Rohit Antao Career Advice

Rohit Antao and his family are originally from Mumbai, India. In 1986, Rohit and his family moved to Kuwait, as his dad accept an offer to work for a local airline. He spent several years growing up in Kuwait, until they had to relocate due to Iraq invading the country. His family re-established themselves between Singapore and India for the duration of the war. His family was searching for stability during this difficult time and found it best to send Rohit Antao to a boarding school, located in Mount Abu. In 1990, when the war was officially over,

Rohit and his family decided to return to the country, where he continued his education to the high school level. He returned to India shortly after to complete his undergraduate studies in Electronic Engineering. Following his university education, Rohit Antao decided it was time for a change; he decided to pursue a graduate diploma in Computer Sciences. After his extensive educational travels, he continued to search for stability; which led to his move to the United States of America. Currently, Rohit calls San Carlos, California his home with his wife and kids.

1. What gave you the idea for (what you do/your company)? How did it start?

I have always felt drawn to solving problems from a young age. Whether it was working with my dad to build something or taking apart and putting my toys back together again; I enjoyed the challenge that they brought. As I got older, I found my passion led more towards helping leaders to solve any difficult issues they may be facing within their organizations. For the last 10 years, several businesses have flourished into successful companies, and have done so with a fraction of the capital investment businesses of the past have required to grow and scale. Cloud platforms have been at the foundation of that growth. As an increasing number of incumbents are now looking to the cloud to gain operational efficiency and agility, as well as market competitiveness – their traditional processes are getting in their way. This trend has served as the groundwork for a Cloud Operating Model.

2. What’s your favorite thing about your chosen profession?

As a consultant, what I love most about my job is the opportunity to constantly learn and reinvent myself. Every day brings a new set of challenges and opportunities – advancements in technology, cultural and organizational nuances within each client make each solution unique. It keeps me on my toes, and forces me to apply myself constantly.

3. What keys to being productive can you share with us?

In order to be productive, it is all about setting time aside for certain priorities of the day. Each day I look at how I can combat each of these and how much time will be required to do so. Once I start my day off, there are several obligations and priorities that need to be completed constantly. It is important to set time aside in the morning to construct a solid plan, that will allow me to better stay on track with what needs to be done. This also helps with cancelling out any potential distractions I may face. I also ensure that I section off a specific amount of time to speak with stakeholders within the company to gain further perspective. It is crucial to keep everyone in the loop, as I am accountable to majority of these individuals regarding decisions that are made.

4. Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

To spend time working in Asia. As it is a growing country and to see apart of the world, vastly different to our own is very exciting.

5. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

The most valuable lesson I have learnt to date, would be not to worry myself about creating the perfect solution. It’s an important lesson to learn in life that when a plan is created, that does not mean everything will also follow according to the plan. As a learning tool, people must better understand how to cope and adapt to situations in either their work or personal life, when things do not go according to plan. In the IT business, individuals are constantly trying to conduct the “perfect” solution, but it is crucial in order to foresee a solution that you are going directly to the market to get feedback. I have made it a point over the years, to simply step back and reflect on what I could have done differently in this situation. While also, learning from myself and how it can fit in the industry with some adjustments. I continue to try and incorporate these lessons into my everyday life; both personally and professionally.

6. What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

• Be a life-long learner
• Step outside the engineering aspects of a solution, and consider the softer aspects around people and culture
• Build a strong network of peers and mentors

7. What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love to travel, and learn about different cultures and backgrounds. I’ve had the privileged to have lived and worked in most of the continents.

8. Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

• The 360 Degree Leader – By John Maxwell
This novel focus on how to leverage specific positions, while also creating a sense of influence at the same time. It is a great read for those in the business/IT realm.

• Hit Refresh – By Satya Nadella
This book looks at Microsoft’s CEO; Bill Gate. It discusses his vision for technology in the next coming years and how we have exponentially grown in turns of technology.

• The Speed of Trust – By Stephen Covey
I feel this book really highlights the importance of trust and in whichever relationship; either personal or professional, you cannot have one without trust being included. It is in almost every interaction we make daily.

• Principles – By Ray Dalio
The Principles book discusses the life of investor Ray Dalio, starting off in the year 1975. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for some out of the box ideas, as this book may draw a lot of inspiration towards them.

9. What advice would you give your younger self?

Balance goal setting with enjoying the journey along the way. Sometimes you can get so caught up in the pursuit of your goals that you do not take the time to enjoy the moments that make it up.

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