From Data To Profit

About the Author

Vin Vashishta's fascination with technology began at an early age, reading science fiction books by Isaac Azimov and Arthur C. Clark. His study of strategy began when he watched the company he worked for go from industry leader to insolvency in 2 years.

Vashishta wrote his first computer program at 12, and what hooked him was the creative freedom to build anything he wanted. He began his career in technology in 1996, working on databases, building websites, and installing PCs. A career as a software engineer wasn't a sure bet back then, but he enjoyed the work.

He did everything from writing specifications to software engineering. Next, he built and led cross-functional teams. Vashishta spent a decade in the corporate world and was laid off twice during that time.

Both layoffs made him acutely aware that he wouldn't last long at any company if he didn't produce value instead of just technology. After the second layoff in 2012, Vashishta founded V Squared to build data science products for clients.

He recalls that no one else would give him a chance to do that work as an employee, so he made opportunities for himself, building a client list and a track record of success, one pitch and solution at a time. In 2015 he gained recognition on social media as a thought leader. He's a two-time LinkedIn Top Voice, is a Gartner Ambassador, and has been recognized by dozens of industry groups.

Today, Vashishta is a C-level technical strategy advisor, and he teaches gap skills ...