Category: men

Amlak International Financing Company is the leading and the first company which was granted a license to engage in real estate financing activities in Saudi Arabia by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency “SAMA”. Amlak International carried the flag to provide innovative real estate financing solutions for individuals and companies sectors, recently AMLAK finance company started granting personal loans as well to individuals in accordance with the standards and provisions of Islamic law. 

As the Head of IT at Amlak International for Real Estate Finance Company, Priyan Meledath, and his team ensure that the services of the company are aptly supported by technology to meet the accelerated and unique demands of the modern world.

His Journey, so Far

Priyan Meledath started his IT career in the year 1992 in a technical role from the root level, His first job was as a trainee instructor in a very small computer training institute, back in Calicut, Kerala, India. Later moved to multiple software development companies and then in 1995 started a new venture joining hands with his couple of friends, an IT training school and a software development firm that largely focused on the development of retail commercial applications. 

His tryst with the Banking Sector started as a Systems Analyst/Programmer with one of the Iranian governmental banks in UAE. “I had a great supporting Manager, with the guidance and freedom he gave me in my early days, I was able to study a lot on IT infrastructure and networking. Over the years I gained fairly good knowledge in IT infrastructure, Networking, ICT, and Security, this diverse experience certainly served very valuable foundation for my later roles,” he says.

In 2007, Priyan moved to the Kingdom of Bahrain, joining one of the local banks as Head of IT to be part of a progressive Top Management team. Successfully architected, designed, and deployed entire ICT systems for the bank’s new building. He Established a complete information security management system, governing corporate security based on international best practices, and became the first bank in the kingdom to certify ISO/IEC 27001:2005 in 2008 and later upgraded to ISO/IEC 27001:2013.

In 2018, he moved to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, joining Amlak, one of the biggest Real-estate financing companies as Head of IT. Over the years, Priyan has demonstrated success across all the banks he worked with, managing Technology, Operations, IT Infrastructure, IT/Cyber Security, IT Risk management, Project Management & Delivery, etc. 

Leading with Innovation 

As the current Head of IT at AMLAK International, Riyadh, KSA, one of the biggest NBFCs in KSA regulated by SAMA, Priyan’s job responsibilities involve managing and strategizing the use of technology to help the organization grow in scale and become more successful. This includes everything from planning and executing projects to overseeing IT security, and IT infrastructure, developing the organization’s IT vision and translating it into actionable goals, and overseeing daily IT operations.

Alongside his team, Priyan is responsible for tasks like development, testing, hardware, and network installation apart from the high-level management role. This hands-on experience combined with years of strategic management oversight helps him in managing IT. “I am grateful to be surrounded by excellent talents. I always have trust and confidence in the team that I work with. I see myself as a supporting individual who helps my team to achieve the organization’s goals,” says Priyan.

Today’s competitive landscape heavily relies on innovation and technology. Amlak International practices optimizing the use of digital tools in the workplace widely and implementing technology-based solutions in the workplace. Implementation of right-fit core applications, workflow automation, real-time data analysis, cloud migration, automation using RPA tools, AI tools for Data analysis, cybersecurity improvements, etc. optimizes IT operations and security to create efficiencies thus maximizing revenue. “Our company is constantly looking for new ways to innovate and experiment within the organization. We greatly encourage a culture that values innovation and embraces creativity. Innovation certainly allows adaptability, fosters organizational growth, and separates business from their competition,” shares Priyan.

The Challenges

Technology is one of the specialized domains that keeps changing almost every moment. Per Priyan, aligning the IT and Cyber security goals around the company’s goals, vision, and strategy is a challenge. It involves knowing and understanding where the company is moving towards. One also needs to understand and balance technological investments with the given budget which is an ongoing challenge across the industry. “The deadlines from top management and regulators need not always be reasonable, satisfying the immediate requirement of expertise, devices, and tools while within such limitations is always a challenge,” he shares.

Looking Forward

We are all in a very interesting time, technology and AI are evolving. The BFSI sector is changing faster than ever, competition is global and digitalization is everywhere, everyone demands flexible, easy, and faster services at their fingertips. 

Automation of multiple IT and Business processes using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools, Cloud migration, AI tools for Data analysis, Cybersecurity improvements, etc. will be our main focus.

Advise for the Young 

“Surround yourself with a supportive network, Embrace any failures as an opportunity to learn and grow on the path to success. Having a growth mindset certainly allows you to adapt and innovate which are the most important skills for a successful career. Continuous learning, career development programs, Professional certifications, and professional networking play a crucial role in keeping up with industry trends and advancements.”

Quote: “There is nothing that beats hard work and honesty, they are the primary ingredient, Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Startup stories sound great. Especially if they are successful ones that changed the industry they stepped into and have an emotional background story. However, not all startups live to tell the tale. Most fail due to various reasons including the lack of proper infrastructure and support that could have catapulted them and turned them into success stories.

As a Multi-Sector Business Incubator / Accelerator ZtartUpNetwork aims to give that much-needed push to such budding ideas and see to it that they don’t die an untimely death.

Getting the Foundation Right

Led by the enigmatic Dr. V Francis John, ZtartUp.com is the first private sector entity to be ratified as a “Multi-Sector Tech Business Incubator/Accelerator” in Dubai. They help emerging startups/entrepreneurs gain access to mentors, training, shared space, professional assistance, capital, and allied admin services that move them onto the fast track to success. It helps in creating employment and buoying the credentials of the UAE. The trades are unlimited as ZtartUp.com pushes for innovation in the realms of technology, trade, services, films, music, arts & sports. 

“When you think of the Burj Khalifa, you think of how it reaches the sky – often times we don’t think of the depth of its foundation. As such, I believe if you do not get your foundation right – in terms of team, scalability, and sustainability, no matter how disruptive your ideas are, they are set up to fail if they do not pivot to the market sentiments and apply foresight,” cites Dr. John. 

Having been an industry veteran, Dr. John understands the potential of a startup when he sees one. He uses the following guidelines to access them to fund:

1. A de rigueur compelling story 
2. A team par excellence 
3. A viable scalable model with fit-to-market metrics 
4. A sustainable business model
5. Strong execution skillsets
6. Validation from early customers and/or end users
7. Impeccable financials 
8. Alignment with the investor’s strategy
9. Be passionate to the core 

The Hands-on Leader

Dr. John has come to head ZtartUp.com with over four decades of experience in technology, governance, and policy. Apart from being the CEO of ZtartUp Network, he is also on the Board of Startup Village by mUrgency Business Incubator, Board of mUrgency International, Director of mU Holdings, and Partner in KUBE VC. 

He founded Intelligent Beings, an organization that leverages emerging technologies to realize smart industry and ecosystems of innovation and collaboration. As a champion of finding tech-oriented solutions, he believes in helping startups and entrepreneurs to establish and scale up in this fast-changing world, and have achieved so with several of them under his belt. This aligns with his overarching mission to leverage technology to find and bridge disparities. More importantly, after decades of dabbling in various entrepreneurial ventures of his own, the prospect of imparting decades of knowledge and experience aggregation to the next generation of startups and entrepreneurs excites him to be proactive and sometimes hyperactive and that keeps him driven and enthusiastic and more so ….. nimble-footed. 

“Leading by example and dirtying my hands on the shopfloor is my mantra. As a leader, incorporating a growth mindset in the organization can provide the encouragement employees need to be innovative and tackle a challenge. Instead of limiting themselves, employees are encouraged to act like entrepreneurs and have the freedom to try and fail until they succeed in their endeavors. ZtartUp.com is the way to go as it comes with a one-window operation for attaining entrepreneurial excellence,” he says.

UAE – The Land of Opportunities

Across the globe, in both developing and developed economies- small businesses play an integral path in driving growth. ZtartUp.com Business Incubator serves as a hub for tech start-ups, actively identifying and providing the value-added services required to support them. ZtartUp.com’s broader mission has been central in the nurturing of startups in the UAE by training, mentoring, and developing them into commercially viable entrepreneurs who add to the number of successful “homegrown” companies originating and developing in Dubai. 

“We are facilitating emerging companies to gain access to mentors, training, shared space, professional assistance, capital, and other services that move them onto the fast track to success. By fulfilling this mission, we are contributing to job creation and enhanced economic health in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,” says Dr John.

The UAE has the infrastructure, talent, and fertile ground – all it needs is a sandbox for entrepreneurs and innovators to experiment with their ideas, thoughts, processes, innovations, inventions, services, platforms & applications and that is what ZtartUp.com is. 

Embracing Technology

Innovation and problem-solving strategies have always been key components of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs now have access to a wide range of tools, applications, and resources thanks to the development of technology, which can help them grow their companies. Technology influences and facilitates entrepreneurship in various ways, from social media to e-commerce platforms, automation tools to artificial intelligence. 

Dr. John and his team leverage the power of technology in business for the benefit of the industry in the following ways: 

1. By embracing cloud computing and making the switch to the cloud for the company’s operations is among the best things one can do as an entrepreneur. Cost reductions, enhanced adaptability, and effective data security are a few proven advantages of cloud technology. You may utilize your information and software from any location, collaborate with teammates instantaneously, and speed up procedures by storing them in the cloud. 

2. By investing in automation to increase the effectiveness of their business operations and lowering the amount of time and resources needed to perform tasks. It has had a significant impact on their business models. Additionally, automation enables them to expand their operations, boost production, lower expenses and errors, and enhance the caliber of their services. 

3. By using social media to build brand awareness has increased their brand awareness by positioning Ztartup as a thought leader and developing a consistent brand voice, engaging with followers, producing helpful material, utilizing influencers, and employing paid advertising. They employed social media to expand the visibility and audience of the company by producing useful content, developing connections with the audience, and running paid advertising. 

4. By harnessing the power of data analytics they boosted their marketing campaigns, comprehended the customers better, and made data-driven judgments with the aid of analytical tools. Their marketing plan was optimized, keeping trends and possibilities, and the bottom line increased by reviewing their website traffic, social media interaction, and sales statistics. 

5. By embracing mobile technology which is becoming increasingly important for entrepreneurs, with more and more customers using mobile devices to access information, shop, and connect with businesses. By ensuring that their website is mobile-friendly and investing in mobile apps and technology, they reached more customers and improved the UX – user experience. 

Facing the Pandemic

At the peak of the pandemic, the world was at a standstill, the tourism industry was devastatingly impacted. Instead of just trying to stay afloat, the travel & tourism verticals of Ztartup.com shifted gears and ramped up its activity by leveraging technology. While there existed an entire ecosystem for travel, the potential it held as an interconnected entity was heretofore untapped. 

Ztartup.com ramped up operations to integrate and aggregate these verticals ie. https://visaguy.ae/ (visa issuance), https://zafaari.com/ (ticketing), https://thrillark.com/ (experiences), and https://airportassist.com/ (arrival/departure services) into one cohesive network of cross-pollinated platforms. This allowed a traveler to seamlessly complete his entire journey within this ecosystem. The resounding success of this exercise resulted in a myriad of accomplishments for this ecosystem.

