With the largest network of developers in the P&C industry, we want to highlight different members of our community. Guidewire’s Developer Advisory Group members help shape the developer community by participating in group calls, giving input on Guidewire projects, and sharing valuable feedback from their personal experiences using Guidewire.
This blog series includes brief “get to know you” interviews with some of our newest advisory group members so you can get to know them, understand what motivates them, and read their advice for other developers who may be starting out with (or are new to) Guidewire.
Meet Kumar from Slide Insurance
Name: Shravan Kumar Joginipalli
Job Title: Senior Director, System Delivery – Guidewire
Company: Slide Insurance
How long have you been working with Guidewire products?
I’ve been working with Guidewire products for more than 17 years, starting as a developer and progressing through various roles such as lead and architect. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of implementations, including ClaimCenter, PolicyCenter, BillingCenter, and Guidewire’s digital products.
Over the years, I’ve worked with over 14 P&C clients across North America, leading both development and implementation efforts. I’ve also gained expertise in managing complex projects, integrating third-party systems, and customizing Guidewire to meet specific business needs.
My journey spans multiple versions of the platform, beginning with version 5.0, and I hold certifications across all technical versions up to 10.0, including the Guidewire ACE Professional Certification and Cloud Certification.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most about my role is the ability to drive innovation and deliver solutions that make a tangible impact on business operations. As a Senior Director, I have the privilege of leading a talented team in the dynamic and ever-evolving P&C insurance industry. A key aspect of my role is guiding and mentoring my team, cultivating an environment of collaboration and continuous learning. I take pride in empowering individuals to grow in their careers while encouraging them to take ownership of their work and innovate.
Leadership, to me, is about building a culture where everyone feels motivated to contribute their best. I focus on creating a shared vision, aligning goals, and ensuring the team remains adaptable in the face of new challenges. This includes mentoring future leaders and helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
I also appreciate the challenge of aligning technology with business goals, helping clients modernize their claims processes and improve operational efficiency. By leveraging my leadership experience, I’m able to facilitate cross-functional collaboration, drive strategic decision-making, and ensure successful project delivery. The opportunity to shape both the technological direction and the leadership development of the organization is incredibly rewarding, as it has a lasting impact on both the business and the individuals I work with.
What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in development or who is new to using Guidewire?
My advice would be to immerse yourself in the product and focus on understanding technical details and the business requirements of your clients. Guidewire is a powerful and flexible platform, but what truly sets it apart is how well it can be tailored to meet specific business requirements. Take the time to explore its architecture, integrations, and customization capabilities, as these will help you unlock the full potential of the software.
It’s also important to stay updated with the latest features and cloud ski releases, especially in areas like cloud deployments and digital transformation, as these are key drivers in the industry.
Lastly, never underestimate the value of collaboration—working closely with cross-functional teams will give you insights into both technical and business challenges, allowing you to develop well-rounded and impactful solutions. Embrace continuous learning, engage with the community, and take advantage of resources like certifications to build your expertise.
About the Author
Jonathan Michael
Developer Evangelist
Jonathan has spent the last 12 years developing and implementing customer-centric digital marketing strategies. As the Developer Evangelist at Guidewire, Jonathan will be focused on partnering with, and advocating for the success of, developers who use Guidewire's ecosystem to build a better tomorrow.