Hrideja Shah Venture Capital and M&A Attorney, US-India Ecosystem  Leading Woman in Law of the Year 2025 Navigating Innovation: Hrideja Shah’s Journey in Venture Law Hrideja Shah’s path into corporate law and the venture capital sector was fueled by a passion for supporting entrepreneurs and investors in shaping the future of innovation. Having worked extensively with startups and investors across the US-India corridor, she has witnessed how well-structured legal frameworks can drive business growth. Her work sits at the intersection of strategic advisory, deal-making, and regulatory navigation—key elements that help strengthen the startup ecosystem. By ensuring compliance while guiding emerging companies toward expansion, she remains at the forefront of an industry that is constantly evolving. From the outset of her legal career, Shah was drawn to the dynamic relationship between law, business, and innovation. During law school, she developed a keen interest in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and international business law. Her early experiences involved assisting startups with entity formation, fundraising, and governance—an exposure that deepened her understanding of the unique legal, financial, and operational challenges startups face. She quickly recognized that these companies required more than just transactional legal support; they needed strategic counsel tailored to their fast-paced growth. This realization led her to specialize in venture law, allowing her to merge legal expertise with a business-first approach. Her transition into cross-border transactions, particularly within the US-India startup ecosystem, was both a natural progression and a strategic move. As Indian startups increasingly sought to expand into the U.S. and attract global venture funding, American investors, in turn, displayed growing interest in India’s high-growth startup landscape. This evolving trend presented complex legal challenges—structuring deals that adhered to multiple jurisdictions while maintaining investor confidence and ensuring founder flexibility. Navigating these intricacies, Shah has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between two thriving markets. Her journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of global venture trends and a commitment to making legal solutions more accessible and strategic for startups. Today, she views her role not just as a lawyer but as a trusted advisor who helps entrepreneurs and investors make well-informed, forward-looking decisions in an increasingly interconnected world.  Bridging Borders: Hrideja Shah’s Approach to Cross-Border Venture Deals Hrideja has navigated some of the most intricate legal challenges in venture law, particularly in cross-border transactions between India and the United States. One of her most complex cases involved an Indian SaaS company securing venture funding from U.S.-based investors while simultaneously establishing a U.S. parent entity. The transaction required careful structuring due to regulatory hurdles, including Indian foreign exchange laws, U.S. securities regulations, tax implications, and intellectual property migration. To streamline the process, she collaborated with tax experts and corporate lawyers from both jurisdictions, ensuring compliance while optimizing tax efficiency for the founders. By maintaining open communication and leveraging a network of specialists, she successfully closed the deal, setting a precedent for similar transactions in the space. Her approach to cross-border deals is built on a foundation of proactive risk mitigation, regulatory adherence, and strategic structuring. Staying updated on legal and policy shifts allows her to navigate evolving frameworks effectively. By using detailed checklists and working closely with advisors in each jurisdiction, she ensures that deals move forward smoothly while minimizing potential roadblocks. In the fast-moving world of startups and venture capital, legal counsel extends beyond contract drafting and compliance—it requires becoming a long-term partner in a company’s growth. Shah’s strategy for building lasting client relationships is rooted in proactive guidance, customized legal advice, and ongoing support. Instead of merely reacting to legal challenges, she helps clients anticipate potential risks and develop strategies to avoid them. Startups, particularly early-stage companies, often lack awareness of the legal intricacies that could impact their growth. By educating founders on topics such as funding structures, regulatory changes, and investor expectations, she ensures they are equipped to make informed decisions. Her commitment to providing strategic insight goes beyond transactional support. When working with startups raising their first institutional round, she doesn’t just draft term sheets—she walks founders through cap table management, dilution scenarios, and long-term financial implications. This hands-on approach fosters trust and enables startups to navigate their funding journey with confidence. By combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, Shah continues to play a crucial role in shaping the success of emerging companies in an increasingly interconnected market. Strategic Legal Counsel for Startups and Investors: Hrideja Shah’s Vision Hrideja’s approach to venture law is centered on adaptability and long-term partnerships. Recognizing that the legal needs of a pre-seed startup differ significantly from those of a growth-stage company, she tailors her guidance to align with a company’s stage of development. In the early phases, her focus is on cost-effective structuring, assisting with entity formation, founder agreements, intellectual property protection, and initial fundraising. As companies grow, she shifts her attention to governance, compliance, risk management, and potential exit strategies. This ensures that legal counsel is not only relevant but also actionable, helping founders make informed decisions without unnecessary complexity. In the fast-paced startup and investment landscape, accessibility and responsiveness are crucial. Shah makes herself available beyond scheduled consultations, offering immediate input on deal terms, regulatory concerns, and strategic decisions. Her ability to understand a founder’s vision and an investor’s priorities allows her to provide legal solutions that are not only compliant but also commercially viable. By staying informed about her clients’ industries and challenges, she ensures that her advice is aligned with their long-term goals. Her commitment to building lasting relationships extends across multiple ventures. Many of her early-stage clients continue to seek her counsel as they scale new businesses, relying on her for legal and strategic support throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. She also works closely with venture capital firms, angel investors, and private equity funds, structuring deals and managing portfolio companies to maintain smooth transactions and alignment between investors and founders. Her goal is to create a framework where both parties can operate with confidence, knowing they have reliable legal

Saaniya Chugh Senior Technical Consultant at ServiceNow The IT Service Management (ITSM) and technology consulting industry play a vital role in helping businesses manage and optimize their IT services. This industry focuses on delivering innovative solutions such as cloud computing, automation, and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. Companies in this field work closely with organizations across various sectors to design, implement, and maintain technology systems that support business goals and adapt to rapidly changing environments. As technology continues to evolve, the ITSM industry remains essential for driving digital transformation and enabling businesses to stay competitive. Saaniya Chugh has built a strong career in IT Service Management by combining technical skills with a clear vision for the future. She began her journey working in IT infrastructure and soon developed a strong interest in ServiceNow and ITSM. As she gained experience, she saw how powerful ServiceNow could be in improving how businesses work. Now, as a Senior Technical Consultant, Saaniya helps companies go through digital changes, focusing on using AI responsibly, improving processes, and bringing in upcoming ideas. A Transformative Journey: Navigating the Strategic Evolution from Technical Expert to Visionary Business Leader Saaniya’s career started with a solid background in IT infrastructure. Her first exposure to ServiceNow ignited her curiosity about the platform’s potential to automate and optimize business processes. This was the turning point that became the driver for her specialist path in the ServiceNow ecosystem. Realizing the large potential that effectively implemented ITSM tactics had, she acquired expertise to enable organizations to utilize the platform to its maximum. Her professional journey is a calculated mix of technical expertise and business acumen. Saaniya made the transition from technical implementation to strategic advisory positions over the years. In making this transition, she kept upskilling herself all the time to remain in sync with technology trends, specifically AI-powered ITSM. This transformation enabled her to engage with enterprises in close association, providing solutions that not only met their short-term operational requirements but also complemented overall organizational objectives. Now, working as a Senior Technical Consultant, she engages with clients to offer guidance on digital transformation, ethical AI incorporation in ServiceNow, and the integration of IT strategies into overall business goals. Her aim is not to install technology but to facilitate organizations to become successful amidst a rapidly evolving digital environment. The Core Inner Strengths and Guiding Principles That Illuminate and Propel Saaniya’s Inspiring Journey Saaniya Chugh thinks that three qualities have been instrumental in her success: resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Her adaptability has enabled her to remain current in a rapidly evolving tech world, whether it’s mastering new technologies such as cloud solutions and automation or collaborating with clients from other sectors. Resilience has also been central to her success. Rather than allowing adversity to deter her, she employed adversity as a means of development, remaining focused and relentless despite personal and professional setbacks. Leadership, in Saaniya’s opinion, is not merely people management; it’s about motivating others, fostering teamwork, and assisting others in development. By prioritizing empathy and authenticity, she has become an active player in the ServiceNow community. And has mentored colleagues in the ITSM space, always looking to uplift and empower those around her. Fundamentally, Saaniya’s work is built upon a strong passion for ongoing learning, integrity, and making an impact. She works hard to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technological innovations, to keep her solutions contemporary and efficient. Her attention does not lie in instant results. Rather, she aspires to generate lasting value through aligning her efforts with long-term business requirements and moral practices. Integrity controls everything at work, ranging from open communication to ethical incorporation of AI technologies. Saaniya also lays huge emphasis on teamwork. She is a firm believer in co-creating solutions with stakeholders, aligning them with organizational vision and objectives. Her purpose is more than personal accomplishment; she is committed to positively affecting businesses and society through intelligent, human-centric technology. Navigating Professional Challenges and Building a Respected Voice in the Industry Perhaps one of the toughest shifts in Saaniya’s career was from an exclusively technical position to that of a strategic advisory role. The change was not only functional but philosophical, where she had to consider beyond short-term task management and embrace a wider perspective of business dynamics, strategy, and management of people. This shift compelled her to acquire new skills, such as business consulting, stakeholder engagement, and organizational change management. Though demanding, this stage was a critical milestone in her career, allowing her to work at the crossroads of technology and business strategy. Staying ahead of the fast-paced technological revolution, particularly in AI and automation, has been a significant challenge. The speed of change in these fields requires constant learning and experimentation. Despite this, Saaniya has taken advantage of it to expand her knowledge and provide innovative solutions specific to contemporary business needs. Saaniya’s career has made her a certified expert and peer-admired professional in the ServiceNow ecosystem. She possesses several certifications that confirm her technical and strategic knowledge in the platform. In addition to certifications, she is also a developing thought leadership voice. Her upcoming book on “How to apply ServiceNow’s  AI Capabilities for effective an IT Service Management” is a landmark event, an event that will add worthwhile insights to organizations and professionals alike. She has also been requested to present herself at some of the most prestigious platforms, like Women in Tech and some ITSM-oriented webinars. These talks have provided her with a larger audience to share her experience, wisdom, and approach with. Her contributions are not limited to speaking, though. On platforms such as HackerNoon and LinkedIn, she publishes her thoughts on ITIL, ITSM best practices, AI integration, and career growth within the ServiceNow environment, assisting peers and aspirants in charting their course with confidence. Saaniya’s Vision for the Future and Her Inspiring Journey Driven by Purpose and Passion As she looks back at her journey, Saaniya knows where she is going. Her

Mr. Upendra Kanuru Doctoral Candidate, Cloud Tech, FinOps, DevSecOps, SRE, FLMI, ACS, AAPA, ALMI, AHM, SAFe, Six Sigma Green Belt An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Mr. Upendra Kanuru Mr. Upendra Kanuru   for being awarded “International DevSecOps Leader of The Year – Information Technology (USA)“ Published on :- 30th May 2025 Awarded by Bizox Media Network as a Global Technology Leaders Awards 2025 Questionnaire for Exclusive Interview: Kindly brief us about the outset of your career. My career trajectory commenced in August 2011 at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where I systematically advanced through roles as a Developer, Senior Developer, and ultimately, a Module Lead. My foundational contributions at TCS involved the meticulous analysis of existing systems, the development of innovative components, and the optimization of processes to enhance efficiency and ensure quality. A significant early undertaking included the development and ongoing maintenance of a sophisticated mainframe policy administration system, critical to insurance operations. This pivotal experience cultivated my deep technical proficiency across mainframes, databases, and quality assurance methodologies. These formative roles were instrumental in honing my capabilities to comprehend complex systems and engineer robust solutions, thereby establishing the crucial technical bedrock for my subsequent specialization in cloud technologies and DevSecOps. As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success? When reflecting on the personal qualities most instrumental to my success, three stand out prominently: Adaptability: The technology landscape is in perpetual evolution, particularly within the