Why Indian techies dominate leadership roles abroad? Zoho's Sridhar Vembu explains the success formula, rejects ‘perform or perish’ theory
Published on: Feb. 3, 2026, 7:31 p.m. | Source: The Economic Times
Zoho founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu has offered a contrasting explanation for why Indian-origin professionals often rise to leadership positions in global technology companies. Rejecting the idea that extreme academic pressure and a “perform or perish” culture in India drive this success, Vembu argued that long-term organisational loyalty and cultural values play a bigger role. He explained that Indian employees tend to stay with companies for decades, allowing them to gain institutional knowledge and naturally move into senior roles.
