#WeAreSymphony

We are Symphony: A conversation with Guruprasad S

By
Valeria Levantino
Communications Manager
Rakuten Symphony
January 24, 2025
5
minute read

From Mumbai to Japan, Guruprasad S, Vice President and Chief of Staff at Rakuten Symphony, shares his global journey and passion for transformation.

Tell us a little bit about your journey to Rakuten Symphony to date.

I grew up in Mumbai, though I’m originally from southern India. Like many tech professionals, my career started as a programmer, but over time, I realized I wanted to do more than just work on the technical side. I pivoted to roles focused on bridging technical innovation with business success, which opened unexpected doors and allowed me to develop a broader skill set.

This journey eventually led me to Japan, where I took on the role of country strategy manager at AWS. Japan’s traditional, process-driven business ecosystem intrigued me, and the role gave me the chance to collaborate closely with senior leaders and navigate organizational strategy at a deeper level.

After some time, I found myself seeking something new - a challenge that that would allow me to innovate and make a real impact while still offering a sense of stability. Rakuten Symphony provided the perfect opportunity, combining the energy of a startup with the support of an established organization. As someone with a family, this balance was important, allowing me to take on an exciting role while ensuring stability for my loved ones.

Guru at Jahaz Mahal, a stunning architectural marvel built in the 15th century, around 100 kilometers from Indore.
Guru at Jahaz Mahal, a stunning architectural marvel built in the 15th century, around 100 kilometers from Indore

Can you share more about your role and responsibilities?

I’m the Vice President, Chief of Staff for the OSS BU, responsible for ensuring all functions within the team work seamlessly to bring our strategies to life. Think of it like an orchestra—our president is the composer, creating the vision and direction, and I’m the conductor, ensuring all the instruments come together to perform in harmony. My role involves aligning teams, addressing blind spots, and taking on responsibilities beyond the president’s immediate scope to ensure nothing important is overlooked. Collaborating with senior leaders brings challenges—balancing priorities, managing egos, and aligning diverse perspectives—but these experiences have strengthened my resilience and adaptability.

My key KPIs include driving business performance metrics such as revenue growth, operating income, and profitability, balancing organizational structure by optimizing resource types, roles, headcount, and investments in strategic initiatives, improving operational efficiency by streamlining processes and removing bottlenecks, and fostering effective communication between leadership and teams.

This role is helping design my future by providing a unique vantage point into the complexities of leadership and business strategy.


What does your day-to-day look like?

My role is inherently dynamic in nature. Each day’s tasks are shaped by the priorities and needs of the leadership team, but it also requires me to think ahead—anticipating what might be critical in the coming days. It’s a balance between addressing unexpected challenges that arise and proactively planning to avoid firefighting scenarios.

Every day in my role brings a unique blend of priorities—technology, people, organizational structure, sales, rewards and recognition, financials, and product evolution. Each of these areas requires focus, coordination, and alignment to keep the organization moving forward. It’s a fast-paced and dynamic role that challenges me to think strategically while staying adaptable. The variety and impact of what I do makes my role exciting—it’s never the same day twice!

What made you say ‘yes’ to joining the Rakuten Symphony team?

What drew me to Rakuten Symphony was its unique environment. It’s a company that attracts highly driven, talented individuals who thrive on independence and creativity. What stood out was the culture - there’s no rigid hierarchy based on experience, which means you’re given the freedom to take ownership and innovate right from the start. That level of trust and autonomy was incredibly appealing.

This role, in particular, offered something I hadn’t experienced before: a laser-sharp focus on telecom. In my previous positions, I worked across multiple industries, developing strategies from a broad perspective. Rakuten Symphony, however, provided an opportunity to specialize deeply in one industry. This level of focus was exciting because it allowed me to dive into the nuances of telecom, understand its unique dynamics, and make a tangible impact. That combination of autonomy, expertise, and the chance to drive change was what made both Rakuten Symphony and this role truly stand out for me.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in the strengths of others and their unique ways of living. It’s like picking feathers from different caps: I admire humility in one person, the ability to balance professional and personal life, or the dedication of someone who cultivates their passions with consistency and care.

I’m also inspired by history and the stories of great leaders around the world. It’s not about emulating someone entirely but taking bits of what makes them remarkable and incorporating it into my own life while staying true to who I am. For me, inspiration comes from observing how people overcome challenges and live with purpose.

Guruprasad out skiing in Hokkaido in 2022.
Guruprasad out skiing in Hokkaido in 2022.

What are your hobbies outside of work that keep you sane?

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my daughter. We explore math and science together, solve puzzles, and watch documentaries - it’s always exciting to see her curiosity grow. I also enjoy playing tennis, cycling, and taking drives with my family through the beautiful Japanese countryside. Recently, we visited Izu, and the stunning landscapes left me in awe!

I’m also passionate about giving back to the community through river-cleaning activities, doing my small part for the environment. I enjoy immersing myself in cooking to be a wonderful way to relax and recharge.

What advice do you have for people considering joining Rakuten Symphony?

Rakuten Symphony is a rapidly evolving organization with a significant focus on AI and next-generation technologies. My advice is to be adaptable, stay curious,  and always be open to exploring new possibilities. The coming years will be incredibly exciting as we navigate cutting-edge advancements, and it’s a great place for self-driven individuals who are eager to learn and grow.

What’s next for you in your career?

In my career, I’ve always focused on what’s next. But for the first time, I feel like I’m doing something I truly love and want to continue. There’s so much to learn and accomplish in my current role, and the opportunities here keep me excited and motivated. I’m genuinely happy where I am and look forward to contributing even more to the organization’s success. It allows me to develop a holistic understanding of organizational dynamics, sharpen my decision-making skills, and build strong relationships across functions. These experiences are preparing me to confidently step into broader leadership roles in the future.

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