Airport Assist was shortlisted for the ATM Draper-Aladdin Startup Competition 2022 and came in fourth place. They also notched up their airport links to 1200+ globally. Zaafari was shortlisted to pitch at the Arabian Travel Market 2022 in Dubai. Thrillark was listed among the top emerging startups in the Middle East by Best Startup Asia. This mainly came from them streamlining efforts to bolster intrastate tourism and as a result of which they could bring in AED 18 Million+ in revenues. 

“What’s more, when their industry counterparts were at wit’s end, the teams were working harder than ever while ramping up their operation. All in all, under the aegis of Ztartup.com, the incubatees saw light when the industry across the globe was plunged into darkness,” shares Dr. John.

Awards and Accolades [SS1] 

GLOBAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD 

GLOBAL CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 

SMART INNOVATION AWARD 

WORLD BIZ AWARDS 

OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD 

GLOBAL LEADERS AWARD

WORLD DIPLOMACY FORUM AWARD

RANKINGS: TOP 10 CEOs OF UAE 

TOP 20 ENTREPRENEUR TO LOOK OUT FOR 

THE WORLD BUSINESS LEADER 

MERIT FINALIST AMCHAM SME AWARDS (UAE) 

Plans Ahead

Next on Dr. John’s list for Ztartup is an expansion of operations into India, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. He is also looking forward to Cloud Computing Setting up of Virtual Incubation/Acceleration platform on the cloud where startups and entrepreneurs can be facilitated with pitching to investors, a marketplace of products and services, collaborations and partnerships, licensing and visas, and validation of ideas, thoughts, processes, innovations, and inventions in a seamless format. 

Words of Wisdom

In his message to budding entrepreneurs, Dr. John says:

Believing in ‘Yourself and Your Product’ is the number one thing You may find yourself being swayed not to pursue it or convinced that you can’t accomplish it because no one else could, but that should never stop you. 

Develop your unique ‘Thought Leadership’ Demonstrating your expertise using content by producing short videos, writing long-form articles on quality websites or even building up your LinkedIn or Substack followers by offering intriguing content is an added advantage in the long run. 

Listen More, Talk Less For when you listen to people, you have more context regarding any issue, and it enables you to see that issue from every angle that you need to sound smart and earn respect. 

Seek a balance between confidence and humility If you can find that balance between being confident and humble, people will respect you and take you more seriously. 

Latch onto a Mentor to guide you Find a mentor who is already a well-established entrepreneur to help you navigate at first. 

Quote: “World will always expect many things from you. You will expect many things in return. The key is to manage its expectations of you—and yours of it.”

As a leading company in HealthTech and InsurTech, Medi Assist provides health benefits to various stakeholders, including employers, retail members, and public health schemes. The company aims to lower healthcare costs by driving innovation and participating in relevant initiatives.

As a benefits administrator and provides claims processing services to 27 out of the 28 large insurance companies in India, Medi Assist upholds its uniqueness in the market by building a reliable network of hospitals where they have managed to negotiate services & tariffs which helps them control the medical inflation significantly and cover approximately 50% of the market. They also ensure that the services provided are of a very high quality and hence the retention is approximately 95- 97% of the revenue. 

As the Group Chief Financial Officer for Medi Assist, Mathew George has been with the company since March of 2021. During his tenure, he and his team have introduced significant changes across the company not only in the finance function but have helped with the transformation of the organization from an emotional to a process-driven company. 

Driving Transformation

Medi Assist has a Health Benefits Administration model that offers the tools for a successful health plan, such as its modular claims management system, data-driven technology, and customer-centric service solutions. They use a combination of talent and technology to help their members beat national claim cost trends. They enhance internal processing with advanced surveillance software, and when they find a claim with potential savings, certified medical specialists work on the claim to find cost-saving solutions.

Under Mathew’s leadership, some of the most notable changes implemented during the past 3 years include –

• The “Digital Transformation of the Finance function”. This included the implementation of S4HANA to replace the legacy system, and completely automate all functions which were manual and based on spreadsheets. 
• Automation of revenue recognition through a custom-made application, migration of the fixed assets accounting to S4HANA, and implementation of the host-to-host payments functionality and connectivity with all major banks to ensure timely payment to Medi Assist vendors in a secure environment. 
• They have also implemented Robotics which has helped them automate and significantly drive both accuracy & efficiency across the processes.

“At Medi Assist, benefits management is more than just cutting service fees. Some benefits managers may rely on their provider network discounts or their lower administration fee to prove their value, but we have a comprehensive approach to benefits management that ensures our members’ satisfaction and helps businesses and members reduce healthcare costs,” says Mathew.

An Experienced Leader

Mathew has had an expansive career spanning 29+ years of progressive experience in diverse global markets, including the USA, Europe, India, Dubai, and Nigeria, as CFO and Controller. He has always been known as a problem solver. His expertise lies in providing Strategic Advisory Services and implementing tailored solutions to catalyze Growth, optimize Tax strategies, and facilitate seamless Succession planning. His track record includes a profound ability to collaborate with promoters and private equity investors to craft robust Corporate Structures that enhance profitability, ensure tax efficiency, and strategically prepare companies for successful exits. 

Mathew is a Chartered Accountant from India and, a CPA & CIA from the US by qualification. Additionally, he possesses a comprehensive grasp of cutting-edge Technology, in-depth knowledge of international financial reporting standards, including US GAAP, IFRS, and Ind AS, and a profound understanding of the intricate compliance requirements inherent to diverse global jurisdictions. He has been a top performer throughout his career thanks to all the awesome organizations and people that he had the opportunity to be a part of during his career. 

Having worked across multiple sectors, Mathew found that the healthcare sector presented an opportunity. It presented the potential to build a large organization that could be scaled up and, in the process, create significant wealth for the shareholders.

Breaking Down his Working style

Mathew’s working style is a mix of hands-on work, delegating tasks, and making the team accountable for the results. He does believe that the most successful CFOs are problem solvers with an ability to listen, understand, and execute seamlessly. He has a very simple strategy that works for him in all environments and situations:

• Work on not more than 4-5 major ideas every year and drive each one of them relentlessly to closure. The projects that he does generally pursue are driving sustainable and predictable growth, and leveraging technology to automate processes that will increase accuracy reduce cost, and improve the cash conversion cycle.
• Ensure that the controllership function is independent and is not responsible for the results and commitments made by the company.
• Be generous in praising and giving credit to those who deserve the same. Don’t ever take the credit for someone else’s work.
• Be prepared to take the fall if you fail, as only a strong leader who can stand up for his team when the going gets difficult will able to deliver significant value.
• Make decisions on time based on data and don’t be afraid to accept if you have made a mistake and make course corrections.
• Listen and talk to your employees every time you have an opportunity you will learn a lot more about the organization, culture, and the risks from the floor. 

Learning from Challenges

One of the biggest challenges he professionally faced, shares Mathew, is the accounting challenges in FY-21, post the filing of the DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus) where the company was issued with a disclaimer of opinion by the then statutory auditor. Medi Assist has since then worked through the same and completed the listing within 2.5 years. They took a step back, evaluated their processes, built in the required controls, and automated the processes. Further, they also hired skilled and experienced resources who could function independently in the finance and corporate law functions. They continued to work with the various teams to not only enhance the control environment but also improve their Corporate Governance.

Technology for Improvement

Mathew’s take on technology is that if you want to drive your organization forward and stay relevant, then technology is a necessity. The cost incurred on digital transformation for an organization is an investment the company makes in itself to continue to survive and thrive in the future. “In our industry for example we don’t deal with customers, we only deal with patients and their relatives at their most vulnerable moments. They are looking up to us to provide them with an experience where they can trust us and leave the hospital within minutes of discharge. We can only provide this if we have the right technology,” explains Mathew.

Medi Assist is leveraging the power of technology for instant discharge, driving up the customer experience and ensuring that its agents are equipped with the level of information required to respond to each call accurately and empathetically. It has also been to use cognitive AI for fraud detection and automate most of its manual processes. Therefore, technology forms the core of the business.

Reading the Industry Trends

The biggest trend in the industry, suggests Mathew, is that there will be increased awareness and rapid growth in the health insurance sector which will have a positive impact on the economy and the productivity of the people in India. However, rapid growth in any sector brings associated challenges like increased loss ratios which need to be addressed if the growth momentum and the industry has to survive. 

“There will also be an increase in fraud and abuse which will impact the confidence in the industry. There will also be a rapid expansion of cashless facilities which will put pressure on the insurance companies and TPA to ensure that the claim processing is done in a timely manner and the discharge process is smooth,” he predicts.

As a company, Medi Assist has invested in a home-grown state-of-the-art tech stack that includes a claim processing engine, AI-led fraud analytics engine, and robotics to take care of all the manual repetitive jobs. Mathew believes these investments have been instrumental in driving Medi Assist’s processing capability, providing insightful dashboards that help its customers in their decision-making process and also save cash both for the company and the customer by highlighting potential fraudulent claims based on in-built logic and the system continues to learn and become more effective as more and more data is being analyzed.

Quote: “The one quote that I live by is “Time is more value than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” – Jim Rohn.”

Quote: “We ensure that the services are of a gold standard, providing cutting-edge technology solutions for the industry and the ecosystem.”

Quote: “Our goal in the next five years is to double our revenues every 3 years and grow EBITDA and PAT by 20% Y.O.Y.”

Science is all around us enabling the very fundamental functions of life. It not only helps create life but also enables us to sustain it and make living better. For years, humans have used the knowledge of science to help society progress. However, sometimes, not all inventions are compatible with nature. Fossil fuels, for instance, did revolutionize humanity, however, they also harmed the environment. This problem too finds its solution with science in the form of Green Chemistry.

Intending to reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture, and application of chemical products, Green Chemistry guides us to create safer and more efficient processes and products. It plays an important role in sustainability, as it helps to protect the environment and human health from the harmful effects of chemicals, while also promoting the conservation of natural resources and the innovation of new solutions for global challenges.

By applying Green Chemistry, companies can create a more circular and resilient economy that supports the well-being of people and the planet. This presents an opportunity for stalwarts like Susanta Mohapatra whose expertise in green chemistry has revolutionized the oil and gas industry. Starting in his garage in 2014, he has collaborated with industry giants like Saudi Aramco, developing innovative products and patents. Today, as the CEO of CrudeChem Technology, he leads a dedicated team in developing both traditional and green products, driven by an unwavering commitment to making oil and gas production greener and safer.

Innovative Green Solutions for Oil and Gas Industry

CrudeChem Technology is a leading provider of chemical fluid additives for the oil and gas industry. They specialize in applications such as hydraulic fracturing, coiled tubing, well production, and drilling, in major U.S. basins. Their services include innovative additives, on-site technical support, and efficient last-mile logistics.

End-to-End Capabilities: They take a holistic approach to oilfield chemical solutions. They design, manufacture, and deliver a wide range of chemicals tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

On-Site Delivery: CrudeChem’s services extend to last-mile logistics, ensuring that the chemicals they’ve designed and manufactured are delivered to the site promptly and efficiently. This reliability minimizes downtime and keeps operations running smoothly.

