Kumar Singirikonda is a visionary leader in the field of DevOps and technology, currently serving as the Director of DevOps Engineering at Toyota. With over two decades of experience, Kumar has driven transformative change by championing automation, collaboration, and security in software development. A published author of the DevOps Automation Cookbook, he is a sought-after thought leader, mentor, and speaker in the tech community. Recognized with prestigious awards like the Inspirational DevOps Leadership Team Award, Kumar is passionate about empowering teams, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of technology. Outside of work, he enjoys mentoring, reading, and spending time with his family.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Kumar shared his professional trajectory, the inspiration behind his book, the secret mantra behind his success, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Kumar. What drives your passion for technology and its transformative power in organizations?
My passion for technology and its transformative power in organizations comes from my belief in the potential of innovation, collaboration, and automation to create real change. My journey started during the early days of DevOps, when companies were struggling to balance fast software development with stable operations. I saw an opportunity to bring development and operations teams together, breaking down silos and creating a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility. This vision has guided my career ever since.
What drives me is the impact technology can have on people and processes. While tools and automation are important, I believe it’s the people who truly make the difference. By building strong, cross-functional teams and empowering them with the right skills and resources, I’ve been able to deliver results consistently. I also focus heavily on mentoring and developing talent, ensuring teams stay ahead of industry trends and are ready to tackle complex challenges.
Automation is another key part of my passion. I know that repetitive tasks and manual processes can slow down innovation. By using automation tools like Jenkins, Kubernetes, Terraform, and Ansible, I’ve streamlined workflows, reduced errors, and sped up software delivery. This not only improves efficiency but also frees up teams to focus on more meaningful work.
Security is equally important to me. I advocate for DevSecOps, which means integrating security into every step of the DevOps process. By making security a shared responsibility, I ensure that organizations can deliver secure, high-quality software without sacrificing speed.
My passion goes beyond my role at Toyota. As a thought leader, I share my knowledge through books, articles, and speaking engagements, inspiring others to adopt DevOps practices. My book, DevOps Automation Cookbook, is a practical guide filled with actionable solutions to help professionals succeed.
In short, my passion for technology is rooted in its ability to transform organizations through collaboration, automation, and security. My vision for the future is one where technology and people work hand in hand to drive innovation, efficiency, and excellence. It’s this belief that keeps me motivated and excited about the possibilities ahead.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about my current role as Director of DevOps Engineering at Toyota is the opportunity to drive meaningful change and innovation. Every day, I get to work on cutting-edge solutions that align technology with business goals, helping the organization stay ahead in a fast-paced industry.
One of the most rewarding aspects is leading cross-functional teams. I enjoy bringing together talented individuals from different areas—developers, operations engineers, security experts—and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. Seeing these teams grow, innovate, and deliver high-quality results is incredibly fulfilling.
I also love the focus on automation and efficiency. By implementing tools like Kubernetes, Terraform, and Jenkins, I get to streamline processes, reduce manual work, and accelerate software delivery. It’s exciting to see how automation can transform workflows and free up teams to focus on more strategic tasks.
Another highlight is integrating security into every step of the DevOps process. Championing DevSecOps and ensuring that security is a shared responsibility across teams is both challenging and rewarding. It’s gratifying to know that our work not only delivers faster but also keeps systems secure and reliable.
Finally, I appreciate the chance to mentor and develop talent. Helping team members grow their skills and advance in their careers is something I deeply value. It’s inspiring to see them take ownership of their work and contribute to the organization’s success.
In short, what I love most about my role is the blend of innovation, collaboration, and impact. It’s a privilege to lead initiatives that drive transformation and make a real difference for the organization and the people I work with.
What inspired you to write the “DevOps Automation Cookbook,” and what do you hope readers take away from it?
What inspired me to write the DevOps Automation Cookbook was the need for a practical, hands-on guide that addresses real-world challenges in DevOps. While there are many books on DevOps, I noticed a gap in resources that provide actionable, ready-to-use solutions. I wanted to create something that goes beyond theory and equips professionals with the tools and knowledge to implement DevOps practices effectively in their own environments.
