About Karthik Jayaraman
Karthik Jayaraman’s journey through the technology world reads like an inspiring tale of ambition, innovation, and leadership.
Starting his career in the heart of Silicon Valley, Karthik made his mark at industry giants such as Intel (India & USA), Microsoft (India & USA), HP Inc (India & USA), Palm Mobile (USA), and Apple (USA).
His evolution from a aspiring software developer to a visionary Engineering leader highlights a career defined by both technical excellence and strategic foresight.
He lived through much of Silicon Valley history of 2000’s, has 5 United States (USPTO) patents and several Research/Technical publications to his credit.
Currently, Karthik serves as the Vice President & Head of Engineering at a leading multinational corporation in India, where he directs a cutting-edge Product Engineering organization.
A proud alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, Karthik’s academic journey didn’t stop there; he pursued a Master’s (M.Sc.) in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning and is deeply immersed in doctoral research, continually pushing the boundaries of his knowledge.
Karthik’s professional journey is studded with remarkable collaborations that read like chapters from a tech enthusiast’s dream. At Palm Mobile, he worked closely with Andy Weir, the celebrated author of “The Martian”, when he was working in PDK Team. Karthik also collaborated up with Jon Rubinstein, the iconic figure revered as the father of the iPod, during the creation of Amazon Kindle for WebOS (HP Touchpad) that revolutionized the tech industry.
But Karthik’s story isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about his passion for mentorship and his commitment to fostering the next generation of tech leaders. He dedicates significant time to guiding young professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of the corporate world with the wisdom he has gathered over the years.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?
Karthik Jayaraman: After I relocated back to India, I noticed a surge of young, ambitious professionals who were eager to carve out successful careers in the corporate world. Their enthusiasm was vibrant, and it reminded me of my early days in Silicon Valley. However, I also saw the challenges they faced and realized there was a gap between what they learned in academia and the realities of the corporate landscape. There were many who are unable to navigate the high seas and quit abruptly in search of next.
This inspired me to write a book that could serve as a practical guide for these modern corporate professionals.
“Awaken Your Corporate Animal: Smart Skills to Win at Work” is the result of this inspiration. Over the past six months, I dedicated my weekends to writing, pouring in my experiences from working at some of the world’s top tech companies. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just theoretical but packed with practical advice and real-world insights.
The journey of writing this book was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I drew from my time at Intel, Microsoft, HP Inc., Palm Mobile, and Apple, weaving in the distilled lessons learned along the way.
My goal is to equip young professionals with the confidence and skills they need to navigate their careers successfully and prosper.
Through this book, I hope to bridge the gap between seasoned wisdom and emerging talent, helping the next generation of professionals navigate and excel in the corporate landscape.
LiFT: Why you chose this title?
Karthik Jayaraman: I chose the title “Awaken Your Corporate Animal: Smart Skills to Win at Work” because I wanted to inspire young professionals to tap into their full potential and unleash the powerful, dynamic side of themselves that’s ready to conquer the corporate world.
“Awaken Your Corporate Animal” symbolizes igniting that inner fire, that drive within each of us, to not just survive but thrive in our careers. It’s about recognizing and harnessing your natural instincts, energy, and creativity to become a standout performer in any professional setting.
The subtitle, “Smart Skills to Win at Work,” is meant to convey that this book is a practical guide filled with actionable advice. It’s not just about lofty ideals; it’s about giving you the concrete skills and strategies you need to navigate the real-world challenges you’ll face in the workplace.
I wanted the title to be both motivational and reflective of the book’s content. It’s designed to speak directly to young professionals who are eager to make their mark but may need guidance on how to channel their ambitions effectively. The title aims to inspire readers to wake up their inner strengths and approach their careers with confidence, equipped with the knowledge to excel and succeed.
Through this title, my goal is to encourage young professionals to embrace their unique talents, trust their instincts, and develop the smart skills necessary to achieve their career aspirations and make a significant impact in the corporate world.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Karthik Jayaraman: I have been wanting to write a book since my early professional days.
I started by understanding the minds of authors, ways of captivating readers and attending script writing workshops.
I realized I wanted to be a writer during my transition back to India few years ago.
Witnessed the energy of aspiring professionals with great potential and their rookie ways of dealing with the ebb & flow of ‘Corporate Life’ around me, sparked a desire to share my experiences and insights in a way that could genuinely help them navigate their careers.
The idea of being able to mentor and guide others through my writing was incredibly motivating.
My inspiration to write comes from my favorite authors: J. K. Rowling, Haruki Murakami, Steven Pressfield, Dean Koontz and Walter Isaacson. (non-exhaustive list)
The process of writing this book has been incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to reflect on my own experiences, distill the lessons I’ve learned, and present them in a way that’s accessible and actionable.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Karthik Jayaraman: Ten years down the line, I envision myself deeply entrenched in the world of literature, having authored several books that continue to inspire and guide professionals across various stages of their careers. My aspiration is to build a diverse portfolio of works that not only cover corporate success and personal development but also explore other genres that captivate my interest and imagination.
