Hello, I’m Prashanthi

I recently read an article1 on the audio/video monitoring service re-architecture of Amazon Prime. Previously, they distributed different processes and connected the tasks using AWS Step Functions and AWS Lambda serverless components. It all starts with a service that has three major components: Media converter, which runs as an AWS Lambda function, converts input audio/video streams to frames and stores them in S3. ...

I used to prefer digital books. With ebooks, I could read them on my iPad or Kindle and didn’t have to hold big, clunky books. But I wanted to experiment with physical books, so for the past couple of months, I’ve been reading only physical ones. And I love it. Yes, the books are heavy, but the more I read, the more I’m getting used to them. Holding a real book, touching the paper, and reading my favorites has proven to be a more aesthetic experience. ...

The human brain is obviously very intelligent, but we still haven’t figured out its full potential. Is it possible that the brain stored full information about itself, including how it works, somewhere inside of it, and then forgot about it?

I appreciate when people express themselves clearly and simply. Complex language can make it harder to connect with others, so I prefer using straightforward language. For me, the ideal writing style is brief and easy to follow. It’s about getting the message across without overcomplicating things. “If you want me to give you a two-hour presentation, I am ready today. If you want only a five-minute speech, it will take me two weeks to prepare.” - Mark Twain ...

I am currently reading ‘Team of Rivals’, which tells the story of Abraham Lincoln and three men who served with him in his cabinet while he was president. One of the things that is very unsettling in history is death. There was so much death. I had never particularly thought about modern medical advances, but while reading this book, I cannot help but feel grateful for our science. – Lincoln believed that economic development was crucial in giving every American an equal and fair chance in life. He saw the ability of democracy to improve the lives of people by removing artificial barriers and opening paths for everyone to pursue their goals. For him, a true democracy would be a meritocracy, where people from lower ranks could rise based on their natural abilities and hard work. ...

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, whether it’s from work or my thoughts, I take a step back and sit silently. Sometimes, weeks pass by with these overwhelming tasks, and my mind goes berserk without me even realizing it. It’s not until I can’t take it anymore that I notice. I am trying to improve myself and my mind, but somehow this pattern keeps repeating itself. Today, after taking a break, I can finally think clearly about what’s not working. I often find myself in this excited state without ever getting back to normal, which is not good. Humans are not wired to be in a constant state of commotion, whether it’s external or internal. We need quiet for contemplation. ...

I’ve thought a lot about how to describe the story without giving away too much, and it’s hard. It really is. It’s too good to be spoiled, so I’ve decided to keep it a mystery. This book is about an interstellar adventure to save our Sun—and, consequently, our planet—from an apocalyptic event. It’s a perfect blend of science, engineering, and humor. I laughed so hard here. You will understand this when you get to page 202 ...

A few months ago, in 2022, I was browsing books in a store when one caught my attention. I was flipping through it and found an interesting article about Design Thinking by Indra Nooyi. She explained how design is essential to the product. I hadn’t considered it much before, so I was fascinated by the concept. In 2012, she hired PepsiCo’s first ever Chief Design Officer, Mauro Porcini, to bring design to the core of their business. She explained how design is critical in every crucial decision they make. ...

What makes introverts great leaders? What do they do differently? I am an introvert. Not a shy type. I am not comfortable with small talk, but I enjoy deep discussions with great personalities. I never asked anyone, but I get this feeling that I scare people whenever I talk to them, a good scare (if that exists). Anyway, on a quest to understand myself, I found a magnificent treasure. I will try to show a small but important part of that in this article, Introversion in leaders. ...

From William Shatner’s book excerpt about traveling to space In the film “Contact,” when Jodie Foster’s character goes to space and looks out into the heavens, she lets out an astonished whisper, “They should’ve sent a poet.” Wouldn’t that be something!