dynamic realms of cloud and DevSecOps. My career trajectory, spanning from foundational mainframe systems to cutting-edge cloud architectures, has consistently demanded a profound willingness to embrace novel tools, methodologies, and challenges. This inherent flexibility has been critical in successfully navigating complex public cloud transformation projects and seamlessly transitioning across diverse technological stacks. Proactive Learning: This quality works hand-in-hand with adaptability. I am consistently driven to acquire new knowledge and skills, not merely in response to immediate needs, but by actively anticipating industry shifts and future demands. This commitment is clearly evidenced by my continuous pursuit of advanced certifications in areas such as FinOps, SRE, and AI, complemented by my ongoing doctoral studies specializing in Cybersecurity. This dedication ensures I remain at the forefront of innovation, consistently equipped to deliver optimal solutions. Collaboration and Communication: Effective leadership in a globalized, technology-driven environment necessitates exceptional collaboration and communication. My experience working with diverse teams across multiple countries—including India, Mexico, and the US —and my direct engagement with client directors, executives, and vice presidents, have significantly honed my ability to articulate complex technical concepts with clarity. This proficiency has been pivotal in fostering a cohesive “One Team One Vision” environment, crucial for successful project execution and stakeholder alignment. What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional? As an individual and a professional, I am fundamentally guided by two core aims: unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and an absolute focus on strategic value creation. My personal philosophy champions relentless self-betterment; this compels me to consistently learn, adapt, and refine my proficiencies, ensuring I contribute optimally to every challenge. My demonstrated track record, particularly in optimizing complex business processes through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, directly reflects this dedication to operational excellence and enhanced efficiency. Central to my professional ethos is the ideal of value creation. My overarching objective is to serve within agile leadership capacities, spearheading growth and transformation initiatives that precisely align with, and ultimately advance, organizational vision. This commitment translates into a tangible focus on delivering measurable business impact, whether achieved through boosting operational efficiency by 40% via strategic cloud migrations or through judiciously optimizing cloud spending by fostering a comprehensive FinOps culture. What are the primary offerings of your company? The primary offerings to which I contribute, based on my current and recent professional engagements, predominantly revolve around Cloud DevSecOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), and comprehensive IT transformation initiatives within the highly regulated insurance and financial services sectors. At USAA, my recent focus has been on architecting and implementing robust DevOps pipelines and establishing advanced observability for the Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Content Management System on AWS Cloud. This foundational work enables omnichannel content delivery for a diverse portfolio of financial products. Key responsibilities included configuring stringent security controls for AEM components, developing automated lifecycle processes for critical infrastructure refresh, and ensuring high availability and disaster recovery across disparate AWS regions. During my tenure at DISH Network, specifically supporting Sling TV, I specialized in critical SRE activities for their expansive video streaming platform. This encompassed establishing comprehensive observability for numerous technical components, automating cloud infrastructure deployments on AWS, and actively cultivating an SRE culture among development teams by defining clear Service Level Indicators (SLI), Objectives (SLO), and Agreements (SLA). My responsibilities also extended to performance testing, proactive incident management, and participating in the essential on-call rotation for production incidents. Earlier at Tata Consultancy Services, my contributions were centered on large-scale cloud migration projects for the ALIP (Accenture Life and Annuities Insurance Platform), including hosting ALIP software on AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) and facilitating the migration of extensive datasets from on-premises to cloud-native databases. Furthermore, I was instrumental in enabling broader cloud DevOps practices, modernizing health acquisition workflows, and onboarding brokered health products. Collectively, my efforts consistently revolve around building, securing, optimizing, and managing resilient, cloud-native solutions tailored for the demanding requirements of large enterprises in regulated industries. What have been the toughest obstacles you’ve faced in your career? The most formidable obstacle throughout my career has consistently been navigating the intricate cultural and operational shifts inherent in large-scale digital transformations within traditional enterprise environments. The transition of clients from deeply entrenched, often mainframe-dependent systems to agile, cloud-native infrastructures transcends mere technical complexity; it represents a profound organizational and cultural undertaking. Overcoming inherent resistance to change, cultivating a collaborative DevOps and FinOps culture, and uniting diverse global teams (from India, Mexico, and the US) towards a unified vision and new operational paradigms has proven exceptionally demanding. Furthermore, ensuring seamless business continuity

Swathi Adimulam OCI Cloud & AI Architect at Oracle “From Village Roots to Cloud Heights: The Steady Rise of Swathi Adimulam” Swathi Adimulam, currently serving as a Cloud and AI Architect at Oracle, traces her journey from a quiet village to the forefront of technological innovation with a deep sense of purpose and determination. Growing up, she was influenced by the strong values of education and aspiration instilled by her parents and teachers. This early support laid a solid foundation for what would become a focused and progressive career in technology. Her professional path began at IBM, where she joined as a software engineer. Working closely with teams that built applications from the ground up, she gained valuable technical experience and developed a desire to contribute to meaningful projects. This formative role helped sharpen her skills and sparked a long-term commitment to delivering impactful solutions. Swathi’s next chapter unfolded at Oracle, where she stepped into the position of Senior Software Engineer. Here, her journey into the world of cloud technology began. She led a successful migration project from on-premises systems to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), a project that proved to be a turning point. This success led to further involvement in cloud migrations and the design of cloud-native architectures, particularly for high-compliance projects across the US and UK public sectors. Her role evolved further when she joined the Oracle Architecture Office as a Cloud and AI Architect. In this capacity, she has played a key part in shaping foundational architectural patterns for cloud and AI solutions across various industries. Her work not only contributes to Oracle’s internal innovation but also supports the broader enterprise ecosystem. Driven by a passion for learning, Swathi has taken a keen interest in emerging technologies, particularly Generative AI. Her curiosity and proactive approach have led her to lead several AI-based solution initiatives, underlining her commitment to staying current and adaptable in a fast-changing industry. Staying Ahead: The Mindset Behind Swathi Adimulam’s Success in Tech Swathi reflects on her career with a thoughtful awareness of the traits that have shaped her path. In an industry known for rapid change and constant innovation, she attributes much of her success to a few core personal qualities that have remained consistent throughout her journey. A strong passion for learning has been central to her growth. Swathi has always been eager to explore new technologies and stay ahead of evolving trends. From transitioning into cloud computing to diving into emerging fields like Generative AI and Quantum Computing, she has consistently pursued opportunities to expand her skill set. This mindset has not only helped her deliver thoughtful and effective solutions but has also allowed her to contribute meaningfully to innovation within her organization. Equally important has been her resilience. Like many in the tech field, she has faced her share of challenges—unexpected technical issues, changing project goals, and demanding timelines. In these moments, Swathi’s ability to stay composed and work through problems has been key. Rather than being discouraged by setbacks, she has used them as opportunities to learn and grow, always keeping her focus on delivering outcomes. Swathi also credits her proactive nature as a driving force behind her accomplishments. Taking initiative and owning her work has helped her lead complex projects, particularly in cloud architecture and AI. She has never waited for opportunities to come her way—instead, she has sought them out, shaped them, and followed through with commitment and care. As she looks to the future, Swathi remains grounded in these values. Recognition Rooted in Impact: Swathi Adimulam’s Professional Milestones At Oracle, Swathi has received several honors that reflect her commitment to innovation and excellence. Among these is the IMPACT award, which acknowledged her role in delivering a cloud-native platform tailored for high-compliance customers. She was also recognized with the “Pedal to the Front” department award for leading AI solution initiatives and the Moonshot award for her consistent delivery of high-quality results. Her work has been commended frequently by senior leaders, including directors and vice presidents, underscoring the value she brings to every project. Beyond organizational recognition, Swathi has earned professional credibility through memberships in key industry groups. She is an individual member of the Association of Enterprise Architects