Learn, Adapt, Work Hard with Arun Subash Manickam

Learn, Adapt, Work Hard with Arun Subash Manickam

Author: PM Power Consulting September 18, 2026 Duration: 53:43

My guest today is Arun Subash Manickam. An Engineering leader at Google.

In this conversation, Arun shares:

  • his journey from Chennai schooling to computer science and a long career in networking, startups, acquisitions, and Google.
  • transitions from individual contributor to manager, startup life, acquisitions, autonomy, AI, and career growth.
  • learning continuously, adapting to change, and working hard with purpose as core career principles.


Highlights


  • A teacher’s suggestion changed Arun’s path from commerce to computer science.
  • Early Cisco work built strong engineering foundations, while startups deepened product and business understanding.
  • Startup experience offers intense learning, faster execution, and visible impact.
  • Moving from IC to manager requires mindset change, feedback, and self-awareness.
  • Hybrid work balances flexibility with in-person collaboration and team bonding.
  •  Acquisitions vary: autonomy depends on overlap, integration model, and business uniqueness.
  • AI is a major productivity enabler, but domain knowledge remains essential.
  • AI-generated code and documents still need clear human direction and review.
  • Career advice: learn, adapt, and work hard—smartly and consistently.
  • Late-career focus shifts toward impact, enjoyment, experimentation, and grounded personal practices.


https://www.linkedin.com/in/arun-subash-manickam-768b1416/

arunsubashm@gmail.com



Behind every line of code, there's a person with a story. Software People Stories, from PM Power Consulting, moves beyond abstract theory and polished case studies to explore the real, human experience of building technology. This isn't about hypotheticals; it's a collection of candid conversations with the practitioners themselves-developers, designers, product managers, and architects-who share firsthand accounts from the trenches. They talk about the paths that led to success and, just as importantly, the unexpected detours and failures that provided the most valuable lessons. Each episode delves into the nuanced journey of discovering what users need, designing elegant systems, navigating complex development, and ultimately delivering solutions that matter. By focusing on these personal narratives, the podcast reveals the core of software creation: a blend of technical skill, creative problem-solving, and team dynamics. Listeners gain practical wisdom and relatable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs inherent in the tech industry. Tune in for an honest look at the craft, where the stories of people are just as crucial as the software they build. You'll find this podcast a refreshing source of insight for anyone involved in or curious about the technology and business landscapes, offering career lessons learned the hard way.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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