Technology Leader Ganesh Masti’s insights On maximizing I TR esources by optimizing Infrastructure, People, and Processes
Rachel Kline’s Interview
Information Technology’s efficiency and innovation are heavily reliant on resource optimization. The success of IT organizations hinges on balancing their infrastructure, people, and processes with consistent value creation. How can IT leaders maximize the use of resources? Is IT possible to reconcile the principles of modern infrastructure with human capital and efficient processes to ensure that IT departments are agile, robust, and progressive?
With over 20 years of experience leading large-scale IT products and developing growth strategies for Fortune 500 clients, Ganesh Masti is a technology leader who prioritizes results. An Executive MBA degree from the Stephen M. M erton School of Business is what he earned. Both the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from MSR amaiah Institute of Technology are available. Ganesh has worked in various sectors across Asia-Pacific, UK and Europe, utilizing technology to drive strategic initiatives and expanding global teams. He is a committed global adventurer who has journeyed extensively for his job and oversaw successful projects with Fortune 500 firms in various sectors such as finance, energy, telecommunications, and high-tech
Our appreciation goes out to you for sharing your insights with us. Could you tell us about your personal background?
Ganesh Masti, a Senior Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, is my colleague. My main area of focus has been on digital transformation, with a particular emphasis on implementing AI into strategic initiatives. I’ve led successful digital transformation initiatives with fortune 500 companies across various industries such as Banking, Telecom, Hi-Tech, and Oil & Gas
I pursued a career in Software Engineering after completing my Mechanical Engineering degree, using my versatile skills and adaptability to overcome the challenging transition from learning programming to mastering computer concepts. Afterward, I traveled the world to visit various destinations such as the Caribbean, Asia, UK, and the US, where I provided software development and customization services to large companies. I progressed from technical positions to running large-scale projects and eventually climbed the ranks of major accounts. My journey led me to a position in account management and strategy, where I continue to work as both Delivery and P& L. D uring that time, I was engaged in challenging software projects across various industries, each with its own unique set of challenges. I faced challenges in implementing CRM during my time as a banking professional to ensure the smooth functioning of the business. While working in the oil and gas industry, I primarily focused on monitoring trades and stock prices during the severe impact of oil spills. My work in high-tech centered on content management, digitization, and the utilization of data analytics to improve partner productivity. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and problem-solving, which I now apply to help teams navigate large, complex projects. I have a passion for exploring new cultures and countries, which helps me see the world from my own perspective. I’m someone who values being accessible and understanding. I consistently strive to make sure that my colleagues and clients feel valued and respected
Discuss the most effective ways to utilize I TR esources. In What ways do you evaluate the current state of your IT infrastructure? What methods are you using to measure its effectiveness?
I use the The AC EF ramework (Process, Consolidate, Rapid): To optimize the TechSphere A comprehensive amalgamation of IT infrastructure, IT resources, and operational aspects aimed at providing value to the customer. I assess hardware, software, and networks for uptime, scalability, cost, obsolete systems, business objectives, capabilities, etc. I prioritize productivity metrics, such as development velocity, ROI, and resource allocation, to ensure optimal alignment with business goals. Moreover, I analyze usage metrics, performance outcomes, and cross-functional collaboration to identify inefficiencies and enhance the success of my projects. I focus on evaluating baselines, exploring gaps in alignment with business goals, streamlining workflows through cost-and-effort optimization, automating tasks to simplify operations, improving productivity through continuous monitoring and data-driven insights, and elevating the level of strategic alignment
How do you plan and budget for hardware and software upgrades?
As someone who has traveled extensively around the world, I’ve learned that achieving success in any project requires focusing on customer needs and keeping them at the forefront of attention. All my decisions and actions are based on this principle. The AC EF ramework (Asses, Consolidate, Elevate) is similar to AWS’s Well-Architected Framework, which prioritizes customer satisfaction by aligning upgrades and optimizations with their needs and business goals. In order to prioritize resources for hardware and software upgrades, I begin by analyzing the current state of systems in terms of operational excellence metrics such as uptime, load times, and resource utilization to ensure that any changes improve the overall customer experience and operational efficiency. Afterward, I consolidate my efforts by simplifying workflows, discovering cost-efficient options, and prioritizing upgrades that yield the highest ROI, just like AW S. F inally, I increase performance by implementing phased upgrades, monitoring their impact through KPIs, and continuously improving systems to deliver scalable, reliable, secure solutions. By utilizing data-driven and customer-centric approaches, every upgrade is designed to enhance performance and deliver tangible benefits to the organization and its stakeholders
How do you safeguard your IT assets while ensuring optimal performance?
