Interview
Arista Networks, United States
Apeksha Jain is a Principal Engineer at Arista Networks, leading key innovations in CloudVision, a scalable solution for data center network orchestration. With over 17 years of global experience at companies like Amazon and Broadcom, she specializes in building distributed systems and delivering impactful solutions that align with business goals.
1 Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself.
I am Apeksha Jain, a Distributed Applications Architect with nearly a decade of experience building large-scale applications, within a broader 17+ years of global experience leading customer-impacting projects across the U.S., U.K., and India. I have worked with the world’s leading technology companies, including Amazon, Arista Networks, and Broadcom where I have driven innovation, led high-impact projects, and managed cross-functional teams. My expertise spans technical leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, driving innovation, and setting technical vision to deliver robust software solutions. I am passionate about crafting scalable architectures and fostering collaboration to achieve business objectives.
2 What is your role in the company?
I am a Principal Engineer at Arista Networks, who are pioneers in software-driven cloud networking solutions. I lead the design and development of critical features in CloudVision, a highly scalable distributed solution for data centers network orchestration.
3 Please tell us more about your organization.
Arista Networks is a global leader in software-driven cloud networking solutions, renowned for its innovative approach to building scalable, high-performance networks. The company specializes in delivering cutting-edge solutions for large-scale cloud data centers, service providers, and enterprise environments. With a focus on automation, security, and reliability, Arista serves leading cloud providers.
4 Describe the industry your organization is specialized in, as well as its main characteristics.
Arista Networks specializes in software-driven solutions for large-scale data centers and cloud infrastructure. Known for its high-performance, programmable networking products, Arista supports major cloud providers data centers. The company focuses on scalability, automation, and operational efficiency, delivering innovative technologies to power modern cloud and enterprise environments.
5 What is your own definition of a successful team / organization / business?
A successful team, organization, or business is built on trust, a shared vision, and empathy. It cultivates an environment where people are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and work towards a unified goal and common objectives. By emphasizing empathy and understanding, it fosters a supportive and inclusive culture that promotes personal and professional growth. Furthermore, it invests in developing talent and nurturing future leaders, ensuring sustainable success for the long term.
6 What are the current trends in the business industry that you are most excited about?
I am particularly excited about the transformative role of AI in the tech landscape and its future potential. AI is revolutionizing cloud applications by improving resource optimization, automating troubleshooting, and enhancing security. With advancements like machine learning algorithms that predict failures or automate scaling, AI is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also enabling more intelligent, responsive systems. Furthermore, AI is reshaping software development methodologies, making them faster and more adaptive. The integration of AI into DevOps practices and cloud-native architectures is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating more agile and resilient systems. This evolution holds immense promise for driving innovation in tech.
7 What resources would you recommend to someone who is searching to improve their business prospects and organizational success?
To enhance business prospects and organizational success, I recommend to enhance: 1. Leadership skills – Cultivating strong leadership capabilities helps guide teams effectively and make strategic decisions that drive growth. 2. Learn new skills – Continuously acquiring new skills ensures adaptability and enables you to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. 3. Mentor professionals – Mentoring helps foster talent, build trust, and create a positive work culture that encourages growth and collaboration. 4. Network with tech professionals – Networking with professionals in your field opens opportunities for collaboration, new ideas, and insights on industry trends. 5. Stay updated with technology – Keeping up with technological advancements ensures you can leverage the latest tools and innovations to optimize processes and drive success. 6. Engage with young professionals – Engaging with younger professionals brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and an understanding of the evolving workforce and trends.
8 Where do you see the evolution of the overall business industry in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see the business industry, particularly in large-scale distributed applications, evolving with a strong focus on automation, AI-driven insights, and enhanced scalability. Cloud computing will continue to be at the core of business transformation, enabling seamless, distributed systems that can scale dynamically based on demand. The rise of edge computing will bring processing closer to the data source, improving performance and reducing latency. Security and privacy will become even more critical, with advancements in encryption and compliance frameworks ensuring robust protection. Additionally, businesses will adopt more collaborative and decentralized models, leveraging technologies like blockchain to streamline processes and ensure transparency across global operations.
9 Who inspired you in your life, and why?
My mentor in the tech industry has been my inspiration, who has not only taught me technical skills but also emphasized the importance of leadership and integrity. Their ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a positive work culture and empowering others has had a profound influence on me. They’ve shown me that true success is not just about achieving personal milestones but also about lifting others along the way and contributing to the greater good of the organization.
10 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
My key to success lies in continuous learning, adaptability, empathic leadership, and resilience. I encourage professionals to take setbacks as an opportunity to reflect back, improve their skillset, and take next steps towards success.
Entrant Company
Apeksha Jain
Category
Information Technology - Technical Professional of the Year