About Podcast
In today’s fast-moving business world, scaling isn’t just about growing bigger it’s about growing better. For Archana Shetty, a certified PMP, digital transformation strategist, and VP at one of the largest banks in the EMEA region, the journey to impactful leadership was anything but linear. Her path weaves through personal upheaval, cultural adaptation, and strategic reinvention proving that the most powerful transformations often begin in silence, uncertainty, and doubt.
In this scale tale, Archana shares how she went from a quiet coder facing an unexpected layoff to becoming a respected executive and startup mentor, driving multi-million-dollar transformations with a human-first approach. One pivotal insight changed her trajectory: transformation isn’t about tech it’s about people. This realization fueled the creation of her Smart Scaling Framework, a practical model for leaders and businesses seeking clarity, alignment, and meaningful innovation.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How personal reinvention is the first step to professional transformation.
- Why scaling is as much about emotional intelligence as it is about strategy.
- The three pillars of the Smart Scaling Framework—and how to apply them.
- How digital tools can drive human impact when paired with purpose and empathy.
- Why sustainable growth depends on breaking internal limits, not just external ones.
Tune in to hear how Archana Shetty scaled her impact across continents and industries by turning painful setbacks into platforms for growth and by rethinking what transformation truly means in a digital age. This episode is a must listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents who want to scale with intention, innovation, and heart.
- Empowering Personal Ownership : Help leaders and professionals shift from a victim mindset to owning their transformation and growth journey.
- Strategic Clarity for Growth : Guide businesses and leaders to define clear purpose and direction before pursuing growth or new technologies.
- Human-Centered Leadership : Promote empathetic, people-first leadership to engage employees and stakeholders during change.
- Thoughtful Technology Use : Encourage organizations to select technology strategically to solve real problems, not just follow trends.
- Breaking Mental Barriers : Support individuals, especially women and minorities, to build confidence and resilience by overcoming self-limiting beliefs.
Special Guest: Archana Shetty -Digital Transformation Strategist & Leadership Coach
Location: Qatar
Air Date: May 18, 2025
Websites:
- archanashetty.com: Archana Shetty’s Coaching Website
- TalentScale AI: Digital expansion made easy and sustainable! Find niche talent and suppliers in IT, Ops, Management, and Strategy to drive business success with TalentScale AI
Books:
- A New Way to Think by Roger Martin: Named one of “10 Must-Read Career and Leadership Books For 2022” by Forbes The ultimate guide to the essentials of strategy and management, from one of the world’s top business thinkers.
Podcast:
- Gartner ThinkCast: Gartner ThinkCast puts you at the Intersection of business and technology with insight from the top experts on how to build a more successful organization, team and career in the Digital Era.
Producer & Host: Alicia Butler Pierre
Voiceover: Daniyel Haider
Audio Editors: Olanrewaju Adeyemo and Sabor! Music Enterprises
Sound Design: Sabor! Music Enterprises
Video Editor: Gladys Jimenez
Show Notes: Hashim Tale
Sponsor: Equilibria, Inc.More About Guest, Archana Shetty:
Archana is a seasoned technology leader, executive coach, and startup mentor, renowned for her ability to drive business growth through strategic leadership, technological innovation, and her deep expertise in digital transformation. As the Vice President of Technology at one of the largest banks in the MEA region, Archana brings over 25 years of experience across technology, leadership, and business management. Her journey from leading high-performance teams to revolutionizing payment ecosystems showcases her commitment to continuous growth and adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and business.
Archana’s strategic leadership has driven over $20M in transactions through smarter, faster, and more cost-effective solutions. Her guidance has been pivotal in helping startups like Talentscale.ai go from concept to market-ready success in under 9 months. Her expertise spans across digital leadership, emotional intelligence, portfolio management, and driving innovation with cutting-edge technologies. Under her leadership, businesses have experienced transformative growth, with a focus on building high-performing teams and leading digital transformations that produce measurable results.
Her proprietary Smart Scaling™ framework an innovative blend of strategic foresight, technology, and human-centered leadership has become a key tool in empowering leaders and organizations to unlock growth and elevate their competitive edge. Archana’s thought leadership has earned her recognition as one of the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders by PeopleHum and as a Bronze Stevie Award winner for Coach and Mentor of the Year. She is also the proud recipient of the SHELeads Qatar Award, honoring women leaders in technology.
A passionate advocate for leadership development and emotional intelligence, Archana regularly speaks at global forums and industry conferences, sharing her insights on leadership, strategy, and technology. Whether igniting disruptive innovation or scaling enterprises, Archana helps businesses achieve transformative results, empowering leaders to create lasting value with vision, courage, and impact.
More About Sponsor, Equilibria:
Equilibria, Inc. is a 20-year-old boutique operations management firm. We build the business infrastructure necessary for fast-growing businesses to scale with less pain. With a range of services and products, entrepreneurs can get the operational support and resources they need on demand. 
