Suresh Babu Pinachinnayagari
Sales Director, Zoho IoT
Years with Zoho
Years with Zoho
What did you want to be while growing up?
I badly wanted to be a pilot.
A leader that inspires you?
My father and Mr. Sridhar Vembu (our former CEO) for their patience and perseverance.
Your go-to comfort food?
My mom’s chutneys and, of course, Biryani!
Describe your current role in the organization.
I lead Zoho IoT’s business operations, overseeing business development, sales, presales, and partner management.
What role does Zoho’s company culture play in your identity and the work that you do?
At Zoho, the ingrained culture of simplicity has continually empowered me to pursue self-learning, think creatively, make independent decisions, and stay focused on long-term goals. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate this mindset deeply—not just in building our products but also in working together, supporting each other, and growing collectively in quiet, powerful ways.
What were the highest and lowest points of your journey with Zoho?
I’ve been with Zoho for so many years, and now that I look back, I see that my journey has been anything but linear. As an engineering graduate, I never imagined myself in presales. It felt a thousand miles away from my dreams. But I still remember my father’s words: “Rather than waiting for the opportunity, start creating a path.” Those words became my guiding force.
With time, perseverance, and the support of incredible mentors, I grew from a hesitant presales engineer into the role of Director of Sales. One moment that still stands out is my conversation with Mr. Sridhar Vembu in 2013. I asked him, “Where do you see me in the next five years?” He simply smiled and said, “Come back after five years.” At the time, I was puzzled. But today, those words make perfect sense.
I’m deeply grateful to be part of Zoho’s journey—surrounded by visionary leaders and a culture that values growth, humility, and purpose.
As for the lowest point, I don’t feel like I’ve had one. Every challenge along the way felt like a stepping stone, not a setback.
Your most embarrassing blunder?
In the mid-2010s, I was part of the product implementation team and spent a good amount of time in the US, juggling multiple time zones. On one such trip, I had meetings in San Francisco (PST) one day and flew to Philadelphia (EST) that night for a client visit the next morning. The next day, I glanced at my wristwatch, which is still set to West Coast time, instead of checking my phone. Thinking I had more time, I went back to sleep.
A while later, the client called to ask when I’d be arriving at their campus. That call jolted me—I checked the time and realized it was already a quarter past nine! I scrambled, gave a rather lame excuse, and somehow salvaged the meeting. From that day on, I made a rule for myself: always set multiple alarms and double-check time zones!
What are your hobbies or favorite activities outside of work?
My hobbies have always been seasonal, but in recent years, driving has truly become a part of me. One of my most memorable experiences was a solo road trip from Chennai to Kodaikanal, then to Munnar, and back to Chennai. It was a journey that brought out a completely different side of me—no plans, no “what ifs”—just me and my Blakie (my Meteor 350), chasing the road and the freedom it brings.
Words of Wisdom
To me, integrity and humility matter just as much as the career journey itself. Stay grounded, and make it a habit to listen more than you speak. It’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers—what truly counts is your openness to learn, evolve, and grow.
Think of your path as having two lanes: one for quick wins that keep you agile and motivated, and another for the long haul that requires vision, patience, and resilience. Real leadership takes shape when you learn to navigate with balance and intention.