Driven by Innovation and Groundbreaking Solutions
“The ultimate goal is to pursue dreams and passions with purpose, bringing a sense of pride and happiness.” Ravi Kumar Palepu is a global leader who is one of the driving forces behind innovation and digital transformation for Fortune 500 companies worldwide. He has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking industry solutions, including the ‘iComms Marketplace for Telecoms,’ ‘TSLAM – the industry’s first Telecom-Specific Large Action Model,’ and ‘Immersive Experiences for Enterprises leveraging 5G.’ He says, “These innovations have empowered businesses to unlock multimillion-dollar revenue streams and expand into new geographies. Additionally, I have built industry advisory services from the ground up, enabling customers to transform their complex IT and business landscapes to achieve measurable business outcomes.”
Reflecting on his journey, Ravi feels that it has been rewarding and joyful. It all began with the launch of a CRM product in India, which laid the foundation for his passion for innovation and digital transformation. This experience opened the door to his work at Tech Mahindra, where he developed telecom-specific products that significantly expanded the company’s footprint across Southeast Asia and the UK. He later played a key role in successfully launching the Openreach platform in the UK, helping BT fulfil its commitment to Ofcom.
He subsequently built on this momentum and established Advisory Services and the iComms Marketplace, featuring 12 cutting-edge solutions developed in partnership with leading innovators. He further says, “This platform offered clients a glimpse into the future of telecom and was pivotal in driving Virtusa’s business growth by 10x. Bringing my career full circle, I co-founded NetoAI, an industry-specific, reliable, and sustainable Generative AI platform. NetoAI introduced the industry’s first Large Action Model, revolutionising telecom network efficiencies and setting new benchmarks for innovation.”
Ravi’s inspiration stems from the countless individuals he has worked with and interacted with over the years, each enriching his knowledge and shaping his outlook on life. Early in his career, a mentor shared invaluable advice: “If you want to succeed in business, learn two things—think like a customer and be exceptional at articulating your value proposition.” He says, “As a techie, mastering every facet of business was a challenging yet rewarding journey. My journey has come full circle—starting my career with a startup, building a successful career in the corporate world, and returning to the dynamic world of startups.”
Delving into some of his key strengths, Ravi feels he is a highly motivated individual with a keen eye for detail, a natural ability to mentor, and a perfectionist mindset. He firmly believes that nothing is impossible in life and prioritises the team’s success over individuals, facing problems head-on rather than avoiding them. However, he feels that this drive can sometimes lead him to take on too much responsibility, as he is unwilling to compromise on the quality of outcomes. However, in his personal life, he is more laid-back and relaxed, often stepping back to let others take charge.
He describes his leadership style as a visionary outlook, unwavering dedication to delivering impactful results, and a strong ability to build high-performing teams. He says, “I strive to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, with empathy and collaboration at the heart of my approach, cultivating trust and unity within teams. I believe value and impact should extend beyond organisational success, aiming to create meaningful and lasting contributions to the broader community.”
Ravi truly believes that balancing professional and personal life calls for discipline and a well-organised approach. He cites an apt example, “Think of life as your school days, where each day was divided into essential ‘classes’ you couldn’t skip. Similarly, it’s important to give equal attention to all areas of life—work, family, health, relaxation, sleep, and social connections.” He further reiterates that one can create a harmonious and fulfilling routine by prioritising one’s time effectively and ensuring each ‘class’ receives the focus it deserves.
Ravi has been recognised by ‘Silicon India’ for his viewpoint on the future of Immersive experience. He has been Positioned Virtusa in Gartner MQ for CSP as a ‘Visionary’ and also for Everest 5G Engineering Services as a ‘Major Contender’. He has also received the Best Performance award from BT and Tech Mahindra for delivering complex OSS/BSS transformation in the UK to meet Ofcom’s commitment.
He candidly shares his message for the readers and says, “There’s never a perfect time to follow your dreams—so start now. Listen to your heart and trust your instincts. If you stay determined and persistent, success will follow. Remember, you have only one life to live, so don’t settle or compromise on what truly matters to you. Chase your dreams with courage and passion, and make them a reality!”