Moreover, I plan to delve into fiction, using storytelling as a powerful medium to explore complex themes and human experiences. This expansion into fiction would allow me to reach a wider audience and tap into the transformative power of stories.
Ultimately, I see myself as a thought leader in both the corporate and literary worlds, bridging the gap between professional excellence and literary expression. Through my books, mentorship, and community engagement, I hope to leave a lasting impact that empowers individuals to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams.
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Karthik Jayaraman: That’s a great question. I believe both marketing and the quality of the book are essential and they really complement each other.
The core of any successful book is its content. If the writing is engaging, the storytelling is captivating, and the insights are valuable, readers will notice. High-quality content creates a lasting impression and naturally encourages word-of-mouth promotion and positive reviews. This is the foundation; without it, even the best marketing efforts can fall flat.
Marketing is crucial for visibility and reach. You could have the best book in the world, but if people don’t know about it, it won’t get read.
Effective marketing strategies, whether through social media, email campaigns, book tours, or influencer partnerships, help get the book in front of potential readers.
Marketing helps build the author’s brand and establish credibility. A strong personal brand can attract a loyal readership who will not only buy your current book but also look forward to your future works. Media coverage and good reviews can propel a book into the spotlight, attracting more readers.
The quality of the book lays the foundation for its success, and marketing amplifies its reach and impact. They go hand in hand. Investing in both areas maximizes the book’s potential to connect with and resonate with its intended audience.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Karthik Jayaraman: The core message I want to convey through my writings is one of empowerment and self-belief. I want readers to understand that they are capable of achieving incredible things, often beyond what they initially believe possible.
One of the phrases I like to use is, “You are a lion, not a lamb.” This means that each of us has an inner strength and potential that can lead us to great accomplishments. We shouldn’t see ourselves as meek followers but as powerful individuals capable of leading and making significant impacts.
Another message I emphasize is a famous quote by Carl Sagan (visionary scientist – “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff.” This is a reminder that we all have a unique brilliance within us. Just like stars, we have the potential to shine brightly and illuminate the world around us. It’s about recognizing our own worth and not being afraid to let our light shine.
In “Awaken Your Corporate Animal,” these themes are woven throughout the book. I aim to instill a sense of confidence and self-assurance in my readers. I want them to see their careers not just as a series of tasks but as opportunities to unleash their full potential and make a meaningful difference. The book provides practical advice and smart strategies, but it also serves as a motivational guide to help readers recognize and harness their inner strengths.
I want to inspire people to push beyond their limits, to see themselves as capable of greatness, and to take bold steps towards their dreams. Whether it’s navigating the corporate world or pursuing personal growth, the message is the same: believe in yourself and your potential. You have the power to achieve amazing things.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Karthik Jayaraman: Apart from writing, I have a pretty dynamic and fulfilling life. Personally, I love to spend time with my family. Professionally, I serve as the Vice President at a leading multinational corporation in India, where I lead a talented Product Engineering organization. This role keeps me engaged with the latest in technology and innovation, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our work.
Staying active is a big part of my routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I am also a percussion artist from my student days and had performed in stage. (jugalbandi)
I love to travel. Exploring new cultures, cuisines, and experiences is something I thoroughly enjoy. It’s also a great way to unwind and gain fresh perspectives.
I’m passionate about lifelong learning and advancing my knowledge in AI and machine learning.
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Karthik Jayaraman: Writer’s block can be quite a challenge, but I’ve found a few strategies that help me overcome it. One of my go-to activities is physical activities which helps clear my mind and often sparks new ideas.
Traveling is another activity that I find incredibly inspiring. Exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people can provide a fresh perspective and stimulate creativity. Sometimes, just a change of scenery can make a big difference.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.
Karthik Jayaraman: Yes.
My next book is on the back of my mind (like a soothing background music) for sometime now.
But having ingested Apple’s DNA, I could only reveal the details when my next book is ready 🙂
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?
Karthik Jayaraman: I’m glad you asked that. I am a first time author, but would be glad to share my experience.
Firstly, read widely and often. Reading a variety of genres and styles exposes you to different ways of storytelling and use of language. It helps you understand what works well and why.
Secondly, write regularly. Writing is like any other skill – the more you practice, the better you get.
Lastly, write about what you’re passionate about. When you write about topics that excite you or mean something to you, your passion will come through in your writing. Readers can sense authenticity and enthusiasm, which makes your work more engaging and impactful.
Click here to order Karthik Jayaraman’s Book – Awaken Your Corporate Animal
