How Leaders Are Really Made | E08e

What shapes a great technology leader?In this episode, Ashish Barve reflects on the childhood curiosity that sparked his engineering journey and how that same problem-solving mindset carried him from hands-on technical work to executive leadership.Ashish breaks down the PIE framework (Performance, Image, Exposure) and explains why performance alone isn’t enough to reach the VP or C-suite level. He also shares why broad, cross-functional experience matters more than early specialization, how trust and reputation are built over time, and what mentoring and sponsorship truly look like in real organizations.This conversation is especially valuable for:Mid-level technologists aiming for senior leadershipProfessionals navigating visibility, branding, and influenceEarly-career talent wondering how AI changes the future of workLeaders who want to grow without losing curiosity, creativity, and humanityA must-watch if you’re asking, “What does it really take to move from manager to executive in tech?”