Hello World,
I’m Bharat S Raj, a technologist with over 6 years of experience building various AI-based solutions. I enjoy traveling, working with data, and frequently sharing my insights through blogging and writing.
I’m currently the R&D Director for Sutherland’s Conversational AI & Generative AI Team. In this role, I lead a talented team of engineers as we develop cutting-edge Conversational AI and NLP solutions, collaborating with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver impactful projects.
My expertise lies in Conversational AI, where I’ve worked extensively with platforms such as Google CCAI (Dialogflow CX, Agent Assist, Insights), Genesys, Azure Bot Framework, Twilio, and Generative AI technologies like GPT, Claude, and Gemini.
From implementing complex systems using state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms and natural language processing techniques to designing intuitive voice and text-based user interfaces, I am passionate about all things Conversational AI.
I love solving customer problems and work at the intersection of research and engineering to tackle industry challenges with innovative solutions. There’s nothing more satisfying to me than meeting new people, developing relationships, solving problems, and contributing to the overall growth of a business.
Beyond my technical expertise, I value effective communication and collaboration. Building and motivating high-performing teams is key to my leadership style. I champion a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning, and I firmly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion to fuel success.
If you’re looking for someone who is passionate about AI and dedicated to driving impactful solutions, I’m your go-to person.
The Beginnings
I began my career as an intern at Sutherland, quickly transitioning to a full-time role as a Senior Professional within a year. In this capacity, I was instrumental in application development and strategic oversight for the IT Service Excellence team. My responsibilities spanned pre-sales and solution consulting, GTM strategy, offerings and accelerators, marketing, and alliances.
Leading a team of developers, we delivered innovative solutions on the ServiceNow platform, enhancing ITSM processes and significantly improving support team efficiency. Our efforts culminated in Sutherland achieving Premier Partner status with ServiceNow in Services, Technology, and Service Provider categories.
In 2020, I joined Sutherland’s Conversational AI team as the first member in India, spearheading the team’s growth. I provided technical architecture strategy and guidance for all Conversational AI solutions, collaborating with program management, engineering, UX, and product teams to identify and address product gaps. Leading the engineering and design teams in India, I managed the end-to-end product development and delivery for Agent Assist & Conversational AI solutions.
In 2023, I was promoted to Director of Engineering, leading a global team to deliver cutting-edge Conversational and Generative AI solutions. My work involved partnerships with industry giants like Google, ServiceNow, Zendesk, Salesforce, and LivePerson and had the opportunity to work with some of the leading brands.
I’m a Certified Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect and a ServiceNow Implementation Specialist. Additionally, I’m a consultant for startups and SMEs and regularly blog on platforms such as YourStory, Towards Data Science, Chatbots Life, The Next Tech, Voice Tech Podcast, and Chatbots Magazine.
TEDx
My journey with TEDx began in 2015 when I organized a TEDx event in Kochi, sparking a passion for event organization. This passion continued at Great Lakes Institute of Management, where I co-organized TEDxGLIMChennai in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, I took on a unique challenge by organizing TEDxCovelong, the first TEDx event held on the beach. Throughout these experiences, I had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable individuals such as Digital Marketing Blogger Deepak Kanakarju, AI Expert Sudalai Rajkumar and Actress Gautami Tadimalla
My motivation for organizing TEDx events is simple yet profound: to provide opportunities and improve lives. This drive also extends to my blog, where I share my ideas and thoughts with those who care about the world around them. Additionally, I contribute to the TED community by translating TED Talks into Malayalam, making these valuable insights accessible to a wider audience.
Education
As a dedicated self-learner, I have leveraged platforms like Coursera and edX to master AI & Analytics. This self-driven approach has shaped me into an AI Consultant.
I graduated from Amity University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) and earned a PGDM in Marketing and Analytics from Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, where I was a Gold Medalist. At Great Lakes, I specialized in Analytics, Finance and Marketing. I was awarded a Gold medal and a scholarship of INR 1.5 Lakhs for outstanding contributions in 2018 from the institution.
My educational journey began at Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir (Girinagar), Kochi, where I completed my primary education in 2013.