Sampath Manickam is a BITS Pilani (Pilani,‘02) graduate in BS Information Systems. He is a seasoned technology leader with nearly three decades of experience. His academic foundation that includes a Chief Digital Officer (CDO) certification from the Indian School of Business (ISB), Business Architect certification from Global Knowledge (USA), and Business Analytics certification from Great Lakes Institute of Management, complements his impressive professional achievements.

As the CTO for Technology Infrastructure at NSE India, one of the world's largest stock exchanges, Sampath drives the development and implementation of resilient and scalable technology platforms. His extensive career, spanning roles in stock exchanges, telecom, OTT media, and data centers, has solidified his expertise in building cutting-edge infrastructure.

Recognized as one of Asia Pacific's top 50 data center and cloud influencers, Sampath's leadership has been instrumental in NSE's achievement of the Best Infrastructure Platform in Asia award. His visionary approach and deep understanding of technology have positioned him as a prominent figure in the industry.

Looking back at your journey from being a student at BITS Pilani to working as a CTO at NSE, how did your time at BITS shape your career path in this field?

My career, spanning over 25 years, has evolved from a Network Engineer to program management and technology consulting. My time at BITS Pilani was crucial in laying the groundwork for my career. It provided me with a strong technical foundation and problem-solving skills that have been integral throughout my journey. BITS instilled a passion for continuous learning and innovation, which has guided me through diverse roles in various organizations globally, eventually leading me to my current role as CTO at the National Stock Exchange.

How did the transition from consultancy to IT leadership roles look for you, and what motivated that change?

The transition from consultancy to IT leadership was driven by a desire to take on more strategic responsibilities. Initially, I worked as a consultant, mastering networking technologies and automation. Over the time, I sought to broaden my impact beyond consultancy. Moving into core IT roles allowed me to apply my technical expertise in more integrated and impactful ways, managing operations and leading technology infrastructure projects. This shift was motivated by a need for more comprehensive involvement in technology deployment and organizational growth.

Can you provide insights on your work with data center network and security operations at Airtel and Jio, and how that experience has influenced your work at NSE?

At Airtel, I played a key role in setting up Nxtra Data and building data center capabilities. This experience was instrumental in understanding data center standards and scaling operations. Transitioning to Jio, I managed the technology infrastructure for Jio’s rapid expansion, which involved scaling operations and automating processes to meet massive demands. These experiences taught me the importance of adaptability and innovation, lessons that I now apply in my role at NSE to ensure resilient and scalable technology platforms.

You recently went back to ISB and are now pursuing studies at Wharton. What motivated this decision, and how do you balance it with your corporate responsibilities?

Continuous learning is essential, regardless of one's career stage. Returning to ISB and pursuing studies at Wharton reflects my commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and enhancing my skills. Balancing these academic pursuits with my role at NSE involves effective time management and a strong support system. This ongoing education enriches my professional capabilities and keeps me aligned with the dynamic technological landscape.

You mentioned that lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant in the rapidly evolving tech world. How has this principle guided your educational choices, such as your studies at ISB and Wharton?

Henry Ford once said, "Anyone who stops learning is old." I believe this wholeheartedly. Continuous learning keeps the mind young and adaptable, which is crucial for staying current in the 21st-century technology landscape. My pursuit of further education at ISB and Wharton is driven by a desire to stay updated and engaged with new ideas. These programs offer valuable networking opportunities with peers at the VP level and beyond, across various industries. Learning from such a diverse group enhances my understanding and ability to contribute to and innovate within my field.

How do you manage to balance coursework with your corporate responsibilities, and have you ever had to pause your career for your studies?

I haven’t paused my career for studies. Instead, I’ve found ways to integrate continuous learning into my professional life. Executive education often requires a few hours per week, usually over weekends, which means balancing personal and professional commitments carefully. Despite some compromises, like cutting back on personal trips, I prioritize effective time management to ensure that I can continue working while pursuing my studies.

Can you discuss the impact of generative AI on IT operations at NSE, and how you see it influencing the industry?

Generative AI offers immense value in IT operations by enhancing pattern recognition, risk identification, and troubleshooting. For example, it can analyze large volumes of data to predict outages or generate test cases more efficiently than manual methods. At NSE, we use generative AI in both pilot and production modes, adapting various models to fit specific needs. This technology helps us maintain high operational standards and resilience, which are essential for a critical infrastructure like a stock exchange.

How does NSE keep its technology up-to-date while ensuring scalability and fault tolerance?

NSE is committed to maintaining technological excellence and resilience. We handle vast transaction volumes, like the 19.71 billion transactions in a single trading window, by continuously upgrading our systems. This involves scaling the infrastructure, adopting the latest technologies, and ensuring fault tolerance through redundant systems and disaster recovery plans. Collaborating with leading analysts and OEMs helps us stay at the forefront of technological advancements while managing capacity effectively.

What do you think is the future of technology and finance, and how should students choose their career paths in these fields?

The intersection of technology and finance remains promising, but the students need to choose careers based on their passion rather than trends. While technology and finance are popular fields, growth opportunities exist across various industries, including manufacturing and retail. I advise students to explore their interests deeply and commit to excellence in their chosen field. Success comes from understanding and excelling in one’s chosen domain, regardless of industry trends.

 How do the technology requirements differ between industries like banking, OTT services, and stock exchanges?

Each industry has distinct technology needs. For example, in stock exchanges, technology must handle extremely low latency and high resilience to meet strict performance standards. Banking focuses on customer experience and efficiency, while OTT services emphasize seamless, real-time user interactions. Despite these differences, the underlying principles of technology, such as resilience and capacity, remain similar.

 Why do you think it's important to follow your passion rather than imitating others?

Following your passion allows you to shine in ways that align with others’ expectations might not. If I had imitated my cousin and pursued chemical technology engineering, I might have ended up in a more conventional managerial role in the chemical industry. Instead, by following my interest in electronics and IT, I found a field where I could truly thrive and contribute meaningfully.

What’s your perspective on the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability?

Lifelong learning and adaptability are crucial for success in any field. In finance and technology, both industries are evolving rapidly, and staying updated is essential. As long as you continue learning and adapting, you can excel and make valuable contributions, regardless of the industry.

What is the most critical trait for effective leadership?

The most critical trait for effective leadership is authenticity. Being true to yourself and maintaining your values is essential. It’s important not to take shortcuts and to focus on adding value wherever you are. By doing so, you’ll naturally see growth, happiness, and support from others.