Varada Krishnamoorthy

Chief Information Officer at Koncepts Lab

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

I am the CIO of Koncepts Lab, based in Kerala, India. I split my time between India and the UK, spending a few months each year in India while working remotely from the UK for the rest of the time.

In addition to my role at Koncepts Lab, I freelance as a Senior Solutions Architect, helping companies shape and deliver their technology and business vision.

I am also a Wellness Coach and Mindfulness Trainer, helping people realise their potential and navigate difficult periods through my 1-2-1 therapy sessions.

What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?

I began my career in IT in 2003, and in 2008, I moved to the UK from India with my family to pursue career growth and realise my aspirations. Over the years, I’ve worked with companies like Thomas Cook, Burberry, Molton Brown, B&Q, PwC, Tesco, Bauer Media, and Telegraph Media, focusing on technology and business transformations. These experiences have given me deep insights into business strategy, leadership, and innovation.

In 2016, I felt an inner calling to explore Psychology, leading me to pursue a Master’s degree at Birkbeck, University of London, which profoundly shaped my perspective. I’m continually amazed by the interplay between humans and technology, as there’s so much to learn from both.

Becoming a CIO was an unexpected opportunity. Initially hesitant, I now find great fulfilment in the role. Working with people and technology to enable thought leadership, foster innovation, and promote growth has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

TBH, becoming a CIO wasn’t always part of my vision. When I began my IT career in 2003, my focus was on technical growth and learning. Moving to the UK in 2008 helped me expand my horizons, but I didn’t have a specific roadmap to becoming a tech leader.

The CIO role came unexpectedly, and though I was initially hesitant, it has been incredibly fulfilling. It allowed me to put into practice everything I’ve learned and implement ideas I had envisioned at previous workplaces. It’s been exciting to see those ideas in action.

This role also opened doors to explore areas I hadn’t deeply considered before, such as Go-to-Market strategies, Marketing, and Sales, broadening my perspective.

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?

I have been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my journey, starting from my first job in India with Cognizant Technology Solutions. Each has influenced me in unique ways, whether it was through their leadership, strategic thinking, or ability to inspire others.

Rather than singling out one individual, I have drawn lessons from a variety of people, adapting their best traits to my own approach. These mentors, along with the experiences I’ve gained across different roles and organisations, have collectively shaped my growth and leadership style, helping me navigate challenges and drive innovation.

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

In my humble opinion, the role of the technology leader will evolve significantly over the next five years, especially with the rise of AI and emerging technologies. Leaders will become key business strategists, using AI and automation to drive growth and gain a competitive edge. The fast pace of change will require leaders to foster agility and ensure teams can adapt quickly to new innovations.

While AI will play a central role, the human aspect of leadership remains vital—empowering teams, fostering continuous learning, and creating inclusive environments for innovation. Finally, technology leaders will be responsible for ensuring data privacy, security, and ethical governance as AI advances. It’s an exciting future, and the leaders who balance innovation with responsibility will shape it.

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

Leaders of the future will need a blend of technical and emotional intelligence to thrive. They must be adaptable, embracing rapid technological changes, especially with AI and automation, while staying grounded in human-centric leadership. Strong communication and collaboration skills will be key to bridging technical teams with business goals.

Emotional intelligence will allow leaders to connect with diverse teams, inspire innovation, and navigate challenges with empathy. They will also need to be strategic visionaries, using technology to drive business growth while ensuring ethical practices. Above all, resilience and the ability to lead with purpose will be essential as they guide organisations through constant change.

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

I aspire to launch a startup that leverages AI to make a positive impact on humanity.

What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who are just starting their careers?

Stay Hungry, Stay Curious - Early in my career, I prioritised learning new technologies, which kept me adaptable as the industry evolved. Always stay open to new ideas, embrace change, and invest in continuously building your skills. Curiosity is what keeps you ahead.

Understand People and Lead with Empathy - My psychology background taught me the importance of connecting with people, understanding their challenges, and empowering them. Leadership is more than managing technology; it’s about inspiring and supporting the people behind it.

Align Technology with Business Goals - Great leadership requires seeing the bigger picture. Understand how technology drives business success, creates value, and solves real problems. Bridging the gap between technology and business strategy is where impactful leadership lies.

"Curiosity is what keeps you ahead."

How do you ensure that you and your team stay updated with the latest technology trends and industry best practices?

Learning Tuesdays: At Koncepts Lab, we introduced Learning Tuesdays—dedicated sessions for exploring new technologies, sharing insights, and discussing industry developments.

Mentorship Program: All leaders in our company have both internal and external mentors who actively guide and foster their growth, providing diverse perspectives and expertise.

Encouragement for Growth: Employees are always encouraged to take new courses, earn certifications, and share thought-provoking interviews or podcasts from industry thought leaders.

Knowledge Sharing: We host internal tech talks and brainstorming sessions to exchange insights and foster collaboration across teams.

Engaging with Communities: Our leaders are also encouraged to attend events for networking, knowledge sharing, and staying informed about the latest trends and best practices.

A big thank you to Varada Krishnamoorthy from Koncepts Lab for sharing his journey to date.

If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.