About Podcast
In this powerful session, Archana Shetty certified PMP, digital transformation strategist, and VP at one of the largest banks in the EMEA region shares her deeply personal and professional journey of transformation, reinvention, and leadership. From navigating an unexpected layoff as a quiet coder to becoming a respected executive and global startup mentor, Archana reveals how she scaled her impact by putting people not just technology at the heart of change.
What began as a career pivot rooted in uncertainty evolved into a bold mission to redefine transformation in the digital age. Archana walks us through the pivotal moment that reshaped her leadership philosophy: realizing that digital transformation isn’t about systems it’s about humans. This insight led her to develop the Smart Scaling Framework, a people-first model that empowers businesses to align, innovate, and grow with intention.
Drawing from years of experience leading multi-million-dollar initiatives across continents and cultures, Archana outlines how emotional intelligence, purpose-driven strategy, and tech-enabled empathy can drive real, sustainable impact. She also discusses how aligning personal growth with business transformation creates the foundation for authentic leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
Key Takeaways:
- Why personal reinvention is the foundation of professional transformation in any industry.
- How emotional intelligence and strategic alignment drive smart, sustainable scaling.
- The three core pillars of the Smart Scaling Framework and how to apply them in real-world settings.
- How to pair digital tools with human empathy to drive meaningful, people-first innovation.
- Why breaking internal limits is just as important as tackling external growth challenges.
Ideal for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers looking to scale with clarity, empathy, and purpose, this session offers actionable insights, fresh perspective, and an inspiring look at how transformation truly begins from within.
- 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 Host, Alicia Butler Pierre:
Alicia Butler Pierre is the Founder & CEO of Equilibria, Inc.. Her career in operations began over 25 years ago while working in various chemical plants and oil refineries. She invented the Kasennu™ framework for business infrastructure and authored, Behind the Façade: How to Structure Company Operations for Sustainable Success. She is the producer of the weekly top 2% Business Infrastructure podcast with a global audience across 70+ countries.Alicia is also an adjunct instructor of Lean Principles at Purdue University and serves as the USA Chair of the G100’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The Process Excellence Network recognized her as a Top 50 Thought Leader in Operational Excellence. A chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, she’s designed and optimized processes for small businesses, large enterprises, non-profits, and government organizations alike.
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. 