In order to optimize performance and protect IT infrastructure, I utilize best practices in network segmentation, group security policies, and strict role-based access controls with multi-factor authentication. By distributing infrastructure across different regions, I balance both latency and security to maintain high availability. The load balancing features are designed to handle traffic while safeguarding data with strong encryption methods. Through the integration of real-time monitoring and automated threat detection, risks are identified without interfering with performance. This method ensures a stable, flexible and secure infrastructure that can be adjusted to meet business objectives and customer demands
In what ways do you determine the competencies and sets that your IT team should focus on to optimize resource management?
My initial task is to grasp the business objectives and coordinate all team members to accomplish them. Afterward, I move forward from the front. If I say LEAD, that means I am going to lead Acquire, Empower, Adjust, and Deliver , and this framework helps me identify the right skill sets for my IT team
I initiate my learning process by examining the strategic goals and current difficulties to identify the required technical and soft skills. The assessment of team capabilities involves both performance reviews and skills gap analysis. I then empower my staff by mentoring them and creating a culture of growth. When I brought a team to the data analytics space, I not only built them up but also made sure they had the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the new domain
Next, I concentrate on adapting to changing needs, identifying future trends, and anticipating the necessary skills to stay ahead, such as cloud technologies, automation, advanced data analytics, etc. Finally, I ensure that the team’s skills are matched with business objectives by delivering measurable results. By identifying and aligning my skills with organizational goals, I can confidently develop the necessary skill sets to effectively manage and optimize IT resources
What steps do you take to ensure ongoing professional development and learning opportunities in your IT organization?
The pursuit of professional development and continuous learning is not an one-size-fits-all solution for an IT team. It’s crucial to keep in mind the importance of this. The key objective is to facilitate the growth and continuous learning of individuals in any IT team. — Goal Coherence with business necessities, by furnishing services Real Practical learning that leads to real-life experiences Opportunities Development, paving the way for development Workforce Innovation. My approach involves developing personalized development plans that prioritize team members ‘career aspirations and skills, while also aligning them with organizational goals. I prioritize learning through experience, so I assign stretch projects and cross-functional roles to enhance my abilities while also providing business value. I endorse the implementation of certifications and workshops that offer advanced training in areas like AI and cloud computing, while also ensuring skills remain relevant. By conducting workshops and mentoring sessions, collaborative knowledge sharing can enhance team productivity and broaden mutual understanding across departments. I encourage the exploration of new tools and trends to keep the team on a cutting edge and innovative. Regular evaluation and commendation ensure alignment with goals, maintain motivation, and drive continuous improvement
In what ways have you utilized cross-functional collaboration to enhance your IT department’s resource efficiency?
During the challenging transition from validation services to building a data analytics capability, cross-functional collaboration has been essential in optimizing resources within my IT teams. As funding for validation services began to dwindle, I recognized the necessity of aligning my efforts with new business objectives. I established a team that was multi-disciplinary and encompassed expertise from validation, operations, and data analytics to handle this transition. I not only improved my data analytics skills but also provided guidance to the team as I worked on adapting to new workstreams. We were able to utilize our existing resources more efficiently, leading to reduced downtime and cost-recovery. The team’s diverse expertise enabled us to construct a robust data analytics function from scratch, which aligned more effectively with client requirements and delivered measurable value. The collaborative approach facilitated the distribution of resources among different sectors and industries, guaranteeing that each member fulfilled both organizational and personal responsibilities. The ability to adapt to changing priorities was also reinforced, highlighting the importance of cross-functional collaboration in resource optimization
What methods do you use to identify bottlenecks in your IT infrastructure that could potentially impact resource utilization?