Field Engineering Support: CrudeChem understands that correctly applying these chemicals is crucial for optimal performance. That’s why its dedicated field engineering support team is on hand to ensure the chemicals are applied correctly. They monitor the performance and make necessary adjustments, ensuring the solutions consistently meet or exceed client expectations.

Innovative Research and Development: They invest in continuous research and development to create cutting-edge products, enabling us to stay one step ahead of the competition. This commitment to innovation enhances CrudeChem’s position in the marketplace and promotes environmental stewardship by developing eco-friendly solutions.

The Man on a Mission

As the CEO, Susanta oversees critical responsibilities vital to CrudeChem’s success. His focus extends beyond addressing daily operational challenges to fostering unity and collaboration within the team. Recognizing the pivotal role of a motivated workforce, he prioritizes creating an environment conducive to achieving shared goals. An integral part of his responsibilities involves expanding CrudeChem’s customer base and retaining existing clients to ensure a stable revenue stream.

Susanta formulates competitive strategies emphasizing technology and new product development to secure CrudeChem’s market position and effectively respond to competitors. This proactive approach enables his company to maintain a competitive edge by swiftly bringing innovative products to market. Equally crucial is the emphasis on cultivating robust relationships with its vendors. “Prioritizing mutually beneficial partnerships with suppliers ensures that we stay informed and adaptable in changing business environments. This multifaceted approach underscores our commitment to sustained growth and market leadership,” he says.

From Humble Beginnings to Building a World-Class Company

Susanta’s professional journey has been a dynamic exploration of chemistry, entrepreneurship, and a profound commitment to positive change. It has been challenging and rewarding. Inspired by his father’s work in the agricultural industry, he developed a fascination with the transformative power of chemicals. This early exposure steered his academic pursuits, culminating in groundbreaking research during his PhD, where he aimed to revolutionize catalysis through green chemistry.

Susanta’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited at a young age when he initiated his first venture in tutoring, providing financial support and valuable experience. Early entrepreneurship built my confidence for larger ventures, including successfully starting, scaling, and exiting a business. With this foundation, I set my sights on a greater purpose, driving me to secure admission into my Ph.D. program, where I ranked 2nd in an all-India exam. I delved into uncharted research areas in my PhD program, selecting an unconventional topic. Despite initial uncertainty, my dedication yielded groundbreaking developments, making my research highly sought after. However, gaining approval for my unconventional topic was a significant challenge. I aimed to revolutionize catalysis through green chemistry, turning the seemingly unusable into a valuable asset.

Transitioning to the United States for further studies presented another set of challenges. He had to secure scholarships to facilitate my journey to the University of Reno, Nevada, where he explored catalysis for green chemistry As a professor, he achieved recognition for prolific patents, governmental grants, and collaborations with prestigious institutions. Collaborating with esteemed institutions such as the Department of Energy, Starbucks, and Foster Farms, Susanta spearheaded projects to convert waste materials into viable fuels like biodiesel. His expertise attracted an Oil and Gas company, where he applied green chemistry principles through patents and research, leading to tangible product development.

“With determination and resilience, I steered my company from its inception to a valuation of $70 million today without financial assistance from venture capitalists. Overcoming diversification challenges, we expanded our product line to over 100 unique offerings,” says Susanta.

A Collaborative and Adaptive Leader

Leading with heart and hustle – that’s how Susanta builds teams that rise on occasion. Resolving conflicts among team members and ensuring cohesive collaboration toward shared goals are integral aspects of how he operates. His actions consistently align with the company’s mission, emphasizing that the collective purpose guides decision-making and fuels his commitment to achieving the collective goals.

Guiding and mentoring in technology and innovation are key priorities for Susanta, ensuring that CrudeChem’s team stays ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. While he consciously avoids micromanagement, he steps in when needed to provide guidance, fostering an environment where collective efforts drive success. This approach reflects his commitment to empowering the team, fostering innovation, and achieving shared objectives through a collaborative and supportive working style.

Susanta believes that communication is paramount in navigating the industry’s dynamic landscape and meeting modern consumers’ evolving needs. Staying abreast of industry changes involves prioritizing the expansion of CrudeChem’s customer base and maintaining stable revenue streams. Establishing mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers is crucial for adaptability, and he emphasizes technology and new product development to maintain a competitive edge.

For Susanta, guiding and mentoring in technology and innovation is a priority for continuous growth. This approach ensures that his team remains ahead in technology and innovation. “By staying closely connected with market trends, collaborating with suppliers, and fostering a culture of innovation, we position ourselves to meet current demands and anticipate and adapt to future changes, driving the sustained growth of our multimillion-dollar company,” he says.

Integrating Technology and Sustainability

CrudeChem’s strategic approach to technology is integral to its commitment to sustainability, innovation, quality, and growth. As a modern-day entrepreneur, Susanta views technology as a transformative force that can revolutionize CrudeChem’s products and services in response to evolving market dynamics.

The substantial investment in research and development is central to its strategy, expanding CrudeChem’s capabilities and ensuring it stays ahead of industry trends. This commitment goes beyond market competition; it reflects the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

“We actively develop eco-friendly solutions, embracing cutting-edge technologies and contributing to a greener planet. Our forward-looking approach includes exploring sustainable products and implementing energy-efficient processes throughout our operations. This reinforces our position as an industry leader and aligns with our commitment to excellence and responsible technology use,” shares Susanta.

At CrudeChem Technology, sustainability is not just a commitment; it’s a guiding principle shaping the company’s growth. The company’s vision revolves around manufacturing high-quality products aligned with customer expectations while minimizing waste and preserving resources. They prioritize sustainable business practices, constantly evaluating how their products can benefit customers by saving costs and ensuring their profitability.

In their relentless pursuit of innovation, their research and development efforts aim to improve product quality and are dedicated to exploring new opportunities within sustainability. Actively embracing sustainable alternatives and implementing energy-efficient processes are integral to CrudeChem’s mission of contributing to a greener planet.

“Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our immediate operations. We envision a future where our efforts not only meet the needs of today but contribute positively to global sustainability goals. By aligning our business practices with eco-friendly initiatives, we strive to play a significant role in fostering a more sustainable and resilient world for future generations,” says Susanta.

Assessing Industry Trends

The shift towards energy transitions is influencing chemical trends and creating new opportunities, observes Susanta. Recent government regulations regarding the domestic manufacture of semiconductors, lithium batteries, solar panels, carbon capture, and hydrogen-based technologies have significantly boosted activity levels in the domestic market. CrudeChem’s strategic focus is to expand and provide support in these key sectors.

In response to the escalating demand for sustainable technologies, CrudeChem is actively developing solutions in alignment with its commitment to eco-friendly solutions. Its proactive approach, emphasizing innovation, replacement, and improvement, ensures that its offerings remain efficient and relevant. During economic cycles, CrudeChem remains vigilant, adapting strategies to navigate market fluctuations. Staying abreast of technological advancements, addressing stakeholder concerns, embracing sustainability, and optimizing operations position CrudeChem Technology for effective navigation through the dynamic tech landscape.

“Furthermore, we are exploring digitization and the use of AI to enhance the efficiency and reduce operational costs of our last-mile logistics. CrudeChem is actively supporting sustainable processes in the manufacturing of our chemical products. Continuous innovation is at the core of our efforts as we develop solutions to establish a product line for green chemicals,” shares Susanta.

Challenges Within the Industry

Navigating the challenges and opportunities in a dynamic industry requires a multifaceted approach. At CrudeChem Technology, one key challenge is the rapid pace of technological evolution. Staying ahead of these advancements is imperative, and they address this by proactively developing innovative, environmentally responsible solutions. Their transition to green products, initially in oil and gas and now expanding into mining and agriculture, exemplifies their commitment to sustainability.

Seamless communication among internal teams, vendors, and customers is vital to minimize delays, feels Susanta. He prioritizes local partnerships to establish a resilient and agile supply chain, supporting local businesses and strengthening operations. Flexibility, cost-efficient technology, and manufacturing processes enable the company to provide top-notch products at competitive prices, fostering customer loyalty.

Another challenge is the industry’s short product lifespans. Guided by its core values of quality, consistency, and innovation, CrudeChem proactively focuses on product innovation, replacement, and improvement. Additionally, the company remains vigilant and adaptive to economic cycles, aligning its strategies with market fluctuations.

Setting New Goals

In the coming years, the trajectory of CrudeChem Technology is set for significant transformation. Susanta’s role involves steering this evolution by expanding and retaining their client base, diversifying services into new industries, and fostering international growth. Our vision prioritizes balanced growth, employee well-being, and active community involvement, from sponsoring events to supporting local schools and clubs.

“The overarching objective is to position CrudeChem Technology as a global leader renowned for innovative solutions spanning diverse industries and proactively contributing to climate change mitigation. Our commitment to environmentally friendly products is central to addressing pressing environmental challenges. Within this journey, we uphold values of continuous improvement, innovation, and a profound sense of responsibility toward clients, employees, communities, and the environment. Collectively, we are propelling CrudeChem Technology toward a future that is both successful and sustainable,” concludes Susanta.

Quote: “We provide unmatched chemical solutions and services, aligning with our dedication to excellence and responsible technology use for a sustainable future.”

Quote: “By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, embracing sustainability, and optimizing operations, we are well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of the technology sector.”

Who is a leader? What makes a good leader? The answers to these questions are perceptive ones. If you go around asking people, you are bound to come up with virtues one deems essential to make a good leader. Accordingly, leaders too, have a perception about what would make them a good one and adopt a style that suits them. If you read the classic leadership book titled Good to Great by Jim Collins, there is this metaphor that a good leader is a driver who obsesses more about ensuring the right people are on the bus, and less about where the bus is scheduled to go. This is a philosophy Santanu Paul subscribes to wholeheartedly.

Santanu is a part of several esteemed organizations. Many of these organizations are run by competent professionals and management teams, and he often plays the role of a board member or a company adviser, with a commitment of 10-15 active-duty days a year. He is a huge believer in the power of high-performance teams, and therefore a lot of his attention goes into interacting with very smart people who are running these organizations and helping them think through their ideas, challenges, and choices. He deeply dislikes micromanagement of any kind. Working at a conceptual level with intelligent people who know how to get things done on the ground is a great source of joy for him.

His Pathway to Entrepreneurship

Right after he finished graduate school at the University of Michigan, Santanu began his professional journey as a software research scientist at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center in New York. After a few years, he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and co-founded a B2B tech company named Viveca backed by venture capital. Viveca ran into difficulties during the dotcom bust but they were fortunate to be acquired by OpenPages, where he was inducted as the CTO. As the youngest member of the senior management team, it was a terrific learning experience. After few years, Santanu decided to relocate to India to scale up the India offshore development centre of Virtusa Corporation, and the company eventually went public on NASDAQ. Later he went back to being an entrepreneur again and co-founded TalentSprint as an edtech firm.

