Ranked as one of the top 10 Best Leaders in AI in India 2023, Mr. Satyajit Dwivedi holds 30 years of experience in Digital Transformation, Process Consulting, Energy, Utilities, Water, Waste & Transport and Sustainability/ESG sector.
Satyajit’s professional journey has been diverse spanning across various industries and sectors. After gaining experience in power plants and oil and gas companies post of engineering, he ventured into government consulting, where he honed his skills in policy analysis, and process transformation with digital technologies. Post his Masters in management in the field of finance and systems, his career then took him into the realm of industry and financial research companies, where he developed a strong foundation in data analysis, capital market analytics, and economic & industry sector research.
However, it was during the last 20 years that he found his true passion and calling in the fields of analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. This phase of Satyajit’s career allowed him to fully leverage his engineering and analytical skills in the core business stream, adapting them to the evolving landscape of technology and data-driven decision-making for energy – utilities, process manufacturing, and smart cities sector. In this rapidly changing field, he played a crucial role in helping organizations harness the power of data and AI to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and drive digital transformations. He currently serves as Regional Director, Emerging EMEA, and AP at SAS.
“Being an electric engineer and having an interest in the field of control systems, I believe data science / AI is core to any process that focusses on outcomes, initiates feedback to inputs and process. 20 years back, I concluded that this is going to be the best space to work for the coming many decades by being at the forefront of innovation and revolutionizing industries across the board. My journey reflects a commitment to staying at the cutting edge of this space and driving positive change within the organizations I’ve been a part of,” shares Satyajit.
An Avid Learner
Throughout his career, Satyajit had a common challenge, which was being required to take up new areas or sectors, learn new things, and work with different teams across regions. Early stages of his career, in a large multi-billion-dollar pipeline project, he was asked to handle civil engineering work in the beginning. Being an electrical engineer, he had a choice to decline the role and get it assigned to someone else. Knowing that it’s a new field and even physically challenging since it was extremely critical to give the project execution a headstart, he took up the role with dedication. Learning came from all quarters, and with strong determination that the goal could be achieved, he could contribute significantly to the successful commissioning of the project within time and with significant cost savings. This gave him immense confidence and from then on there has been no looking back. He has driven successfully many transformation programs across many sectors and large companies in Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, and Smart Cities globally.
“This has been possible by being open to learning new things, always thinking about innovations, and putting my heart into it when I believe in it with utmost dedication. Success would come in different shapes and sizes but will never elude you,” he confesses.
Poised for Change
The AI industry, explains Satyajit, is constantly evolving, and it’s expected to undergo significant changes in the coming years. While it’s challenging to predict the future with certainty, several trends and developments are likely to shape the AI industry soon. The biggest changes, he points out, would come in the field of ethics and regulations. As AI becomes more prevalent, there will be increasing attention on ethics and regulations. There will likely be efforts to establish clearer guidelines and regulations for AI development and use to ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency. As we speak there are sweeping changes that have been brought in the USA & Europe regulating AI for making it more transparent and identifying content generated with AI. Efforts to address bias and fairness in AI systems will intensify, with a focus on creating more inclusive and equitable AI technologies.
Secondly, he sees it as a civilization gaining pace of surveillance-based society driven by AI. One cannot manage anything without being able to measure the inputs, processes, and outcomes. With every growing urbanization and population growth, every city and town need to be managed with real-time data generated from sensors and cameras and the integration of multiple smart systems. AI would proliferate into cities, towns, and villages with the need for situational intelligence and the design of positive responses from huge data.
Thirdly, he predicts that AI-based solutions would need to be designed to address global risks and enhance the Water, Food & Health, and Energy Security of countries.
Skills for the New Age
AI professionals, suggests Satyajit, should cultivate expertise in specific domains (business, consulting, and technology) to excel in their roles. These include proficiency in AI data to decision platforms, strong mathematical and statistical skills for algorithm development, and an understanding of machine learning and deep learning frameworks. Data engineering and data pre-processing skills are crucial for data preparation.
Additionally, he says, AI professionals in the coming decade should focus on sustainable generative AI, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning for various AI applications. Proficiency in ethical AI practices, design thinking, systems dynamics, and problem-solving is vital for innovative product designs and coming out with Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability are equally important to effectively work in interdisciplinary teams and navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Championing a Holistic Life
Leading a holistic life in today’s fast-paced world and complex societal construct is feasible, but it can be challenging considering the interconnectedness of various aspects of well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. In a global role prior to COVID, Satyajit used to travel an average of 150-200 days a year. With COVID and the adaptation to the hybrid mode of working, travel has come down, but with remote working, it has become more intense and intrusive into personal life and homes becoming semi-office. Although it has resulted in a reduced carbon footprint, it has become important to prioritize, set boundaries, and saying no to excessive commitments, and optimize one’s daily schedule. Making time for activities and relationships that rejuvenate you is an absolute must.
