A journey fueled by passion, purpose, people
"I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of PwC's nurturing environment. The firm's focused on excellence, collaboration, and empathy which deeply influenced my professional ethos. Through rigorous training sessions, townhalls, and daily interactions, I learned the importance of exceeding expectations in all aspects of professional life."
What are some of your fondest memories at PwC?
There are countless memories that I cherish from my almost decade-long journey at the firm. One notable highlight was being part of the inception of due diligence services around 1992, which significantly broadened my professional horizons. Another memorable experience was working on United Nations assignments, especially my first UNDP assignment in Bangladesh, where on day one, we had an insightful meeting with the UN Ambassador—an eye-opening conversation about geopolitical issues that deeply impacted me. However, the fondest memory was undoubtedly my long-term secondment to PwC Sweden. The entire experience enriched my perspective immensely, and I'm forever grateful for that opportunity.
How did PwC's culture and values influence your career trajectory?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of PwC's nurturing environment. The firm's focused on excellence, collaboration, and empathy which deeply influenced my professional ethos. Through rigorous training sessions, townhalls, and daily interactions, I learned the importance of exceeding expectations in all aspects of professional life. On-the-job training and sharing experiences were concepts that I learnt and also passed on to my team members. Respecting colleagues, valuing relationships, and demonstrating empathy—especially in challenging situations—were lessons deeply engrained. These foundational experiences in India and Sweden went on to shape my approach towards leadership and relationship-building at my own technology enterprise.
Did you have any mentors at PwC who played a significant role in your career?
Absolutely! Deepak Kapoor significantly influenced my professional growth, and I continue to value his mentorship today as I scale dMACQ. Joy Jain, the knowledge champion, also provided crucial guidance during the early stages of dMACQ. Additionally, many other former colleagues at the firm have generously contributed advice and mentorship. Each time I return to the PwC offices in India, the warm welcome from colleagues feels like a homecoming -- reminding me of the enduring bonds and the influential mentorships that have shaped my career.
Tell us more about what you’re doing right now personally/professionally?
In 2012, I co-founded dMACQ (www.dmacq.com), a technology-focused enterprise solutions company. My primary role today is ensuring that our business remains technologically relevant, and consistent in delivering solutions that add long-term value for our customers. One of the most gratifying aspects of this journey has been the creation of employment opportunities—we’ve employed over 500 people over the last decade, shaping careers and positively impacting lives. The trust of our more than 300 customers and partners fuels my confidence and motivates me to continue our mission.
After spending years in a structured corporate environment, what inspired you to move into AI-driven solutions in the finance space?
The idea for dMACQ originated from "Deals, Mergers, and Acquisitions"—my area of specialisation at PwC. During a morning walk with my brother-in-law, we casually discussed a technological gap in M&A services (especially to tackle disputes in M&A) and that casual discussion led to further diving into this journey. My long-standing passion for technology, dating back to my university days in Mumbai when computer science was first introduced in 1986 (in the Mumbai University curriculum), naturally propelled me towards tech-led innovations, and that has now transformed into AI-driven innovations. The rapid evolution and endless potential of AI continue to fascinate and inspire me.
How do you see AI reshaping your line of work?
AI is revolutionising nearly every facet of our industry. As a software product company, we are deeply invested in AI-driven innovation, from software development to providing smarter, efficient solutions. Today, AI-powered SaaS and vertical SaaS platforms can go from concept to market in just weeks, transforming business efficiency. Despite the cautious pace of AI adoption, the successes we've witnessed clearly demonstrate the transformative potential of AI in helping leaders and enterprises perform better.
Having managed teams in multiple countries like India, Sweden and Switzerland, how do you adapt your leadership style across different cultures?
Managing teams across diverse cultures, skill sets, and educational backgrounds has reinforced my commitment to adaptability, empathy, and clear communication.
In Sweden and Switzerland, I adopted a collaborative, consensus-oriented style, emphasising transparency, autonomy, and collective decision-making. While in India, with its vast socio-economic and regional diversity, my approach became more nuanced, combining clear guidance with personalised mentorship. Regular interactions and genuine empathy ensured every team member feels valued, respected, and aligned with our organisational objectives. Ultimately, effective leadership means understanding and appreciating cultural differences while guiding everyone toward common goals. Our journey through the pandemic also was a profound learning experience. It was amazing how our customers helped us through those difficult days. I was personally motivated to make sure we do the best for our employees and take care of them – the same way our customers did for us.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career at a firm like PwC?
Early in my career, Deepak Kapoor once explained that as professionals mature, they generally align with one of the firm’s core strengths: technical expertise, project management, sales, marketing, and leadership. My advice to those starting their careers is that they must start by identifying and honing their strengths early on, and at the same, keep an open mind and remain flexible. At the end of the day, you must be able to embrace every opportunity, learn from your experiences, and consistently strive for excellence—qualities that are already deep engrained in PwC’s culture.
