The Human Factor Behind AI, Innovation, and Global Impact with Rama Theekshidar | VTEX Live

A VTEX Live podcast featuring Rama Theekshidar, Chief Digital Officer at U.S. Electrical Services, and one of the most human-centric minds leading digital innovation in the B2B space today. Access this and more episodes of VTEX Live on Apple Podcasts or Spotify What if innovation wasn’t about building faster, but thinking deeper? In this episode of VTEX Live, Rama Theekshidar joins Santiago for a powerful conversation that goes beyond tech to explore mindset, mission, and the future of work. Born in India, educated in France, and now driving digital transformation in the US, Rama shares how the immigrant experience shaped his perspective and why that global lens is a superpower in business. Rama dives into his approach to product strategy, why he always starts with people instead of platforms, and how he decides when to build, buy, or partner. He breaks down why fill rate is more important than inventory turnover, how to use AI for real customer impact, and why cost-cutting isn’t a strategy, differentiation is. You’ll also hear why Rama sees AI not as a replacement for humans, but as an amplifier for human potential, and how businesses can grow by making their people more productive, not just fewer. Whether you’re building in B2B, leading a digital team, or rethinking your roadmap in the age of AI, this episode is a reminder that technology moves fast, but human insight is what moves business forward. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Rama’s first visit and thoughts on innovation rooted in Brazil 02:21 How growing up in India shaped Rama’s drive 03:10 From India to France to Texas: Chasing discomfort, culture, and learning 04:26 Why love and learning fuel ambition 05:49 The Immigrant Edge: Seeing the world differently and adapting fast 08:13 Quick fire! Coffee or tea? Cloud or on-premise? Build or buy? 09:22 How Rama decides what to build, buy, or partner 11:28 Fill Rate vs Inventory Turnover: Why customer trust matters most in distribution 13:52 The real role of AI 19:07 Cost-Cutting Isn’t Strategy: Differentiation is what wins 22:52 What AI can’t replace 25:11 Rama’s advice to the next generation of global leaders 28:16 Energy, creativity, and collaboration will always win 🔔 Subscribe for more powerful conversations on leadership, strategy, and the future of commerce. 👉 Full VTEX Live Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiM-nlQNKu6WHfd4fe2NZP9U63Obr0o5Q 🎙️ Follow us: @VTEX-Global 🔗 Explore more at www.vtex.com VTEX | The commerce suite of choice for bold CIOs and CEOs globally #VTEXLive #TheRightThing #AILeadership #PurposeDrivenTech #FearlessLeadership #USESI #TechMindset #BusinessGrowth #DigitalCommerce #EmpowerPeople