Piyush Poddar

Back in 2007, I was running a small digital agency where we used to develop websites for our clients using homegrown content management systems. It was a primary page rendering system and would often need custom development for any additional features on every project. That same year I attended an Open Source Software meetup in New Delhi, and came across Drupal, and was immediately bought in. Coming from a Microsoft and Macromedia stack world, learning about the Open Source ethos was a huge eye-opener. It was a turning point for my career - I became a loyal user and advocate of Drupal and a passionate Open Source enthusiast since then.

Passionate about the Drupal community, I've co-founded Jaipur Drupal User Group and am one of the Co-founding Board Members of the Drupal Association of India. I've regularly worked with both Indian and International Drupal communities in organizing many Drupal events. I've been a regular track chair and speaker at Drupalcons and Jury at Splash Awards.

While a strong supporter of empowering Drupal professionals, I’m a firm believer that Drupal Agencies have to play a crucial role in the success and adoption of Drupal along with the growth and wellbeing of Drupal professionals. Only a growing and successful Drupal agency can provide to a Drupal professional, the required conducive work environment, and opportunities to grow and contribute back to the community.

I've hosted many exclusive Agency Leaders Dinners for CXO's and Leaders globally. Taking my penchant for engaging digital change-makers online, I've launched “Humans Behind Digital Experiences (DX),” Podcast at Axelerant. Here I talk to Digital Agency Leaders empowering some of the biggest brands with transformative technology.

I regularly write and speak at events about various topics ranging from the growth of Open Source and Contribution culture in India, helping global Drupal agencies grow their business via strategic account management, transformed outsourcing, and success-driven partnership frameworks.

In my free time, I enjoy mentoring and advising local technology startups.