TalentSprint was born from a truly revolutionary idea to address the widening gap between skills required in the industry and those provided by the traditional education system. Professionals lacked skill and training in new-age technologies, leaving a huge gap in demand and supply. Therefore, it has kept its focus on creating a highly skilled niche industry-ready talent pool.

As a global edtech company, TalentSprint provides transformational bootcamps and cutting-edge learning programs to modern-day professionals who aspire to future-proof themselves with deep expertise. Its partners in this journey are top-tier academic institutions and big-tech global corporations. TalentSprint’s patent-pending AI-powered platform seamlessly blends world-class academic rigour with industry-leading practitioner experience. They continue to deliver exceptional learner engagement rates and high customer delight.

Keeping the Ship Steady in Turbulent Times

A volatile market that changes with every technological disruption, economic stress or political turmoil takes a toll on everyone directly or indirectly. Most leaders get stressed handling turbulent situations. It has been said that wisdom is about driving change in a world mired in continuity while preserving continuity in a world caught up in change. Santanu is blessed to a great extent that he doesn’t enjoy social media very much, so has plenty of time left over to indulge in reading books across many genres and listening to amazing podcasts. In fact, these habits not only feed him with a constant stream of new ideas, but they also act as excellent stress busters. “In a sense, I am a believer in what Cal Newport writes about in his book Deep Work, which raises legitimate questions about the true nature of productivity,” he says.

In his book The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben Horowitz says that the most difficult challenge faced by startup CEOs is how to preserve their own sanity. Running a startup is fraught with stress, risks, and constant encounters with unknowns. Behind every ounce of glory that a CEO enjoys, there is a gallon of grief. There have been a couple of times in TalentSprint’s journey where Santanu felt that all was lost and there was no way to recover from the setbacks at that time. And yet they did. “What I learned from those episodes is that when everything looks bleak, you have to reduce your horizon to take things one single day at a time, one small step in front of another. If you can do that long enough, it is quite likely you will successfully emerge from darkness into broad daylight. It is the same thing Matt Damon says and does in The Martian,” he says.

We asked for his views on the recent turmoil in financial institutions such as FTX and SVB and what impact can it have. To this, Santanu feels that the failure should not negatively affect the public interest in blockchain and fintech. It is widely accepted that these two firms represent serious regulatory failures, not technology failures. The growth potential of both the fintech and blockchain sectors vastly exceeds any hiccups faced by a few companies. “Entrepreneurs should, in my opinion, double down on these sectors, not retreat from them. Even if short-term funding is a challenge, the medium and long outlook is extremely positive,” he says.

Drawing Strength to Traverse the Difficult Path to Success

Two quotes that Santanu loves are indirectly related: “Most overnight successes take a hell of a long time,” said Steve Jobs, and it perfectly nails the idea that there are no shortcuts on the road to success. “Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm,” said Winston Churchill, and it is easy to see how this quote essentially underlines the same idea that adversity is usually our greatest teacher on that long road to ‘overnight’ success. In an age of instant gratification, it is important to take a long view of life, work, and what ultimately constitutes success.

On the same note, he advises budding entrepreneurs saying:

“Pick a difficult problem and address it. Do not sell yourself short just to make money. Start your company to solve an important and hairy problem and develop an impactful and elegant solution that makes the world a better place. Such an approach can not only bring you financial success eventually, but it can also bring you a tremendous sense of inner accomplishment and earn you the respect of the world at large.”

Awards and Accolades

Santanu feels that awards and accolades are a testament to the tripod of values on which his company culture rests: customers must come first, quality is indeed everything, and innovation must lead to scale. TalentSprint won the Education Excellence Award at the Indian Achievers Award in 2022. In 2023, they bagged the EdTech Leader of The Year and Digital Learning Company of The Year at the Indian Education and EdTech Awards. These were followed by the titles of the Best Edtech Company of The Year and Best Edtech Solution of The Year at the 2nd World Education and EdTech Awards. Most recently, they won the Most Breakthrough Product of the Year 2023 at the Education Innovation Summit and Awards by Entrepreneur India; for its WE and TechWise bootcamp programs in the DEI space. Both these programs are offered in partnership with Google.

Miles to Go

Today, TalentSprint has carved a niche by bringing forth deeptech programs ahead of their time, preparing early career and experienced professionals for breakthrough futuristic technologies and upcoming career opportunities, thus developing the workforce of the future and bridging the demand and supply gap.

The company’s focus will be to continue to register responsible and positive growth YoY. They have 50+ programs and 15+ partnerships that foray into new domains, new target segments and emerging business models. They will continue to invest in tried and tested business models that drive business profitability and significantly impact the learning outcomes of learners. They are designing and developing new programs in the DEI space to transform careers at a larger scale.

iPearl.ai, their AI-powered learning management system is a true example of platform innovation. “We will continue to innovate to make it more robust and scalable. Parallelly, we are expanding further by launching hyper-niche industry-relevant programs and delivering them through innovative business models that cater to diversified segments of the audience. We are committed to delivering value for every penny invested by learners through the career transformation of professionals,” concludes Santanu.

What makes entrepreneurs special is the fact that when they see a problem, they also see an opportunity. Problems that people see and ignore or endure, tickle the problem-solving attitude of entrepreneurs. They don’t rest until they have found a solution so that no one endures the problem anymore.  

Ryan K. Foncannon started out working in the senior citizen space providing Medicare, life insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance. While providing his services, he noticed his high-wage W-2 earner and successful business owner clients not getting much help in the tax strategy space. They didn’t have bad accountants. They were good at tax preparation and recording what happened in the past. They were just not great at being more holistic and proactive. He also saw this with other advisors on the wealth side. The advisors wouldn’t talk about anything that was not part of the stock market. There’s a lot more planning available out there for clients, especially in the alternative space. 

The problem-solver that Ryan was, he set out to learn the strategies that the billionaires were using to pay little or no tax. He wanted to bring the strategies from Wall Street to Main Street America. This was the start of his company, S.W.A.N. VFO. This has paid off for his clients not just on the advanced tax side, but across the board. Ryan and his team bring all of these strategies to fruition. He lists a lot of the specialists he works with on his website, but not all. He has access to over 80+ specialists on his VFO (Virtual Family Office) team. He also works with over 30+ tax offices to bring these strategies and options to their clients. The tax professionals like using his back-office support or VFO to not only educate clients but also implement the strategies. 

Tax Planning – The Profitable Way

Ryan felt the high net worth, high wage W-2 earner, and business owner markets were severely underserved by the transactional advisors that they use. His team wanted to create a one-stop-shop for these types of clients. They wanted to bring together the best-in-class specialists from across the country on an as-needed basis. They wanted to create a team-based or web-based group of advanced specialists that work in unison to bring together the best options for the client. That would produce the best outcomes for the client and not the advisor. That is exactly what they have done. 

Ryan’s team at S.W.A.N. VFO can bring very sophisticated planning across the disciplines of financing, business advisory, legal, insurance, private wealth management, and advanced tax planning. They separate themselves from all their competitors with the advanced tax planning they do, especially with the strategies they bring to the table. 

“It does not matter if a client is a business owner or high wage W-2 earner, we have impact strategies for both. This ties into the other disciplines in an advanced way, which can create an overlap with this type of higher-level planning when you understand how everything works together. We also feel that the high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients are not getting the best planning to help them opt out of having to pay large Estate Taxes after they pass away. We feel this market is highly underserved. There are too many examples to list of estates of famous people that got severely taxed when they did not have to be with proper advanced planning,” shares Ryan.

Strategizing it Right

When approaching advanced tax planning for high-wage earners Ryan and his team look at the total picture. How much is the total household income or AGI? How much is the net worth of the family? Are there any real estate properties? What is their current Federal tax liability? These questions and more help them formulate what they can do. 

“AGI or total household income qualifies folks for a lot of strategies we use. A high-wage earner on the granular level that does not have net worth, real estate, and/or a spouse that has a business needs to make: Single: $400,000+ or Joint: $500k+ as AGI or total household income. The reason for this is the standard deduction. Most strategies need to be higher than the standard deduction for it to do anything to the tax return,” explains Ryan.

Sharing examples, he says, “I had to call out a financial advisor last year for putting clients into strategies that did NOT put them over this hump but told them it would save them in taxes. It didn’t. The clients put in $11,000 and their deduction was higher than that of an individual. So, it didn’t do anything, and it underperformed. If we just focused on what one person made, we would miss out on a ton of other options. We had a doctor last year for whom we used 3 strategies and saved about 91% on their taxes between Federal and State. Some of those strategies had a cash flow to them too. He is now taking the next step with us to do the total picture planning or what we call ‘smoker planning’. It takes longer, but it will cover all the bases. Our largest client we saved them over 8 figures in taxes and that did not count the amount of estate taxes that we are saving them, which is in the $100+ million range.”

The 6 Pillars of Advanced Planning 

The 6 Pillars of Advanced Planning at S.W.A.N. VFO have a lot of overlap in the strategies that it offers. The six pillars are Financing, Business Advisory, Advanced Legal, Advanced Insurance Concepts, Private Wealth Management, and Advanced Tax Planning. 

Other than regular planning, their knack for understanding, educating, and implementing the different advanced strategies sets them apart. There can be overlap in advanced strategies that can bring much better outcomes to the client versus being transactional on each need. 

“By looking at the whole picture, strategies that create better outcomes overall reveal themselves to us. As an example, there was a medium-sized trucking company we worked with. They had issues with insurance costs, rising labor & non-labor costs, cash flow issues, the need for better benefits to keep employees, and the owner wanted to put more away for retirement.  We implemented 3 high-impact strategies that significantly lowered insurance costs, labor & non-labor costs, and increased cash flow significantly. This allowed them to add more pre- and after-tax benefits. This also allowed the owner to put away over $500,000 in advanced qualified plans for retirement. On his 1040 return, we used 3 high-impact strategies to lower his taxes by over 90% or said another way, we saved him over $700k in federal taxes alone,” shares Ryan as he explains.

Readying for Everyday Challenges 

Ryan takes a few steps back and looks at the total picture for the client. The client may have a large capital gains event and that is their focus, but by looking at the bigger picture, Ryan can bring better strategies to the table that act like a Swiss army knife to cover other bases that are of concern too. 

Since S.W.A.N. VFO is an independent firm, it can adjust and pivot very quickly. Other firms that are more ‘corporate’ are harder to adjust to new challenges. They can not only change quickly, but can also pivot to a new way of doing things to maximize the outcome for the client. 

Their biggest challenge, however, came from a different quarter. The company rebranded to be a Virtual Family Office (VFO) about 6 months before the pandemic. A lot of people were very leery of the idea of a ‘virtual’ company. “Everyone needs a little luck in business. The pandemic happened to be the best thing to ever happen to us. Potential clients of all ages were hopping on Zoom calls and Facetime on their phones and computers. What was a huge challenge for us really turned the corner,” says Ryan.

