global internet governance. Ashwin reveals details of his story that demonstrate how to leverage challenges into opportunities, the essence of mentorship and the transformative power of technology.
Key Takeaways:
(03:26) Growing up in a close-knit, extended family environment in Bangalore fostered a sense of community and belonging. (05:31) Ashwin’s grandfather, the first in his family to attend university, profoundly impacted his values of education and resilience. (11:56) The competitive spirit and camaraderie among siblings set a foundation for Ashwin’s personal and professional development. (18:57) Ashwin’s mother was a pivotal mentor in his life, providing early lessons in resourcefulness and the importance of knowledge. (29:38) Ashwin learned adaptability from early experiences in multicultural environments, enhancing his communication and relational skills. (40:53) Ashwin’s career trajectory was shaped by his selection into the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai, amidst fierce competition. (57:27) Ashwin’s role at ICANN was a point of pride, emphasizing the honor and privilege of significantly contributing to the global internet community’s expansion.
Resources Mentioned:
Ashwin Rangan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinsightfulcio/ ICANN | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/icann/ ICANN’s | Website - https://www.icann.org/ Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai - https://www.iimb.ac.in/
Thanks for listening to the Indianness podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation with leaders of Indian origin. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.
#Indian #IndiaBusiness #India #Indianness
More from The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
What does it take to improve healthcare for millions while staying true to your values? In this episode of Indianness, Sanjay Puri speaks with Dr. Meena Seshamani, physician, healthcare leader, and public servant, about her journey from the daughter of Indian immigrants to shaping healthcare policy at the highest levels. She reflects on leadership, public service, her Indian heritage, and the importance of empathy in creating meaningful change. A thoughtful conversation on purpose, resilience, and making a lasting impact.
From the Golden Temple in Amritsar to the House of Lords in Westminster, Baroness Sandy Verma's journey is one of resilience, service, and breaking barriers. In this episode of the Indianness Podcast, she joins Sanjay Puri to reflect on growing up in Britain during decades of racial tension, her family's entrepreneurial legacy, her path into politics, and becoming the first South Asian woman to sit on the front bench of the UK Parliament. An inspiring conversation about identity, leadership, and creating opportunities for future generations.
In this episode, Sanjay Puri speaks with Rahul Roy Chowdhury, former CEO of Grammarly and one of the key leaders behind Google Chrome. From Calcutta to Silicon Valley, Rahul shares a non-linear journey shaped by curiosity, bold pivots, and building products that impact billions.
Bhaskar Chakravorti’s journey spans St. Stephen's College, Bell Labs, McKinsey & Company, and The Fletcher School at Tufts University — shaping global thinking on AI and digital transformation. In this episode, Bhaskar Chakravorti shares insights on policy, “Small AI,” and why real change goes beyond logic into human context. A sharp, thoughtful take on the future of technology, economies, and decision-making.
On this episode of the Indianness Podcast, host Sanjay Puri speaks with Bhaskar Chakravorti about his remarkable journey from Delhi to global academia and policy. From Bell Labs and McKinsey & Company to building the Digital Evolution Index at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, he reflects on technology, leadership, and global change. Chakravorti also shares why digital inclusion and “Small AI” could shape the future of emerging economies like India. A conversation on mentorship, contextual intelligence, and bridging ideas with real-world impact.