Lift Off: The Rocket Software Rocketeer Profile Series - Get to Know Kiran Seela

We talk a lot about our values of Empathy, Humanity, Trust, and Love here at Rocket Software. Those values help us keep our customers at the leading edge of their digital transformation and modernization journeys. However, that success is only possible because of the Rocketeers, who are “All In” on those core values, bringing their passion and industry-leading expertise to every challenge that comes their way. 

Our next Rocketeer to step into the spotlight is Senior Director of Software Engineering, Kiran Seela. Based in Rocket Software’s Pune, India office, Kiran brings over 24 years of experience helping drive innovation and team building with his engineering teams.

Join us as we get to know Kiran.

Fast Facts 

One word to describe the Rocket culture? 
Inclusive

Coffee or tea? 
Masala chai

Proud Moment?
Building our team from scratch 

Favorite Rocket Software value? 
Humanity

Bucket List Destination? 
Everest base camp  

What interested you in Rocket Software?  

It was Rocket Software’s blend of technical expertise and business acumen. You get to know customers and impactful partners like IBM. At the same time, there’s also a heavy focus on technical expertise that is really exciting too. We have a collaborative and inclusive work environment and a diverse group of people from different cultures across the globe, which was one of the most interesting things to me.

In my time at Rocket Software, I’ve also gotten to connect with customers and partners regularly and learn a lot from them directly. As one of the earliest Rocketeers in our office, going back to the beginning of the company’s growth in India, I got to work on projects spanning each business unit.

What is one of your proudest moments during your time at Rocket Software?  

I was part of the team that helped unify standards across DevOps and engineering practices. That was my proudest moment. I helped build the teams from scratch, alongside some very talented people, for both the Pune and Bangalore offices. Apart from that, I’ve also been managing the logistical side of various community events in our India offices spanning everything from sports to the annual Rocket.Build activities as well as monthly celebrations and work anniversaries.

Do you think Rocket Software’s core values of Empathy, Humanity, Trust, and Love are unique from other companies? And how do you live by these in your day-to-day role?  

Absolutely. That’s what inspires me. Rocket Software is a company that is more focused on valuing and respecting its people and customers. I have seen a lot of companies where it’s less about the employees themselves. The values boil down to respect for each of the Rocketeers we work with. It’s really just common sense. Act how you would like to be treated, whether that’s with business leaders, colleagues, or customers.  

Rocket Software inspires an environment where diversity is celebrated and respected, people are valued for their unique contributions, and each Rocketeer feels a sense of belonging. The Rocket Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) Program helps foster these beliefs. Tell us why you think DEI in the workplace is so important today. If you’ve participated in any RIDE initiatives previously, please share!  

Being one of the leaders in the Pune and Bangalore offices, I’ve been part of the RIDE community from day one. All of these are part of our culture and help to promote respect for each other. We try to do programs where every culture is respected. There is a lot of diversity in India, but we also work with the global teams and make sure everyone is included, and they all feel like they are part of the team. I’ve also been part of the events we’ve done for the RIDE initiatives where we want to make sure everyone is participating, so we have a strong bond between teammates.