Forging the Future with Curiosity and Resilience
Prayas Lohalekar’s life has been shaped by an unwavering curiosity, remarkable resilience, and a vision for innovation. From his modest beginnings in India to a leadership role in the U.S. tech industry, his journey is a testament to his determination and the belief that challenges are simply opportunities in disguise.
Growing up in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Prayas was always fascinated by how things worked. As a child, he spent hours watching shows like How It’s Made and Megastructures on National Geographic, marveling at the intricacies of technology and engineering. “I’ve always been curious about the inner workings of things,” he recalls. “Seeing how everyday objects and massive structures were built ignited something in me—a desire to understand the world through technology.”
Prayas’s early curiosity, nurtured by his parents’ unwavering support, set the stage for his educational journey. Despite coming from a middle-class background with limited financial resources, his parents made tremendous sacrifices to support his dream of studying abroad. “My parents went above and beyond to make it possible,” Prayas reflects. “Pursuing an education in the U.S. was financially out of reach, but they believed in my potential and did everything they could to help me achieve it.”
In 2008, at just 17, Prayas moved to the U.S. to study Computer Science at the State University of New York (SUNY) in upstate New York. “The shift was culturally and academically challenging,” he admits. “But what drew me to SUNY was the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on learning. I realized that innovation happens when you can apply what you’ve learned to solve real-world problems.”
After graduating in 2012, Prayas’s career began with a role as a Business Systems Analyst in the insurance sector. Here, he first saw how technology could bridge the gap between business needs and operational efficiency. His natural curiosity and ability to think beyond the surface propelled him forward, and soon, he transitioned into more senior project management roles.
Over the years, Prayas’s career spanned multiple industries—insurance, healthcare, and technology consulting—as he moved across Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Maryland and ultimately settled in the NY/NJ metro area. He took on increasing responsibility in each role, moving from business analysis to program management and eventually into strategic technology leadership. His work in the healthcare industry, particularly with a Fortune 10 health insurance company, was a turning point. “The healthcare sector showed me how technology could make a real difference, not just in terms of efficiency but in improving patient outcomes,” he explains.
Today, as Director of Technology Strategy, Prayas leads innovation in technology consulting, helping businesses navigate digital transformation. “At this stage, it’s not just about technology—about vision. You have to see the bigger picture and understand how the right technological solutions can drive long-term growth and efficiency,” he says.
Prayas’s professional philosophy has also been shaped by his passions, particularly his love for Formula 1 racing. Since 2009, he has been an avid fan of Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel, whose rise from underdog to world champion resonated deeply with him. “Watching Vettel defy expectations and win his first championship taught me the importance of trusting the process,” he reflects. “Like in F1, success in life and career doesn’t always come instantly—you must believe in yourself and stay the course.”
This mindset has carried Prayas through various personal challenges, including financial struggles, health issues, and other setbacks. “Life is never a straight path,” he says. “It’s how you respond to setbacks that define you. The tough times have shaped me into who I am today, giving me the strength to keep pushing forward.”
To counter the demands of his high-stakes career, Prayas has embraced weightlifting to stay healthy and manage stress. “Lifting weights isn’t just about staying fit—it’s about maintaining mental clarity,” he explains. “In tech, you spend so much time behind a desk, and it’s easy to let that affect your health. Weightlifting helps me stay focused and energized, allowing me to bring my best self to work.”
Despite his success, Prayas remains committed to continuous learning, holding 12 industry certifications to stay at the forefront of technology. “The moment you stop learning is when you start falling behind,” he says. “Tech evolves too quickly to get comfortable—you must keep adapting.” This commitment to learning and staying updated in the field of technology is a testament to his dedication and adaptability.
Looking to the future, Prayas is resolutely focused on driving meaningful innovation that has a lasting impact. “Technology should solve real problems and improve life for people,” he says. “It’s not about flashy solutions—it’s about creating practical, scalable, and sustainable systems.” His commitment to this vision for the future is inspiring, and it reassures the audience that Prayas’s work will always be guided by a desire to make a real difference.
Prayas’s journey—from a curious boy watching Nat Geo documentaries to a leader shaping the future of technology—serves as a reminder that with the right mindset, no challenge is insurmountable. As he continues to push boundaries professionally and personally, one thing remains clear: his story is far from over, and the best is yet to come.