#297 Disrupting the Energy Industry: The Digital Journey with Workrise's CTO Praveen Kalamegham

Embark on a technological expedition with Praveen Kalamegham, the visionary CTO of Workrise, who joins us to unravel his journey from an inquisitive child playing with embedded systems to a master orchestrator of innovation in the energy sector. Praveen's tale is infused with inspiration, tracing back to the influence of his father, and spans a career marked by strategic decision-making and a commitment to impactful work. As we converse, we uncover the intricate layers of vendor management, the challenges of updating supplier databases for project efficiency, and the undeniable import of fostering trust through digital transformations. The narrative then shifts to the expansive terrain of the energy industry, where tradition meets technology in a dance of disruption and adaptation. We dissect the fine balance between tried-and-true practices and audacious 'moonshot' projects, emphasizing the importance of systemic thinking and the transformative role of AI and ML in structuring the unstructured. This segues into a deep exploration of the unbroken digital chain concept, a paradigm shift poised to revolutionize procurement, payment processes, and operational transparency, ultimately solidifying trust-based relationships between companies and contractors. As our conversation reaches its zenith, we pivot to the intersection of sustainability and technology, where Praveen outlines how Workrise is equipping energy companies for a greener future. We also zoom in on the evolving role of a CTO, blending technology acumen with a shrewd business sense, and the critical importance of cross-functional collaboration within executive teams. The episode is a mosaic of insights, from the repurposing of oil and gas expertise for renewable energy innovations to the team-building acumen necessary for any tech leader looking to make an indelible impact on the industry. Join us to capture the essence of a CTO's journey and the seismic shifts shaping the energy sector's future. More about Praveen: https://www.workrise.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkalamegham 00:46 Introduction and Guest Background 01:09 Praveen's Journey in Technology 02:30 The Shift from Technical to Leadership Roles 02:48 The Evolution of Praveen's Career and WorkRise 04:33 The Attraction to Software Development and Innovation 05:02 The Influence of Praveen's Father on His Career 07:57 The Journey from Hardware to Software 09:55 The Role of WorkRise in the Energy Sector 10:51 The Challenges in the Energy Sector and WorkRise's Mission 22:31 The Role of Innovation in the Energy Sector 29:50 The Concept of Digital System of Record 31:02 Understanding the Supply Chain Challenge 31:48 The Status Quo and Its Problems 35:11 The Unbroken Digital Chain: A Solution 37:36 The Impact of Transparency and Trust 40:53 The Future of Energy Sector and Sustainability 46:19 The Role of a CTO in a Business 56:12 Closing Remarks and Contact Information