Emerging Trends

Ryan observes that the laws are always changing. Some strategies will sunset and new ones will create new opportunities. A lot of different laws are set to sunset in 2026. That will create a great opportunity for those who can pivot to the new strategies or know the current strategies that are back on the table. 

Ryan predicts that revenue sharing and ecosystem merging to be an integral part of doing business in the years to come. This is different from the traditional referral model. This is more of having a true partnership and not a handoff. This is about adding more value than you take.

“Via our VFO, we have numerous ecosystem mergers with tax practices, law practices, and even other financial advisors. The ones that can participate in the revenue sharing, really love it. They are not only involved, but they are the stars of the show. We feel that this on top of what we are already doing will totally disrupt the financial, insurance, and tax industries,” says Ryan.

To stay updated on ever-evolving tax laws and regulations, S.W.A.N. has an extensive network of specialists. They help the company stay on top of things, including staying on top of sunsetting tax strategies and recognizing opportunities to pivot to for the clients. Ryan does extensive training in continuing education, webinars, whitepapers, etc. to stay on top of what is happening next. He is on the tax board for the National Small Business Association, who appreciate his input and keeps him abreast of any potential or actual law changes. 

“If you know a law change is going to happen before it happens, it allows you time to plan. We are also on the Leadership Board with NSBA (National Small Business Association) dealing with tax policy. This also helps us stay on top of what is coming down the road and how we can pivot to other strategies via the tax code,” he says.

Summing up his future endeavors, Ryan concludes, “Our goal is to disrupt the tax and financial sectors in a major way. You can expect that from us and what has already been said. We also see us helping people achieve their money, time, and magic. We will be actualizers to other tax, legal, and financial professionals to help them achieve the more they are seeking in their lives.” 

Quote: “Do what is right, no matter what the cost. –Scott Foncannon”

Quote: “My mission is to help business owners and high-income earners build wealth.”

Quote: “I am passionate about delivering a wide range of state-of-the-art expertise, by structuring cohesive teams of specialists for each client, and driving down costs for both myself and my clients.”

As of today, July 2023, there are 7.33 billion mobile phone users in the world which translates into nearly 91% of the world’s population. Of which, 6.8 billion people are smartphone users and the tribe is expected to grow to 7.1 billion by the end of 2024.

For a marketeer reading this, the numbers translate into opportunities to reach out to those 6.8 billion people. Mobile phones represent an opportunity for companies to customize their offerings for the targeted users through engaging creatives that can hook them and convert them into customers.

However, the problem is, how do you engage a customer whose mobile is full of apps, probably of rivals, and whose attention span is less than 6 seconds?

For Rahul Jayawant-led Eureka Mobile Advertising, this isn’t a problem, but an opportunity to which they have patented solutions!

The Company

Eureka Mobile is a ‘last mile’ solution to deliver content on the mobile. It is an experience-led Customer Engagement Platform. The company is based in the UK and provides elevating engaging experiences on the mobile. ​The underlying digital technology is patented.

Eureka delivers content directly to the mobile’s idle screen, ensuring a guaranteed view. Viewers can choose to tap to see more, save for later, mark it as a favorite, or swipe to dismiss. This is how it helps businesses:

• As per Google’s research, less than 50% of the content on the mobile is ever viewed. Eureka’s Technology ensures 100% Viewability. 
• The mobile screen is cluttered with dozens of apps and the content will get lost in the forest of apps on the subscriber’s home screen. Eureka’s Solution ensures the Brand’s content stands out and an unmissable copy of the content is served ‘out of app’ – timed and targeted – to the target audience/subscriber resulting in an elevating engaging experience. 
• As per experts, page loading times could vary from 3s – 11s.  Eureka’s solution ensures the content is served instantly (no latency). Video is the most popular format on the mobile. Buffering is a spoiler. Eureka’s Technology ensures Zero Buffering. 

The Start of it All

In the early nineties, a young Rahul kicked off his professional journey after his Bachelor in Technology in Manufacturing on the Foundry Shop floor as a Management Trainee in Kolkata in India. He had a great time dabbling in production, quality control, operations, and blue-collar workforce management (which was very demanding and a completely different kettle of fish). However, he soon got bored by the monotony of factory life and decided to move to the much-romanticized Sales arena. 

He then moved on to selling Castolin’s cutting-edge industrial consumables for sustainability. It gave him a unique ringside view of the technological landscape across a myriad of Industries including – Automobiles; Steel; Chemicals; Paper & Pulp;  Ship Repairs; Cement; Mining amongst others. It gave him an opportunity to create numerous innovative applications which were globally useful for the Company. Work took him to Singapore and the time spent was fantastic in terms of opportunities, entrepreneurial DNA of the Nation, and positive work culture. 

Then Y2K happened! The world was taken over by the doomsday scenarios of ‘what if’ the computer software tripped as the millennial clock went past midnight into the 21st Century. Rahul too was swept away by the euphoria and was pulled into the fascinating world of the possible – Software Technology. He was handpicked by the Chairman (of Larsen & Toubro Group) to move to the UK to lead the S.I. business for the company. The next decade was spent working in various Business Development roles for leading System Integrators including Larsen & Toubro Infotech, Accenture, and HCL amongst others based out of London. 

A chance meeting with one of the greatest Techno marketers of the 21st Century changed Rahul’s trajectory of life, forever. He met John Sculley at the London Hilton in 2008. Across the breakfast table, literally at the back of the paper napkin, he shared his vision of ‘customer engagement’ on the mobile. John instantly liked it and told him that he thought it was innovative and pioneering. 

Rahul reflects, “Looking back, I think John inspired my entrepreneurial zest. The entrepreneurial journey has been exhilarating, to say the least. The countless meetings with investors, the ecstasy of the patents being granted, and above all the ‘EUREKA’ moment of the customer, once they experience the elevating engagement power of the platform. A game changer for their business!” 

Out-of-the-box Thinker and Leader

As the Founder and CEO of a startup with patents to its credit, Rahul has been setting the pace at the company with his big-picture-driven attitude. He leads from the front and ensures that his vision is shared and understood by everyone in the company. 

Rahul is adept at leveraging emerging technologies to drive innovation and stay ahead of a competitive market. He is skilled in building and nurturing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, and delivering exceptional results. He excels at establishing network connections and has a reputation for forging strategic partnerships and securing lucrative business opportunities. He has an aptitude for maintaining corporate governance standards while ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving sustainable organizational growth. 

Rahul believes the Post Pandemic World represents an opportunity for the sophisticated use of technology solutions for changing business models. Through Eureka, he is enabling businesses to communicate with their customer or employee directly in a meaningful and personalized way as a powerful route to increasing engagement  and in turn improving productivity. Back of their customer engagement platform on the go, they are creating pioneering businesses across Media & Entertainment: eCommerce and Future of Work amongst others for:

• Fan engagement and monetization of fan-base
• Off-Peak Breaks to recharge the workforce
• The digitalization of the High Street towards achieving sustainability and carbon reduction goals in the local community

Innovation is the bedrock of all of Eureka’s businesses. Their ‘last mile’ mobility patent underpins their Customer Engagement Platform on the go. Every use case of their business is unique and pioneering anywhere in the world.

The company believes in diversity and makes a conscious effort to support diversity and inclusion in every business activity both within and across its partnerships. “Our focus is on the attitude of the individual. We are looking for out-of-the-box thinkers with high integrity working at speed and above all a positive mindset,” says Rahul.

Overcoming Challenges

Rahul believes, variety is the spice of life and that time is the most precious commodity, a perishable to be used wisely. Speed and Mundanity have been the biggest challenges in his career. Initially, he tried to move across business verticals in search of variety, including Manufacturing, Application Sales, System Integration Services, and Digital. In search of speed, he moved from Mumbai to Singapore to London. 

“Then the ‘penny dropped’ and I realized I was shackled by corporate bureaucracy and yearned for the freedom to perform. Thus began my journey into the world of entrepreneurship. It has been exhilarating, liberating and above all fulfilling!”, he confesses.

As for the industry, Rahul feels that the current challenges include Climate Change, Cybersecurity, IP theft, and Talent War (exacerbated by the rapidly changing technological landscape). He feels that these four major challenges need to be addressed jointly by the FORTUNE 100 companies as an existential challenge across the world.

Getting Future-Ready

As an inventor, Rahul is passionate about innovation and the art of possibly leveraging technology for good. Metaverse feels Rahul, is a game-changer and that marketing strategy will never be the same again. As it matures and proliferates it will be more persuasive, purposeful, and personalized ensuring a significant ROI to the Brand.

At Eureka, his team will keep striving to create unique ‘Customer Engagement’ solutions across diverse businesses including Fan Engagement; eCommerce; Future of Work, and OTT (Streaming Services) in the coming years.

Message for the Budding Entrepreneurs:

“It’s an exciting and fast-moving world full of opportunities. Should you want to make a difference, entrepreneurship is the best vehicle to achieve it. Have a purpose and be passionate about your venture. Entrepreneurship is  a journey enjoy it!

The sense of achievement is unique and incomparable to anything else. However, it is not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared for the marathon – mentally, physically, and financially. Look for experienced mentors and ensure the team is focused, sharp, and honest. Go for it!” concludes Rahul.

Quote:  ‘Variety is the Spice of Life!’

As adults, society expects us to earn a living and support not just ourselves but our families as well. However, getting employment is subject to many conditions. One of them being employability skills. These skills or attributes enable young people to perform well in their chosen occupations and adapt to changing work environments. They include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, digital literacy, and self-management skills. These skills are necessary for youth to succeed in the 21st-century economy, where they face rapid technological changes, increased competition, and diverse opportunities. These skills are essential for youth to achieve their personal and professional goals, and contribute to the social and economic development of their communities and countries.

India, the land of opportunities has nearly 50% of its population below the age of 25. However, these young people in the most populous country in the world are struggling with employment. The problem India faces on account of employability and the rapidly evolving job market, the demands for new skill sets, and meeting aspiration levels is quite scary. Most of them lack the necessary skills and education to secure stable employment.

Working amongst youth at grass root level, Mr I A Padmanabhan alias Ramesh Swamy realized that only when we can bring a change in the lives of the underprivileged, there will be progress and overall societal development. This passion drove him to found SGBS Trust together with a few other like-minded people. Under the aegis of this trust, he established Unnati which helps economically challenged youth find meaningful employment in just 35 days.

“Our focus solely lies in the realm of employability, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring a guaranteed job placement at the end of the program for unemployed and unemployable youth, both with and without an educational background,” says Ramesh Swamy, Lead Trustee of SGBS Trust, Director of SGBS Unnati Foundation and the CEO of the Swamy Group Of Companies.

The Inception

After completing graduation and garnering his Bachelor’s degree in BE (Mech) from MACT, Regional Engineering College, Bhopal, Ramesh Swamy joined his father in business. He also handled the logistics management for companies across Karnataka.

Ramesh always had a deep-rooted involvement with Indian Culture and was passionate about helping to bring about a change in the lives of the underprivileged. This passion drove him to establish SGBS Trust. He organized several events to promote art and culture constantly scouted for young talent and provided them with a platform that will help launch their careers. Soon he became a source of inspiration and support among many young artists.

Then in a small way, he started providing educational support to the underprivileged school children every year, under the Trust’s program Shiksha. Then they started providing help to the public at the time of bereavement through Samasta which continues even today. 

Next came Unnati, his brainchild to help youth find meaningful employment. His ingenious strategy to mobilize the entire art lover community in Bangalore to rally for a cause has made Unnati a sustainable social impact program and a case study in the NGO sector. Unnati is now more than just a proof of concept.

Their journey embarked on a transformative path in the academic year 2017-18 when they initiated the UNXT program for the final year students in the Government and ITI colleges. And later started the program SUGAM which is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs by offering guidance and mentorship.

“With an extensive history spanning over 20 years, our programs, UNNATI UNXT, and SUGAM have successfully empowered more than 85,000 youths, over 30 centers across the country, over 200 Govt colleges, and over 300 companies coming for campus placements, Unnati has become a fully sustainable employment ecosystem,” says Ramesh.

Recently, Unnati achieved a historic milestone by registering on the Social Stock Exchange at BSE and NSE, garnering approvals from both esteemed exchanges. Notably, Unnati proudly stands as the pioneering organization to list a Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instrument on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE).

The Foundation

SGBS Unnati Foundation is a distinguished non-profit organization, established in 2011, dedicated to empowering less educated, underprivileged, and unemployed youth by providing them with the necessary skills to secure gainful employment. “Unnati”, through a comprehensive 35-day training program encompassing 300 hours, participants are equipped with spoken English language skills, life skills, values, basic computer knowledge, and vocational training. Unnati ensures a guaranteed placement in a corporate setting with social security.

The foundation’s primary objective is to assist the youth of the nation, aged between 18-25 years, in realizing their ambitions and enabling them to contribute positively to society, regardless of their challenging backgrounds. Unnati Foundation acknowledges the importance of nurturing individuals from their respective communities and strives to uplift them.

In addition to its core training program, the Unnati Foundation hosts various initiatives for youth development. “UNXT” caters specifically to youth residing in rural areas, providing them with valuable opportunities and resources. “SUGAM” is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs by offering guidance and mentorship. What sets Unnati Foundation apart is its unique selling proposition (USP) of guaranteed job placements for the youth, thus ensuring a secure future for them. By playing a pivotal role in empowering the youth, the Unnati Foundation endeavors to uplift an entire generation and help them rise above the poverty line.

“Our success which needs to be seen and realised is about the transformation a youth goes through during the program. For us giving the youth a job is measurable but the impact is about transformation. It’s about a value-based citizen who realizes his/her responsibility in the society. It’s about lifelong empowerment of the youth,” says Ramesh.

Leading with A Vision

Ramesh serves as the Managing Trustee in SGBS Trust and Director at SGBS Unnati Foundation on a pro bono basis and is involved in the day-to-day operations at Unnati. As the leader, he has to undertake several critical decisions that can significantly impact the organization’s success, effectiveness, and overall mission, Program Development and Evaluation, Partnerships and Collaborations, Fundraising and Financial Management, Staffing, and Team Management.

He leads Unnati with a vision to train & place 1 million underprivileged youth across the nation. In his unwavering pursuit of the Trust’s mission and vision, his sole goal is to work towards the upliftment of the underprivileged and the bright future of young aspirants across the nation. Throughout his career, Ramesh has been guided by the principles of continuous learning, integrity, and commitment towards delivering the needs of the community. He aims to contribute significantly to the organizational growth, with open communication, teamwork, and a proactive mindset. 

“Great work never goes unnoticed. Unnati today has been recognized for its work across various national and international forums. Since 2003, we, in our small way, continue to work for this ’cause’, to make society a happier and better place. By addressing this issue head-on, we can empower these young individuals to become productive contributors to society. Government partnership also plays a pivotal role in skill development supporting our program UNXT across various states,” shares Ramesh.

Through Highs and Lows

Promotion of Education, Gender Equality & Women Empowerment, Employment, Enhancing Vocational Skills, Livelihood program and Workforce Development are SGBS’s thematic areas of work.

The program has multiple stakeholders – the beneficiaries (18-25 underprivileged youths), the community and their families, the CSR partners and donors, the recruitment agencies, and in some cases partnering NGOs. Ramesh and his team do not work with the government or engage in any government schemes.

Their journey involves extensive hard work, grit, determination, and perseverance. Securing donors to navigate through diverse opinions, each step demanded dedication. The multifaceted process of opening training centers across locations was a challenge until they had Axis Bank, who supported us in a big way. Moreover, forging connections with placement partners (especially local placement) was crucial for the program’s success.

Another set of challenges came from the benefactors themselves. Youths do not distinguish between two similar programs. For them, it is all the same. The mindset of certificates, degrees, etc needs to change and they must realize that vocational training is the approach for the future.

The youth think that success can come easily and they resist understanding the need for self-discipline.

The parents are overprotective and do not allow girls to take up jobs outside their areas hence limiting the youth’s growth. The focus unfortunately is on training and not on getting the youths a job. The curriculum many times is not connected to the market needs.

“Through continuous efforts and collaborations, we not only surmounted many obstacles but also learned invaluable lessons. The experience taught me the significance of adaptability, resilience, and the power of a unified vision. Today, Unnati stands as a testament to the collective efforts and commitment of everyone involved,” says Ramesh.

Technology for Better Reach and Growth

Technology plays a crucial role in the growth and survival of any organization, including Unnati.                     Unnati understands the importance of leveraging technology to scale, save time and money, and simplify processes. Unlike other organizations, Unnati has embraced technology right from its inception, making it an integral part.

They have a very good MIS Reporting system – Cloud Platform MIS Sixer Class. Their data collection is via a tech-based platform that also provides access to an e-learning app with over 600 videos and questions to the youth who attend our program.

Unnati adopts a blended learning model, combining e-learning with classroom instruction. This

approach accommodates diverse learning styles, ensuring that all participants receive effective education and support. Youth trained and completed their training under their programs are issued Digital Certificates across all centers.

They have also developed an in-house portal Udhyogam. In order to bridge the gap between the Unnati-trained talent pool and companies seeking freshers, it has created a platform called UDHYOGAM. This platform allows companies to filter their requirements and shortlist candidates based on video resumes that the organization has asked them to upload. Unnati has also implemented a robust Financial system that ensures accountability across all its centers.

Miles to Go

By striving to reach its milestone, Unnati aims to create a significant impact and leave a lasting legacy in the field of skill development and youth empowerment. Unnati is the first to get registered on a social stock exchange, that’s another significant milestone and achievement. Being listed on a social stock exchange is a relatively new development in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.

The organization is rapidly growing, it is driven by people who are extremely passionate and whose only intent is to help the youth of this country and also help the nation move forward. “ Unnati’s vision is to train & place 1 million underprivileged youth across the nation. Our journey continues. We want our team to be positive, meaningfully associated, take responsibility, and be able to contribute to the implementation of our program and make a difference in the lives of the youth of this country and take the joy and the credit, especially our Volunteers who play a pivotal role in making a difference,” concludes Ramesh.

Quote: “A generation raises above the poverty line in just 35 days”

Quote: “I feel great about what I am today with passion to serve this nation.  I want more strength and support to explore the work we are doing today, and more and more youth get benefit.”

Quote: “The SGBS Unnati Foundation was born in 2011 and our goal stood for “Training and employment of 1 million youth across the nation ”

Quote: “With unyielding belief that inclusive societal growth is the only means to achieve overall development in the country, led to the dream of replicating our Unnati Model across India.”

Tata AutoComp Systems, established in 1995 and promoted by the Tata Group, was created to introduce advanced auto component technologies into India, catering to the burgeoning Indian automotive sector. The company specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and supply of a wide range of auto-component products and services. Operating through various Business Units (BUs), Tata AutoComp encompasses its own divisions, subsidiaries, and joint ventures to deliver comprehensive solutions to automotive OEMs across multiple segments, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two and three-wheelers, tractors, off-road vehicles, allied industrial segments, non-auto businesses, and the aftermarket. 

With a robust structure comprising 18 Business Units and nine joint ventures with leading global auto component manufacturers, Tata AutoComp boasts 61 manufacturing facilities located across India, North America, Latin America, Europe, and China. The company is actively engaged in several segments such as EV components and electricals, interior and exterior systems, thermal management, emission control and powertrain solutions, body and suspension systems, engineering services, supply chain management, and aftermarket services. Under the leadership of Vice Chairman Arvind Goel, it has made significant strides in establishing joint ventures and acquiring TitanX, which have been pivotal to the company’s growth and success. 

The Passionate Leader 

Arvind Goel has been a prominent figure in the industry for over four decades. Before being appointed as the Vice Chairman of Tata AutoComp in January 2023, he served as the Managing Director & CEO at the Company since 2018 and has held several other leadership positions within the company. He is leading the company with a vision to be the most trusted mobility components and systems partner. 

Right from his childhood, Arvind had a passion for automobiles and soccer. As he grew, his passion for automobiles got the better of him and transcended into a four-decade career. Before joining Tata AutoComp in 2008, he had also served as President and COO of Man Trucks and various leadership positions at Force Motors, Bajaj Tempo, and Kirloskar Oil Engines. Arvind is also an active member of various industry bodies and has received several awards for his contributions to the auto industry. 

The Journey at Tata AutoComp 

As the Vice Chairman, Arvind plays a crucial role in overseeing the long-term vision of Tata AutoComp, with a particular focus on areas like EV components. He strengthens partnerships with global technology providers and fosters joint ventures to bring innovative solutions to the market. He also drives initiatives that expand the company’s market presence and improve operational efficiencies across all business units. He also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to keep the company ahead in the automotive industry. 

Arvind has closely followed the technology revolution in the automotive industry, particularly the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). By anticipating global technological trends, he made sure that Tata AutoComp was prepared to supply EV components ahead of the market. This proactive approach ensured that the company was ready to meet the industry’s evolving needs, positioning it as a leader in EV technology supply. He has also instilled a culture of continuous improvement and total quality management and has prioritized R&D to drive innovation and keep Tata AutoComp competitive. Arvind is focused on making the company a full-service supplier to meet diverse customer needs and hence cultivated a performance-driven culture to align teams with high standards and accountability. 

Beyond his work at Tata AutoComp, Arvind actively contributes to various industry bodies. He serves as a Board Member of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA), Vice Chairman of the Western Region Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA), an elected member of the CII National Council and CII Western Regional Council, and President of the Employers’ Federation of India. His involvement in these organizations highlights his commitment to advancing the automotive industry and fostering collaboration within the sector. 

Helping Ideas Flourish 

To drive innovation and growth within the organization, Arvind has built a robust culture of innovation. This has involved fostering the appreciation, recognition, and implementation of new ideas. With this supportive culture firmly in place, innovation naturally thrives. He has prioritized involving all stakeholders—employees, vendors, and customers—in the innovation process. By engaging everyone, Tata AutoComp has harnessed diverse perspectives and created a collaborative environment. 

