About Krishnan

Building bridges between ancient wisdom and modern life to create durable happiness.

My Journey

For over two decades, I've been on a mission to understand what creates lasting happiness and fulfillment in our lives. This journey has taken me from the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies to the cricket fields where I empower youth in helping bring cricket into schools and parks, from nonprofit leadership to family coaching, and from ancient Sanskrit texts to modern community building.

I've had the privilege of working with individuals and families from all walks of life, helping them discover their unique strengths and create lives filled with purpose and joy. Along the way, I've learned that true happiness is not a destination, but a journey – one that requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

My Approach

My approach to coaching and community building is rooted in the principles of ancient wisdom and modern science. I believe that we all have the potential to live extraordinary lives, but that we often get stuck in patterns of thinking and behavior that hold us back.

By combining time-tested techniques with cutting-edge research, I help my clients break free from these patterns and create new pathways to success and fulfillment. Whether you're looking to improve your relationships, build a stronger community, or simply find more joy in your daily life, I can help you get there.

Krishnan Iyer

Krishnan Iyer

Trusted Friend, Leader, Community Builder

Microsoft Alumni Hero Award Recipient

2019 Recognition

Recognized for Exceptional Community Impact and Leadership Excellence

Honored by the Microsoft Alumni Network for outstanding contributions to community building, nonprofit leadership, and helping hundreds of families navigate life transitions. This recognition celebrates over two decades of service combining ancient wisdom with modern community organizing to create sustainable positive impact.

🎙️

Featured on Microsoft Alumni Network

Latest Interview

"Building Durable Happiness: From Technology Leadership to Community Impact"

In this intimate conversation with the Microsoft Alumni Network, I share my journey from 30+ years of technology leadership at Microsoft to discovering the principles of durable happiness through community service, ancient wisdom, and meaningful relationships. Learn how I've helped hundreds of families and organizations build sustainable well-being.

Guiding Principles

Vive Gratiā

"Live with Gratitude"

We are thankful for the past — for every experience, relationship, and lesson that has shaped who we are

Life Journey Timeline

Hydroponic Gardening & Community Sharing

Community Impact
2024

Since 2021, I’ve been exploring hydroponic gardening as a sustainable, hands-on way to grow food and reconnect with nature. What began as a personal experiment has evolved into a shared effort—growing and sharing fresh produce locally, and learning how small actions can seed broader community impact.

Over 40 Microsoft Goldies Cricket Club

Sports Leadership
2023

Founded cricket club for Microsoft veterans over 40, creating space for experienced players to continue their passion for the game.

Nonprofit Board Service Begins

Service Leadership
2022

Started serving on nonprofit boards, learning the intersection of governance, service, and sustainable impact.

Youth Cricket Development

Youth Development
2021

Launched youth cricket programs, introducing the next generation to cricket fundamentals and sportsmanship values.

Ski Instruction Excellence

Teaching & Sports
2014-2016

Taught skiing at Ski Masters at Snoqualmie, specializing in safely introducing adult beginners to skiing.

Ski Instruction Excellence

Teaching & Sports
2016-2022

Taught skiing at Stevens Pass specializing in safely introducing adult beginners to skiing.

Sanskrit Studies & Workplace Wisdom

Spiritual Growth
2020-2024

Began intensive study of Sanskrit texts, particularly Niti Shatakam, and sharing ancient wisdom principles with modern workplace applications.

Nonprofit Leadership Era

Service Leadership
2018

Transitioned focus to nonprofit leadership and community organizing, applying decades of technology and business experience to social impact.

First Community Picnic

Community Founding
2004

Organized the inaugural community picnic with 8 families, beginning what would become a 20-year tradition of connection.

Microsoft Cricket Club Founding

Sports Leadership
1994

Co-founded the Microsoft Cricket Club alongside Jay Pathy, Winslow Fernando, and Pete Lambert — one of the earliest organized cricket clubs from Seattle's tech community. By 1995 the club was competing in the Northwest Cricket League.