“I am doing my PhD in my interest area of sustainability, following my passion in the field of Wildlife Photography and music, and taking forward my spiritual path. These four things have given me meaningful social connections and provide emotional nourishment and supported holistic wellbeing with a healthy balance to my work life,” he shares.
What he means to say is it is not impossible to lead a holistic life in today’s fast-paced lifestyle and societal construct, however, it requires intentional choices and practices. “In life, it’s about finding your “IKIGAI” – what you love (Passion), what you are good at (Profession), What the world needs (Vocation), and what you can be paid for (Mission). While there will be challenges in finding your “IKIGAI” with occasional setbacks, the journey towards holistic living is a worthwhile pursuit for personal fulfilment and a balanced, meaningful life,” asserts Satyajit.
Focusing on the Goals Amid Inevitable Changes
In a dynamic business world, change is inevitable. Change being the only constant and being a certified change management person, Satyajit considers change as an opportunity for growth coupled with innovation. Also based on his experience there are three most important things that one needs to consider: –
Firstly, a leader would remain a leader if the person were able to see into the future what others are not able to see. Therefore, embracing change and considering challenges as stepping stones toward achieving goals is fundamental. Adjusting the short-term goals for a bigger achievement in the long term is the only way forward. This needs to be executed with a clear vision and goals with a roadmap to follow, even when circumstances change, is important. Never lose sight of the long-term goals both professional and personal.
Secondly, developing emotional resilience to handle setbacks and unexpected challenges is extremely critical. Not everyone will support you, not everyone will be your friend, learn from mistakes, learn from failures, learn to adapt, and learn to keep adding value to the ecosystem and to yourself. “I strongly believe in what was said in the Movie by Sylvester Stallone to his son “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward,” quotes Satyajit.
Thirdly learning should be a continuous process. These days it is easy to find knowledge on any topic, whether it is trends, ongoing innovations, or any topic of interest. Therefore, one should stay updated with the relevant industry trends and advancements. And continuously reskill on the relevant areas. This would help anticipate and ride the wave.
Lastly, Collaborative efforts can provide diverse perspectives and solutions to navigate change. Satyajit recommends conscious effort in building a strong professional and personal network and seeking support from mentors, coaches, peers, or friends.
“In the dynamic business world, it’s not about preventing change but about how you respond to it. By maintaining a clear vision, adaptability, and a disciplined approach, you can keep a steady head and remain focused on your goals even when the business landscape shifts unexpectedly,” he says.
Inclusive Values
At SAS, diversity and inclusion are not just principles; they are integral to the organizational culture. Satyajit shares that the organization actively encourages diversity through inclusive hiring practices, regular diversity training, and equal opportunity policies. Employee resource groups provide a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard and celebrated. Leadership champions inclusion, and mentorship programs foster growth for all team members.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination, ensuring a safe environment for every employee. Employee feedback and continuous improvement initiatives drive our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, making it an ongoing, evolving process that enriches our workplace community,” he shares.
Felicitations
Awards and accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication to the industry that one works for and the thought leadership that one establishes in the region. Over the years, Satyajit has had the privilege of receiving many awards and accolades in recognition of his achievements in the field of data analytics and AI. One notable recognition was being recognized as one of the 10 Best AI Leaders of AI in India, 2023. This award recognizes the 20 years of dedication to this sector, the level of contribution, and the innovation that he has brought to the sector with contribution working across multiple regions and customers.
These awards and accolades have been instrumental in reinforcing his position as a thought leader in the industry, opening doors to new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration. They also underscore his team’s continued dedication to delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that drive positive transformations for their clients and the industries they serve. “My mission is to bring specialized solutions across the Emerging EMEA and AP region with the right set of innovation and partnerships, and these awards inspire us to pursue that mission with even greater determination and enthusiasm,” says Satyajit.
Eye on the Future
As an AI leader, Satyajit envisions himself and his AI company playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. In the years to come, he sees several key areas of focus and growth for both himself and the organization. The growth could be from Advancing AI Research and Innovation, Ethical AI and Responsible AI Practices, Solving Real-World Problems for Energy & Utility, Manufacturing, and Smart Cities sectors, establishing purpose-driven collaborations and partnerships, building citizen data scientists’ ecosystems with education and training, and adapting to emerging trends ranging from sustainability to distributed edge AI.
“My vision as an AI leader is to continue innovating, pushing ethical boundaries, and addressing real-world challenges with AI solutions that is innovative, ethical, and makes a positive societal impact, and I am committed to driving AI technology forward while keeping the well-being of humanity in mind,” concludes Satyajit.
Quote: “In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, our commitment remains unwavering: to harness the power of AI for the betterment of humanity, while leading with ethics, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Together, we’ll continue to shape a future where AI transforms the world for the better.”