"Being able to adapt quickly is a big advantage" - Prasanna Rajendran of Transentric Inc. (A Union Pacific Company)

In this episode of Land and Lead, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with Prasanna Rajendran, President and CEO of Transentric, about what it takes to step into a newly created leadership role while helping shape the future of an industry. Prasanna shares his unconventional path from marine engineering to technology leadership, with experience spanning global shipping, Walmart, and Union Pacific’s PS Technology, before taking the helm at Transentric Inc within Union Pacific.

The conversation explores the complexity of moving from a senior functional role into an enterprise leadership position, where the focus expands from product and technology to the full system: strategy, people, operations, customers, and outcomes. Prasanna reflects on his first 90 days in role, emphasizing the importance of listening closely to customers and teams, aligning the organization around a clear platform-based strategy, and building an empowered team with the clarity to move quickly and adapt.

He also discusses what it means to lead product-led transformation in a legacy industry, why technology should be tied to real business outcomes rather than novelty, and how AI, data, and platform thinking are reshaping rail and logistics. The episode offers practical insight for leaders entering high-stakes roles and trying to balance learning, action, and long-term vision.

Listen to the full episode: