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Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview with Sameer Naik, a luminary in the world of technological innovation.
In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the remarkable journey of Sameer Naik, the visionary founder of Sarrasa Consulting Inc. With a career spanning over two decades, Sameer’s story is one of unwavering dedication and a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds.
His academic pursuits commenced at the esteemed Manipal Institute of Technology in India, followed by a transformative stint at the University of Melbourne in Australia, both renowned for nurturing IT talent.
Sameer’s quest for excellence led him to acquire dual master’s degrees, yet his passion for learning remained insatiable, culminating in further erudition at Harvard Business School, where he delved into Design Thinking and Disruptive Strategy, and became a PROSCI certified change management practitioner.
Throughout his distinguished career, Sameer has lent his expertise to renowned organizations such as FedEx, Walmart Canada, Deloitte, Bruce Power, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, and Ontario Power Generation.
Currently, he leads a multitude of cutting-edge technology development initiatives, collaborating with prestigious institutions like the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, the University of Toronto, Health Canada, and the Regional Diversity Roundtable, among others.
His commitment to shaping a brighter technological future is unwavering. In this exclusive interview, Sameer Naik shares his insights on leadership, success, employee happiness, and the path forward in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Sameer Naik: I am Sameer Naik, founder of Sarrasa Consulting Inc., and I stand as a technocratic luminary with an illustrious tenure exceeding two decades in the vanguard of technological innovation.
My academic journey commenced at the venerable Manipal Institute of Technology in India, followed by an enriching sojourn at the esteemed University of Melbourne in Australia—two eminent institutions renowned for their excellence in nurturing IT talent.
My intellectual pursuits led me to the pinnacle of academic attainment, culminating in dual master’s degrees. Yet, my passion for knowledge remains insatiable, as evidenced by my pursuit of further erudition in Design Thinking and Disruptive Strategy at the revered Harvard Business School in the United States.
My diverse skill set extends to the realm of Agile project management and my recognition as a PROSCI certified change management practitioner.
Throughout my distinguished career, I have provided my services to renowned organizations, lending my expertise to the likes of FedEx, Walmart Canada, Deloitte, Bruce Power, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, and Ontario Power Generation.
Presently, I preside over an array of cutting-edge technology development initiatives, collaborating with esteemed institutions such as the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, the University of Toronto, Health Canada, and the Regional Diversity Roundtable, among others. My commitment to shaping the technological landscape for a brighter future is unwavering.
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Sameer Naik: Over the course of the past year, our relentless commitment to excellence has led us to fortify our foothold in Sustainable Energy and Health Technology sector. In this ever-evolving landscape, we have deftly attracted a diverse clientele hailing from the private, public, and charitable spheres. Our hallmark achievements in this realm are a testament to our prowess.
Among our notable triumphs, we championed the development and implementation of the pioneering ‘START – Stop Tobacco with Assistance and Recover Today’ app for the prestigious Global Initiative for Public Health and Innovation.
This innovative creation stands as a beacon of progress, offering a transformative approach to training primary health workers in tobacco cessation counseling within low-middle-income countries. Simultaneously, we culminated the development of ‘Stop Cannabis Challenge,’ a ground-breaking application designed to assist individuals in their journey to break free from habitual cannabis use, an endeavor generously funded by the esteemed Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Our present endeavors are equally remarkable, encompassing the ongoing development of a comprehensive web portal for the ‘Stop Vaping Challenge.’ This ambitious initiative, generously supported by the University of Toronto and funded by Health Canada, aspires to serve as a knowledge hub, curating invaluable vaping de-addiction resources.
Furthermore, our latest undertaking finds us in a pivotal role, collaborating with the Region of Peel’s Regional Diversity Roundtable to spearhead the creation of a digital learning platform. This platform is poised to empower communities with greater inclusivity and extend unwavering support in adhering to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards.
The horizon of our ambitions extends further as we engage in substantive discussions regarding the development of an aggregator solution. This visionary concept seeks to interconnect Health Professionals, such as Personal Support Workers, with their valued clients.
Additionally, we are poised to introduce a ground-breaking solution for the early screening of pregnant women, specifically tailored to identify Fetal Alcohol Syndrome—a pioneering endeavor that promises to reshape the landscape of maternal health in our communities and further scale globally.
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, are an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle to keep talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Sameer Naik: In my profound perspective, companies are not mere entities; they are a vibrant tapestry of individuals interwoven with their values. The very heartbeat of an organization is the culture it nurtures – one that thrives on open-mindedness, transparent communication, and the harmonious alignment of shared objectives.
