Rethinking Careers in the AI Era | Pankaj Rai | TEDxKrea University

In this talk, Pankaj Rai draws a compelling parallel between data science and the human experience, framing life itself as a series of data points shaped by our choices and experiences. Through personal stories, he illustrates how moments from our lives can be seen as inputs that, when processed through reflection and learning, lead to meaningful outcomes. Using the lens of an input–process–output model, he explores how we can better understand our journeys, make more informed decisions, and continuously evolve. His talk offers a unique perspective on how storytelling and data thinking intersect—showing that just like in analytics, the patterns we build from our experiences can guide us toward growth and clarity. At its core, the talk invites us to become more intentional in how we interpret our lives, and how we use those insights to shape what comes next. Pankaj Rai is the Group Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Aditya Birla Group, where he leads the Group’s data science and analytics strategy across diverse sectors including cement, chemicals, metals, fashion retail, and financial services. With over 25 years of experience, he has held leadership roles at global organisations such as Wells Fargo, Dell, Standard Chartered Bank, ICICI, and GE Capital, building capabilities in analytics, strategy, and operations. Pankaj’s work focuses on enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions, creating scalable digital products, and driving analytics maturity across organisations. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to harness data for transformative impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx