Preet Saxena has more than 14 years of experience in Research, Analytics, Consulting (Both Solutioning & Delivery) and Productization. She is currently the Group Leader- Global Analytics COE at Concentrix. She has managed multiple analytics account deliveries across domains and has experience and expertise from analytics technology to business understanding & analytics deployment for informed business decisions.  

Can you tell us about your journey?   

I was born and brought up in a small town named Karnal. I completed Biotechnology engineering from Kurukshetra University and a Post-Graduation in Patent Law from the National Academy of Legal Studies & Research University. For the last 14+ years, I have been associated with Research, Analytics (Solutioning & Delivery), Consulting and Productization roles. Currently, I am leading the Centre of Excellence for Global Analytics practice. I have been managing multiple analytics account deliveries across domains (Technology, FMCG, E-commerce, Automotive, and many more) with many clients across geographies – USA, UK, Australia, Asia Pacific & MEA region.   

I had set up and managed teams of data scientists who deliver advanced analytics solutions such as consumer pulse analytics, campaign analytics, payment integrity analytics, recommender engines for following best action, text mining, machine learning, and cross-sell strategies, to name a few, across brands and product portfolios. With hands-on and detailed experience in advanced analytics techniques, I am working with the strategic leadership team on solving business challenges and acquiring new clients.  

I have been recently recognized as the "Women in AI Leadership Award – 2022" by Analytics India Magazine and the "Emerging Leader in AI" by Data World Summit 2022. I also received the "President Club Award – 2019" in Concentrix, which is the highest accolade given to an individual among the top 1% of talents globally in the organization.  

What made you interested in AI?   

AI has been in action for the past years to make our lives easier and simplified. However, the recent advancement in data, storage techniques, algorithms, and computational power accelerated the entire ball game. I had an inclination to analyze and interpret data at the very initial stage of my life, and visual storytelling has always been my forte. The power to solve complex problems across the value chain – descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive keeps me motivated. With the emergence of deep learning techniques, the possibilities to apply the same are widened – from healthcare to automotive.  

What is your area of expertise in AI, and what made you choose it?   

Analyzing data patterns, interpreting results, and applying them in business – I feel these are the most critical aspects and my favorite ones. One can build 1000 models, but the key lies in its applicability to bring in real-life impact. Unfortunately, many model builds are never deployed. Hence, translation of analytical outputs, leading to better business outcomes, drove me to choose this technology arena. 

Can you say something about your current role and the projects you are handling?  

In my current role at Concentrix, I manage the global Center of Excellence and am responsible for being a catalyst in growing our AI & Analytics business streams. In addition, as a part of the core team, I am responsible for:  

• Supporting sales to have tech discussions with clients as SME  
• Supporting technical solutions team to size the deal by providing SME inputs for resourcing, tools, platforms, deliverables/outcomes  
• Supporting delivery in setting up new operations and escalation management  
• Building competency, bringing in standardization and innovation to take the offerings to the next level and keeping a close eye on industry & competition. 

So, in a nutshell, I am contributing to the growth of the business and bringing in innovative solutions.  

In a world where every field is being transformed by technology, how can we make the future generation AI-ready?   

I think technologies like robotics, app development, python programming, etc., are increasingly getting adopted right at the initial school days. The interns who join us are so talented and know much about multiple applications of AI that sometimes, we are amazed to see their learning curve. This will lead to many new avenues for them to choose for advanced studies and career planning. With the rise in AI – we can't say there is a talent shortage, as many freshers are coming up with this skillset. However, we lack an experienced professional who understands the application to business. So, an amalgamation of business and tech is what we need the most. Hopefully, the new combo programs which bring together these two components will fly well.   

Since you are an expert in talent development in the retail and analytics domains, in your opinion, how important is skilling and upskilling in fields like AI and Data analytics? Also, how can we bring the people of Indian villages, where the light of technology has not reached yet, into the process of technological transformation?  

With the rapid advancement in AI & ML technology, it is essential to keep yourself updated with the latest in the industry and, not only that, explore ways to leverage theoretical knowledge from books to reality. 60% of the population in India have access to the Internet, and this is the medium via which we can reach the masses. There is a lot of advancement in online courses, freely available learning forums, and communities that can drive this knowledge to the grassroots levels. However, we need some transformative changes in the overall education system, boards, and skill clubs.  

What are the factors that are limiting women pursue STEM subjects? What, in your opinion, should change?   

There is a transition happening, and more women are opting for STEM subjects now. I can foresee this positive transition will be accelerated one or two generations down the line for reasons such as lucrative jobs, competitive packages, more corporates having easy policies for women employees, flexible working hours, flexible work locations, and an increase in daycare facilities, etc. These changes will gradually transform the ecosystem and the perception of picking up a tech career. 

How will involving women in tech roles help mitigate bias and promote inclusion?   

More and more tech firms are now supporting Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in their culture. DEI is a buzzword these days, and many organizations are investing in multiple programs to encourage the same. And I think organizations that have such diverse cultures and women leaders' presence across the hierarchy take significant decisions and are thriving. The wave has started, and #breakthebias is trending high on Twitter.   

What do you want to say to women who want to build a career in AI and other tech-related fields?  

Artificial Intelligence technologies are becoming the most powerful agents of transformation in human history. If you incline technology, coding, platforms, machine learning, robotics – or any of these – don't hesitate to pursue your career in this space. Many organizations and significant-tech firms purely hire talent and promote gender equality. So, get it, while the sky is the limit!