and holds a membership with IEEE. Her knowledge and experience have also led her to serve as a cloud advisor to a startup, a role that allows her to share her insights in real-world business contexts. Swathi’s dedication to exploring new technologies is also evident in her academic pursuits. She has filed a patent related to the use of quantum computing techniques in distributed energy resource orchestration systems, demonstrating her interest in applying advanced technologies to practical problems. Her qualifications include a set of respected certifications. She is a TOGAF-certified Enterprise Architect Practitioner and holds multiple Oracle Cloud Infrastructure certifications across various years, including those focused on architecture and AI foundations. These credentials reflect her ongoing commitment to learning and her readiness to work across complex systems. Shaping Tomorrow: Swathi Adimulam’s Vision for a Responsible Tech Future Looking ahead, Swathi is focused on advancing the adoption of cloud computing and ethical artificial intelligence. With her experience in both fields, she believes the next phase of innovation must prioritize transparency, fairness, and scalability. For her, the goal is not just to build intelligent systems, but to ensure they serve a broader purpose—helping businesses grow while remaining aligned with ethical standards. Swathi envisions a future where responsible AI development drives both progress and accountability. She sees this approach as essential, not only for the success of enterprises but also for the wider benefit of society. Her efforts will continue to emphasize scalable solutions that are built with integrity and foresight. A key part of Swathi’s plan includes expanding her role in global thought leadership. She is eager to contribute to research, serve on advisory boards, and engage with leading technology forums. These platforms, she believes, are important spaces for sharing ideas, learning from peers, and influencing the direction of emerging

Richard Larson, Mitsui Professor at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology The activities encompassing operations research, systems engineering, educational technology, and public sector consulting are central to modern problem-solving and innovation. Operations research and systems engineering focus on applying mathematical models, statistical analysis, and optimization to complex systems, improving efficiency and effectiveness in sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure. Educational technology leverages digital tools and platforms to enhance learning experiences and expand access to quality education worldwide. Meanwhile, public sector consulting supports governments and international organizations by providing data-driven strategies for urban planning, disaster management, and public service optimization. Together, these industries play a crucial role in shaping intelligent, efficient, and sustainable solutions for both societal and organizational challenges. Richard Larson, an accomplished scholar, started with a fearless decision to skip kindergarten, demonstrating early independence. His career course was initially mapped for engineering, but during his graduate studies at MIT, he found himself drawn to teaching. This epiphany propelled him to academia, where he emerged as a celebrated professor, marrying engineering acumen with creative pedagogy. Larson’s career is one of dedication to learning and mentoring, informed by his early experiences and a desire to influence future generations. The Remarkable Story of How a Five-Year-Old Boy Defied Conformity, Chose the Path of Freedom, and Planted the Seeds of Intellectual Rebellion That Would Challenge the Status Quo Richard Larson’s history started in an early assertion of independence that would continue through his life of self-management. At age five, he was given a choice by his parents: to go to kindergarten or not, as kindergarten was not required in Pennsylvania. Little Dickie, he remembers, asked for the weekend to make up his mind. His Monday reply, “No kindergarten for me!” was an expression of his need for independence. This modest exercise in decision-making uncovered a formative characteristic that would reverberate throughout his professional life: a libertarian temperament based on careful consideration. That same autonomy led him into the academic community. As he worked towards a graduate degree at MIT, Larson accepted a teaching assistantship to help pay the bills. It was then that he felt the thrill of teaching, seeing students finally understand difficult concepts. That was the beginning of my teaching career,” he adds, straying from his initial intention to become a practicing engineer. When MIT extended an assistant professorship to him, he jumped at it, embracing a career that would enable him to forge both knowledge and the individuals who seek it. The Profound Emotional Intelligence and Transformative Teaching Methods Behind One of MIT’s Most Influential Educators What does it take to make a teacher utterly unforgettable? For Richard Larson, it comes down to three fundamental attributes: empathy for students, a real interest in reaching out to them, and clear thinking. These are not soft skills