Interview with Balaji Dhashanamoorthi from the United States

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Balaji Dhashanamoorthi | TITAN Business Awards

Balaji Dhashanamoorthi

Balaji Dhashanamoorthi, a Senior Software Engineer at Infosys with over 12 years of experience, thrives in complex agile environments. A forward-thinking team player, he excels in achieving project objectives quickly and accurately. His expertise spans Frontend, Cloud, AI/ML, Database, and Backend services.

1Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself.

As a Senior Software Engineer with over 12 years of professional experience, I've thrived in complex and diverse agile environments. I'm a forward-thinking team player, dedicated to achieving project objectives with speed and accuracy. I excel in designing exceptionally useful solutions and customized products. My expertise spans various programming environments, including Frontend, Cloud, AI/ML, Database, and Backend services.

I have secured cyber faults for Fortune 500 companies in the banking and insurance industries using AI and ML technologies, successfully thwarting over 100 cyber attacks annually. By implementing robust security infrastructures with cutting-edge technologies, I've reduced system vulnerabilities by 80%. I am experienced in overseeing global teams, managing cyber risk, and collaborating closely with C-Suite executives.

2What is your role in the company?

My proficiency extends to creating cutting-edge AI/ML models, enhancing cybersecurity, and driving revenue growth for organizations. I have a deep understanding and forward-thinking approach to technology, which is evident in my innovative and enduring technical solutions. Notably, my contributions at BNY Mellon and Travelers Insurance stand out in the realm of financial systems and technological advancements. I developed an advanced AI/ML model capable of scanning interbank transactions and preventing cyber faults, significantly bolstering cyber fault detection.

I have designed AI model sets that use different data sources to identify behavioral patterns of transactions. The supervised learning AI model identifies known types of fraud, such as credit card fraud or scam transactions based on historical data and predefined rules. Meanwhile, the unsupervised AI model uncovers hidden patterns or clusters in the data that can reveal anomalous or suspicious behaviors.

I have significantly reduced system vulnerabilities by 80% for Fortune 500 companies such as BNY Mellon and Travelers Insurance, thwarting over 100 cyber attacks annually. In the sphere of banking security, I have meticulously designed AI model sets that draw from diverse data sources to identify behavioral patterns in transactions.

The AI model detects known types of fraud, such as credit card transaction frauds or online scams, based on historical data and predefined rules. The unsupervised model reveals hidden patterns or clusters that uncover anomalous or suspicious behavior, such as money laundering or identity theft, by analyzing deviations from normal or expected patterns.

3Please tell us more about your organization.
Infosys, established in 1981, is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. From a humble capital of US$250, it has grown into an US$18.56 billion company with a market capitalization of US$74.42 billion. Infosys catalyzed significant changes that led to India’s emergence as a global destination for software services talent. It pioneered the Global Delivery Model and became the first Indian IT company listed on NASDAQ.
4Describe the industry your organization is specialized in, as well as its main characteristics.

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Here are its main specializations and characteristics:

Digital services and consulting: Infosys enables clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. It provides services powered by cloud and AI, building vital capabilities to deliver digital outcomes.

Global presence: With over four decades of experience, Infosys manages the systems and workings of global enterprises. It has a presence in more than 56 countries and has over 317k employees.

Economic growth: Established in 1981 with a capital of US$250, Infosys has grown to become a US$ 18.6 billion company.

Sustainability: Infosys is committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization. It has achieved carbon neutrality 30 years ahead of the Paris agreement.

Employee empowerment: Infosys is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talent thrives.

Recognition: Infosys has been recognized as one of the top 3 IT services brands in the world. It has also been recognized as a Global Top Employer for three consecutive years.

Innovation: Infosys is known for pioneering the Global Delivery Model and becoming the first IT Company from India to be listed on NASDAQ.

5Congratulations! As the winner of the TITAN Business Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?

Being recognized as the winner of the TITAN Business Awards is an extraordinary honor for me. This award is a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work I have invested in my business. It validates the strategies I’ve implemented, the risks I’ve taken, and the successes I’ve achieved.

This distinction is not just a personal achievement, but a milestone that reflects the journey of growth and learning I’ve embarked upon. It’s a symbol of the challenges I’ve overcome and the resilience I’ve demonstrated in the face of adversity.

Moreover, this award enhances my credibility in the business community, providing me with opportunities to connect with other industry leaders and innovators. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In essence, receiving this honorable win is a validation of my journey so far and a beacon of inspiration for the path ahead. It’s a reminder that my efforts have made a significant impact, and it fuels my ambition to continue making a difference in the business world.

6What are the challenges of developing / marketing your winning entry(ies)?

Developing an AI solution to prevent cyber faults in financial institutions presents several challenges:

Data privacy and security: Financial institutions handle sensitive data. Ensuring the privacy and security of this data while training the AI model is a significant challenge.

Quality and quantity of data: AI models require large amounts of high-quality data for training. However, obtaining such data in the financial sector can be difficult due to privacy concerns and regulations.

Regulatory compliance: The financial sector is heavily regulated. Any AI solution must comply with all relevant laws and regulations, which can be complex and vary across different regions.

Integration with existing systems: Financial institutions often use legacy systems. Integrating the AI solution with these systems without disrupting existing operations can be challenging.

Adapting to evolving threats: Cyber threats are constantly evolving. The AI solution must be able to adapt and learn from new types of cyber faults as they emerge.

False positives and negatives: The AI system must be accurate in detecting cyber faults. However, achieving a balance between false positives (flagging normal activities as faults) and false negatives (missing actual faults) is a challenge.

Explainability: Financial institutions need to understand how the AI makes its decisions, especially in the event of a cyber fault. Developing an AI system that is both effective and explainable can be difficult.

These challenges require careful consideration and planning to overcome, but with the right approach, they can be addressed effectively. The result would be a robust AI solution that can significantly enhance the cyber fault prevention capabilities of financial institutions.

7As a business owner, please tell us more about your ideation process.

Identifying the problem: The first step in my ideation process is to clearly define the problem. In this case, it’s the prevention of cyber faults in banking. I would conduct a thorough analysis of the current banking system to understand the types of cyber faults that occur and their impact.

Research and exploration: Next, I would research existing solutions and their limitations. This would involve studying various AI technologies and how they can be leveraged to address these issues.

Brainstorming solutions: With a solid understanding of the problem and the available technologies, I would brainstorm potential AI-based solutions. This could involve using AI for anomaly detection to identify potential cyber threats, or employing machine learning algorithms to predict and prevent cyber faults.

Feasibility analysis: After brainstorming, I would analyze the feasibility of each solution. This involves considering factors like cost, time, resources, and the potential return on investment.

Prototyping: Once a feasible solution is identified, I would create a prototype. This could be an AI model trained with historical banking data to detect and prevent cyber faults.

Testing and iteration: The prototype would then be tested in a controlled environment to evaluate its effectiveness. Based on the results, the solution would be iterated and refined until it meets the desired objectives.

Implementation and review: Finally, the AI solution would be implemented. Post-implementation, I would continuously review and update the system as needed to ensure it remains effective as new types of cyber threats emerge.

The ideation process is iterative and flexible. It’s about learning, adapting, and continuously improving the solution to effectively address the problem at hand.

8What is your own definition of a successful team / organization / business?

A successful team, in my view, is a cohesive group of individuals who effectively collaborate to achieve common goals. This involves:

Shared vision: Every member understands and aligns with the team’s objectives and mission.

Diverse skills: The team comprises individuals with varied skills and expertise, fostering innovation and problem-solving.

Effective communication: Open and respectful dialogue is encouraged, ensuring everyone’s ideas and concerns are heard.

Mutual respect: Each member values the contributions of others, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Accountability: Members take responsibility for their tasks, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Adaptability: The team is capable of adjusting to changes and overcoming challenges together.

A successful team is not just about achieving goals, but also about the journey of growth, learning, and mutual support that the members experience together.

9What are the current trends in the business industry that you are most excited about?

Generative AI: This technology is helping organizations across industries develop text, audio, and video content, as well as computer programming code, product designs, virtual environments, and simulations for a variety of business situations.

E-commerce: The growth of online shopping platforms and digital marketing strategies is transforming the retail landscape.

Remote work, learning and training: The shift towards remote work has led to the development of new tools and platforms for collaboration, learning, and training.

Increased emphasis on workplace skills: There’s a growing focus on skills-based hiring and continuous learning in the workplace.

Sustainable practices: Businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices in their operations to reduce their environmental impact.

Subscription-based pricing: More businesses are moving towards subscription-based pricing models, providing customers with more flexibility.

Brand partnerships: Collaborations between brands are becoming more common, allowing businesses to reach new audiences.

These trends are reshaping the business landscape, offering new opportunities and challenges. They are exciting because they represent the evolution of business practices in response to technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. It’s fascinating to see how businesses adapt and innovate in this dynamic environment.

10What resources would you recommend to someone who is searching to improve their business prospects and organizational success?

To improve business prospects and organizational success, I would recommend a combination of resources:

Books: ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins and ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries are excellent starting points. They provide valuable insights into business strategies and principles.

Online courses: Websites like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a plethora of courses on business management, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Networking events: Attending industry-specific conferences, seminars, and networking events can provide opportunities to learn from peers and industry leaders.

Mentorship: Finding a mentor in your industry can provide personalized guidance and insights based on their experiences.

Industry reports and market research: These can provide valuable data and trends related to your business field.

Business consultancy services: They can provide expert advice tailored to your business needs.

11Where do you see the evolution of the overall business industry in the next 5-10 years?

Here’s how I envision the evolution of the business industry in the next 5-10 years:

Process automation and virtualization: With advancements in technology, around half of all existing work activities could be automated in the next few decades. This will lead to a significant shift in the way businesses operate, with more emphasis on efficiency and productivity.

5G and IoT: The advent of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) will revolutionize connectivity, potentially unlocking economic activity and leading to the digitization of various sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.

Virtual reality gaming: The virtual reality gaming market is expected to grow significantly, reaching $100.23 billion by 20272. This growth will be driven by technological advancements and increasing disposable incomes among consumers.

Virtualization software: The adoption of virtualization technologies is expected to increase multifold, with the market projected to reach $189.4 billion by 20272. This will be driven by the demand for efficient and scalable solutions in various industries.

Digital education: The digital education market is expected to increase to $136 billion by 20302. This growth will be driven by the rising adoption of digital technology in education and the use of online learning tools.

These trends indicate a future where technology plays an even more integral role in business operations. The focus will be on efficiency, connectivity, and digital solutions, leading to a transformation in the way businesses operate and interact with their customers.

12Who inspired you in your life, and why?

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, also known as the “Missile Man of India,” has been a significant inspiration in my life. His journey from a humble background in Rameswaram to becoming the President of India is a testament to his indomitable spirit, unwavering determination, and immense dedication.

His life serves as a brilliant inspiration due to his achievements, humility, sincerity, hard work, positivity, and never-give-up outlook. Despite coming from an underprivileged situation, he had a dream to make it big one day. His dedication to his studies, despite the challenges in his surroundings, earned him a scholarship to study aerospace engineering.

Dr. Kalam taught us to dream and showed us the path to success. His quotes, such as "Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work," have always motivated me to strive for success and not be deterred by the challenges that come my way.

His emphasis on personal development and the power of learning is a testament to his impactful legacy. His message of “dream, dare, and do” continues to inspire me to this day. His life story is a beacon of hope, proving that with hard work and perseverance, one can achieve their dreams, no matter how lofty they seem.

In conclusion, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life and teachings have inspired me to dream big, work hard, and never give up on my aspirations. His unwavering optimism and belief in the power of dreams resonate deeply with me, making him a significant inspiration in my life.

13What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

My key to success lies in continuous learning and adaptation. I believe that the world is constantly changing, and to keep up with it, one must be open to new ideas, perspectives, and skills. I strive to learn something new every day, whether it’s from a book, a conversation, or a new experience. This approach keeps me flexible and ready to tackle any challenges that come my way.

As for parting words of wisdom, I would say: ‘Never underestimate the power of perseverance. It’s not about how fast you reach your goal, but the journey you undertake to get there. Embrace the process, learn from your mistakes, and remember that every step, no matter how small, is progress.

Winning Entry

Cyber fault prevention through AI/ML model | 2024

Balaji Dhashanamoorthi | TITAN Business Awards

Balaji Dhashanamoorthi

Infosys

Balaji Dhashanamoorthi, a Senior Software Engineer at Infosys with over 12 years of experience, thrives in complex agile environments. A forward-thinking team player, he excels in achieving project objectives quickly and accurately. His expertise spans Frontend, Cloud, AI/ML, Database, and Backend services.


Read more about this interview with Breanna Welke from the United States, the Gold Winner of the 2024 TITAN Business Awards.

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