My first Tedx Talk: From Pain to Purpose – My TEDx Journey

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August 30, 2025 – A date etched in my life for more than one reason. Exactly 11 years ago , I got engaged. And on that very same date this year, I received a life-changing opportunity: my first TEDx talk , hosted at GGI under the inspiring theme “Chase the Impossible.” Standing on that red dot, I felt a mix of emotions — excitement , nervousness , and the quiet ache of loss , having lost my wife, whose memories remain deeply rooted in my heart. In my talk, I shared a story born in the midst of COVID-19 — a time when Ms. Renu and I were both navigating personal grief in different ways. It was during this difficult phase that Mr. Chaitanya brought us together — blending Renu’s deep nutritional expertise with my technical background . That collaboration gave birth to a vision: A platform that could reduce the time it takes to create personalized diets , enabling dieticians to focus more on care, empathy, and connection — and patients to avoid long queues and delays. What began in ...

My notes with ChatGPT - How to become a good CTO?

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 Question: Act as a Mentor and help me become a good Chief Technology Officer?

Becoming a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a significant career milestone, and it requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. I'd be happy to guide you on your journey to becoming a good CTO. Here are some steps and tips to help you along the way:

  1. Develop Your Technical Skills:

    • Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your field.
    • Focus on continuous learning and skill improvement.
    • Gain deep expertise in areas relevant to your industry and organization.

  2. Understand Business and Industry:

    • CTOs need to align technology with the company's business goals.
    • Stay informed about industry trends and how they might affect your organization.
    • Understand your company's competitive landscape.

  3. Build a Strong Leadership Foundation:

    • Develop your leadership skills, including communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
    • Seek opportunities to lead projects, teams, or cross-functional initiatives.
    • Practice empathy and emotional intelligence.

  4. Networking and Relationship Building:

    • Cultivate relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
    • Join professional organizations and attend conferences to expand your network.
    • Networking can provide valuable insights and career opportunities.

  5. Strategic Thinking:

    • Learn to think strategically and align technology with your organization's long-term goals.
    • Consider the impact of technology decisions on the company's growth and profitability.

  6. Project and Team Management:

    • Develop skills in project management and team leadership.
    • Learn to balance competing priorities and manage resources effectively.

  7. Risk Management and Security:

    • Understand the importance of data security and risk management.
    • Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies.

  8. Communication Skills:

    • Work on your ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
    • Be able to make complex ideas accessible to a wider audience.

  9. Innovation and Problem-Solving:

    • Foster a culture of innovation within your teams.
    • Encourage creative problem-solving and adaptability in the face of challenges.

  10. Mentorship and Team Development:

    • Mentor and guide your team members to help them grow professionally.
    • Invest in the development and well-being of your team.

  11. Continuous Improvement:

    • Regularly evaluate and assess your own performance and areas for improvement.
    • Seek feedback from peers and superiors to refine your skills.

  12. Stay Agile and Adaptive:

    • Embrace change and be open to new approaches and methodologies.
    • Keep an agile mindset to adapt to the evolving technology landscape.

  13. Business Acumen:

    • Understand the financial aspects of your organization, such as budgets, ROI, and cost management.
    • Make decisions that align with the company's financial health.

  14. Ethical and Social Responsibility:

    • Be aware of the ethical implications of technology decisions and ensure your team operates responsibly.
    • Understand the social impact of technology and consider it in your decision-making.

  15. Personal Brand and Reputation:

    • Build a strong personal brand as a thought leader in your field.
    • Uphold a positive reputation within your industry and organization.

Remember that the path to becoming a good CTO is a journey that takes time and dedication. It's essential to stay humble, keep learning, and adapt to the ever-changing technology landscape. Seek out mentorship, learn from your experiences, and don't be afraid to take on new challenges. Good luck on your journey to becoming an effective CTO!