I stand resolutely against rigid hierarchies, for within our organization, every individual is provided the liberty to express their unique voice and showcase their distinct capabilities. We promote self-managed working style with time boxed assignments.
We ardently uphold and manifest the sacred tenets of equity, diversity, and inclusion, not as mere buzzwords but as living principles. Our paramount endeavor is to foster an environment where our invaluable employees feel genuinely valued, their voices resonating, and their contributions wholeheartedly appreciated.
We understand that a sense of security is the cornerstone upon which innovation and co-creation thrive. Without it, the very essence of progress and transformation remains elusive.
Here is a two-fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Sameer Naik: Masterful opus, ‘Think and Grow Rich,’ penned by the eminent Napoleon Hill. It serendipitously graced my existence during a nadir, a time when my spirit was at its ebb.
This literary masterpiece, an illustrious beacon of enlightenment, imparted profound wisdom, guiding me to meticulously organize my aspirations, stoke an unquenchable blaze of ambition, nurture unwavering confidence, and meticulously chart a roadmap to ascend the peaks of success.
This book is a big deal in the world of self-help. It’s packed with knowledge on how to become wealthy, successful, and reach your full potential. Life has taught me many lessons through personal experiences, just like it does for everyone on their life journey.
But the most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s crucial to keep going and stay determined, no matter how many times you stumble or face setbacks. The keys to success are to keep trying and stay consistent.
Having friends and allies when you’re on the journey of starting a business is incredibly important. These people, who might seem a bit wild but believe in your big dreams, are like the strong foundation that helps us deal with the ups and downs of our personal and work lives.
They are like guiding lights, always there to support us as we chase our ambitious goals. I do ensure I am surrounded by individuals who can be trusted and radiate positive outlook.
To keep my strength during tough times, I find solace in a simple yet powerful way – getting a good night’s sleep. Resting peacefully renews my determination to face the never-ending challenges of life. The book I hold dear and share with others, ‘Think and Grow Rich,’ has left a lasting impact on my journey, reminding us all of its profound influence.
Christopher Hitchens, an American journalist, is quoted as saying that “everyone has a book in them” Have you written a book? If so, please share with us details about it. If you haven’t, what book would you like to write and how would you like it to benefit the readers?
Sameer Naik: My envisioned literary opus would weave a tale of a child who was reared in the enchanting realm of imagination and dreams—a domain where the unattainable metamorphoses into the possible, a cherished dreamer carving his own narrative.
The narrative’s essence is an unrelenting belief in the capacity to become the ‘007’ of one’s existence, an audacious renegade challenging the norms with unbridled audacity.
As we grow up and face the routines of daily life, we often forget the joy that’s deep within us. My book is built around the incredible power of imagination, a force that urges us to aim high. It’s a compelling guide on daring to dream without holding back, to quiet the inner doubts that can stop our fresh ideas.
Every page will ask a question that resonates with people of all ages: “What is the reason for my existence? Why am I here on this Earth?” My hope is to ignite a spark of wonder in every person, sparking a journey of self-discovery and realizing their important mission on this planet. It pains me a lot when Individuals simply do not have a goal or even understand the variety of ways, they can make a difference in this world.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Sameer Naik: Public Relations, in my considered perspective, stands as the unsung hero within the multifaceted tapestry of corporate management. It is a realm where the financial backing bestowed upon a company is less an investment in the business itself and more a resolute bet on the Founder’s indomitable spirit.
The triumph of an enterprise is inherently intertwined with the mindset, heart, and soul of its steward. The harmonious confluence of these facets is the true crucible in which client and employee satisfaction are forged.
In the grand theater of commerce, clients, perforce, remunerate their chosen vendors. Yet, the nexus of profound significance lies not solely in the monetary exchange, but in the intricate web of relations and the conduct that shapes these interactions. It is the art of transcending the transactional and infusing every engagement with the ineffable qualities of trust, empathy, and sincerity.
Furthermore, the underrated virtue of going the extra mile, of surpassing expectations, is a luminous beacon in the realm of client relations.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Sameer Naik: To your perceptive query, I am imbued with an insatiable curiosity that propels me to fathom the thoughts and perspectives of others. The possession of a formidable business superpower—a discerning insight into the minds of counterparts, coupled with the capacity to influence those thoughts—would be a transformative force in any sphere.
With such a power at my disposal, the realization of visionary endeavors, such as reaching the crimson planet Mars more swiftly and cost-effectively than the illustrious Mr. Musk, might indeed be an attainable reality.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Sameer Naik for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Sameer Naik or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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