As a co-founder and CFO of Trust Your Supplier, as well as a co-owner of IT People Corporation and Chainyard, Sri Mudunuri plays a vital role in shaping global business strategies. Balancing leadership across multiple companies while working closely with teams in both the U.S. and India requires focus, resilience, and a deep commitment to collaboration. In honor of International Women’s Day, we take a closer look at Sri’s approach to leadership, problem-solving, and balance in an exclusive Q&A.
What does a typical morning look like for you?
Sri Mudunuri: A typical day starts with the news. After I get up, I put on the local news just to understand what’s going on at the local level. Then, CNBC—it’s a must for me. The first part of my day is understanding what’s going on in the world.
I usually arrive at the office around 9:30 AM. I’m not a morning person because I work late with the India team. By the time I go to bed, it’s around 1 AM. Once I’m at the office, I review the list of items that I didn’t complete the previous day. Then, I check for any new, time-sensitive issues before diving into meetings and calls.
How do you approach problem-solving when faced with unexpected challenges?
Sri Mudunuri: First, I assess whether it’s a problem I’ve encountered before. If I have, I categorize it as less challenging and set it aside until the evening, when I can formulate a plan—what’s the timeline, do I need help, and if so, from whom? The next day, I notify those involved and provide the necessary details.
For new challenges, I start by understanding the liability and business impact—whether financial, operational, strategic, or logistical. I consult the right experts, research solutions online, and even use AI tools to gain insights. I believe in taking the help that’s available and being hands-on in analyzing all the details.
Experience equips you to handle challenges. Every problem has an outcome—it might not always be the one you wanted, but there’s always a resolution.
What role does collaboration play in your leadership style?
Sri Mudunuri: My personal belief is that collaboration and ownership are separate. I love collaborating—gathering insights, seeking input, and working as a team. But when something is on my plate, I take full ownership.
At the end of the day, I am responsible for providing leadership and direction. While I rely on my team, it’s my role to ensure alignment and drive execution.
How do you balance long-term strategic thinking with daily business demands? 
Sri Mudunuri: You don’t work on planning strategy every day. You set a strategy at the beginning of the year, define quarterly and monthly priorities, and then execute daily.
It may seem like I’m just focusing on day-to-day tasks, but each of those tasks ties back to a larger, strategic plan. The key is understanding that daily work is just small steps toward executing a bigger vision.
How is your workday different when you’re in India compared to when you’re in the U.S.?
Sri Mudunuri: In India, my workday starts in the late afternoon, around 4:30 PM. I’m more physically exhausted when working in India because I cannot just sleep or take rest in the daytime. While I’m there, I also have family and social obligations during the day, which are different from my routine in the U.S. Since I don’t see my family in India often, I make it a priority to spend time with them while I’m there. This means balancing both personal and professional commitments, so I really have to be motivated and increase my drive level when in India.
How does the collaboration between teams in the U.S. and India strengthen the company’s overall success?
Sri Mudunuri: Businesses today are global—there are no physical barriers or boundaries. Having teams in different locations strengthens our ability to operate seamlessly, no matter where we are.
How do you manage stress and maintain resilience?
Sri Mudunuri: Having a good, collaborative team keeps stress at a manageable level. That’s the key.
Personally, when I feel stressed, I turn to numbers. I’ll dive into financial data, analyze key indicators, and crunch numbers. Numbers don’t carry opinions or biases—they’re purely data-driven. As a CFO, that kind of clarity helps me reset and refocus.
What advice would you give to women navigating leadership while maintaining balance?
Sri Mudunuri: Women sometimes drift away from the logical path, letting emotions influence decisions. I’ve seen young women mix personal and professional matters, but work is for a purpose—it’s not personal.
Communication is key. Don’t internalize everything—speak up and express your concerns. And most importantly, learn to say no. Saying no is perfectly fine.
What are you reading?
Sri Mudunuri: The most recent book I read was Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. I’m also part of an online CEO book club and enjoy Reese Witherspoon’s book club picks. I’m a big fan of Malcolm Gladwell’s work as well.
I also highly recommend the video series Moments That Make Us by Melinda French Gates. It’s incredibly insightful.
How do you end your day?
Sri Mudunuri: Sometimes, I’ll have a glass of wine, but more often, I wind down by talking things through with a few trusted mentors—people who have a vested interest in my growth and aren’t afraid to challenge me. I’ll ask, Did I mess something up? Am I wrong? Could I be missing something? I don’t want people who just tell me I’m right—I want honest feedback to help me see the big picture.
A Leadership Approach Built on Insight, Adaptability, and Collaboration
Sri Mudunuri’s leadership is a testament to balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution. Whether she’s navigating global business operations, problem-solving with her team, or gaining new perspectives from trusted advisors, she approaches every challenge with resilience and curiosity.
Her ability to adapt—whether working in the U.S. or India—reflects the power of collaboration and diverse thinking in today’s borderless business world. And through it all, she remains focused on what matters most: driving success, fostering innovation, and continuously learning along the way.
