Episode 18: Reimagining Business with Generative AI: Mastering AI Skills for an AI-First Future

Video not loading? Try accepting cookies in the bottom right corner.

Executive Summary

In this episode of Databytes Enabling AI, in collaboration with Venture Studio, Ahmedabad University, host Rahul Nawab is joined by Jeremy Fritzhand. Together they sit down with Vikas Surani to explore what real generative AI transformation looks like and how the next generation can prepare for it.

Using a New Year’s gym membership analogy, Vikas explains why having the tools isn’t enough. Transformation comes from a holistic approach and a focus on the real problem. He shares how a UK financial company’s 25-year-old legacy system was modernized with generative AI in six months instead of two years, with sandboxing and human review keeping data secure. He also explains how IT services is moving from selling people to delivering value as a partner.

For students and professionals, Vikas maps the five layers of the AI stack as career paths and explains why India needs sovereign AI. He shares his “proof of thinking, proof of building” approach to getting started, and closes with the story of basketball’s “ladder guy” as a reminder to add value, not just complete tasks.

About Vikas Surani

Vikas Surani is a technology strategist, AI advocate and transformation leader, currently serving as Global Vice President at Mastek. There, he drives strategic growth and enterprise transformation. He conceptualized and launched Mastek’s Value Generative Office, an initiative that unifies global functions under a single strategic vision and moves the organization beyond transactional services toward high-value, AI-driven transformation.

What You'll Learn

What separates generative AI experimentation from real business transformation, and why you should be obsessed with the problem, not the technology
How a 25-year-old legacy system was modernized in six months instead of two years, and how data security and human review were built in
How AI is reshaping IT services and consulting, from selling people to value-based delivery, CXO vision workshops and AI centers of excellence
The five layers of the AI stack (power, chips, data centers, models and applications) and the career opportunities in each, plus why sovereign AI matters for India
Why storytelling and curiosity will set top AI professionals apart, and how to start with “proof of thinking” and “proof of building”
The common mistake of chasing shiny tools, and why adding value instead of just completing tasks is how you stay relevant

Who Should Watch

Industry leaders looking for strategic insights in data, AI, and marketing to guide high-level initiatives and innovation.
Working professionals seeking practical, actionable knowledge to build expertise and stay ahead in their fields.
General audience interested in AI trends and thought leadership, including early-career professionals and curious learners.

Databytes Enabling AI: Series Overview

Episode 1: Digital Marketing Excellence – Amit Jivani reveals how AI is transforming retail and e-commerce through personalization, smarter supply chains, and improved customer experiences.
Episode 2: Banking Analytics – Nagendra Sastry explores the evolution of banking analytics, the skills needed to succeed, and how AI is shaping the future of financial decision-making.
Episode 3: AI Evolution – Nikhil Shah shares his journey into AI, exploring its role in public good, ethical use, and the skills professionals need in an AI-driven future.
Episode 4: Banking Evolution Through AI – Dawn Zappetti discusses how AI is reshaping marketing in banking, from hyper-personalization to the future skills marketers need to thrive.
Episode 5: From Corner Shop to Cloud: How AI Can Elevate the Future of SMBs – Monica French and Abbas Merchant discuss how AI empowers SMBs to work smarter, scale faster, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital world.
Episode 6: AI Agents for Manufacturing – Anuja Parikh breaks down how AI agents are transforming manufacturing processes, unlocking new efficiencies, and shaping the next generation of tech talent.
Episode 7: AI Marketing and Its Impact on the Future of Business – Prof. Anand Kumar Jaiswal unpacks how AI is redefining marketing strategy, storytelling, and ethical decision-making in today’s evolving landscape.
Episode 8: From Past to Future: AI Shift in Banking and Marketing – Babu Ramalingam and Tim Deighton explore how AI is reshaping banking and marketing through data-driven strategies transforming customer engagement and growth.
Episode 9: AI Opportunities in Health Insurance – Rama Kolli explores how AI is transforming health insurance and what it will take to finally make healthcare simple for the everyday member.
Episode 10: The Rise of the AI-Fluent Workforce – The GenAI Skills That Matter Most – Krish Swamy and Anand Solanki discuss the rise of the AI-fluent workforce.
Episode 11: Is AI Actually Making Our Work Lives Better? – Sandip Chatterjee challenges the idea that AI automatically boosts productivity, arguing that the competitive advantage comes from redesigning how organizations operate.
Episode 12: Future Skills for Finance Professionals with AI – Rushabh Shah unpacks how AI is transforming finance — from automating audits and building business models in hours, to why fundamentals, contextual thinking, and curiosity will always remain the true edge for finance professionals.
Episode 13: Learning, Leading, and Thriving in the Age of AI – Tanushri Banerjee explores how AI is transforming education from the inside out.
Episode 14: How Credit Unions Are Shaping Their AI Journey – Tom Kuslikis shares how EFCU Financial is using AI to free up its people, serve the next generation of members, and stay ahead of the great wealth transfer.
Episode 15: How AI is Revolutionizing Fashion & E-commerce -Sulay Lavsi shares how Bummer built a bold, disruptive D2C brand in India’s most overlooked category — and how AI, gut-driven content, and an obsession with product are quietly powering everything behind the scenes.
Episode 16: Building AI-Driven Futures – Hemen Ashodia breaks down what real AI engineering looks like — why mathematics beats model-switching, how to avoid brute force thinking, and what it truly takes to build AI that scales from prototype to production.
Episode 17: Building Client Trust in an AI-Driven Financial World – Sam Guerrieri explains why AI has made trust more important than ever in wealth management and how CNB is using AI to free advisors up for more of it.
Episode 18: Reimagining Business with Generative AI: Mastering AI Skills for an AI-First Future – Vikas Surani explains why real AI transformation starts with being obsessed with the problem, not the technology.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Rahul Nawab

Rahul Nawab, a senior leader with over 25 years of experience in data analytics. His impressive background includes leading Data & AI roles at Capital One, US Bank, IQR and EXL. Rahul's expertise will ensure engaging discussions and resonate with our audience.