 Tata AutoComp has also established a dedicated platform where individuals can present and implement their innovative ideas. This platform is supported by financial resources, ensuring that practical and creative solutions come to life. He emphasizes the vital role of senior leadership in driving innovation from the top, setting a positive example through their appreciation and encouragement of new ideas. 

Under his guidance, innovation has been cultivated both internally and externally. Vendors are empowered to develop creative solutions, enhancing Tata AutoComp’s products, while customer feedback has been seamlessly integrated into product development. These efforts have ensured that offerings are innovative and closely aligned with customer needs. Together, these strategies have propelled Tata AutoComp toward sustained growth and success in the auto component sector. 

Sailing through Challenges 

The hardest decision Arvind took as a leader was recognizing the significant megatrend indicating that electric vehicles (EVs) would be the next major technological shift in India, a shift already established in markets like China and creating advancements in the US and Europe. At that time, the Indian auto component industry was still in a dilemma about whether to invest in battery packs and drivetrains, and there was little to no experience available in these areas. Despite these challenges, he decided to take a strategic risk and enter this technology sector. 

In 2020/21, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, under his guidance, Tata AutoComp planned to establish its manufacturing capabilities for battery packs, drivetrains, and other EV components. The situation was particularly challenging, as travel restrictions prevented the partner companies from assisting with the installation and commissioning of machinery. Despite these hurdles, Arvind made the decision to invest heavily in these two areas. 

This strategic approach allowed them to overcome significant obstacles. Today, Tata AutoComp stands as the number one supplier of battery packs and drivetrains in India, achieving the highest level of localization for these projects. This decision not only positioned them at the forefront of the EV market but also demonstrated their capability to adapt and innovate in challenging circumstances. 

Leveraging Novel Technologies 

Tata AutoComp Systems leverages new technologies by aligning with industry megatrends, customer needs, evolving sustainability goals, and global advancements. Its approach is structured and collaborative, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry: 

Sources of New Technology: 

• Feedback from the customers 

• Industry megatrends and developments. 

• In-depth PESTEL analysis to identify opportunities and challenges. 

Strategies to Bring Technology: 

• Develop the technology on your own. 

• Partnering with global technology leaders to adopt cutting-edge innovations. 

• Acquiring companies with expertise in specific advanced technologies. 

Strategy for Leveraging the Right Technology 

• Engaging industry experts to identify relevant technologies to leverage. 

• Monitor what developments are happening globally. 

• Get feedback from customers on the types of technologies/innovations they want to introduce in India. 

• PESTEL Analysis 

Key Achievements: 

This strategy has positioned the company as a market leader in Battery Pack, Drivetrain, BTMS, and EV Chargers, securing its competitive edge. 

Innovations: 

Implemented: EV vehicles, BS6 compliance, lightweight solutions, modular seating and many more. 

Recent: 

• Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): Tata AutoComp is the first to introduce DCT in India. 

• Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS): First to manufacture LVDS cameras in India. 

Integrating ESG principles 

Tata AutoComp integrates ESG principles into its business operations and strategies in the following ways: 

1. Sustainability Alignment: Committed to TATA Group reporting frameworks for transparent progress on sustainability. 

2. Climate Change Mitigation: Integrate environmental and social considerations across business operations. 

3. Governance and Reporting: Establish governance to oversee sustainability, valuing natural and social capital, and reporting in alignment with TATA Group. 

4. Measurable Targets: Set and track goals, including Net Zero by 2040, through Project Aalingana. 

5. Social Responsibility: Support communities, uphold human rights, and promote social welfare per the CSR policy. 

6. Sustainable Materials: 

1. Reduce: Promote the use of Low-density materials for efficiency. 

2. Reuse: Use Waste in cement kilns. 

3. Recycle: Incorporate recycled materials. 

4. Redesign: Use pigmented materials to avoid painting. 

5. Renew: Use renewable raw materials. 

Current Trends 

Arvind points out several trends that are shaping the future of the auto component industry: 

• Electrification & Sustainability 

• Advanced Manufacturing 

• Connected Vehicle 

• AI-ML & Digitalization 

• Shared Mobility 

A visionary, he is already leading the company to address and even stay ahead of these trends in the following ways: 

• Electrification – Tata AutoComp has made 2 joint ventures to bring the latest technology to India, and it is an industry leader in this sector in India. As part of its strategy for localising EV components, it has established dedicated business units to design and manufacture them. Additionally, it has implemented vertical integration.  

• Sustainability – The Company is working on lightweight, environmentally friendly materials for automotive interiors and exteriors. The team is also exploring new avenues to develop materials that comply with evolving sustainability norms. 

• Advanced Manufacturing – Most of Tata AutoComp’s plants are Industry 4.0 ready. 

• Connected Vehicles – It is the first to manufacture LVDS Cameras and bring more products into the ADAS segment. It is also in the process of bringing various products related to Power Electronics. 

• AI-ML & Digitalization – These platforms are being used for productivity monitoring and various other monitoring systems. 

• Shared Mobility – The Company is aligning with the automotive OEMs’ vision of meeting the demands of Shared Mobility. It is helping OEMs with advanced technology that focuses on durability.  

Green Initiatives  

Tata AutoComp integrates sustainable practices across operations to achieve long-term competitive advantages while improving quality of life. The company aligns its values with customer, employee, partner, and community expectations, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and economic targets to ensure sustainable growth. 

• Environmental Initiatives: Tata AutoComp actively supports global climate action by reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, optimizing resource efficiency, preventing pollution, and conserving biodiversity. Efforts include reforestation and achieving a net positive impact on ecosystems while adhering to strict environmental regulations. 

• Stakeholder Empowerment: A safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace is a priority. The company fosters diversity, safeguards human rights, and emphasizes employee health and safety. It engages communities through social responsibility initiatives and collaborates with stakeholders to address sustainability concerns effectively. 

• Business Sustainability: Sustainability is embedded in the company’s decision-making, focusing on mitigating climate change risks. It promotes green revenue growth by developing environmentally friendly products and building a sustainable value chain. Comprehensive risk assessments ensure the identification and mitigation of potential sustainability risks. 

• Ethical Practices: It upholds integrity and transparency, implementing robust anti-corruption measures and continuously improving environmental, health, and safety performance across its value chain. 

• Policy Implementation: Guided by a dedicated governance structure, the company monitors its progress on sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero by 2040 under Project Aalingana. Training, stakeholder engagement, and measurable targets drive continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with Tata Group’s sustainability frameworks. 

A Great Place to Work At 

Tata AutoComp has several initiatives in place to develop and support its employees and foster a culture of innovation and excellence. 

• Culture of Growth 

Life at the company combines professionalism with a vibrant culture of collaboration, respect, and support. The environment fosters growth through continuous learning, innovation, and integrity, celebrating achievements while nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose. As part of their strategy to mentor and shape tomorrow’s leaders, they focus on recruiting young talent. 

• Diversity & Inclusion 

It prioritizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and respected. The inclusive policies foster equal opportunities and embrace diverse perspectives, building a workplace that encourages respect and drives innovation. 

• Corporate Social Responsibility 

The CSR initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to sustainable growth and community welfare. The initiatives range from education and health programs to environmental conservation, embodying their values of integrity, responsibility, and excellence. They strive to make a positive impact on society, combining corporate responsibility with career advancement opportunities. 

Awards 

Tata AutoComp Has Received Global Recognition with Two Deming Prize Awards, in a recently concluded ceremony in Tokyo, Japan 

Two of Tata AutoComp’s business units, Tata Ficosa and Tata AutoComp’s Composites Division, have won the prestigious Deming Prize Awards for 2024. Tata AutoComp’s Composites Division is the first entity in the global composites industry to receive this recognition, while Tata Ficosa is the first auto-component company in India to win the Deming Prize in the Vision Systems product category. The Deming Award presented by JUSE [Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers] Japan honours organizations excelling in quality management. 

Tata AutoComp has been recognized as a Future Ready Organisation for 2024-25 by The Economic Times and named the Best Organisation for Women in 2023 and 2024 by ET Now and The Economic Times. 

Quote: “Innovation and technology, driven by a commitment to quality and societal responsibility, are the pillars of progress. It is through effective leadership development that we bring this vision to life, ensuring that every step forward creates lasting, meaningful change.” 

Quote: “Our mission is to deliver value to all stakeholders by differentiation through safety, quality and constant innovation.” 

Quote: “Tata AutoComp is targeting a 3X growth over the next 5 years across the Automotive, Railway, Aviation, and Energy sectors.” 

The Vision: 

Tata AutoComp aspires to lead the future of mobility by building trust through customer satisfaction, ethical practices, and quality excellence. We envision a safer, sustainable world by advancing environmental, social, and governance goals with zero harm. Through global and industry-agnostic partnerships, we aim to drive innovation in engineering, energy, and electronics, delivering cutting-edge solutions across the automotive, railways, defence, and airways sectors. We strive to become the most valued auto components player and technology leader in India as we realize this vision. 

Prioritizing Customers:  

At Tata AutoComp Systems, customer needs and satisfaction are integral to the operations. The company actively captures customer voice to enhance customer-centric processes and refine its product and technology development. This ensures that customers receive products of the right quality, equipped with advanced technology, delivered on time, and offered at the right price. This comprehensive approach consistently delivers exceptional value and satisfaction. 

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Saving lives and enhancing healthcare delivery is crucial, as we are all potential patients and customers of the healthcare system. This passion, along with personal experiences with his family and loved ones, led Jens Dommel to work in the healthcare space.

A Journey Crafted by Passion

Jens Dommel is the Head of Healthcare for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Amazon Web Services (AWS). With a strong background as an entrepreneur, sales expert, and marketing strategist, Jens has held diverse management positions in IT enterprises, specializing in the healthcare industry. 

Jens studied at TU Berlin, where he graduated as an engineer in information technology and mechanical engineering. This interdisciplinary study provided him with a broad skill set. During his studies, he sought practical experience and worked with the Fraunhofer Institute, engaging in projects related to standardization, research, and business process optimization.

Working in a few startups, he implemented software for major companies, developed skills in customer engagement and change management, and eventually advanced to sales manager and management team member, taking on diverse roles and responsibilities. Eventually, Jens was offered to join Microsoft, marking his first foray into the public sector as a vertical partner manager.

At Microsoft, Jens helped transition the company to an industry-centric model. During this time, he recognized the critical importance of healthcare, influenced by personal experiences. Noticing the lack of focus on healthcare within the organization, he proposed and successfully established a healthcare vertical in Germany. This initiative led to his role as a business development manager for Western Europe, where he scaled this model to other countries.

