CxO of the Week: Madhukar Kumar recently joined the leadership team at Shine.com as its Chief Analytics Officer. He brings 13+ years of expertise in artificial intelligence, data sciences, predictive analytics, machine learning, text analytics, image/video analytics and consulting across a multitude of both global clients and verticals.
Your top priority while making decisions to improve tech infra in your organization?
At Shine, We have set up a high-end data science team and are using machine learning and deep learning extensively to improve the existing process. The tech infra needs to be upgraded to ensure that we are able to apply machine learning and deep learning models smoothly. As the outcomes of deep learning models need to be applied in real-time, Scalability needs to be handled effectively to ensure smooth recruiter and candidate experience on our portal.
Challenges you face in driving digital transformation?
“Inertia” is the biggest challenge, as People love “Status quo”. Any new change needs resources to keep themselves updated and that itself is a big challenge.
AI is changing the game and organizations need to be ready for it. Those, who don’t adopt, will face the heat eventually.
Do you feel that freshers in the industry come with only basic knowledge but don’t have the right skills to fulfill job requirements? If yes, your suggestion to students and colleges?
There is a huge GAP between what is taught in colleges vs what is required in the industry. The technology is changing at a very fast pace and one needs to be updated with technological advancements.
It’s important for freshers to be flexible and learn new things. Positivity and Learning attitude can take you places.
Colleges should be flexible enough to introduce new courses as per industry requirements and keep students ready for the job. Also, 6 month – 1-year internship for all students in the final year can be a game-changer.
What’s your mantra to become successful in life?
“Success” is a big word and I avoid using it. I still think that I am not successful and have a long way to go. This keeps me grounded and helps me in giving my 200% in anything i do.
Don’t wait for the right time or the right opportunity; keep doing your existing work with full honesty and 100% dedication. Value what you have and not what you want. There will never be an ideal situation. The grass is always greener on the other side. So, Enjoy the journey, That’s the key.
“Give your best and forget the rest” is my MANTRA.
What would you like to give back to society?
I firmly believe that the only way of uplifting society is through education. It is the key differentiating factor. I hope I can contribute to this sector in a big way in the future.
Currently, I teach AI & Data Science to experienced professionals, Have already taught for more than 300 hours and trained 1000+ professionals.
This year, I am planning to go to various colleges, interact with students and educate them on Artificial intelligence and data science. As an AI & data science practitioner, I believe it’s also my moral responsibility to demystify AI for the student’s benefit.
Your favorite book and what are you reading now?
My favorite book is “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki. I read it a couple of years ago and it had a huge impact on my thought process.
Currently, I am not reading any book, But focusing on writing my book on Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning. This is pending for quite some time.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I picked up running last year, Since then I have already completed 5 half marathons, 1 Olympic triathlon (1.5 km swimming, 40km cycling & 10 km running) & 2 cyclothons (70 km & 130 km). Currently, I am preparing for full marathon (42 km) and Ironman 70.3 (1.8 km swimming, 90km cycling & 21 km running).
I love adventure sports and have done skydiving and scuba diving as well. Doing solo skydiving is in my TO DO list now.
Spending time with family and playing with my 4-year-old son is my favorite activity in my spare time.
Achievements (Awards & Recognitions)
Madhukar was featured as one of the CDOs in the news globally by CDO Club New York in Jan 2020. Madhukar was awarded the “AI Leader of the year” award in International Business and Academic Excellence Awards (IBAE-2019) in Dubai by GISR Foundation & American College of Dubai.
His work on image analytics has been well received in the industry. "The Drone image Analytics" solution was judged as one of the Top 50 applications of AI and was awarded Nasscom AI game-changer 2018 award.
Also, It won "Stevie Gold award-2018" under the "Best product/service of the year" category in London. He was rated as one of the Top 4 Data scientists from India by an Australian Advisory firm (Swami Associates) for significant contribution in science & Technology for Australian firms in 2015.
Experience
Madhukar is Chief Analytics Officer at Shine.com & brings ~14 years of experience in artificial intelligence, data sciences, predictive analytics, machine learning, deep learning, text analytics, image/video analytics and consulting across a multitude of both global clients and verticals.
He has previously worked with firms like American Express, GE Money, WNS, SG Analytics & Upgrad. He has been conferred “Lifetime distinguished membership" of the Leaders Excellence @ Harvard Square group (an exclusive online leadership community, headquartered at Massachusetts, US) and also a certified Advanced Analytics expert with Experfy, Harvard innovation launch lab, Boston.
He is also interested in Academics and teaches data science, AI & ML and nurtures future data scientists across the globe. He is an advisor for setting up a data science center at IISER, Mohali. He is a well known Keynote Speaker & Moderator in AI & Data science conferences. He is also a member of the organizing committee of Gavin conferences for AI & Robotics conferences events across the globe.
Education – Madhukar has completed his Masters in Applied Statistics & Informatics from IIT Bombay.