It was sometime around the mid-90’s that I first met Ashwin Rangan. He was my new boss and was brought in as our new CIO to lead the implementation of a new leading-edge system to replace our aging AS400 order management application. It was a system by a company called SAP and it was the latest do-all, be-all, end-all of enterprise management solutions.

The first thing that I noticed was that he was a different type of CIO, a different type of IT leader. Remarkably, he was approachable; he was clear in describing his expectations and objectives for the IT organization; and he was practical and very fair minded in providing his new team with growth opportunities. I remember telling myself, wow, is this guy for real?

I look back at that time and realize after 31 years of having the good fortune of working and knowing Ashwin that he is indeed the real deal! I learned so much about the proper management of an IT organization, as well as the proper management and execution of technology deployment initiatives.

Even beyond IT specific projects, Ashwin taught me how to be business minded in my thinking. He got me involved leading projects that were predominantly business transitions efforts such as IPO’s, divestitures, acquisitions, etc. This gave me a different perspective on how the business operated. This learning played an important role in the successful outcomes of large-scale projects I would be responsible for in the future.

Without any reservation whatsoever, I can say this about Ashwin, he is a man of character and integrity, he is a natural leader that people seek to follow, he is highly intelligent, he is driven by “Measurable Business Results”, and he sincerely cares about people.

I consider it both an honor and a privilege to have had Ashwin as my mentor during those critical early years of my development as a young IT manager, Director, and CIO. The preparation, equipping and opportunities provided to me by Ashwin have been invaluable in my career growth. The broad learning that was afforded me on how to plan, budget and execute technology enabled initiatives has resulted in enhanced productivity and profitability for the many companies that I have served over my career.

Ashwin’s mentoring was his way of imparting nuggets of wisdom that were absolutely critical for my development and professional future.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cioluiscupajita

I consider myself to be extremely lucky and blessed to count Ashwin as my mentor, philosopher and guide for me for more than two decades. As a first generation immigrant to this country, I will forever be grateful for the pointed feedback and guidance provided me in the initial part of my career here and continues to do so till this day. I am who I am today (CIO of a public company) in large part because I have benefited from Ashwin’s profound knowledge and experience.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning several decades, Ashwin has served as a beacon of inspiration and wisdom in the field of technology and leadership. With an impressive background as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) in numerous esteemed companies, his track record speaks volumes about his prowess in navigating complex challenges and driving innovation.

Ashwin’s insights have been instrumental in shaping my own professional journey, instilling in me a deep sense of confidence and clarity. His approachable demeanor, coupled with his wickedly sharp intellect, makes him an invaluable asset to any individual or organization seeking strategic guidance and transformative solutions. If you get a chance to be coached and mentored by Ashwin, jump on it!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hitendramishra

Ashwin Rangan has been my invaluable mentor and advisor. His impact on my professional growth and development has been profound, particularly during our time working together at Walmart.com, where he served as the CIO.

Ashwin Rangan possesses an exceptional ability to enhance thinking skills and management styles. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my strategic mindset and leadership approach. He has a unique talent for distilling complex concepts into clear, actionable insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of management and technology.

Ashwin’s ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and conviction is truly impressive. Whether speaking to a small team or addressing a large audience, he has the innate ability to captivate and inspire. This skill, coupled with his wealth of knowledge, makes him an outstanding advisor in any professional setting.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ashwin for any leadership, advisory, or mentorship role. His insights, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills make him an asset to any individual or organization seeking to navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving business landscape.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpatel11