Sushant Chowdhary Talks About His Healthcare Systems’ Innovation

Hi, I'm Sushant Chowdhary. With over 18 years of experience in Identity and Access Management (IAM), Privileged Access Management (PAM), and regulatory compliance, I have had the opportunity to lead large-scale cybersecurity initiatives across the UK, UAE, Singapore, and India.

Currently, I serve as the Engineering Manager for IAM at Ascension, one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States, overseeing identity governance for 150 hospitals and 2,600 healthcare facilities. In this role, I define IAM strategies, mentor engineers, and implement modern security tools to strengthen user identity management.

My expertise lies in developing and deploying access management solutions for hybrid cloud and on-premises environments while ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX. As a thought leader in the field, I have contributed research on context-aware authentication and adaptive security intelligence, which has influenced IAM implementations globally, reducing unauthorized access attempts by over 85%.

I have also shared insights in publications like Securing Healthcare Systems: An In-depth Analysis of Identity and Access Management Controls and regularly discuss IAM advancements on platforms like LinkedIn.

Beyond technical execution, I am passionate about building and mentoring high-performing teams, having successfully led IAM deployments for organizations such as The Home Depot, AstraZeneca, and the U.S. Department of Labor. My work continues to focus on driving innovation in cybersecurity, particularly in the evolving landscape of identity governance and AI-driven security solutions.

Innovation in cybersecurity, particularly in Identity and Access Management (IAM), has always fascinated me because of its dynamic nature and critical impact on organizations and individuals. My inspiration comes from a deep-seated passion for problem-solving and the desire to bridge the gap between security and usability.

Throughout my 18+ years in the field, I have encountered numerous challenges—ranging from complex healthcare divestitures to regulatory compliance requirements—that required not just technical solutions, but innovative thinking.

Beyond technical challenges, my inspiration also comes from the opportunity to make a tangible impact. Cybersecurity is often seen as a barrier, but I believe it should be an enabler. Through innovative identity governance strategies, I’ve helped organizations achieve security without disrupting business operations.

Seeing the direct benefits of my work—improved efficiency, reduced security risks, and enhanced user experience—fuels my drive to keep pushing boundaries.

Additionally, my involvement in research and mentorship has reinforced my commitment to innovation. Ultimately, my inspiration stems from a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to improving security frameworks, and a passion for developing solutions that address real-world cybersecurity challenges. Innovation, for me, isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating a safer, more efficient digital world.

Ascension is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States, comprising approximately 150 hospitals and 2,600 healthcare facilities nationwide. The organization has a substantial healthcare footprint that requires robust identity governance solutions, which is where Sushant Chowdhary's role as Engineering Manager for IAM comes into play.

To me, innovation is the ability to challenge the status quo, reimagine existing processes, and create solutions that not only solve problems but also add tangible value. It’s not just about introducing new technology—it’s about transforming the way we think, operate, and secure the digital world.

In the field of cybersecurity and Identity & Access Management (IAM), innovation is essential because the landscape is constantly evolving. Every new challenge—whether it’s securing hybrid cloud environments, managing complex identity governance, or ensuring compliance in highly regulated industries—requires a fresh perspective. True innovation is about balancing security with usability, ensuring that systems remain robust without hindering productivity.

At The Home Depot, I led a transformative cybersecurity initiative that revolutionized the company’s Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework. By integrating CMMI-based maturity frameworks with modern IAM systems—a first in retail cybersecurity—I established a new industry standard for securing large-scale retail operations.

Key Innovations & Impact:

✔ Pioneered a CMMI-based IAM Framework – Strengthened security posture and operational efficiency.

✔ Automated Privileged Access Management – Reduced security risks while improving user experience.

✔ Revolutionized Third-Party Access Management – Ensured secure vendor collaborations.

✔ Achieved a 4.2/5 Security Rating – Set a new benchmark in retail cybersecurity.

✔ Reduced Cyber Insurance Premiums – Demonstrated tangible financial benefits of strong IAM controls.

This initiative not only enhanced security and compliance but also streamlined access management across retail, supply chain, and digital platforms. My work has now set a blueprint for secure, technology-driven retail operations in the digital era.

The idea for my award-winning innovation at The Home Depot stemmed from a deep understanding of both cybersecurity challenges and business needs. I recognized that traditional Identity and Access Management (IAM) frameworks in retail were rigid, compliance-driven, and often disconnected from operational efficiency. As cyber threats evolved, retailers needed a dynamic, scalable, and cost-effective IAM solution that could secure vast digital ecosystems while enhancing user experience.

One of my biggest inspirations came from analyzing CMMI maturity models, which are typically used for process optimization but have not been widely applied to IAM in retail. I saw an opportunity to merge structured process maturity with advanced IAM tools, creating a CMMI-based IAM framework that was adaptable, scalable, and measurable. This approach provided a clear roadmap for continuous improvement while strengthening security controls and reducing operational overhead.

The real turning point was quantifying the financial impact of cybersecurity investments. By optimizing IAM processes, I demonstrated cost savings in cyber insurance premiums, proving that strong security controls directly translate to business value. This holistic approach—bridging security, operations, and finance—helped me drive organization-wide adoption and set new industry benchmarks in retail cybersecurity.

Ultimately, this innovation was driven by a vision to transform cybersecurity from a compliance necessity into a business enabler—one that safeguards critical assets while fueling growth and efficiency.

✔ Resistance to Change – Used pilot implementations and data-driven insights to demonstrate security, efficiency, and cost savings.

✔ Complex IAM Integration – Deployed a phased strategy to balance security and business continuity across retail, supply chain, and digital systems.

✔ Third-Party Access Risks – Developed an automated governance model with risk-based authentication to secure vendor access.

✔ Security vs. Business Needs – Aligned IAM strategies with business goals, shifting security from a compliance hurdle to a business enabler.

✔ Proving ROI for Cybersecurity – Showcased cost savings on cyber insurance premiums, securing executive buy-in.

Thank you for the recognition! Winning the TITAN Innovation Awards is both humbling and energizing. It validates the work my team and I have been doing in Cybersecurity focussed on Identity and Access Management, and confirms we're moving in a meaningful direction.

This award has strengthened my resolve to push even further in developing Forward-looking IAM solutions. It's opened doors to collaborate with other innovators in the field, which I'm excited to pursue. Looking ahead, I'm inspired to tackle bigger challenges, particularly enhancing the role of AI with Identity Access Management.

I owe this to my team and my leadership who have been an inspiration for me during this journey.

For aspiring innovators looking to make a difference, I'd suggest:

Focus on real problems worth solving. The most impactful innovations address genuine needs rather than solutions looking for problems. Spend time understanding the challenges people face in their daily lives or work. Share your work generously. Innovation thrives in environments where ideas can be exchanged, tested, and built upon by others.