Aug 2024 – Present · 1 yr 9 mos · Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

• Contributed to organizing high-impact events focused on promoting the philosophical and cultural heritage of India, sustainable & impactful ecosystem, including the Dharma Dhamma Conference, Gujarat Changemakers, etc.
• Collaborated with a diverse team to facilitate discussions among global political, religious, social workers, and thought leaders on critical issues related.
• Played an active role in event planning, coordination, and execution, ensuring successful outcomes for large-scale international conferences.

Apr 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 1 mo · Vadodara, Gujarat, India · Hybrid

Jan 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 4 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• As a partner at Bu Abdullah Group of companies, I head and manage the internal and external technology and cyber security strategies. I also acts as technology advisor to Dr. Bu Abdulla and team.

Sep 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 8 mos · Greater Ahmedabad Area · Hybrid

• In an increasingly interconnected world, the need for robust national cybersecurity controls has never been more critical.
• CyREC is a non-profit consortium and is designed to strengthen Cyber Resilience by fostering Education, Research, and Collaboration. Under the leadership of IAS Shree M Nagarajan, I co-founded CyREC and our mission is to build a strong, secure, and resilient digital Bharat by bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government forces. We aim to create a safe cyberspace by advancing skills, encouraging innovation, and shaping policy.
• Vision:
• "To be the beacon of digital resilience, fostering innovation and education that secures Bharat’s future in the global cyber and tech landscape.”
• Mission:
• “To drive cybersecurity excellence through community collaboration, cutting-edge research, and skill-building, ensuring Bharat's leadership in the digital age”
• What We do:
• 🔐 Research & Innovation: Cutting-edge cybersecurity research driven by Bharat's best minds.
• 🛡 Resilience Training: Building strong defensive capabilities for businesses, governments, and individuals.
• 🎓 Education & Awareness: Fostering the next generation of cyber professionals through hands-on training, workshops, and certifications.
• 🤝 Collaborative Network: A platform for collaboration across sectors, bringing together experts from defense, cybersecurity, education, and research.
• Be a Part of CyREC!
• At CyREC, we believe that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, and we invite students, professionals, educators, policymakers, and organizations to join hands with us. Whether you are looking to upskill, contribute to research, or network with industry leaders, CyREC offers unparalleled opportunities to get involved.

Oct 2022 – Present · 3 yrs 7 mos · Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

• BSides is a community-driven framework being led by a renowned & prominent hacker Nikhil Shrivastava (Synack #1) that facilitates the organization of cybersecurity events by and for information security community members. These conferences take place in various countries worldwide, serving as platforms for presenting and discussing research on cybersecurity and related topics. Our specific responsibility is to organize an independent BSides-approved event in Ahmedabad. Our primary objective is to expand the scope of discussions beyond the constraints of time and space.
• The event features demonstrations, discussions, and interactions involving esteemed participants. It provides opportunities for individuals to engage and present in a secure environment that fosters collaboration. This event serves as a forum where forward-thinking conversations take place, particularly considering the increasing sophistication of hackers and the growing need to safeguard network devices and digital assets. "Security" is a prominent concept in the entire IT realm, and many organizations and individuals are highly interested in the latest advancements in this field.
• We offer conferences and events where these enthusiastic individuals and organizations can come together to collaborate, share their perspectives, and acquire knowledge. Our event creates an engaging atmosphere for open conversations and discussions regarding information technology, privacy, security, critical issues in information security, and the societal implications of both technical and cultural aspects. Additionally, we curate a distinguished lineup of speakers and presenters, exciting workshops, and various security challenges, ensuring a top-notch experience for all attendees.

Dec 2020 – Present · 5 yrs 5 mos · Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

• PSY9 Security was born in the storm of 2020 with near-zero capital, forged through persistence and vision. Today, it stands as a CERT-IN empanelled cybersecurity force trusted by 100+ clients worldwide.
• ⚡ Core Services
• ✦ Offensive Security: VAPT, Red-Teaming, Code Reviews, IoT/Hardware assessments, Blockchain security, automotive security, OT Security, Binary Testing, AI/LLM Security, and much more.
• ✦ Defensive Services: Managed SOC-as-a-Service: EDR/MDR, OT SOC, Data Center Audits, NOC, Dgital Forensics, Threat intel/hunting, Incidence response, defensive maturity assessment, etc.
• ✦ Specialized services: vCISO/vCIO & Strategy Advisory, Staffing and resource augmentation, GRC (18+ global frameworks ISO, GDPR, SOC2, DPDP, PCI DSS, etc,),
• ✦ Human Security: Awareness programs, phishing simulations, and culture-driven security.
• ⚡ Training (PSY9 Academy – Stealth)
• ✦ India’s first battlefield training ecosystem where students:
• ✦ Shadow live hackers on engagements.
• ✦ Specialize across IoT, OT/SCADA, Automotive, Blockchain, Cloud.
• ✦ Enter Blackroom Labs — an invite-only, classified research track to create patents, products, and breakthroughs.
• ⚡ Innovation (Psynectics – Purple-Team Automation)
• ✦ A next-gen platform that merges attack + defense into adaptive resilience, powered by god-mode automation. Designed not just for detection but for anticipation — a true cybernetic shield for enterprises.
• ⚡ Vision
• To make Bharat a global hub of digital resilience and cyber innovation — where every organization faces cyberwarfare with confidence, not fear.
• To reach out to me directly, write me an email to shakti@psy9.in

Nov 2020 – Mar 2021 · 4 mos · Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

• - Primarily accountable for candidate/industry research, market intelligence, search strategy, in-depth candidate identification, assessment, recommendation and presentation.

Jun 2020 – Oct 2020 · 4 mos · Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

• Responsibilities:
• Responsible for 360-degree end-to-end sales, from farming new clients to overall account management for Cyber-security services that TD Labs offer.
• Reported directly to the CEO. This is a 360 degree sales & account management role wherein I am responsible for planning, initiating the technical activities, & executing the overall project. Managed a team of almost 20+ technical analysts/testers & BDEs. Assigning them the projects & handling the overall project cycle.
• Managing and building relations with clients mostly the CISOs, CxOs, and understanding their technical requirements/needs and first POC for them for any account-related matter. Understanding their requirements.
• Handled & managed directly 55+ annual clients including Adani Wilmar, Adani Airport/Defence, Adani Solar/Green Energy, Adani Security, Adani Ports, Adani Foods, Adani Capital, Adani Thermal & transmission, Pharmeasy, Kalupur Bank, Surat People’s Bank, Rajkot co-operative Bank, Rajkot people’s bank, Texco Bank, WeSecure Banks, Saraswat Bank, Saraswat Infotech Ltd, TM Systems, Acute, Astral Pipes, Sanghi Cement, Virmati, GTPL, MasterTrust, Astics Inc, Piramal Group, HK Diamond Group (their all 5 entities), Borakay Ltd, Astics Inc, Master Trust, Pharmeasy, Piramal Group, BSPL (Bharti Services Pvt. Ltd.), Parul University, Silver Oak University, Xbyte, Sarvoday Co-operative Bank, Gujarat State Co-operative Bank, Synergy world, Karan Letex Ltd, etc.
• Additional responsibilities include but not limited to: assisting the Learning & Development team in multiple activities, involved in making hiring decisions on few internal/external technical positions, key player in changing & implementing new policies/procedures, initiatives, etc.

Jan 2020 – Aug 2024 · 4 yrs 7 mos · Santa Clara, California, United States

• ABOUT OPPLANE:
• Opplane brings the elements of data strategy to help our customers pinpoint strategic opportunity lanes enabled through data and insights.
• This process brings realization for companies to speed into Intelligent Digital Transformation.
• By leveraging a platform that focuses on multi-cloud data pipelines, Machine Learning and Kubernetes, we can quickly enable scalable data products in every one of our customer experiences.
• Opplane is comprised of a team of Silicon Valley veterans.
• Our experience comes from some of the world’s top companies, such as Paypal, Xerox, IBM, Amazon, in the area of data analytics, user experience, machine learning, and risk management.
• We understand what it takes to build and deploy solutions to Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies that directly touch end-users. Opplane is backed by a proven team of investors with multiple successful exits.
• INVESTOR AND EXECUTIVE TEAM:
• Funded by highly successful Silicon Valley investor with multiple exits. Executive team includes Ex-CEO of Insight, early PayPal Global leader in data strategy & products, data engineering and data science.
• RESPONSIBILITES:
• Successfully implemented and certified ISO27001 and SOC2 Type II compliance controls and policies as per Opplane's end customer (Twitter Inc, Visa Inc., etc)
• Sourcing, screening and interviewing Sr. level architects, developers, program managers, and engineers, for Facebook, Visa, Verizon, FNBO, Wells Fargo, Paypal, Twitter, many more.

Jun 2019 – Jun 2020 · 1 yr · London, United Kingdom

• About Collabera :
• Collabera is ranked the 9th Largest Information Technology (IT) and professional staffing firms in the U.S., with more than $750 million in sales revenue and a global presence that represents approximately 16,000+ professionals across North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. Visit www.collabera.com to learn more about our latest job openings.
• Awards and Recognitions
• Staffing Industry Analysts: Best Staffing Firm to Work For (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)
• Staffing Industry Analysts: Largest U.S. Staffing Firms (2018, 2017,2016, 2015, 2014, 2013)
• Staffing Industry Analysts: Largest Minority-Owned IT Staffing Firm in the U.S.
• Forbes America's Best Professional Recruiting Firms 2018
• Responsibilites:
• Full cycle recruitment for contract/Full-time for niche IT skills & talents in UK Market. Sourced, screened, interviewed & on-boarding of IT candidates. Sourced quality resumes from Full Stack Developers/Architects , Unix/Linux/Administrator, IT Business Analysts/Programme managers/Project Managers, Leadership hiring, Cybersecurity SME, Penetration testers, Network Automation Engineers, Quality Assurance & Testing, BI/Data Science positions, Hadoop Developers/Architects, Cloud SME(Azure, AWS, GCP), C/C++/C#/Quant/Embedded/Darwin/KDB+ Developers, Python Developers/Engineers, Perl and Salesforce Developers/Lightning developers, Oracle & SQL DBA/Database consultants, TM1 Developers, Solutions/Technical architects etc.
• Some Leading clients include but not limited to HCL UK, Wipro, multiple Shire councils, Cisco, Verizon, Mindtree, Verifone, Opus, Biogen, Computacenter, Oracle, Comensura, Amex, ServiceMax, L&T UK, etc.
• Leading & mentoring junior recruiters in order to drive their skills & expertise.
• Generating successful business leads by references, cold-calling, emails, LinkedIn. Assisted in new client development to get the MSA/SOW signed. Assisting On-shore Sales & Account managers in new client development.

Apr 2016 – Jun 2019 · 3 yrs 2 mos · Houston, Texas Area

• Full cycle recruiting on IT positions, Non-IT positions, Legal Positions as well as engineering, administrative and financial professionals when needed.
• Source, contact, screen, interview, formatted resumes and checked references on qualified candidates; using Job Portals, existing database and available job boards.
• Generating successful business leads and converting them to new client development.
• Used BeeLine MSP (SAP Business Site) tool to support high-end Technology needs of Exxon-Mobil, and other clients.
• Aligned to Regional initiative to support all the clients we service in Houston, TX & Minneapolis, MN office.
• Part of an extra-ordinary team/initiative named “HUNT Group” wherein I am responsible for assisting and supporting onshore & offshore recruiters with Key-string & helping them understanding the job description with a super-responsive time.
• Professional Knowledge of Visas and EADs granted like H1B, Asylum, TN/TD, H4, F1 (OPT/CPT), O1, E3, B1, L2, L1, J1 etc.
• sourcing candidates for all IT positions (Most niche skills & talent).
• Extensive experience handling the contract to hire projects for the Top 10 Companies in the World (ranked according to Fortune List)
• Deep understanding of the Vendor Management Organization (VMO) concepts and Vendor Management Software (VMS)
• Expert with the usage of SAP FieldGlass, a Vendor Management tool used by Pontoon acting as the MSP between Collabera and Thomson Reuters.
• Source candidates using LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Career Builder, Smart Recruiters, Dice, Ladders etc.
• Clients include Thomson Reuterss, Exxon Mobil, Optum Technologies, Baker Hughes, Bank of America, Microsoft, United Airlines, SCI, Gilead Science, AT&T, Cisco, HP Enterprise, KBR, Centerpoint Energy, Accenture, Best Buy, Kimberly-Clark, etc.

Oct 2015 – Feb 2016 · 4 mos · Vadodara Area, India

• Managing overall Hiring processes, Interviews, Vendor management, Sales, Business Development, Training, payroll, etc.
• Handled all the billing information from the client.
• Developed new sales strategies, product information and guidance for organization.
• Process all correspondence and paperwork related to accounts, collecting payment due, etc.
• Attend meetings, gather information, promote products, expand network of contacts, and increase knowledge.
• Obtain and study information about clients' products, needs, problems, advertising history, and business practices to offer effective sales presentations and appropriate product assistance.
• Negotiated with vendors to secure funding for outsource labor costs.

Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 · 1 yr · Vadodara Area, India

• Worked extensively in the US BPO market and on behalf of some giant electricity supplying companies, (ESCOs), Banks, Manufacturing & Engineering companies.
• Main activities were sales cold-calling, presentations, customer-support, lead generations, Account & project management & client onboarding etc.
• Proven leading & team playing experience. Trained & led a team of 60+ sales & operations executives.
• Cracked 5 deals worth more than 1 million dollar each with effective presentation & phenomenal performance.
• Won many awards & accolades in short span of time by generating highest revenue.

Mar 2014 – Dec 2014 · 9 mos · Vadodara Area, India

• Worked extensively in the US BPO market and on behalf of some giant electricity supplying companies, (ESCOs), Banks, Manufacturing & Engineering companies.
• Main activities were sales cold-calling, presentations, customer-support, lead generations, Account & project management, etc.
• Cracked more than 5 million dollar clients/deals with effective presentation & phenomenal performance.
• Won many awards & accolades in short span of time by generating highest revenue.