Shyamkumar Narayana is a highly accomplished senior IT and business program/project management professional with over 30 years of experience leading complex, multi-million-dollar initiatives across automotive, insurance, retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. His career spans high-profile organizations, including DXC Technology, Walgreens, Northwestern Mutual, Boeing, P&G, and British American Tobacco, where he has successfully delivered 100+ programs and projects for Fortune 500 companies. With deep expertise in agile, scrum, waterfall, lean six sigma, ITIL, and AI-driven project management, Shyamkumar has positioned himself as a strategic leader in digital transformation, operational efficiency, and cross-functional team leadership.
Shyamkumar’s background includes a distinguished tenure at DXC Technology, where he has led high-stakes cloud-based programs, defense projects, AI-driven initiatives, and enterprise-level digital transformations. As a program manager and scrum of scrum lead, he has driven significant revenue gains, optimized global operations, and successfully managed highly regulated financial and HR systems implementations. His agile coaching and strategic planning expertise have played a critical role in enhancing business outcomes while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
A thought leader in the project management space, Shyamkumar is a published author, speaker, and corporate trainer. His book, Practical Guide to Project Scope Management (2008, revised 2018), serves as a valuable resource for professionals in the field. Additionally, he has published more than 20 articles on program and project management best practices, delivered corporate training workshops, and spoken at project management events and educational institutions. His passion for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and professional development continues to impact the industry.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Shyamkumar has extensive international exposure across Singapore, India, the US, Costa Rica, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East. His ability to navigate global business landscapes, manage culturally diverse teams, and drive efficiency in complex environments has made him a sought-after expert in multinational project execution. He is also fluent in Hindi, further strengthening his ability to engage with international stakeholders effectively.
Shyamkumar’s technical proficiencies include Microsoft Project, Azure DevOps, JIRA, Python, AI, machine learning, data analytics, CI/CD pipeline, and cloud-based platforms. His expertise in risk management, IT governance, and strategic outsourcing allows organizations to optimize operational workflows, mitigate risks, and implement cutting-edge technology solutions. His ability to align IT strategy with business goals has been instrumental in driving enterprise-wide digital transformation.
A natural leader with a results-driven mindset, Shyamkumar has held key leadership roles such as program manager, senior project manager, scrum master, and product owner. His dynamic leadership style fosters a collaborative, high-performance culture, enabling cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results. His experience in coaching agile teams, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and executing large-scale transformations showcases his commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Beyond his professional career, Shyamkumar is an active member of the Project Management Institute and the Scrum Alliance. He has also been a dedicated volunteer, having led website development initiatives for PMI Orange County and received recognition for outstanding contributions to the project management community. His dedication to professional development, mentorship, and community service underscores his commitment to shaping the next generation of project leaders.
In addition to his MBA in general management from Northern Illinois University, Shyamkumar holds multiple certifications, including PMP (Project Management Professional), CSM (Certified Scrum Master), ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and AI Essentials for Project Managers. His commitment to lifelong learning and upskilling in AI, automation, and agile methodologies ensures that he stays ahead of industry trends and brings innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
Outside of work, Shyamkumar is passionate about music and ping pong, activities that reflect his dynamic, strategic, and disciplined approach to both personal and professional growth. His ability to balance technical expertise with leadership acumen, global business insights, and a passion for innovation makes him a powerful asset to any organization or board looking to drive transformation, operational efficiency, and long-term success.
Character:
Shyamkumar Narayana is a dedicated and principled leader who consistently upholds integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in every project he leads. His passion for mentorship and fostering a collaborative work environment enables teams to achieve their highest potential.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of experience, Shyamkumar possesses deep expertise in program and project management, agile methodologies, AI-driven process optimization, and business transformation. His ability to apply industry best practices and cutting-edge technologies ensures the successful execution of complex, high-impact initiatives.
Strategic:
A visionary leader, Shyamkumar aligns IT strategy with business goals, leveraging innovation and digital transformation to drive long-term organizational success. His expertise in risk management, governance, and process improvement enables him to optimize operations and position businesses for sustainable growth.
Communication:
An articulate and influential communicator, Shyamkumar excels in engaging stakeholders, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering transparent project updates. His ability to translate technical complexities into actionable insights ensures seamless collaboration and alignment with business objectives.
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSkX8H_3a_zJ4ZyjuNU2OTg?view_as=subscriber