Pawan Kumar Sharma’s success in networking didn’t come from chasing every shiny new technology trend but by steadily honing his skills through focused, incremental effort.
“Whether it is committing to continuous learning or hands-on work, it’s the quiet acts of discipline we put in every day that matter the most,” said Sharma. “I grew up watching the sacrifices my father made so that I could make a difference in the world. Although he couldn’t pursue formal higher education, he ensured I had every opportunity to succeed — and I’m making it count.”
In a career spanning two decades, Sharma has taken on progressively complex data architecture roles, working across a range of technologies — from software-defined networks and cloud networking to network security and automation. Today, major banking and aviation organizations trust Sharma for his business insights and technical skills.
“Innovation is usually equated with finding new solutions, but refining existing solutions to simplify daily repetitive tasks and generate greater value is just as important,” he added.
Here, Sharma reflects on the mindset and habits that have fueled his success.
What is the meaning of innovation?
Innovation is not about chasing trends — it’s about applying deep technical knowledge and creativity to solve customer problems faster, safer and smarter, while continuously improving how teams build and deliver network solutions. When I innovate for customers, I prioritize reusability, automation, and smart architectural decisions to simplify operations and cut costs.
In a career of highlights, what have been your biggest plays?
The first major milestone in my career was being certified as a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. This achievement set the foundation for my professional growth. And one of the most important career decisions I’m proud of was believing in Kyndryl’s vision and potential when it became an independent company. I’ve loved working with diverse network technologies and being part of Kyndryl’s growth journey. Kyndryl gives me those opportunities every day.
What business issue are you addressing?
I architected and deployed a global cloud-based sales platform for a leading health and beauty company with operations in over 60 countries. The platform was designed to meet stringent requirements for high availability, data sovereignty and region-specific compliance. I also led its integration across multiple regions, driving seamless connectivity between cloud services and legacy systems.
While technical expertise is necessary, being able to lead large, distributed teams and collaborate with global stakeholders has also contributed to my success.
What do you enjoy most about your work at Kyndryl?
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors whose leadership has positively influenced my career. As a mentor at the Kyndryl Network Guild and member of The Open Group peer review board — communities at Kyndryl that foster collaboration and innovation — I’ve tried to pay it forward.
What is your best piece of advice?
Always be honest and do your best at everything. Don’t quit when things get tough. Stay the course and remember that nothing worthwhile ever comes without effort.
