In the fast-evolving world of media technology, creating a robust organisational culture is essential for sustained growth and innovation. At Amagi Corporation, a leading global media tech company, cultural tenets like freedom, empowerment, and inclusivity are central to its success. Prasad Menon, the Global Chief People Officer, shares insights into Amagi’s transformative journey, emphasising the importance of fostering an adaptive culture that scales with the organisation’s growth and complexity.
From Engineering to Human Resources
Prasad Menon shares how his journey began in engineering with no formal HR background. “I relied heavily on my curiosity and problem-solving mindset,” he says, reflecting on his transition into people management over 25 years.
At Amagi, Menon leads a team of nearly 850 individuals representing 30 nationalities. “It’s a fascinating challenge to navigate the diversity of a global workforce. The satisfaction of contributing to a company’s growth journey is immense,” he states.
Revolutionising Media with Cloud Technology
Founded 16 years ago by Srini, Vidya, and Vast Venture, Amagi transforms media technology through vertical SaaS solutions. It enables broadcasters, content creators, and advertisers to thrive in a connected ecosystem.
“We have redefined broadcasting by moving operations to the cloud, drastically reducing costs,” Menon explains. With a lean team, Amagi manages over 5,000 channels worldwide, pioneering advancements in broadcasting, content distribution, and programmatic TV advertising.
Building a Scalable Culture
Amagi’s cultural philosophy, rooted in the Sumerian word "Amagi," meaning "freedom," emphasises empowerment and autonomy. Reflecting on the company’s rapid growth, Menon says, “Scaling this culture during a tenfold growth, especially through the pandemic, has been our biggest challenge.”
To address this, Menon embeds cultural principles into measurable systems, ensuring alignment across geographies. “We believe in empowering decision-making at all levels while maintaining our core DNA,” he adds.
Embracing Continuous Listening
Amagi adopts an AI-powered Chief Listening Officer to gather real-time feedback from employees. “Continuous listening allows us to understand employee sentiment and take timely action,” Menon shares.
Key initiatives like "Alpha Goals" workshops stem from this feedback, helping improve alignment between individual objectives and the company’s broader goals. “This approach builds trust and accountability while ensuring we stay proactive in addressing employee concerns,” he explains.
Celebrating Diversity and Vulnerability
Highlighting diversity as a strength, Amagi has established Centers of Excellence in Poland and Croatia. “Diversity brings fresh perspectives and strengthens our global approach,” says Menon.
The company also embraces vulnerability as a cultural value. “Encouraging employees to admit mistakes without fear builds authenticity and strengthens our culture,” he emphasises, adding that this approach fosters deeper connections within teams.
Driving Innovation through Collaboration
Amagi’s cohesive culture drives groundbreaking achievements, including live-casting the Olympics entirely on the cloud without technical glitches. “This was a testament to the power of our culture and collaboration across geographies,” Menon notes.
As Amagi continues its expansion, Menon remains steadfast in his vision. “Our goal is to create the happiest workplace in the world. When employees feel heard and valued, they align naturally with the organisation’s belief systems and purpose,” he concludes
