Pranav Kapoor is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in driving digital innovation, AI, and analytics strategy. He has expertise in integrating business strategy, analytics, and technology to deliver strategic and financial goals. Pranav currently serves as the Global Head of Advanced Audit Analytics at Sun Life, where he is responsible for building the next-generation analytics strategy, goals, and roadmap on digital integration. He has a proven track record of leveraging data and technology through an Analytics Center of Excellence to deliver deeper business insights and expanded risk coverage.
Pranav’s achievements include being a ‘Stars of Excellence’ nominee for Best High Performing Teams across Manulife globally and receiving recognition for his work on machine learning-based AML initiatives for continuous auditing. He is also actively involved in community service, including with the IIM Canada Community Services and the Canada India Tech Forum. Pranav holds an MBA from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A), as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Pranav shared his professional trajectory, personal hobbies and interests, his favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Pranav. Can you walk us through your background and what you’re most passionate about in your work?
I have worked in Analytics / AI / ML for many years now. I started when using macros was fancy and was considered human task automation. Over the years, I have learnt a lot from my colleagues, explored and learned to code and run proof of concepts in Analytics / ML / AI. I started with an MBA in Finance and Strategy and am grateful to be an alumnus of two universities – The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), India.
I like to solve problems, and that probably resonates with how my career naturally went in this direction. Problem solving needs data, and manipulation of data to bring insights that has led the journey from reporting to analytics to now Gen AI.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
I have been fortunate enough to work with colleagues and organizations that have always been at the forefront of developing new solutions. Any role that keeps my thinking, and provides me an opportunity to challenge myself, is amazing. As they say – if you aren’t moving, you are probably dead.
What emerging technologies or techniques (e.g., AI, machine learning, deep learning) are you exploring to stay ahead in analytics?
AI is a vast space, and the most challenging question to answer is what constitutes AI or how do you define it with the numerous powerful use cases and likely, without offending anyone. I am not necessarily tied to a particular technology / technique, rather more interested in how even the smallest bit of rule-based algorithms can solve a business’s problem. With the same spirit, Gen AI does offer a fair bit of applications that can help businesses and users free up most manual tasks and help them be more productive and more organized.
I am also excited about how AI and Ethics Governance continues to evolve. As AI becomes more ubiquitous it is vital to make sure that we try understanding the best we can and have the right guardrails around it.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest analytics trends and research?
Mostly, reading through industry research, and industry conferences. I do like to hear from different folks and try meet my industry colleagues to hear from them firsthand.
What leadership qualities and skills do you believe are essential for driving growth and transformation, and how do you embody those qualities in your own leadership style?
The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I like to give my team opportunities, for them to grow, to challenge themselves, and to share their vision and results with the leadership. I don’t believe in being a hiccup in situations, and encourage them to share their thoughts directly, yet diplomatically and avoid going in circles.
Who has been a personal role model or mentor to you throughout your career?
I learned a lot from my colleagues, over the years and by observing, my parents and family. My parents, and my uncle and aunt who I lived with in Hong Kong, demonstrated the value of hard work, how to keep going even with difficult situations at hand, being dedicated and serious to you work and goals, and keeping your family and friends together. Another is a colleague who I remember would say ‘Get up, Dress up and Show up’.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
I like to hit the gym every day, and staunchly believe that at the end of the day, if you aren’t tired, you didn’t use your day well. Talking to friends and family, my wife and my son helps me stay grounded.
I treat my team as I would treat a friend, so we share thoughts and take time to discuss challenges and situations. I also encourage them to talk to our leaders and understand how business goals impact our deliverables.
What is your favorite quote?
I use a lot of quotes – some favorites are ‘You got to do, what you got to do’ and ‘This too shall pass’ to when I want to focus solely on my tasks I remind myself – ‘Not my circus, not my monkeys…’
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would like to be more impactful with solutions for business problems. I see the analytics executive’s role evolving to be more part strategy, part operations using data and technology and enabling value for the leaders.
What message or advice would you give to aspiring professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?
Have an open mind, till the time you don’t try, you won’t learn the importance and the impact. Always be willing to go the extra mile and learn to fail fast. If you ‘Get up, Dress up and Show up’ that’s half the battle won.