This is an exclusive interview series conducted by the Editor Team of The Mainstream with Dr. Sayed Peerzade, Executive Vice President – Cloud at Jio Platforms Limited (JPL)
From humble beginnings in Gadag, Karnataka, to shaping the technological landscape of India, Sayed Kamaruzama Peerzade is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and leadership. His story intertwines personal trials, professional triumphs, and a deep-seated commitment to giving back to society, making him a true inspiration.
Personal Life
Born in the culturally rich town of Gadag, Sayed’s early years were defined by simplicity and values. His father, a dedicated Urdu school teacher, instilled in him a passion for education and social service. Sayed’s father championed the cause of girl’s education in their community, often providing books and guidance to those in need despite their own modest means. This legacy of selflessness profoundly shaped Sayed’s worldview.
After the untimely demise of his father during his engineering studies, Sayed found strength in the sacrifices of his elder sister and the unwavering support of his maternal uncle in Mumbai. These experiences, though challenging, nurtured his resilience and fueled his determination to succeed.
Sayed completed his schooling in Kannada medium schools before pursuing a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at REC Hulkoti, under Karnataka University. He later honed his business acumen with a course in Business Analytics at IIM Bangalore and earned a PhD from the APJ Abdul Kalam Technical Institute for his groundbreaking work in digital transformation.
In his personal life, Sayed finds joy in films and books. Beyond his professional commitments, he mentors students, delivers guest lectures, and actively contributes to the education sector. His dream of establishing an education trust in his father’s name reflects his enduring commitment to societal upliftment.
Professional Life
Sayed’s career is a remarkable journey of pioneering achievements and transformative leadership. Starting with Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd as a founding team member, he was instrumental in establishing India’s first monitoring system for cable internet networks and setting up Internet Data Centers and NOCs across major cities. These foundational experiences laid the groundwork for his future innovations.
At Reliance Entertainment, as Group CIO, Sayed broke new ground by creating India’s first private cloud IaaS model and an advanced gaming analytics platform. He unified the digital businesses of Reliance Entertainment, paving the way for the launch of Reliance Games, a global gaming venture.
Transitioning to Yotta Data Services, Sayed spearheaded the development of ‘Yantraa,’ India’s indigenous hyperscale public cloud, and ‘Shakti AI Cloud,’ the country’s largest AI-HPC cloud with 16 exaflops of supercomputing power. These innovations have not only redefined the cloud and AI landscape but also contributed significantly to India’s technological sovereignty.
Currently, at Jio Platforms, Sayed collaborates with visionary leaders to enhance cloud and AI capabilities, driving growth and innovation for Jio’s businesses and beyond. His work continues to shape the future of Digital India.
Philosophy and Leadership
Sayed’s professional philosophy is rooted in building strong, passionate teams. He believes in the transformative power of collaboration, often quoting, “Great teams aren’t a product of great workplaces. Great workplaces are a product of great teams.” His leadership style emphasizes creating opportunities in adversity and fostering an environment of trust and experimentation.
His vision extends beyond business success to nation-building. Sayed’s innovations in cloud and AI have not only driven business growth but also aligned with India’s aspirations for technological self-reliance.
Recognition and Impact
Sayed’s contributions have earned him over 50 awards, including the prestigious APJ Abdul Kalam Professional Excellence Award, CIO Hall of Fame, Forbes Top 20, and four CIO 100 awards. These accolades are a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
However, his greatest pride lies in the value he has created for businesses and the teams he has mentored over the years. Many of his mentees continue to work with him, a reflection of the trust and inspiration he fosters as a leader.
Blending Personal and Professional
For Sayed, personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. He believes in living authentically and maintaining a balance between family and career. His family remains his greatest motivation, and he prioritizes spending quality time with them, especially after the birth of his daughter.
His journey has been marked by challenges that he transformed into opportunities. From building ISP data centers at Hathway to pioneering hyperscale cloud platforms at Yotta, each milestone represents his ability to adapt, innovate, and lead.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sayed envisions becoming an entrepreneur and even pursuing his passion for filmmaking. At the same time, he remains committed to democratizing AI through his work at Jio and contributing to India’s technological progress.
On a personal level, Sayed is focused on health and continuous learning. He dreams of writing a book to share his knowledge and experiences and is dedicated to establishing an education trust to honor his father’s legacy.
Message to Readers
Sayed’s journey underscores the importance of lifelong learning, taking risks, and embracing innovation. He encourages aspiring professionals to stay curious, think differently, and prioritize creating value—for their organizations and society.
In his words, “Gaining knowledge is a constant exercise. My career growth is a result of thinking anew, taking risks, and implementing innovations. The ability to learn and adapt is the foundation of success.”
Sayed Peerzade’s story is one of resilience, vision, and impact. It serves as an inspiring reminder that with determination and the right values, one can not only achieve personal success but also contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.
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The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is the premier platform dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. As a trusted source in the technology and IT sector, we provide a comprehensive resource for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK
