Interviewer: Christina Macias from Soup.io
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Hello, everyone. Today, we have the privilege of interviewing Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli, a distinguished leader in the healthcare industry, who has also authored several insightful articles for Soup.io. Pavan’s contributions to healthcare technology and his role as an author, researcher, mentor and investor in startups have garnered him widespread recognition. Welcome, Pavan, and thank you for joining us today.
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: Thank you, Christina. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Pavan, you have an impressive background with over 15 years of experience in IT, infrastructure, and healthcare. Could you tell us more about your journey and how you ended up at a Fortune 6 healthcare company in the United States?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: Certainly. My journey began with a strong foundation in Information Technology, followed by an MBA and various certifications including PMP, Scrum Master, and SAFe Agile. These qualifications equipped me with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and manage technical innovations and deliver transformative products, which eventually led me to my current role at a Fortune 6 healthcare company.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): That’s quite an accomplishment. You’ve also authored a book, “Healthcare 2.0: The AI Prescription,” which has received a lot of acclaim. Can you share what inspired you to write this book?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: “Healthcare 2.0: The AI Prescription” was born out of my passion for exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare. I wanted to provide insights and practical strategies for leveraging AI to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. The book aims to bridge the gap between technological advancements and their practical applications in the healthcare sector.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Beyond your book, you’ve written numerous articles on healthcare technology. One of your notable papers, “IOT Attack Detection and Prevention through Machine Learning System” was published in the IEEE journal. Can you tell us about this research?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: This paper focuses on the critical need to safeguard sensitive healthcare data and systems from cyber threats. It explores efficient machine learning techniques to detect and prevent IoT attacks. With the increasing reliance on connected devices in healthcare, ensuring their security is paramount. My research aims to contribute to this vital aspect of healthcare technology.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Your contributions extend to judging prestigious awards and reviewing research papers. How do these roles influence your perspective on healthcare technology?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: Serving as a judge for awards like the Golden Bridge and Stevie Awards, as well as peer-reviewing research papers, allows me to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. It provides a platform to evaluate groundbreaking innovations and recognize excellence in the field. This involvement helps me gain diverse perspectives and continuously learn, which I incorporate into my work.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): You’ve received numerous accolades, including the 2023 International Achievers’ Award. How do you stay motivated and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: I’m driven by the belief that healthcare innovations can profoundly impact lives. Seeing the tangible benefits of technological advancements, whether it’s improved patient care or enhanced operational efficiency, fuels my passion for innovation. My goal is always to push boundaries and create solutions that make a real difference.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Your approach to success includes a commitment to innovation, a customer-centric focus, and collaborative teamwork. Can you elaborate on these principles?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: Absolutely. Innovation is at the core of everything I do. Staying ahead of technological advancements ensures our projects integrate the latest tools and methodologies. A customer-centric approach involves deeply understanding stakeholder needs and aligning our solutions with real-world requirements. Lastly, collaboration and teamwork are essential. I believe that diverse teams working together yield the best ideas and solutions.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): You also play a significant role as a mentor and advisor to startups. How does this involvement contribute to your professional journey?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: Mentoring and advising startups is incredibly rewarding. It allows me to contribute strategic insights and expertise to empower entrepreneurs and organizations. I serve as a mentor for various startups, offering guidance on strategy, product development, and market positioning. This engagement helps me stay connected with new trends and learn from young entrepreneurs, which fuels my passion for continuous innovation.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Your mentorship extends to TheTimes365.com and RedCube Technologies. Can you share more about your role with these companies?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: At TheTimes365.com, a startup in the online news industry, I advise on strategic initiatives to enhance product development, content delivery, and audience engagement. With RedCube Technologies, a startup specializing in AI and analytics, I provide strategic counsel to optimize technological services and drive business growth. These roles allow me to contribute to their success and stay involved in the latest technological advancements.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): You mentioned a passion for continuous learning and exploration. How does this mindset influence your approach to new industries and technologies?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: I believe that continuous learning and a willingness to explore new industries are crucial for staying relevant and innovative. I’m always eager to delve into new fields and am unafraid to start as a beginner. This curiosity drives me to experiment with emerging technologies and explore solutions that challenge traditional norms, ultimately leading to more innovative and effective outcomes.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for leadership roles and executive positions?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: I’m keen to advance into leadership and executive roles where I can leverage my extensive experience and strategic acumen. I invite businesses seeking dynamic leadership to reach out. Additionally, I offer my expertise to Indian companies looking to establish a presence in the US market, serving as a trusted point of contact to ensure seamless integration and success in new environments. I am always looking for ways to get engaged in something exciting Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli on LinkedIn
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Can you share how you balance your professional responsibilities with family life?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: Family is incredibly important to me. I have two wonderful sons, a 7-year-old and a 1-year-old. Spending quality time with them is a priority, and it’s essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. My family keeps me grounded and motivated. It’s about making the most of the time we have together and creating meaningful memories, which ultimately enhances my ability to lead and innovate at work.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Lastly, as a dedicated mentor and investor in startups, what message do you have for emerging ventures looking to collaborate with you?
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: I actively seek opportunities to support and collaborate with emerging ventures. Startups are welcome to reach out, as I am keen to invest time, effort and money in innovative ideas and contribute to their growth. Engaging with startups not only allows me to stay abreast of new trends but also provides an opportunity to learn from young entrepreneurs and their fresh perspectives. This interaction fuels my passion for continuous innovation and reinforces my commitment to shaping the future of technology through collaborative endeavors.
Christina Macias (Soup.io): Thank you, Pavan, for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us today. We wish you continued success in your efforts to revolutionize healthcare technology and beyond.
Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli: Thank you, Christina. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
For leadership roles in companies, and mentorship in startups, Pavan can be reached through LinkedIn: Pavan Kumar Reddy Poli on LinkedIn.