S5E51 Manish Kumar | Being CEO at SOLIDWORKS

Being an Engineer

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Today, we are honored to speak with Manish Kumar whose journey from a curious engineer to the CEO of SolidWorks is both inspiring and insightful. In this conversation, Manish discusses the evolution of SolidWorks, the introduction of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the integration of cloud computing and AI, and the process of translating user feedback into product development. Manish also reflects on the challenges of being a CEO, the importance of embracing change, and lessons learned from failures.

Main Topics Covered:

Manish's background and early influences that led him to engineering
Transition from mechanical engineering to software and joining SolidWorks
The evolution of SolidWorks and its user experience focus
Introduction to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and its capabilities
Cloud computing and the development of X Design
AI integration in CAD workflows and automation of drawing creation
The process of gathering customer feedback and incorporating it into product development
Challenges of being a CEO and the importance of taking risks
Lessons learned from failures and the power of storytelling to convince stakeholders

About the guest: Manish Kumar, is a luminary in the world of CAD software and engineering innovation. He currently serves as the CEO of SOLIDWORKS and Vice President of R&D at Dassault Systèmes, where he has been instrumental in evolving one of the most respected platforms in the design world. With over two decades of experience, Manish has led transformative projects, from pioneering Agile methodologies at SolidWorks to spearheading the shift toward SaaS-based cloud computing.

A graduate of IIT Delhi and Harvard University, Manish combines technical brilliance with a deep commitment to empowering engineers and designers globally. Outside of his professional endeavors, he’s an avid reader, movie enthusiast, and traveler, finding inspiration in both the digital and real worlds.

Links:

Manish Kumar - LinkedIn
SOLIDWORKS Website

Aaron Moncur, host

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About Being An Engineer

The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Chapters

1. Manish Kumar's Background and Early Influences (00:00:00)

2. Transition from Mechanical Engineering to Software (00:05:41)

3. Early Days of SolidWorks and Its Evolution (00:08:17)

4. Introduction to 3D Experience Platform (00:13:44)

5. Cloud Computing and X Design (00:20:47)

6. AI Integration in CAD Workflows (00:34:24)

7. Customer Feedback and Product Development (00:38:53)

8. Challenges of Being CEO (00:43:27)

9. Lessons from Failures (00:45:51)

10. Salesmanship and Convincing Stakeholders (00:53:49)

11. Closing Remarks and Vision for the Future (00:56:09)

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