In DATA is where I personally start and end, as we have faith in God. Human behavior is also encompassed by DATA, not just metrics and numbers. In my view, DATA denotes Team Dynamics (Team dynamics, teamwork, and morale) , Analytics (KPI’s OKR’s etc), Trends (# Incidents, tickets, escalations etc), and Alignment Maintaining a balance between business objectives and team productivity through processes and objectives. The focus is on comprehending team dynamics, evaluating performance metrics, monitoring workflow trends, and aligning processes with business and human needs. By focusing on both data and people, this holistic approach ensures that decisions are made with a balance of technical efficiency and team productivity. In order to provide a more detailed explanation, I establish baseline performance metrics such as uptime, resource utilization, and resolution times, along with SLAs to highlight any deviations from expected performance expectations. When process mapping is thorough, errors and redundancies are exposed or delayed, and inefficiencies are discovered through regular feedback from teams and stakeholders. My approach involves investigating the root cause of issues and resolving them at their origin. Real-time monitoring detects anomalies and analyzing historical data to identify repeat patterns. Through cross-functional collaboration, I acquire knowledge of interdependencies that could potentially harm efficiency. By adopting a proactive and data-driven approach, bottlenecks are quickly addressed, inefficiencies are reduced, and IT resources are maximized
What steps do you take to ensure that your IT operations are in sync with the business’s needs and impact?
By combining strategic alignment, team dynamics, and ongoing monitoring, I ensure that IT processes are in sync with business objectives and contribute to organizational efficiency. To achieve measurable outcomes, IT is essential to comprehend the overall business objective and translate IT into practical IT tactics that can be implemented. I begin by collaborating with stakeholders to gain a thorough understanding of the organization’s priorities and ensure that IT initiatives are driven by purpose. My approach involves setting concise KPIs and OKRs that directly connect IT processes to business objectives, such as enhancing customer experience, leveraging scalability, or improving operational efficiency. As I previously stated, the numbers are not the only thing to consider, as it also includes the teams involved. Additionally, I encourage a spirit of openness and cross-functional cooperation. The integration of IT processes into broader workflows ensures effective coordination across multiple teams. I address bottlenecks early, establish standards, and encourage collaborative accountability through open communication. Finally, I monitor performance through real-time data analysis, trends, and feedback loops. This permits me to identify gaps, adjust to changing business needs, and maintain IT processes in place with maximum efficiency. My approach to IT involves balancing data analysis with team productivity and collaboration, while also serving as a strategic enabler for the organization
Have you ever automated repetitive tasks to free up resources for productive activities? If so, can you share any success stories about doing this?
I implemented an automation solution on Adobe’s platform and was required to provide a comprehensive automation framework that could accelerate the time-to-market for new content about emerging products. The project mandated that the team not only perform validation during the pre-production phase but also actively participate in deployment, continuous development, integration (CI/CD), and production support. The time and energy spent on repetitive tasks such as creating reports, validating data, and updating campaign metrics caused attention that could have been diverted from these vital activities. I utilized top-notch automation tools to automate these routine operations, enabling the team to concentrate on more important tasks like deployment and production optimization. By implementing this, the team was able to cut down on manual labor by more than 70%, improve accuracy, and deliver content faster while maintaining high standards for product quality and impact in the market. Automation played a crucial role in increasing efficiency and ensuring the success of this time-sensitive initiative
Fantastic. The first question of our interview will be presented here. What are your three most effective ways to Optimize I TR esources based on Infrastructure, People, and Processes? Please provide a story or case study for each technique
My conviction is that IP should not be solely focused on one domain, but rather the entire organization’s infrastructure, People, and processes. This genuinely enhances the customer experience. Here are a few tips I’ve obtained from my own experiences
1. Infrastructure Utilize scalable solutions to enhance efficiency and decrease operational expenses The organization I worked for was having difficulty adjusting to the current pre-production environment. The infrastructure they opted for was outdated and incapable of accommodating the testing and validation requirements, leading to delays. I launched a cloud-based solution that centralized pre-production workflows, which resulted in faster testing times, better integration with CI/CD pipelines and greater scalability. The organization’s modernization process resulted in a 40% reduction in testing times, which allowed for faster time-to-market for new products
2. People — Provide your team with the necessary resources to cope with changing technologies and processes As I transitioned from validation services to data analytics, I not only upgraded myself but also established a team of individuals with extensive knowledge of new tools and methodologies. The change allowed the team to tackle significant projects, such as implementing data-driven solutions for analytics. The team’s strategic nature allowed them to develop innovative solutions and also foster personal professional growth
3. Process — Execute repetitive, mature tasks to free up resources for strategic purposes In a sales and marketing project, I automated processes for Adobe that were previously manual in data validation and report generation. By 70%, manual labor was reduced, allowing the team to concentrate on valuable tasks like customer engagement and campaign optimization. The implementation of automation resulted in improved team efficiency, as well as consistency and accuracy
What strategies do you employ to strike a balance between short-term resource optimization goals and long-lasting strategic IT planning?
Balancing short-term resource optimization and long-lasting strategic IT planning has been a persistent issue for me since I began overseeing larger projects. I use a Core and Flex Team Approach to deal with this
The Core Team is responsible for managing long-term tasks, including strategic IT planning, innovation, and the upkeep of vital systems. They ensure alignment with overarching business objectives and establish a basis for sustained expansion. The core team took charge of the creation and implementation of cloud-based infrastructure, which ensured scalability and future readiness in a program to modernize pre-production environments. The Flex Team addresses both immediate demands and short-term optimization goals, such as automating repetitive tasks, managing peak workloads, or tackling high-priority issues. For a high-stakes product launch, I established flex teams to handle various CI/CD workflows and production support, which freed up the core team for strategic deliverables during upskilling
This method has been instrumental in balancing the competing demands of short-term speed and long-run success, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently while also maintaining alignment with strategic goals. The balance between immediate success and long-term growth has been honed in my experience. Adapting to immediate demands while maintaining long-term strategic goals allows both the customer and me to maintain agility and value in the short term
How does feedback from end-users and stakeholders impact your approach to optimizing resources?
The customer is the driving force behind all my work-related decisions, according to my personal experience. I rely on feedback from end-users and stakeholders to inform my resource optimization strategies, providing clarity on real-world issues and ensuring that IT efforts are in line with both business needs and user expectations. In a pre-production modernization project, delays related to infrastructure bottlenecks were identified by stakeholders. Their contribution resulted in the creation of a scalable, cloud-based solution that reduced testing cycles by 40% and improved efficiency. In the same way, deployment pain points were identified by end-user feedback, leading to targeted automation and simplified operations. My strategy relies heavily on customer and stakeholder perspectives to optimize IT resources for maximum value, while also fostering alignment and long-term success
How do you adapt your resource optimization strategies to changing technological and industry conditions?
I created an AI blueprint for improving the workforce’s skills in AI while working on my Executive MBA with my colleagues, which I dubbed “the AI plan.” LEADER SF ramework To adapt resource optimization strategies to technological changes and industry trends, I use the LEADER SF ramework Literacy, Enablement, Application, Development, Ethics, Research, and Society are all areas of study To adjust my resource optimization tactics to match the latest technological trends, directly in line with the needs of the population AC EF ramework (Assess Consolidate Elevate ) that I talked about. By keeping my team afloat through the right means Literate Emerging technologies, I facilitate their utilization Assess) The equipment, materials, and aptitudes required to harness these advancements with proficiency. The next step is to implement these improvements in IT to streamline processes and optimize resources (Consolidate), while also enhancing systems to achieve better performance (Elevate) as needed. The appropriate use of new technologies (Elevate, Assess) is influenced by ethical considerations and ongoing research, while also taking into account the impact on business and society. My goal is to achieve long-term organizational and customer value through our strategies. This synchronized approach ensures that IT resources are optimized, aligned with business objectives, and ready to compete in an ever-changing technology landscape
We are grateful for the presence of prominent figures in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment who have read this column. Would you like to have a private breakfast or lunch with someone in the world or the US, and what makes their experience so special?
While completing my Executive MBA, I worked with a Microsoft Senior Executive on my AI blueprint project, which made me realize the leadership at Microsoft and the company’s visionary work. If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be greatly appreciated Satya Nadella , the CEO of Microsoft. His leadership has had a transformative effect on Microsoft and the entire tech industry. Satya’s approach fascinates me greatly due to his emphasis on promoting it Empathy-driven leadership Microsoft’s culture has been reshaped by him to become more collaborative, inclusive, and innovative. It would be great if you could discuss how his vision for AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation continues to impact businesses around the world. By utilizing his expertise in overseeing a significant change in one of the world’s top tech firms, he could offer valuable guidance on how to lead innovative initiatives while maintaining customer satisfaction and societal impact
I appreciate your efforts in conveying such remarkable information. Thank you for dedicating so much time to this task
