A Harvard Business School alumnus with 25 years of experience in the business and technology sector, Karan Yaramada is a highly accomplished professional. He currently serves as the CEO at Jade Global, Inc. and Kanverse.ai (A Cognitive Automation Company). He is also one of the Founding Board Members of Jade Global Foundation, a non-profit organization.
As an Official Member of the Forbes Business Council, Karan pens several thought leadership articles focused on enterprise digital transformation. In 2023, he was recognized as ‘CEO of the Year’ by ET Ascent and featured as one of the “Most Promising Leaders to Follow in 2023” on the cover of CIO Today.
In 2003, Karan Y. founded Jade Global with a mission to deliver top-tier IT services. Under his guidance, the company consistently secured its place on the Inc. 5000 list for thirteen consecutive years. Prior to Jade Global, Karan’s prosperous career included tenures at KPMG, Tata Consultancy Services, Johnson & Johnson, and General Electric, where he effectively leveraged emerging technologies for substantial growth.
As a Board of Directors member at Jade Global, he continues to shape the company’s strategic direction and reinforce its industry leadership.
Check out more interviews with entrepreneurs here.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET FEATURED?
All interviews are 100% FREE OF CHARGE
Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Karan Yaramada: I started Jade Global in 2003 with a simple goal: to provide IT services and solutions that genuinely help businesses. Over the years, my passion for technology and commitment to doing things right have helped us become a trusted partner for companies around the world. I’m proud that our hard work has paid off, with Jade Global making the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. for 13 years in a row.
I studied at Harvard Business School, where I deepened my focus on using technology to solve real business challenges. I believe in leading with innovation, integrity, and a focus on empowering others. At Jade Global, I work to create an environment where our team can thrive, build strong relationships, and grow into future leaders. My goal is to help people—whether they’re part of our team, our partners, or our clients—reach their full potential and achieve great things together.
Before starting Jade Global, I gained valuable experience working with companies like KPMG, Tata Consultancy Services, Johnson & Johnson, and General Electric. These roles taught me how to use technology to drive growth and improve operations, lessons that have been crucial in building Jade Global.
I’m deeply committed to innovation and leading by example, and I continue to guide Jade Global as we navigate the ever-changing world of technology.
How has the significance of networking evolved over the past decades?
Karan Yaramada: Networking has gone from being just an exchange of business cards to a critical part of strategic business development. It used to be about quantity, how many people you could meet. Now, it’s about quality, building meaningful, long-term relationships that align with shared values and goals. The digital age has expanded our ability to connect globally, allowing us to build more diverse, inclusive, and strategically aligned networks. Networking has become a powerful tool for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
Can you share a personal story where one networking interaction led to unexpected doors opening, and how it highlights the ripple effect of networking?
Karan Yaramada: About a year ago, at a charity golf event, I met a gentleman who was between jobs. After getting to know him, I realized his skills were perfect for a role my existing contact was trying to fill. I made the introduction, and a few months later, we were invited to participate in a major digital transformation RFP for the same client. This experience shows the power of strategic networking, everyone benefited. In fact, we’ve gained more clients through our network than through traditional sales efforts, proving that meaningful relationships unlock opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. 1
What are some common networking mistakes people make, and how can they pivot to turn potential missteps into learning experiences?
Karan Yaramada: A common mistake is approaching networking with a short-term, transactional mindset, focusing on immediate gains instead of building long-term relationships. This often leads to shallow connections. Another mistake is not following up, which can lead to missed opportunities. To pivot, it’s important to focus on creating long-term value by understanding others’ needs and offering help without expecting anything in return. Listen actively, communicate consistently, and be selective about where you invest your time. Not every connection will be a perfect fit, and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s best to move on and focus on relationships that have real potential.
How do you see the future of networking evolving with the rise of AI, VR, and other technologies?
Karan Yaramada: AI, VR, and other technologies will change how we network, making it easier to build and maintain relationships. But the core principles, trust, authenticity, and value creation, will still be essential. The challenge will be using these tools to deepen our human connections rather than replace them, ensuring that technology enhances the personal touch that’s so important in networking.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Karan Yaramada for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Karan Yaramada or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.