Marymoor Park Cricket Ground

Sports Leadership
1997

Led a coalition petitioning King County Parks for a dedicated cricket field. With only one field at Fort Dent Park and 57 home games needed per season across 7 teams, the region had outgrown its infrastructure. The petition succeeded — Marymoor Park in Redmond was designated for cricket, becoming the Microsoft Cricket Club's official Home Ground.

Technology Leadership at Microsoft

Technology Leadership
1991-2006

Deep technical leadership and large-scale engineering/product team management at Microsoft, including consulting services and serial entrepreneurship ventures.

Technology Leadership at Microsoft

Technology Leadership
2020-2021

Deep technical leadership and large-scale engineering/product team management at Microsoft, including consulting services and serial entrepreneurship ventures.

Achievements & Impact

Recognition & Awards

  • Microsoft AlumniHERO Award 2019 - Recognized for exceptional community impact and leadership in humanizing homelessness
  • Featured speaker at Microsoft Alumni Network on building durable happiness
  • Published author on Amazon with 'Guruvayur Cult' spiritual work
  • Community leadership recognition spanning two decades of service

Technology Leadership

  • 30+ years at Microsoft leading large engineering and product teams
  • Deep technical expertise in enterprise software and consulting services
  • Serial entrepreneurship ventures within and outside Microsoft ecosystem
  • Microsoft Consulting Services leadership and strategic technology implementation

Community Impact

  • Organized 20+ annual community picnics serving 200+ families
  • Founded Microsoft Cricket Club (1994) and Over 40 Microsoft Goldies CC (2023)
  • Certified King County Master Gardener — volunteers at the Bellevue Demo Garden and runs public clinics at the Bellevue Botanical Garden
  • Led crisis response efforts during pandemic affecting 100+ households

Teaching & Sports Leadership

  • 8 years ski instruction at Ski Masters (2014-2016) and Stevens Pass (2016-2022)
  • Specialized in safely introducing adult beginners to skiing
  • Co-founded Microsoft Cricket Club (1994) — competing in Northwest Cricket League by 1995
  • Led successful petition to King County Parks (1997) securing Marymoor Park as a dedicated cricket ground
  • Empowering youth through cricket in schools and parks via YCAPS

Cultural & Personal Growth

  • 5+ years Sanskrit studies with workplace application of Niti Shatakam
  • Published author on Amazon with 'Guruvayur Cult' spiritual work
  • Photography evolution from darkroom (1985) to digital/drone/GoPro work
  • 3+ years hydroponic gardening for sustainable living and community sharing
  • Developed gratitude practices as pathway to durable happiness

Family & Relationships

  • Navigated personal divorce while supporting friends through similar transitions
  • Created frameworks for better relationship outcomes during major life changes
  • Developed gratitude-based approaches to accessing durable happiness
  • Multi-generational family wisdom sharing and cultural preservation

Beyond the Work

I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my family, where the mountains and water provide constant reminders of life's deeper rhythms. Our home is often filled with the sounds of cricket strategy discussions, Sanskrit chanting, and the laughter of friends from around the world.

When I'm not facilitating workshops or coaching families, you'll find me in the garden (both soil and hydroponic), on the cricket pitch, or exploring the trails of the Cascades. I believe that physical activity, time in nature, and hands-on creating are essential practices for anyone who wants to serve others sustainably.

My daily routine includes meditation, reading (currently working through the Upanishads again), and some form of making—whether it's crafting shea butter products, tinkering with e-bike modifications, or planning the next community garden expansion.

The thread that connects all these activities is the belief that we become our best selves not through self-improvement alone, but through service to something larger than ourselves.

Krishnan with family across generations

Let's Connect

Whether you're interested in coaching, community building, or just want to share stories about cricket and community, I'd love to hear from you. The best conversations happen when we're genuinely curious about each other's journeys.

Email

For coaching inquiries, collaboration ideas, or thoughtful conversations

kpiyer@gmail.com

Phone

For urgent matters or to schedule a discovery call

(425) 827-5639