Blog: Leading with Value: LinkedIn, Training, and Building Community in the Workday Space

One of the best parts of hosting the Workday Gold podcast is connecting with leaders who are shaping the way we learn, share, and grow in the Workday ecosystem. In this episode, I sat down with Alok Kumar, CEO and founder of ZaranTech, to talk about his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Alok’s company has trained over 30,000 learners across SAP, Workday, cloud, and AI. But what makes ZaranTech unique is their focus on bespoke training. Instead of delivering a one-size-fits-all program, they customize training for each client’s business. That means bringing in instructors with real-world industry expertise, using company-specific examples, and tailoring everything from processes to terminology. It’s no surprise that many of their students have gone on to become consultants, directors, and VPs.

We also talked about what’s working — and not working — on LinkedIn. Alok’s philosophy is simple: lead with value. Don’t just chase leads with ads, but give away something meaningful. That might be a practical guide, a thoughtful post, or even a genuine comment. As Alok reminded me, every comment can be a mini post — and one of the best ways to get noticed is by engaging with other people’s content consistently.

AI was another hot topic, especially coming right on the heels of Workday Rising where “AI” and “agents” were everywhere. Alok sees AI not as a replacement, but as an accelerator. From predictive finance analytics to learning personalization, AI can help consultants and customers focus on higher-value work. His advice: don’t ignore it. Those who learn to use AI effectively will have a real edge.

Finally, we touched on career advice. Alok encourages anyone entering the Workday space to start with Core HCM as the foundation, then build depth in one or two specialties like security, reporting, or integration. Just as important: practice in real tenants and get involved in community early. Networking and visibility can open doors that certifications alone can’t.

I loved this conversation because it reinforced something I’ve seen over and over: success in Workday isn’t just about the technology. It’s about community, consistency, and leading with value.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here