The book is packed with over 100 automation recipes, covering everything from infrastructure provisioning and continuous integration to security and compliance. Each chapter includes practical scripts, step-by-step roadmaps, and troubleshooting tips, making it easy for readers to apply what they learn immediately. I drew from my own experiences and challenges in the field to ensure the content is relevant and impactful.
What I hope readers take away from the book is confidence and clarity. I want them to feel empowered to automate key DevOps processes, streamline workflows, and solve complex problems with ease. Whether they’re new to DevOps or seasoned professionals, I aim for the book to serve as a valuable resource that helps them drive efficiency, improve collaboration, and deliver high-quality software faster.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire readers to embrace automation, innovation, and continuous improvement in their DevOps journeys. If the book helps even one team overcome a challenge or achieve a breakthrough, I’ll consider it a success.
How do you approach leadership and management, and what qualities do you think are essential for effective leadership?
My approach to leadership and management is centered around collaboration, empowerment, and a clear vision. I believe that effective leadership is about inspiring and enabling teams to perform at their best, rather than micromanaging or controlling every detail. Here’s how I approach it:
First and foremost, I focus on people. I prioritize building strong, cross-functional teams where every member feels valued and empowered. I invest time in mentoring and developing talent, helping individuals grow their skills and take ownership of their work. A leader’s success is deeply tied to the success of their team, so I strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Clear communication is another cornerstone of my leadership style. I believe in being transparent and open, sharing a clear vision, setting expectations, and providing regular feedback to keep everyone aligned and motivated. I also encourage team members to share their ideas and concerns, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration where everyone feels heard.
Leading by example is something I hold in high regard. I think it’s crucial for leaders to practice what they preach. Whether it’s embracing innovation, staying adaptable, or maintaining a strong work ethic, I aim to set the tone for the team through my actions. This helps build credibility and inspires others to follow suit.
I also place a strong emphasis on encouraging innovation. I create space for creativity and experimentation, allowing teams to think outside the box and take calculated risks. This approach not only drives innovation but also helps us find better solutions to challenges and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Finally, I focus on the results. While collaboration and empowerment are key, I also emphasize accountability and delivering outcomes. I help teams set clear goals, measure progress, and celebrate successes while learning from setbacks. This ensures that we stay focused on achieving tangible results that align with our objectives.
When it comes to essential qualities for effective leadership, I believe empathy is critical. Understanding and addressing the needs and challenges of team members builds trust and strengthens relationships. Adaptability is equally important, as leaders must be flexible and open to new ideas in a fast-changing world. A clear vision provides direction and purpose, guiding teams toward shared goals. Resilience is another key trait, as leaders need to stay calm and focused under pressure, inspiring confidence in their teams. Lastly, decisiveness is crucial—making timely, informed decisions keep projects moving forward and ensure progress.
In summary, I believe leadership is about empowering others, fostering collaboration, and driving results through a shared vision. It’s not just about managing tasks—it’s about inspiring people to achieve their full potential and creating an environment where everyone can succeed.
Your impactful contributions have garnered recognition through prestigious awards, including the Inspirational DevOps Leadership Team Award and the Quality Excellence Award. Also, many congratulations on being shortlisted for the Data and AI Leader of the Year award. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
Thank you so much for your kind words and congratulations! I’m truly honored by the recognition, and I’m happy to share what I believe has been the “secret mantra” behind my success. While there’s no single formula, a few key principles have guided me throughout my journey:
First and foremost, it’s about putting people first. I firmly believe that success is a team effort. My focus has always been on building strong, collaborative teams where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute their best. By fostering a culture of trust, open communication, and shared responsibility, I’ve seen teams achieve incredible results together. Investing in mentorship and helping others grow has also been a cornerstone of my approach.
Another critical factor is staying curious and adaptable. The world of technology is constantly evolving, and I’ve always made it a priority to stay ahead of trends, learn new skills, and embrace change. Whether it’s adopting emerging technologies like AI or refining DevOps practices, I strive to remain open to innovation and continuous improvement. This mindset has allowed me to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
Execution with excellence is another principle I live by. It’s not just about having great ideas—it’s about turning those ideas into action and delivering tangible results. I focus on setting clear goals, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, and ensuring that every project adds real value. This results-driven approach has been key to achieving meaningful outcomes.
Lastly, I believe in leading with purpose and passion. I’m deeply passionate about the transformative power of technology, and I strive to inspire that same enthusiasm in others. Whether it’s through thought leadership, mentoring, or driving impactful projects, I aim to make a positive difference—not just for my organization but for the broader tech community.
In short, my “secret mantra” is a combination of people-first leadership, adaptability, a focus on execution, and a genuine passion for what I do. Success, for me, is about creating value, empowering others, and continuously striving to make an impact.
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have several influential mentors and role models who have shaped my professional journey. One of the most significant influences has been my early manager at Verizon, who taught me the importance of leadership through empathy and collaboration. This manager showed me that great leaders don’t just focus on results—they prioritize understanding their team’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations. This lesson has stayed with me and deeply influenced my people-first approach to leadership.
Another key mentor was a senior leader at Citigroup, who emphasized the value of strategic thinking and alignment with business goals. This individual helped me see the bigger picture and understand how technological initiatives can drive organizational success. They encouraged me to think beyond technical execution and focus on delivering value that aligns with the company’s vision. This perspective has been instrumental in shaping my ability to bridge the gap between technology and business objectives.
I’ve also drawn inspiration from thought leaders in the DevOps and tech communities. Figures like Gene Kim and Jez Humble, who have pioneered DevOps practices, have influenced my approach to automation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Their work has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of DevOps and inspired me to share my own insights through writing and speaking engagements.
Lastly, I’ve learned a great deal from my teams over the years. Every team member brings unique perspectives and ideas, and their feedback and collaboration have been invaluable in shaping my leadership style. They’ve taught me the importance of listening, adapting, and fostering a culture of innovation.
In summary, my mentors and teams have played a pivotal role in my journey. They’ve taught me the value of empathy, strategic thinking, and collaboration, and their influence continues to guide me as I strive to make a positive impact in the tech world.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Outside of work, I am deeply passionate about giving back to the community and making a meaningful impact. One of the ways I do this is by serving as a Board of Director at Gift of Adoption, an incredible organization that provides adoption assistance grants to complete the adoptions of children in vulnerable circumstances. By helping these children find permanent families, we give them a chance to thrive in a loving and supportive environment. This role is incredibly fulfilling, as it allows me to contribute to a cause that changes lives and strengthens communities.
Additionally, I am honored to serve as a Board of Advisor at The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. In this role, I provide strategic guidance, industry insights, and mentorship to help shape the future of business education. It’s rewarding to support the next generation of leaders by preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace.
I also enjoy writing articles on a variety of subjects, from technology and leadership to diversity and innovation. Writing allows me to share knowledge, spark conversations, and inspire others to think differently. Whether it’s through thought leadership or practical insights, I aim to contribute to the broader discourse and help others grow.
In my personal time, I love spending quality moments with my family, exploring new places, and staying active through activities like hiking and yoga. These pursuits help me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In summary, my passions outside of work revolve around giving back, mentoring, writing, and spending time with loved ones. These activities not only bring me joy but also allow me to make a positive impact in the world.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
To prepare for the future, I’m currently investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies have immense potential to transform how we approach automation, decision-making, and problem-solving in DevOps and beyond. I’m exploring ways to integrate AI and ML into our workflows to enhance predictive analytics, automate complex tasks, and improve system reliability.
Another area I’m focusing on is edge computing. As the demand for real-time data processing grows, edge computing is becoming increasingly important. I’m looking at how we can leverage this technology to reduce latency, improve performance, and enable faster decision-making in distributed environments.