alone; they are the pillars of his philosophy of teaching. In a time that tends to value intellect over compassion, Larson’s blend of both makes him stand out as a mentor, rather than merely a professor. He is a firm believer in giving students the ability to think for themselves, promoting the value of independent thought and critical thinking. “Do not follow the crowd,” Larson cautions, encouraging students to forge their paths, as he did. Larson’s influence extends beyond conventional classroom instruction; he has built platforms and movements that have revolutionized educational practices. His leadership with BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies) and LINC (Learning International Networks Consortium) demonstrates his passion for democratizing education. Larson has never ceased to find ways to make learning interesting and accessible, from mentoring students at MIT to creating global educational collaborations. His commitment to remaking education shows his faith in making knowledge universally accessible, preparing students to think critically and for themselves as they interact with their world. How Richard Larson Combines Operations Research and Simple Tools to Revolutionize Everyday Problem-Solving Richard Larson has made a significant contribution to world operations research, especially in areas such as queueing theory, urban service systems, and disaster management. His innovative models, such as the Hypercube Queueing Model, have impacted key sectors such as healthcare, aviation, and public safety, influencing infrastructures globally. Larson’s impact goes beyond scholarly work. Having retired from early studies, he turned his attention to preaching “Model Thinking,” which is something he strongly believes in. In his book MODEL THINKING for Everyday Life, Larson advocates the use of pencil and paper instead of digital processors. Larson is convinced that this hands-on technique ensures higher cognitive involvement, memory retention, and problem-solving. In breaking down sophisticated theories, Larson enables people to think systematically and creatively in daily life. His writing harmoniously combines the intellectual with the popular, clearly reflecting his intent to democratize innovation. Larson’s faith in model-based thinking accessible to everyone is empowering the tool to be strong for individuals of all backgrounds and not only specialists. His emphasis on real-world, practical applications highlights the value of placing systematic thought into the hands of everyone as an improved means of making decisions and solving problems. The Personal Philosophy That Drives His Unyielding Commitment to Academic Precision and Excellence in Every Endeavor Despite all his towering intellectual contributions, Richard Larson has always valued the human touch. One of the most challenging tasks for him was balancing his professional life with his personal life. In a place like MIT, the weight of research and teaching can be so overwhelming at times that everything else takes a backseat. Larson, however, made an extra effort to toggle between the two roles, taking off the MIT hat at home, leaving it by the door. He talks about his recently deceased wife, M. Elizabeth Murray, fondly, referring to her as his SoulMate and compass. She was the mother of his three children, and she played the most crucial role in encouraging Larson to see and pursue his genuine intellectual passion: not merely learning about queues, but converting the gospel of model thinking. Her inspiration, he says, brought him to a greater level of

Issac Qureshi CEO of Bowarr Management Ltd. An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Issac Qureshi Since the last two decades, the banking sector has seen a revolutionary transformation in the means by which organizations raise capital, go public, and grow beyond borders. Conventionally established mechanisms have been displaced by more rapid, effective responses fueled by technological innovation, changes in regulation, and international appetite for investment. In this challenging landscape, an emerging generation of financial leadership is now centered, not just around profit, but around trust, sustainability, and long-term outcomes. Today’s financial top dogs are those who predict market shifts, accept disruption, and design smart frameworks for growth. These individuals combine deep financial knowledge with forward-looking vision, resetting the way capital is raised and allocated. Their impact is creating a more accessible, equitable, and interwoven financial future. Issac Qureshi’s journey from finance enthusiast to globally renowned advisor and entrepreneur exemplifies modern ethical leadership in today’s dynamic financial landscape. With a mission to empower businesses and investors through strategic structuring and innovative capital access, he has reshaped traditional norms. By creating new, smarter, and more agile financial avenues, Issac changed how firms scale and expand and created a permanent legacy marked by vision, trust, and a commitment to long-term value and contribution. Celebrated Leadership, Global Awards, and the Recognition of Excellence Across Finance, Structuring, Advisory, and Long-Term Corporate Value Creation Issac’s finance and