Jens’ focus on healthcare deepened as he joined Microsoft’s Health Solutions Group, driving the go-to-market strategy for clinical and consumer health products in Europe. This role taught him about clinical demands, consumer needs, and partner engagement., established a healthcare vertical in Germany, and scaled it across Western Europe. He then joined Compromatical, where he led cloud-based healthcare projects and managed a large team. After six and a half years, he joined AWS to build their healthcare vertical in EMEA, leveraging cloud technology and AI to improve healthcare.

“For the past five years, I’ve been building a subject matter expert team at AWS, focusing on genomics, medical imaging, medical records, and AI/ML. We’ve developed a robust ecosystem of partners and supported our customers in their digital transformation and cloud adoption. Our goal is to help customers succeed, save costs, and bring speed and agility to healthcare, ultimately benefiting doctors, nurses, and patients,” shares Jens.

The Leader’s Approach

Reflecting on his journey, Jens shares that AWS’s mission to improve and save lives aligns perfectly with his passion for enhancing the healthcare system. This customer-centric approach is central to his leadership philosophy. Understanding the root causes of challenges and focusing on customer needs is crucial, especially in the complex healthcare sector.

He believes in challenging existing barriers and thinking outside the box to find the best solutions. This principle of innovation and not limiting oneself has shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork.

Another key aspect of his leadership philosophy is the importance of diverse teams. Innovation thrives in an environment of psychological safety, where team members feel empowered to test ideas, even if it means occasional failure. A clear vision and confidence in the team’s ability to deliver results are essential.

“My leadership principles align seamlessly with Amazon’s, particularly the “Day One” culture, which emphasizes relentless customer focus, rapid innovation, and a willingness to experiment and embrace change. This alignment between my personal philosophy and the company’s values creates a strong fit and drives continuous improvement to stay ahead of customer needs,” explains Jens.

Driving Digital Transformation in Healthcare

AWS Health Services is transforming how healthcare and life sciences organizations collaborate to make data-driven clinical and operational decisions. This enables precision medicine, reduces the cost of care, and achieves better outcomes. AWS offers over 240 cloud services and partner solutions, used by thousands of customers globally. With a secure and reliable infrastructure spanning more than 33 regions, AWS democratizes technology, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes. This democratization drives customer success and system improvements.

AWS is democratizing access to technology for organizations of all sizes, from nationally known hospitals to smaller regional health systems, nonprofits, and academic medical centers. With the cloud’s pay-as-you-go model, customers no longer need significant upfront investments in infrastructure. They can quickly set up and test new innovations, fostering a culture of rapid experimentation and improvement.

AWS partners with key legacy providers, such as medical record and imaging systems, to transform their offerings into managed services. This allows customers to focus on usage and configuration while AWS ensures reliability and security. By leveraging AI and other advanced technologies, AWS helps customers innovate faster, optimize processes, and enhance security.

Healthcare organizations are frequent targets of cyberattacks, with a 60% increase in the last 12 months. AWS provides robust security services, including AWS Shield, to protect against these threats. Disaster recovery is also a critical demand, and AWS helps customers quickly restore services in case of disruptions.

Unlocking the potential of data through AI is another significant focus for Jens and his team. AWS enables clinicians and researchers to create secure environments, unify data, and build AI models. With pre-trained foundation models, customers can customize applications to meet their specific needs, driving further innovation in healthcare.

Jens shares that fine-tuning existing pre-trained models is significantly faster and requires less computational time and data compared to creating task-specific ML models from scratch. AWS offers multiple services to facilitate this, such as Bedrock, SageMaker, and the new Amazon Q. Amazon Q can be tailored to an organization by connecting it to company data and systems, streamlining tasks like summarizing documents, generating drafts, conducting research, and filling tickets. Importantly, Amazon Q respects existing identity rules, ensuring secure and appropriate access to data, especially when dealing with patient information.

“AWS is committed to responsible AI, focusing on rules, permissions, and personalized interactions to meet responsible AI criteria. This commitment ensures that our technology not only drives innovation but also maintains the highest standards of security and ethical use,” asserts Jens.

Addressing Health Disparities and Promoting Health Equity

Today, approximately half the world’s population lacks access to basic healthcare. Since launching the AWS Health Equity Initiative in 2021, AWS has supported various projects, including maternal health, mental health, homelessness, and transportation.

For example, they partnered with Righty Pharmacy to revolutionize medication distribution in rural areas, especially in Africa. Patients receive an SMS with a QR code to pick up medication from lockers, improving access for over one million unique patients and delivering 10 million prescriptions in four sub-Saharan countries.

Another example is Huron AI, which democratizes access to high-quality cancer care through its app, Gukiza, running on AWS. This app enables remote patient monitoring and tele-oncology, which is crucial in Africa, where oncologists are scarce.

“Ensuring healthcare access is a global issue, and we are excited to participate in the World Health Summit as a strategic partner. This cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential for addressing the world’s most pressing health challenges,” emphasizes Jens.

Sustainability in its Healthcare Solutions

“If the healthcare sector were a country—it would be the fifth largest emitter of carbon dioxide equivalent on the planet,” states Jens. Addressing this, studies show that cloud technology is a key enabler of sustainable healthcare systems. A 2022 World Economic Forum report recommends shifting to the cloud to save on materials needed for on-site hardware and reduce CO2 emissions. Research by 451 found that AWS can lower customers’ IT workload carbon footprint by nearly 80%, rising to 96% as AWS aims to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2025.

AWS is also committed to becoming water-positive by 2030, with significant improvements in water use efficiency. Transforming care delivery to support sustainability involves shifting from resource-intensive clinical facilities to networked, lower-cost settings and at-home care. Technologies like telehealth, AI-driven clinical decision support, and e-prescriptions optimize efficiency and reduce resource use.

“These efforts not only enhance sustainability but also improve healthcare delivery, making it faster and more efficient,” asserts Jens.

A Rapidly Evolving Sector

The healthcare sector is rapidly evolving, driven by innovation. For example, shares Jens, that generative biology is creating breakthrough medicines, such as Chroma’s model, which has developed proteins with programmable properties not found in nature. Similarly, Atera Therapeutics is using regenerative AI to discover new small molecule therapeutics for diseases of aging, including cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting how AWS customers are transforming the patient journey for cancer patients. AWS, in collaboration with Vidyo and MONAI, provides the largest metastatic cancer dataset for researchers worldwide. AI-powered diagnostics, like those from Munich Leukemia Lab and partnerships with Rush and Ibex, ensure accurate, timely, and personalized cancer diagnoses.

The accessibility of data is increasing, leading to new insights and outcomes. For instance, an AI project with the Ministry of Health in Bavaria identified gender-specific biomarkers for heart attacks, showcasing AI’s potential to improve diagnosis and treatment standards.

“In the past, research methodologies have been more male-centered than female-centered, which is just one example of existing ethical gaps. Addressing these gaps is crucial for driving the next wave of innovation in healthcare. By using data effectively and unlocking its potential, we can turn it into valuable insights. These innovations help doctors and nurses make more precise decisions by leveraging vast amounts of data and AI, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes,” explains Jens.

Vision for the Future

As mentioned above, the pace of change is rapid and it’s challenging to predict the future. However, Jens and his team’s commitment to AWS customers and supporting its partners on their digital journey remains a core part of their vision and strategy.

Their top priority is to make health systems more secure, with security being their foundational job zero. These build trust in the cloud and in them as a partner. For instance, AWS has announced a sovereign pledge and is enhancing its European sovereign cloud, set to launch next year.

They are listening to customer demands and supporting them by prioritizing speed, agility, and cost reduction over the next five years. They see their partners shifting from traditional software implementation to managed service offerings, which will scale and bring more agility.

AWS discussed the potential of data to drive personalized and precision medicine. Its model, “better data, better insight, better outcomes,” aims to unlock potential and make AI accessible to everyone, including health professionals. This involves optimizing administrative processes and supporting diagnosis.

Their focus extends beyond professionals to consumers and patients, empowering them with tools and connecting them with doctors and hospitals as needed. This trend will grow over the next five years, supported by multi-modal data lakes and research platforms.

The cost reduction in genome sequencing is making genomic data more integral to clinical research and decision support. Jens sees the use of AI progressing in existing environments and health-specific models like those for medical imaging and protein analysis. Additionally, large language models will become more prevalent, especially in local languages, aiding doctors and accelerating development.

“While it’s difficult to predict the next five years, we are focused on leveraging technology to improve health systems, listening to feedback, and driving innovation. At the end and this is also the foundation we are doing it because of improving health care and at the end to save lives and this is what drives us and AWS and health care as well as me and my personal passion,” concludes Jens. 

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On Dealing with Personal and Professional Challenges:

On a personal note, when my son was born two months prematurely, I realized how crucial it is to have an environment supported by expertise, especially in such a challenging situation. As a parent, you feel a bit lost and really need help. Now, he’s 19, and alongside my daughter, whom I love dearly, he has shown me the incredible impact healthcare can have. This was a significant moment for me, highlighting the importance of quality healthcare.

Conversely, the death of my father was a stark reminder of the system’s shortcomings. With better support, diagnosis, and doctors, he might still be alive today. This personal experience fueled my passion and commitment to improving healthcare.

Additionally, my professional experiences, such as working with a great team to overcome significant challenges, have reinforced my belief in the importance of trust, capability, and building the right teams. Leadership principles like thinking big and believing in our ability to execute are fundamental to my approach. These experiences have shaped my career and drive my dedication to making a positive impact in healthcare.

Message for Aspiring Leaders in Healthcare 

We challenged the most successful cloud projects to identify their success criteria. The first outcome is to have a vision and set big, challenging goals. My advice is to start small, learn, and be patient.

When setting up a strategy, it’s crucial for leaders to be involved. Pursue long-term goals with flexibility in short-term implementation. Managers should use dashboards and reports to track progress, focusing on impact rather than just outcomes. Outcomes are tangible and measurable, but impact refers to deeper, more meaningful changes.

In cloud technology, it’s important to understand that it’s not just about IT outsourcing. Cloud enables cultural change and innovation. Leaders should leverage cloud and AI to manage health data and drive innovation. This understanding allows teams to experiment and innovate quickly without significant upfront investment.

Train your workforce not only in technical skills but also in embracing the cultural shift that cloud technology brings. This will help them utilize the infrastructure effectively and foster an innovation culture.

A Quote to Live By:

Well, there are a couple of quotes I really like. One of my favorites is, “Don’t let success go to your head and failure to your heart.” It’s about humility. When you achieve success, it’s important to stay humble and grounded. Don’t let it inflate your ego or make you lose sight of what’s important. Keep listening and learning.

On the flip side, when you face setbacks or failures, don’t let them crush your spirit. Don’t be overly hard on yourself or let disappointment consume you. Failures are part of the learning experience; they drive innovation, and growth, and build resilience. It’s also about fostering a leadership culture that views failure positively.

I think this quote frames it very well. It’s one of my absolute favorite quotes, and I use it in my daily life.

Quote: “Our vision is to make AI so easy that every institution is able to become an AI organization or AI company that you need to simplify things and the ability to easily privately and securely customize a pre-trained model is a real game changer.”

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