1Congratulations, NY Digital Awards Winner! Could you please provide a brief introduction of yourself?
Thank you! My name is Mahaboobsubani Shaik, and I am a Senior Tech Architect Manager at one of the top American hospitality companies. With over 20 years of experience in IT, I specialize in digital transformation and intelligent automation. My passion lies in creating solutions that enhance business operations and deliver measurable results globally.
2What made you become / why did you choose to become a digital creator or designer?
I was always fascinated by how technology could transform ideas into reality. Becoming a digital innovator allowed me to channel this fascination into tangible creations that solve real-world problems. I chose this path to blend my technical expertise with creative thinking and make an impact on a global scale.
3Tell us more about your business / company, job profile, and what you do.
I work for a leading American hospitality company, where I lead a global team of developers and architects. My primary focus is designing and deploying intelligent automation solutions and AI-driven tools that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and redefine the guest experience across our worldwide properties.
4What do you think defines "good" digital creativity?
Good digital creativity is about crafting solutions that resonate with users while pushing boundaries. It should simplify complexity, evoke engagement, and be sustainable. A truly creative solution balances aesthetics, functionality, and adaptability, ensuring it remains relevant over time.
5Can you describe about your thought process, and how it contributes towards your creativity?
I approach every challenge with curiosity, breaking it down into its fundamental components. My thought process revolves around finding connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This blend of logic and imagination allows me to create solutions that are both innovative and practical.
6Where do you draw inspiration from?
I find inspiration in historical ingenuity, particularly the works of polymaths like Al-Jazari, who revolutionized mechanics and automation centuries ago. Observing nature and how it solves problems through simplicity and efficiency also deeply influences my creative process.
7What current trends in the digital realm are you most excited about?
I’m particularly excited about the rise of AI-driven personalization and sustainability-focused digital solutions. These trends reflect a shift toward responsible innovation, where technology enhances human experiences while reducing its environmental footprint.
8As the winner of the 2024 NY Digital Awards, what does it mean to you, your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning this award is a significant milestone that recognizes the hard work, vision, and collaboration of my team. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our ability to deliver meaningful impact in the digital space.
For our company, it reinforces our leadership in embracing technology to enhance hospitality.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 NY Digital Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
We submitted the Ringo BOT, an automation tool that revolutionizes financial data processing for our global operations. It was chosen because it represents how intelligent automation can deliver substantial time savings and productivity enhancements, impacting teams across multiple countries.
10What was the biggest challenge with the entry submitted?
The most significant challenge was ensuring seamless integration across diverse data formats and regulatory requirements worldwide. By leveraging a modular architecture and rigorous testing, we ensured that the bot could adapt to various environments while maintaining its efficiency.
11How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Winning this award has amplified my credibility as an innovator and opened doors to collaborate with industry leaders. It has also inspired my team to pursue greater challenges and showcased our ability to lead in the digital transformation space.
12What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?
Limitless Potential: The constant evolution of technology opens up new possibilities.
Global Impact: Digital solutions can reach and influence millions of people.
Creativity Meets Logic: The balance of innovation and functionality keeps the field exciting.
13What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?
India's rich cultural and intellectual diversity fuels innovative approaches to problem-solving, as individuals from varied backgrounds contribute unique perspectives and creative solutions. This is complemented by a robust educational infrastructure that emphasizes technology and science, producing some of the brightest minds in the field.
Additionally, India's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, supported by a rapidly growing digital economy and government initiatives, has transformed the country into a global powerhouse for groundbreaking digital innovations and tech-driven solutions.
14Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I foresee a convergence of AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, enabling more personalized and secure solutions. Additionally, I believe we will see increased focus on ethical AI, ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly.
15If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring NY Digital Award submitter, what advice would you give them?
Start small but think big. Focus on mastering foundational skills, embrace experimentation, and never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to fail; every setback is an opportunity to grow.
16What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?
I recommend books like The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, online courses from Coursera and Khan Academy, and joining professional networks like IEEE and GitHub communities to gain insights and collaborate.
17Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I find my most creative ideas often come during moments of solitude, like late-night walks. Those quiet moments allow me to connect ideas in ways I wouldn’t in a busy environment.
18Who has inspired you in your life and why?
The works of Al-Farabi, the medieval Islamic philosopher and scientist, inspire me deeply. His ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines—from philosophy and music to mathematics and political science—demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary thinking in driving innovation.
19What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
My key to success lies in embracing adaptability and maintaining an insatiable curiosity. The ability to adapt ensures resilience in the face of challenges, allowing me to navigate shifting landscapes and turn obstacles into opportunities. Curiosity fuels my drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies, pushing
20Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I’d like to thank the NY Digital Awards for celebrating creativity and innovation. This recognition fuels our passion to continue pushing boundaries and delivering solutions that make a difference.
