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Pranay Rajgarhia On Transforming the IT Industry with Generative AI
- What motivated you to enroll in The Business of AI program?
- What was your overall experience of the program?
- What surprised you the most in the program?
- How has networking with peers and leading voices in AI industry enriched your learning experience?
- How did the company visits enhance your understanding of Generative AI applications?
- How did the personalized consultations enhance your learning and application of Generative AI?
- After taking this program, do you feel more prepared to lead and innovate at work?
- Upcoming Program: The Business of AI
Q&A with Pranay Rajgarhia
Pranay Rajgarhia, a versatile entrepreneur, has amassed over 30 years of experience in Information Technology (IT) and other fields. He is the visionary founder of SolidCircle, a successful software company, and Marg Investment LLC, a Digital Transformation strategy firm in Holland, Michigan. With a Master's degree in Computer Science, Pranay has a diverse background in business and technology. He started his business journey in his family’s mining and capacitor manufacturing business and later ventured into manufacturing oxygen and nitrogen. Pranay is known for his servant leadership and innovative thinking, actively involved in angel investments and guiding startups. His commitment to community involvement is evident through his service on the board of nonprofit organizations such as Ready For School. He resides in Holland, Michigan, with his wife and two daughters.
To gain some key insights into the future of AI in business, we asked The Business of AI: Shaping the Future of Business with Generative AI program participant Pranay Rajgarhia a few questions.
What motivated you to enroll in The Business of AI program?
My decision was driven by my admiration for Professor Moran Cerf. His background as a neuroscientist, coupled with his extensive knowledge of AI, was a major attraction. Previously, I had taken an online AI program that provided a solid foundation in technical and business case planning but didn’t answer the "Why" behind the AI buzz versus reality. Additionally, I wanted to understand the CEO’s perspective on AI, and this program filled that gap perfectly.
What was your overall experience of the program?
The program exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it to all leaders wanting to stay relevant in the AI landscape. The diverse group of faculty and speakers, the global representation of attendees, the one-on-one sessions, and a company visit highlighting different approaches made the program transformative. It equipped me with the knowledge and insights to navigate the complex world of AI, preparing me for both today and tomorrow.
The insights from Moran, Yuri, and Sandra have profoundly impacted my perspective on AI. They emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in CEO thinking, highlighting that traditional models can’t provide the necessary KPIs for AI. New models, including ethical considerations and regulations, must be developed.
What surprised you the most in the program?
Two surprises validated Columbia Business School’s prestige: the one-on-one sessions and small group discussions. The personal consultation, particularly, was unexpected and impactful. Discussing day-to-day work solutions with Professor Yuri Levin and participating in a group discussion with Amir Orad generated many new ideas and emphasized the magnitude of AI.
The diversity of the participants, the quality of the speakers, and the comprehensiveness of the topics. Learning from authorities like Professor Cerf, Levin, Sandra Matz, Amir Orad, and Omar Besbes shed light on the rapid evolution within the industry. The distinction between System 1 and System 2 thinking in AI, particularly, resonated with me, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of System 1 and the potential obsolescence of System 2 in the age of AI.
How has networking with peers and leading voices in AI industry enriched your learning experience?
The networking opportunities were tremendous. I interacted with individuals from countries like Colombia, Albania, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and locals from New York. The diverse perspectives and leadership styles contributed significantly to my learning and personal growth. I’ve fostered strong bonds with my cohort members and faculty, feeling comfortable reaching out to them for assistance or to discuss ideas.
How did the company visits enhance your understanding of Generative AI applications?
The outings were highly beneficial. They allowed me to compare how two leading organizations approach AI differently. One used a traditional approach, while the other led the way with new KPIs. This comparison helped me understand the pros and cons of each approach, which I can apply in my work. It was one of the highlights of the program.
How did the personalized consultations enhance your learning and application of Generative AI?
These sessions were a pleasant surprise, as they are not the norm in executive programs. They helped me research solutions to challenging business problems and generated new ideas I can implement immediately. I appreciated this aspect of the program as much as everything else.
After taking this program, do you feel more prepared to lead and innovate at work?
Absolutely, the program has already made a difference. During the program, my partners and I evaluated a startup, and the insights from the program helped us better assess and guide it. In my work on digital transformation, I frequently meet with founders, CEOs, and CIOs. This program will change the nature and intensity of my conversations with them and help them think differently about AI and its impact.
I am better prepared to lead and evaluate innovation in this field. The only area where I need more knowledge is the evolution of financial models for AI projects.
Upcoming Program: The Business of AI
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