Arunkumar “Arun” Muthukrishnan has not been at GDT long, but he has been hard at work, making a positive impact on the company and our customers. He says that GDT’s management, culture, and work environment are a few of the many reasons he sees GDT as a Great Place to Work. Read this GDT Employee Spotlight to get to know Arun and explore life at GDT.
How long have you been with GDT, and what does your role entail?
Arun: I have been with GDT for a year and three months. I began as a Network Security Architect with GDT’s Managed Services team. Later, I became a Service Delivery Manager for the India Professional Services team.
At a high level, my position combines project management, people management, and automation responsibilities. My role includes collaborating with my US counterparts and allocating resources on a project here in India. I also work on automation projects with the Managed Services team and work with the Collaboration team.
It sounds like you wear a few different hats. What do you enjoy most about working here?
Arun: I enjoy the positive work environment, supportive management, and strong company culture that values employees’ well-being and recognizes their contributions. Being a member of a company that values innovation and is on the cutting edge of technical breakthroughs is exciting and motivating. I appreciate that GDT offers challenging work, team collaboration, professional growth potential, flexibility, recognition and rewards, and learning and development opportunities.
Can you share a project or accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?
Arun: I am proud of my involvement in leading several IT efforts, such as the development of a scalable N-central Remote access platform, automating Runbook to eliminate human ticket handling, and successful certificate management and automation projects.
These projects required a wide range of skills, including architectural design and development, project management, and stakeholder collaboration. Each effort contributed to improving our organization’s technology skills and our ability to provide value to our clients. These initiatives not only increased operational efficiency but also helped prepare our business for future growth by embracing cutting-edge technologies and IT management best practices.
If you could do anything for a job or career, what would it be?
Arun: I’d be an educator. Helping people grow, learn, and solve difficulties is rewarding to me. Plus, I love learning new facts and ideas!
Where do you like to travel?
Arun: My favorite place is Tiruchirappalli, where I was born and lived for 25 years. I enjoy visiting Kullu Manali for the weather and Agra to see the emblem of love. I also enjoy visiting the Taj Mahal and Thirumal.
I’d love to see the Taj Mahal someday. Do you have a personal motto that you live by?
Arun: “Be kind, be courageous, be authentic.” This mantra encourages me to prioritize kindness in my interactions, have the courage to stand up for what I believe in, and always stay true to myself and my values.
What advice would you give the younger you?
Arun: Trust your intuition and follow your passions. Listen to that inner voice guiding you toward what truly ignites your soul. Trust in your instincts and have the courage to pursue your passions wholeheartedly, even if they diverge from conventional paths.
Excellent advice! If you could meet anyone in the world, past or present, who would it be?
Arun: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was formerly the President of India. He was a role model for many people in India. One reason is due to his impact on environmental sustainability by promoting green initiatives, planting trees, innovating in agriculture, and educating people in India around these approaches.
Finally, how do you like to spend your spare time outside of work?
Arun: I love my two children beyond everything else, and I like spending time with them. They are my universe.
Additionally, I enjoy playing chess and cardboard, which are great ways to engage in strategic thinking and have fun with friends and family. I also enjoy cooking, whether trying out new recipes together or experimenting with different ingredients. My favorite dishes to cook are vegetarian meals and working with all the different vegetables and fruits in a dish.
Thank you, Arun, for chatting about your role and sharing why GDT is a great place to work. Learn more about GDT’s vibrant culture and explore career options by visiting Life at GDT.