I’m also keeping a close eye on quantum computing. While it’s still in its early stages, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize industries by solving problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers. I’m exploring its implications for areas like cryptography, optimization, and complex simulations.
Lastly, I’m investing in DevSecOps and cloud-native technologies. As organizations continue to migrate to the cloud, ensuring security and scalability is critical. I’m working on integrating security into every stage of the DevOps lifecycle and adopting cloud-native tools to build more resilient and efficient systems.
In summary, I’m focusing on AI/ML, edge computing, quantum computing, and DevSecOps to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the future of technology. These investments align with my vision of driving innovation, efficiency, and security in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
My long-term career aspirations revolve around continuing to drive innovation and transformation in the tech industry while inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders. Over the next five years, I see myself evolving in a few keyways:
First, I aim to deepen my impact as a thought leader in the DevOps and technology space. I want to expand my contributions through writing, speaking, and mentoring, sharing insights and best practices that help organizations and professionals navigate the complexities of modern technology. I hope to publish more books, contribute to industry forums, and participate in global conferences to influence the direction of the tech community.
Second, I aspire to take on broader strategic leadership roles where I can shape the future of technology at an organizational or even industry level. This could involve leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, driving innovation in emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, or helping organizations adopt sustainable and ethical tech practices.
Third, I want to focus on building inclusive and diverse teams. As a leader, I believe it’s crucial to create environments where people from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered to contribute. Over the next five years, I plan to champion diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that the teams I lead reflect the richness of perspectives needed to solve complex problems.
Lastly, I see myself continuing to mentor and develop talent. Helping others grow and achieve their potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. I want to establish mentorship programs, collaborate with educational institutions, and support initiatives that prepare the next generation of tech leaders.
In summary, my long-term aspirations are to drive innovation, influence the tech industry, foster inclusive cultures, and mentor future leaders. Over the next five years, I see myself evolving as a leader who not only achieves organizational success but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the tech community and beyond.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in technology or DevOps?
For someone just starting their career in technology or DevOps, here’s some advice that I believe can set you on the path to success. First and foremost, embrace continuous learning. Technology evolves rapidly, so make learning a lifelong habit. Stay curious, explore new tools, and keep up with industry trends. Online courses, certifications, and hands-on projects are great ways to build and refine your skills.
It’s also important to focus on fundamentals. Before diving into advanced tools and frameworks, ensure you have a strong grasp of the basics—programming, networking, operating systems, and cloud computing. A solid foundation will make it easier to adapt to new technologies as they emerge.
Getting hands-on experience is equally critical. Theory is important, but nothing beats practical experience. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or set up a home lab to experiment with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins. This will help you build confidence and deepen your understanding.
Collaboration and communication are key in DevOps. Since DevOps is all about teamwork, develop strong communication skills and learn to work effectively with developers, operations, and security professionals. Being a team player is just as important as technical expertise.
Understanding the business side of technology is another essential skill. Technology exists to solve business problems, so learn how your work aligns with organizational goals and delivers value. This mindset will help you make better decisions and stand out as a strategic thinker.
Automation is at the heart of DevOps, so prioritize it. Look for opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, whether it’s testing, deployment, or infrastructure management. Tools like Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines can be incredibly powerful in streamlining workflows.
Security should never be an afterthought. Learn the basics of DevSecOps and integrate security practices into your workflows from the start. This will make you a more well-rounded professional and help you build secure systems.
Building a network is also invaluable. Connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders through meetups, conferences, and online communities. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights that accelerate your growth.
Be resilient and adaptable. Technology can be challenging, and setbacks are inevitable. Stay resilient, learn from failures, and be willing to adapt to change. A growth mindset will take you far in this dynamic field.
Finally, have fun and stay passionate. Technology is a field full of opportunities to innovate and make an impact. Let your passion drive you, and you’ll find fulfillment in your work. With dedication and the right mindset, you’ll build a rewarding and impactful career in technology or DevOps.