Solution Architect Show

Ben Yu https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybbest/
If you’d like to share your architecture career journey on the podcast, please connect with me on LinkedIn.

Ben Yu https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybbest/
👉 Follow Meena and check out Tech Beyond Gender for more insights.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenaincloud/
https://www.techbeyondgender.org/podcasts/
I had the privilege of speaking with Meena Satishkumar – a brilliant Solution Architect and founder of Tech Beyond Gender, an initiative driving diversity, inclusion, and innovation in tech. 🌐✨ 💡 Key Highlights from Our Conversation:
✅ Meena’s journey from data engineering to solution architecture, fueled by curiosity for the bigger picture.
✅ Challenges of moving from technical depth to architectural breadth – and why storytelling & influence matter as much as design.
✅ The inspiration behind Tech Beyond Gender and its mission to amplify underrepresented voices through research, mentoring, and community engagement.
✅ How Generative AI is transforming architecture:⚡ Accelerating design & trade-off analysis
🗣 Bridging communication gaps
🎯 Enabling strategic focus
✅ Ethics & governance remain critical
🔑 Advice for aspiring architects:
1️⃣ Expand your context – think beyond code to business impact.
2️⃣ Embrace ambiguity – decisions often come with incomplete info.
3️⃣ Build communication & collaboration skills – architecture is a team sport.
4️⃣ Stay curious – lifelong learning is key. 💬 Meena also reminded us that confidence and mental well-being are just as important as technical skills. Practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help maintain clarity and resilience. 🌱 I shared my own experience: transitioning wasn’t easy – mentorship and persistence made all the difference. It’s not a promotion; it’s a role change requiring new skills and mindset.

If you’d like to share your journey of becoming a Solution Architect, feel free to reach out to me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybbest/
This episode is generated by https://notebooklm.google.com/

Ben Yu : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybbest/
Zin Hoang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinhoang/

🚀 New Episode: Why I Transitioned from Developer to Solution ArchitectIn this episode of the Solution Architect Show, I sit down with a guest who asked me a powerful question:
"Why did you move from being a developer to becoming a solution architect?"The truth? It wasn’t by choice—it was by necessity.💡 When Microsoft discontinued custom development on SharePoint, I had to rethink my entire career path. Instead of chasing another platform, I chose to invest in long-term, transferable skills like leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.🎯 In this episode, we explore:
The difference between technical leadership and people management
Why solution architecture is a two-way door—you can always return to development
How to navigate uncertainty and career pivots with confidence
The importance of mentorship, adaptability, and giving yourself time to grow
Whether you're considering a shift or just curious about the journey, this episode is for you.