Navigating the Tech World: Sagar Wani’s Inspirational Journey

Meet Sagar Wani, an accomplished IT professional with extensive experience and notable affiliations with prestigious companies and institutions. He has been associated with Accenture, The Samsung Company, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (formerly known as National Institute of Industrial Engineering NITIE Mumbai), Bhabha Atomic Research Center and TSEC Biomedical.

Sagar has played pivotal roles in these organizations, demonstrating his expertise as a Global Award Jury and Mentor in renowned events such as ISEF, Brandon Hall Group, Globee Awards and Technovation.

With a strong presence on LinkedIn, Sagar actively shares his insights and knowledge through frequent posts on scientific and scholarly articles. He also contributes as a mentor to companies like Accenture and Salesforce, along with various NGOs including Society of Sciences, BHG Group, ACM, IEEE, CSI, and PMI. Sagar’s research pursuits have led him to work on diverse projects and publish international papers in reputable conferences. Additionally, he serves as a reviewer for research papers in multiple national and international journals like Society of Science, IEEE conferences.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sagar is an avid outdoors enthusiast, finding solace in activities like yoga and hiking. His journey is filled with inspiring experiences and accomplishments that shape his unique story. Let’s delve into his captivating narrative.

Gabriela F Host: Sagar Wani, Thank you so much for joining me.

Sagar Wani, guest: It’s an absolute pleasure to be here. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to this news channel for inviting me to be a part of Ignited Talks. I am truly thankful to Gabriela F, our wonderful host, and the entire team for this incredible opportunity.

Gabriela F Host: I want to start by going back in time. So, let’s go back to your childhood, your family, and where you grew up. Tell me about that?

Sagar Wani, Guest: I had a mixed upbringing. Part of my life was spent in the Mumbai suburbs in India. It was an ordinary experience in many ways. We had access to good schools and quality education.

However, during that time, which was about 30 years ago, it wasn’t very common or widely encouraged to pursue higher studies or a career outside of India. As I progressed through high school and the initial years of college, I often found myself pondering, “What comes next? What happens after four or five years?” Unfortunately, there was a lack of clarity regarding my future path during that period.

Gabriela F Host: So for college, what did you end up studying?

Sagar Wani, Guest: I pursued bachelor’s degree in engineering, things didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. However, I somehow managed to overcome the challenges and ended up doing well. But the question of “what’s next” still lingered in my mind. Eventually, I was able to secure a job and later pursued a Master’s degree from one of the renowned institutes in India. During my time there, I engaged in intensive research-based studies, which provided me with numerous opportunities to travel internationally and publish multiple research papers. This experience paved the way for my entry into the corporate world, where I had the privilege of working with top global companies such as Harman (a Samsung company) and Accenture.

Gabriela F Host: What interests you the most about working as a research scientist?

Sagar Wani, Guest: One of the most exciting aspects of working as a research scientist is the opportunity to explore and discover new knowledge. Research scientists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what we know, asking new questions, and developing innovative approaches to finding answers. Additionally, research scientists often have the opportunity to collaborate with other scientists from around the world, working together to solve complex problems and advance our understanding of the natural world.

Overall, working as a research scientist can be a very rewarding career path for those who are passionate about discovery, innovation, and making a difference in the world.

Gabriela F Host: Are there any new skills that you learned about that you didn’t know of before?

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Sagar Wani, Guest: Absolutely! I have learned numerous skills, particularly in the field of research which I am truly passionate about. Despite being primarily involved in the technology domain, I believe it is essential to have a well-rounded set of skills. Some key skills that have become crucial for me include critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific writing, collaboration, data analysis, statistics, and time management. These skills have proven to be invaluable in my professional journey.

Gabriela F Host: That’s really exciting, what was the most interesting thing about your job?

Sagar Wani, Guest: Well, in addition to all the aspects I mentioned earlier, I believe the most captivating aspect of my job is innovation.

Gabriela F Host: What is your ideal work environment?

Sagar Wani, Guest: My ideal work environment is one that is highly dynamic, where new technologies, methods, and approaches are constantly being developed and implemented. As an architect, I thrive on challenges and enjoy pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Additionally, I appreciate a work environment that offers flexibility. Technical architects, like myself, may prefer a work setting that allows for flexible arrangements such as remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks.

Gabriela F Host: Why did you leave the job of a researcher of science for software engineering?

Sagar Wani, Guest: I believe that one of the key reasons for this transition was the potential for career growth. In comparison to a career in science research, software engineering offers more opportunities for advancement and professional development, especially in technology-related fields where there is a high demand for skilled software engineers. Additionally, the field of software engineering often provides better pay and work-life balance.

Another factor that influenced my decision was my personal interest in technology and a sense of frustration with the slow and unpredictable nature of scientific research. In the realm of science, it can take years to witness tangible outcomes of your work, unless you pursue a PhD path, which was not my chosen path. Ultimately, the decision to switch careers depends on individual goals, interests, and priorities.

Gabriela F Host: How did your research impact the world around us?

Sagar Wani, Guest: During my research, I primarily focused on the areas of biomedical/ergonomics, which I extensively studied and gained knowledge in at the National Institute of Technology in Mumbai.

My research primarily delved into the study of human body postures and the impact of specific types of repetitive movements, whether conscious or unconscious on the body. I found it particularly exciting to explore ways to improve these postures and mitigate their effects. The research primarily revolved around biomedical studies and the establishment of technology labs and equipment required for conducting such studies.

Gabriela F Host: What do you like best about your job and why?

Sagar Wani, Guest: In my experience, no job can be categorized as inherently best or good, nor can it be labeled as bad or insignificant. Every individual, regardless of their role, plays an important part in the overall functioning. Even staff members involved in cleaning the floors hold utmost importance. Speaking specifically about my job in the field of technology, which revolves around software development, DevOps, operations, and architecting solutions, I find great fulfillment. I have a genuine passion for these areas. I strongly believe that in whatever you do in life, it’s crucial to give your best effort.

Gabriela F Host: I would like to touchbase about your recent ISEF 2023 Texas, what it is & can you elaborate more on the same?

Sagar Wani, Guest: Certainly! ISEF is an exceptional platform that provided young innovators with a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise on an international level. It stands as the largest STEM competition in the world. The participants were evaluated based on their research, creativity, methodology, and execution. The event honored the youngest scientists in the world and granted them the opportunity to meet with the President, highlighting the recognition given to the remarkable work accomplished by our future generations.

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Personally, I am honored to have served as a Grand Award Judge for such a significant and grand event. I express my gratitude to the Society of Science and Regeneron for granting me this excellent and outstanding opportunity to judge the work of others. Along with this privilege comes great responsibility, and I made it a point to provide support and encouragement to the young participants. I emphasized to them the importance of happiness as a fundamental aspect of life

Gabriela F Host: What message you would like to pass to our future generations.

Sagar Wani, Guest: I would like to share three key messages. Firstly, whatever path you choose in life, strive to give it your best effort. Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to whatever you undertake, as long as you believe it is worth doing. In doing so, you will realize that failure is simply a steppingstone towards growth and learning.

Secondly, remember that happiness holds paramount importance in life. Prioritize your own happiness and endeavor to spread happiness to those around you. This mindset ultimately paves the way to success and fulfillment.

Lastly, I would encourage our future generations to stay committed to their goals and aspirations. Embrace perseverance and resilience, for these qualities will guide you through life’s challenges and lead you towards achieving your dreams.

Gabriela F Host: Thank you so much for your time and joining us for these Ignited talks.

Sagar Wani, Guest: It was my pleasure. Thank you, and I wish you all the best of luck in all your future endeavors.