From humble beginnings to Technology Leader
Mayur Katariya’s remarkable journey from a small town in India to becoming a prominent Technology Leader in Data Analytics and AI in Silicon Valley’s tech hub is a story that exemplifies the American Dream. He is a successful professional and a beacon of inspiration for countless tech enthusiasts. His odyssey is a testament to his relentless determination, passion, resilience, tech expertise, and transformative leadership that has left an indelible mark on the business and technology world.
A multifaceted leader, Mayur is recognized as an awardwinning Industry Expert in Data Analytics and AI, a Thought Leader, Author, Speaker, and Mentor. His impressive track record in spearheading large-scale digital transformation, big data analytics, and AI projects across diverse sectors including Healthcare, Life Science, Cybersecurity, High-tech, Manufacturing, and Aviation, establishes him as a technology luminary. Currently, he is a prominent Leader at Databricks, one of the world’s leading Data and AI companies.
“Growing up amidst my family’s small construction materials business in the little town of Wani, my father’s entrepreneurial acumen and uncle’s public relations were instrumental in sculpting my personality and fueling my aspirations,” exclaims Mayur.
“Driven by love for technology, I went to VIT, Pune to pursue Computer Science Engineering. At 19, my journey took an extraordinary turn as I embarked on a life-altering adventure to Canada through a student exchange program at Queen’s University. In the vibrant tapestry of interdisciplinary learning that unfolded before me, I discovered my calling – the synergy of business and technology, the revelation that ignited the path to my career.”
Mayur’s career began as a software engineer at Persistent Systems in Pune, providing him with invaluable industry exposure and practical skills. Subsequently, he pursued an MS in Engineering Management at the University of California, Irvine, effectively combining computer engineering and business management to solidify his professional trajectory.
His breakthrough came when he joined as a Business Technology Analyst at ZS, an esteemed Healthcare and Life Science Consulting juggernaut. His technical expertise, innovative ideas, customer dedication, and problemsolving skills earned him many excellence awards and recognition among colleagues and supervisors. What followed was a rapid ascent through the ranks. Soon, he led a global team of 20+ to deliver innovative digital transformations leveraging Big Data and AI for life science companies that would transform the lives of millions.
Mayur attributes his success to four core principles grounded in his philosophy: Curiosity, Impact-driven Customer Obsession, Hiring the right people, and Leading with Empowerment. “I embrace every opportunity and refuse to be boxed in by titles or roles. I’ve seen people limit their growth opportunities with ‘not my job’ thinking. When a problem arises, I dive in fearlessly to hustle and adapt as required. Customer Obsession to solve an impactful problem is my compass. Teamwork is the heartbeat of success; I recruit growth-oriented individuals and empower them with responsibilities and autonomy to make decisions. This delegation demonstrates your trust in their abilities and frees your time for more strategic initiatives,” he says.
Mayur’s expertise in Data and AI has left an indelible mark on the economy. While at ZS, he played a critical role in developing an award-winning Real World Data Analytics Platform for Amgen, a global biopharma. This platform accelerated drug research and development, patient and drug safety monitoring, and improved clinical trials and patient treatment. Similarly, for Seagen, another biotech customer, he was pivotal in developing analytics platforms for launching three life-saving cancer drugs.
At Databricks, Mayur is at the forefront of unleashing Data and AI’s power to address the world’s most complex challenges. He works with multiple customers, including a leading US airline, to build technology platforms that ensure the safe and reliable operation of thousands of daily flights; and a cybersecurity company – CylanceAI (BlackBerry), to build a platform powered by AI, which detects and prevents cyber-attacks, safeguarding companies and the economy. Additionally, he has a few federal agency customers, working with regulated aerospace surveillance and national security in the US.
Mayur’s achievements have garnered numerous accolades, including serving as an Industry Expert and Judge for prestigious awards like the Information Technology Awards, Golden Bridge Awards, and Disruptor Awards. He has contributed to the tech community through numerous scholarly articles, trade publications on Data Analytics, and speaking engagements and presentations at renowned conferences like the Data & AI Summit, CES, and RSA. He is a mentor who believes in giving back to society by coaching young professionals pursuing similar career paths for free.
However, Mayur’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, such as student loans, starting from scratch in a foreign country, navigating cultural differences and complex visa restrictions, late-night work due to timezones, and isolation from family. Despite facing obstacles, he has achieved remarkable success and remains grateful to his parents, wife, and family for their unwavering support.
Mayur’s story is a testament to personal success and inspiration for all who dare to dream and strive for excellence.
