A Tale of Vision, Passion, and Resilience
Vikas Chauhan is a pioneer in Cyber, Physical, & OT security convergence and critical infrastructure protection, skillfully merging cutting-edge ideas, exceptional leadership ability, and unbreakable perseverance. With a wealth of experience in a variety of fields, Vikas has not only navigated but truly mastered the complexities of engineering, technology, and global management. As we take a deep dive into his journey, Vikas generously shares his insights on his extensive business portfolio, recounting the challenges he has overcome, revealing his deep-rooted passion, and unveiling the powerful sources of inspiration that fuel his extraordinary determination.
After obtaining his engineering degree from JIIT, Noida, Vikas took the first steps on his professional path. He landed a role at Virsa Systems, a company founded by the visionary Mr. Jasvir Gill. With determination and skill, Vikas played a crucial role in tackling corporate financial fraud. Under Jasvir Gill’s guidance, Virsa Systems quickly became a prominent figure in automating internal controls to detect and prevent financial reporting discrepancies. The ultimate triumph came when SAP acquired Virsa Systems, resulting in the establishment of SAP GRC. This victorious tale proves Vikas’s dedication and impact as a professional in the field.
Post-acquisition, Vikas, with his engineering team, became a global player, contributing to SAP’s success in various locations, including Shanghai, Palo Alto, and India. In 2007, he reunited with Jasvir Gill at AlertEnterprise Inc., where a new mission unfolded – to make the world a safer place through cutting-edge technology. The underlying passion was not just technological; it was a commitment to put Punjab, India, on the world technology map, contributing to global security against 5th generation warfare and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
The path ahead was filled with obstacles, but AlertEnterprise was determined to overcome them. With a small but innovative team, they set out to revolutionize the security industry by integrating IT, physical, and OT security into one cohesive system. This ambitious goal was met with challenges, including a lack of regulatory frameworks, inadequate digital infrastructure, and a resistant organizational culture that was reluctant to break its security silos. Despite these daunting difficulties, Vikas stressed the value of hard work, persistence, and staying true to their vision. In the end, the team successfully pioneered the concepts of converged security, 3D-GRC, and Zero Trust, shattering skeptics and defying traditional boundaries.
Vikas’s true passion lies in constructing powerful teams grounded in a shared vision. He highly values the concepts of collaboration, continual development, and mutual prosperity, placing a strong emphasis on a leader’s accountability for setbacks. His personal drive for streamlining operational procedures, devising cloud-based solutions, and promoting inventive ideas is aligned with AlertEnterprise’s overarching mission.
In the corporate world, Vikas approaches challenges with a bold and strategic mindset, akin to the qualities of a tiger. He champions a proactive, adaptive, and resilient approach—all necessary attributes for thriving in our ever-evolving society. The conventional race to the top does not entice him; he thrives on pushing his own limits and acquiring new competencies.
For Vikas, inspiration comes from building a department at AlertEnterprise that values long-term vision over short-term gains. The desire is to tackle emerging challenges like climate change, ESG, and information theft, leveraging technological advancements like mobile credentials for net-zero carbon goals.
Vikas’s accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. From receiving recognition while in school to spearheading groundbreaking technological advancements, his journey is one characterized by commitment to excellence. Noteworthy accolades such as the prestigious IAF-India Achievers Forum Excellence Award 2023, along with a portfolio of patents for his revolutionary policy-based access controls prove his exceptional leadership and inventive spirit.
For Vikas, leadership is a fluid concept that allows him to adapt to different situations. His foremost goal is to cultivate more leaders by identifying and empowering their unique strengths and ambitions. He embraces a diverse leadership style that combines servant leadership and coaching, while also being open to utilizing a more assertive approach when needed.
Additionally, Vikas offers a glimpse into his personal life, revealing that he finds peace and joy in spending time with his loved ones in California, USA. Outside of work, he indulges in hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and experimenting with new recipes. His passions also include traveling, hosting gatherings with friends and family, watching documentaries, and having a deep love for cricket. These elements add depth and richness to his life beyond his professional endeavors.
Vikas Chauhan’s journey is not just a narrative of technological milestones but an example of the spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience. As he continues to lead, create, and inspire, Vikas remains a guiding force in the world of security convergence and 3D GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance).
