Palo Alto Networks

1. The CEO's vision for the internet industry is mind-blowing. He was criticized often initially for his M&A strategies.

I have been at multiple security point product companies that have failed to address the unified platform concept. Nikesh, on the other hand, led smart acquisitions with smart integrations. Now, the platform solution has started to explode. At the same time, he is balancing organic vs. inorganic growth.

1. Point 1 is of course not possible without the security gurus in the company. Nikesh was new to the security industry when he joined. But the people who work closely with Nikesh on the security front have done a really good job.

2. This company has always been competitive. It has had many first-mover advantages in the market across different products. If not, smart acquisitions will address it.

Pay can be better for the work and work-life balance within the company. A big company doesn't mean the pay can go down. I still see a lot of teams working with a startup, innovative mindset. That needs to be rewarded with good pay.

Too many executives, I feel. They can hire more engineers in some areas instead of that.

Innovation is there, but execution is bad in a few orgs. Where the company is now, execution is as important as innovation.

Listen to your employees. Hear their concerns. Improve the pay package.