San Francisco Bay Area, California – January 2, 2026
The year 2026 marks a defining moment for global technology infrastructure. Artificial intelligence workloads, accelerated computing, and the rapid expansion of edge and hybrid data centers are pushing electricity consumption in data centers toward unprecedented levels. Industry analyses, including projections from the International Energy Agency, indicate that data center power demand could approach or exceed 1,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually by the mid-2020s, driven largely by AI training, inference, and the proliferation of high-performance computing.
In this dynamic landscape, where enterprises must deliver resilient, sustainable, and low-latency infrastructure while navigating power constraints, regulatory pressures, and cybersecurity imperatives, the expertise of seasoned program managers has become indispensable. These leaders orchestrate multi-million-dollar migrations, cloud transitions, risk mitigation strategies, stakeholder alignment, and cross-functional execution that underpin everything from email security platforms to global e-commerce and threat protection systems.
Kumar Saurabh, PMP, CSM, SAFe Agilist-certified Senior Engineering Program Manager at Proofpoint, today reflects on his remarkable professional journey from humble beginnings in India to the heart of Silicon Valley. He also highlights the continued relevance of his eBook, 27 Program Management Interview Techniques: To Ace that Dream Job Offer! (Featured in Forbes India), as a resource for aspiring leaders seeking to break into or advance in this high-impact field.
Saurabh’s career began after completing a B.E. in Computer Science and a General Management Program from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore. During his time at IIM, he recognized the transformative potential of program management to elevate client experiences and drive measurable business outcomes. This insight launched his international career, starting with major insurance sector projects in London, where he spent eight years honing his craft, earning his PMP certification, and establishing himself as a results-driven professional.
In 2015, he relocated to Silicon Valley for a critical assignment at Apple Inc., followed by impactful roles at leading organizations including GAP, Kohl’s, and Intuit. At Proofpoint, in the Email Security division, he currently leads full program lifecycles, including strategic bare metal data center establishments in the UK and Australia (delivering operational savings exceeding $1 million), as well as cloud migrations and process optimizations that have generated hundreds of thousands in monthly savings.
“The journey from India to Silicon Valley has shown me that program management is the convergence of art, science, and craft,” Saurabh explains. “It requires strong technical foundations, exceptional soft skills, relentless curiosity, and the ability to learn from respected leaders. Certifications from Harvard Business School and Wharton, along with active participation in Silicon Valley meetups and alumni networks, have kept me at the forefront of industry evolution.”
Saurabh identifies the most captivating aspect of the role as creating psychological safety, enabling teams to innovate, voice ideas, and collaborate effectively, while linking daily efforts to meaningful global impact. “In 2026, as AI drives demand for modular designs, liquid cooling, edge deployments, and sustainable energy integration, program managers must evolve into true all-rounders: technically proficient, strategically minded, and capable of continuous adaptation in a fast-changing world.”
The motivation for the eBook arose from years of interviewing candidates and witnessing highly skilled professionals struggle to articulate their value effectively. “Program management is a dream career for many around the world, carrying significant responsibility and reward,” he notes. “Yet many fail to land these roles because they cannot structure coherent, compelling responses. A great interview is an art, requiring clarity, charisma, structure, and insider knowledge.”
The eBook presents 27 carefully selected questions paired with comprehensive, well-written answers, real-world examples, pro-tips for customization, and practical techniques to impress hiring managers. Unlike generic interview guides, it emphasizes metrics-driven storytelling, outcome focus, empathy, and relatable implementation, helping readers stand out and secure coveted positions.
The book covers essential topics: handling complex responsibilities, resolving conflicts, applying agile methodologies, managing requirements, aligning cross-functional teams, and tailoring responses to specific organizations. “It’s designed to connect with the program management community and elevate preparation to the next level,” Saurabh says.
He offers three essential tips for candidates preparing for critical interviews:
- Be succinct — deliver maximum impact with fewer words in the limited interview time.
- Highlight accomplishments with metrics — focus on results, not just tasks.
- Emphasize outcomes and empathy — showcase the broader impact and human-centered approach that defines exceptional program managers.
For those facing repeated setbacks, Saurabh provides encouragement: “Never be discouraged. Failure is a step toward success. Reflect on weaker responses, rewrite them with greater impact, practice aloud, and seek feedback. Build your foundation like the bamboo tree: invisible, deep growth underground for years, followed by explosive progress in the ‘fifth year.’ Patience, persistence, and consistent effort will lead to astonishing results.”
As 2026 progresses, with AI adoption accelerating, sovereign data initiatives expanding, and infrastructure modernization becoming a strategic imperative, Saurabh remains committed to mentoring, incorporating community feedback for future editions, and leading innovation in AI-native program management.
About Kumar Saurabh Kumar Saurabh is a certified program management expert with more than 18 years of experience delivering complex data center migrations, cloud transitions, and strategic portfolios at Proofpoint, Intuit, Kohl’s, GAP, Apple, and other leading organizations. Featured in Forbes India for his contributions to interview preparation and professional development, he holds prestigious credentials from IIM Bangalore, Harvard Business School, and Wharton. An author, mentor, regular quarterly townhall speaker, and national-level musician (table player and saxophonist), Saurabh is passionately dedicated to empowering professionals to achieve excellence.
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