business strategy career has earned him international recognition and a string of prestigious accolades for his innovative contributions. With a reputation for consistently pushing boundaries and driving measurable impact, he has garnered acclaim from both industry peers and global organizations. His pioneering efforts in taxation, access to capital, and structuring finance were featured on the front cover of CIO Times, establishing him as an industry thought leader. Of the many accolades that Issac has earned, the Best Wealth & Tax Planning Advisory Award by Wealth & Finance International was a particularly significant one, in recognition of his experience in providing tax-optimized, client-driven financial planning. His ability to simplify complex financial models and optimize long-term value made him a winner of the Leading Specialist in Tax & Wealth Structuring Award at the Global 100 Awards, as well as the Best Tax Structuring Advisor Award by Corporate America Today. Issac’s success in mergers and acquisitions was also acknowledged by the Wealth & Finance M&A Awards, and he was ranked as one of the Top 100 Global Leaders, part of an exclusive group of business shapers. These rewards are more than a reflection of personal achievement for Issac; they represent the strength in numbers of teamwork, innovation, and responsible finance. Every award is a testament to his dedication to transforming the financial sector, working towards making frameworks more efficient, inclusive, and future-oriented. His efforts continue to inspire and set a new benchmark for financial strategies, significantly impacting businesses globally. Expanding Financial Innovation with Blockchain, AI, and Emerging Technology for a Transparent, Intelligent, and Decentralized Investment Ecosystem Worldwide Issac is reforming the future of finance through the incorporation of new technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and decentralized finance (DeFi) into business operations. As Bowarr’s CEO, his revolutionary approaches are opening doors for the future generation of investment and capital markets. His interest in digital equity and AI-based investment technologies has the vision to increase transparency, efficiency, and investor involvement, especially across borders. His dedication to innovation extends beyond keeping up with trends, he seeks to redefine access to money. Through the use of blockchain, he seeks to decentralize trust, lower transaction costs, and make systems more transparent. With AI, he sees real-time market intelligence to allow for quicker, more precise financial decisions. These technologies unlock new worldwide possibilities for growth, making capital more accessible and expansion opportunities more available for businesses, particularly small and mid-cap firms. What distinguishes Isaac is his emphasis on ethical finance. His work is not merely about creating effective systems; it’s about creating flexible, future-proofed frameworks that are in line with larger human aspirations. By making innovation the centre of finance, he is helping to create a more sustainable financial future. His dream is to make finance not only smarter and more efficient but also transparent, inclusive, and equitable for generations to come. Issac’s work continues to encourage and inform a global financial environment that prioritizes accessibility, equity, and lasting influence. Sustainability, Adaptability, and Legacy: Long-Term Mission to Reshape Global Finance with Ethics, Vision, and True Human Value While many in the financial world chase short-term returns and quick wins, Issac stands apart with a steadfast commitment to long-term value creation and global impact. His leadership philosophy and financial strategies are deeply rooted in sustainability, adaptability, and the intention to build a lasting legacy. These principles have not only shaped his journey but have become the foundation of Bowarr’s unique approach to business. As the head of Bowarr, Issac continually focuses on designing innovative financial solutions that can withstand economic fluctuations, geopolitical changes, and evolving regulatory landscapes. He supports businesses in creating scalable, resilient models that endure beyond immediate success. For Issac, legacy is far more than a personal milestone. It’s about creating systems that empower others, nurturing meaningful relationships, and leaving behind structures that continue to provide value long after his direct involvement ends. He approaches every transaction, whether a complex merger or a direct listing, as an opportunity to contribute to a more ethical, stable, and human-centred financial ecosystem. Issac’s methods are proactive rather than reactive. He stays ahead of market trends, ensuring that every client benefits from strategies built for the future, not just the present. His belief in mentorship, collaboration, and intergenerational knowledge sharing reinforces his larger mission: to transform finance into a force for societal good. Finance, as he sees it, should serve real people, entrepreneurs, investors, and entire communities. With this vision, he is not only shaping today’s financial landscape but is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and impactful tomorrow.