Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink

Prakash Mana is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of industry experience. As the CEO and co-founder of Cloudbrink, Prakash has a strong track record of success, having served as CPO and CTO at Pulse Secure and held responsibilities for Citrix’s NetScaler security gateway business. He earned degrees in electrical engineering, including a BE, MS, and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon. Prakash is recognized for his leadership in cybersecurity and networking particularly as it applies to remote and hybrid work technology, where he focuses on applying his business and technical expertise to innovate solutions that provide an in-office experience to the remote worker.

Blue Ocean: Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Prakash: I pursued my undergraduate studies in India at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra. My fascination with technology and the desire to do more led me to eventually enroll in business school, earning an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. This experience broadened my skill set beyond technical expertise. 

Being at Cloudbrink has been a privilege as I am working alongside some of the brightest minds. I cherish the opportunity to learn from the experts every day. Before joining Cloudbrink, I focused on delivering secure connectivity solutions for remote work environments. I was part of an organization renowned for its cutting-edge technology, which provided invaluable insights into what constitutes a best-of-breed platform. 

During my tenure there, I was fortunate to be mentored by exceptional leaders who imparted invaluable lessons in business management, leadership effectiveness, and customer-centric approaches. This experience laid the foundation for many of the achievements I’ve made at Cloudbrink. I previously worked at Pulse Secure and later Citrix, where I engaged in similar endeavors but on a smaller scale.

Blue Ocean: What does your typical day look like?

Prakash: My day starts the previous night. Before ending my day, I take the time to assess and prepare for the next day, embracing the idea that not planning is akin to planning to fail. I dedicate my days to carrying out the predetermined objectives, staying vigilant, and making necessary adjustments as the day unfolds.

Blue Ocean: What is one trend in your industry that excites you?

Prakash: I find the idea of ‘digital work freedom’  fascinating, especially with the advent of hybrid work that fosters increased connectivity. In contrast to the past, where visits to our wider family were sporadic, digital platforms now enable us to feel connected, even during extended periods without physical interaction.

This fascination extends to our workplace at Cloudbrink, where we embrace the notion of workplace freedom. We value the opportunity to work from anywhere affording flexibility for family commitments and travel, all while upholding a commendable standard of work productivity.

Blue Ocean: What is something unique you offer your clients?

Prakash: What sets us apart at Cloudbrink isn’t just our outstanding intellectual property or our ability to seamlessly integrate security and productivity for the mobile, hybrid workforce, although those are significant strengths. While other companies may be pursuing similar paths, what truly distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to customer success.

In many organizations, achieving customer success is often associated with having a large dedicated team. However, at Cloudbrink, our approach is different. Our customer success/technical support team may appear as among the smallest departments in the company. But, this is because, for us, customer success is ingrained in every aspect of our culture. Every member of our team is empowered to contribute to customer success. It’s not just a department; it’s a mindset that permeates throughout the organization. 

Our scheduling ensures that our employees are always available to support our customers, and every interaction with a customer is approached with the mindset of being a customer service representative for our technology. 

This dedication to delivering the best-in-class experience to our customers is what truly sets us apart in the industry of enterprise infrastructure and security. It’s a level of passion and commitment that we believe you won’t find in many other places.

Blue Ocean: How have you differentiated yourself and what underpins your success?

Prakash: I recognize that there are numerous successful individuals out there, each with their unique journey and achievements. Instead of solely focusing on standing out, I prioritize learning from a diverse array of people I encounter. I glean insights from their experiences, understanding both the factors contributing to their success and the pitfalls to avoid.

This collective wisdom forms the foundation of success. It’s not about differentiation, but rather about embracing the wealth of knowledge and perspectives available from a wide range of individuals. By engaging in this process of learning and followership, I believe we can continuously grow and evolve, drawing from the wisdom of those around us.

Blue Ocean: What advice would you give your younger self and other young people aspiring to be in the cybersecurity industry?

Prakash: I would stress three key things. First, the significance of valuing feedback—actively seeking it out, as it is a catalyst for learning and personal growth. Secondly, I would advise prioritizing listening over speaking. Genuine knowledge grows when one listens attentively, discovering insights that might not be explicitly taught. Lastly, I would emphasize the importance of cultivating empathy. Investing time in understanding others’ perspectives by stepping into their shoes or viewing the world through their lens fosters heightened empathy, ultimately leading to more profound insights over time.

Blue Ocean: What is something you are grateful for?

Prakash: Expressing gratitude for the life we have and the opportunities we encounter is paramount. In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, acknowledging our blessings and being grateful for where we are is essential. Every day presents us with countless reasons to appreciate the journey we’re on and the experiences that shape us.

Blue Ocean: What are your sources of inspiration? What motivates you each day to do what you do?

Prakash: Firstly, my mentors and advisors consistently challenge me to surpass my limits. Their high expectations of me propel me to strive for excellence and push beyond what I could achieve alone. They play a crucial role in helping me understand and overcome my challenges.

Secondly, inspiration stems from the diverse individuals I encounter at Cloudbrink. Working alongside such driven and committed individuals sets a high standard for achievement. Witnessing their unwavering dedication, even amidst challenging circumstances, fuels my drive to excel. It’s truly remarkable to be surrounded by a team that consistently achieves outstanding results, and I consider myself fortunate to be part of such an environment.

Blue Ocean: Please share your favorite quotation.

Prakash: One quote that has resonated with me lately, often attributed to Martin Luther King Jr., goes something like this: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

It reminds us that progress is not always about achieving great feats in one leap but rather about taking consistent steps forward, no matter how small they may seem. It’s a reminder that our individual journeys are not about competition with others but rather about our personal growth and progress.

So, as long as we keep moving forward, we are on the right path, regardless of the pace or the obstacles we encounter along the way.

Blue Ocean: Outside of work, what passions or interests do you pursue?

Prakash: I enjoy hiking and running. Especially when I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, my approach is to infuse more positivity into the situation. These and other physical activities are beneficial as they enhance blood flow to the brain, delivering a rejuvenating and positive boost.