Jan 2010 – Present · 16 yrs 2 mos · Greater New York City Area

• As an advisor and investor, I specialize in helping Enterprise and Consumer startups build the next generation of AI-powered businesses. My core philosophy is that the most successful AI products are not just technologically advanced, but are also radically human-centered.
• I partner with founders to bridge the gap between visionary AI strategy and the disciplined execution of world-class User Experience (UX). This means transforming complex algorithms and data models into intuitive, valuable products that customers will adopt and love.
• My Expertise Lies In:
• Human-Centered AI Strategy: Moving beyond the hype to identify real-world problems where AI can deliver a 10x better user experience.
• AI Product Design & CX: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex AI systems, ensuring trust, transparency, and ease of use.
• Data-Driven Design Leadership: Using insights from both user research and machine learning to guide product decisions and deliver measurable business outcomes.
• I have a proven track record of applying this approach to enhance customer journeys and achieve strategic goals for premier organizations, including BNY, Goldman Sachs, Citi, Morgan Stanley, Two Sigma, Moody's, MetLife, Microsoft and OpenText.
• My passion is building innovative cultures where data scientists, designers, and engineers collaborate to create truly exceptional AI-driven experiences.

Jun 2006 – Jan 2010 · 3 yrs 7 mos

Jul 2005 – Present · 20 yrs 8 mos · www.ux-india.org

• As the founder of UXINDIA, I established and scaled India's largest and longest-running UX festival (since 2005). My vision was to create more than just a conference, but an immersive experience that bridges the gap between students and seasoned professionals.
• Under my leadership, UXINDIA has become a premier platform where:
• Global Innovators Converge: I bring together world-renowned practitioners to showcase how strategic design thinking is transforming products and services globally.
• Local Impact is Championed: We explore how design can be a powerful force for change within India's unique socio-economic landscape, impacting everything from startups to public policy.
• Community is Built: We foster a vibrant environment for learning, networking, and collaboration, empowering the next generation of design leaders.
• Through UXINDIA, I have cultivated a powerful conversation about the future of design in India and its role on the world stage.
• Explore the platform: https://ux-india.org/
• Read about our journey: http://www.uxpajournal.org/expanding-user-experience-in-india/

Apr 2001 – May 2006 · 5 yrs 1 mo

Jul 2000 – Present · 25 yrs 8 mos

• As the founder of UMO Design Foundation, I established and continue to lead our mission to create a more human-centered world by building a robust ecosystem for designers. My role centers on driving our strategic vision and overseeing our core initiatives across three key pillars:
• 1. Building a Global Community
• I have founded and scaled a diverse portfolio of programs that unite global leaders and foster industry-wide dialogue. Key platforms include:
• Flagship Conferences: Transforming UXINDIA and the Design Leadership Summit into premier, internationally recognized events.
• Empowerment & Literacy: Launching the 1 Million Women in Design & AI program to champion diversity and build future-ready skills.
• 2. Fostering Design-Led Innovation
• I am passionate about empowering designers to become founders. To achieve this, I created our Design Entrepreneurship programs, which provide the mentorship, resources, and support necessary to encourage and cultivate the next generation of design-led ventures.
• 3. Championing World-Class Education & Advocacy
• I spearheaded the creation of the UMO Design School to make high-quality design education accessible to all. In parallel, I forge key partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, and corporations to apply design thinking to complex social challenges, influencing user-centric policy and embedding design into the fabric of innovation.
• Through this work, I am dedicated to empowering the design community and elevating the role of design in shaping a better, more equitable future.
• Explore our work: www.umo.design

Jun 1998 – Apr 2001 · 2 yrs 10 mos