In this insightful interview, we delve into the expertise and insights of esteemed advisor, Abhishek Bansal. Known for his proficiency in cybersecurity, identity and access management, identity governance and administration, product management, and go-to-market strategy, Abhishek infuses a wealth of knowledge into every aspect of his advisory roles. Beyond the realms of theoretical knowledge, he talks about his motivations and the tangible sense of fulfillment he derives from helping individuals and organizations reach their goals. Abhishek also provides a compelling overview of impending trends in his industry, offering a glimpse into the future of technology with a focus on AI-enhanced security systems and blockchain technology. Moreover, he reflects on his career-defining moments, including his impactful decision to cultivate an in-house identity and access management tool. Join us as we embark on this informative journey with Abhishek Bansal, exploring his profound experiences and perspectives.

What are your areas of expertise?

As an advisor, my main areas of expertise are:

Cybersecurity:

I possess knowledge and insights into various cybersecurity principles, best practices, and technologies. These tools help organizations protect their digital assets, data, and networks from potential threats and attacks.

Identity and Access Management (IAM):

I provide guidance on designing and implementing IAM solutions. These solutions control and manage user access to critical systems, applications, and resources securely.

Identity Governance and Administration (IGA):

I specialize in assisting organizations to establish robust identity governance frameworks. I ensure compliance and streamline the administration of user identities and entitlements.

Product Management:

I have experience and expertise in product management. This involves understanding market needs, developing product roadmaps, and ensuring successful product launches and enhancements.

Go-to-Market Strategy:

I help businesses devise effective go-to-market strategies for their products and services. This includes market analysis, target audience identification, and positioning for successful market penetration and growth.

What is your main motivation for being an advisor?

As an advisor, my main motivation is to share my expertise and knowledge to help individuals and organizations reach their goals. I find fulfillment in offering guidance, insights, and solutions that can positively impact those who seek advice. As an advisor, I contribute to the growth and success of others. I empower them to make informed decisions and overcome challenges.

Additionally, I pride myself on fostering a learning environment where individuals can expand their understanding of various subjects and gain new perspectives. Through meaningful interactions, I assist users in their personal and professional development, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Ultimately, my motivation lies in being a resource, supporting users in their endeavors, and making a difference in their lives by providing thoughtful and well-informed advice.

What types of situations are you capable of advising on?

As an advisor, I believe I can add the most value through advising on cybersecurity strategies, identity and access management implementation techniques, industry standards, product roadmaps and related strategies, achieving compliance and governance, and business development.

In these areas, my expertise serves as a valuable resource to individuals and organizations. They can seek well-informed advice to make informed decisions and overcome challenges effectively.

Do you see any disruptive trends on the horizon in your industry or position?

A lot is being introduced into the modern-day enterprise. The most disruptive trend I anticipate would be the introduction of a combination of GPT models and user data intelligence into cybersecurity governance models. Soon, we might see AI-enhanced threat modeling systems, AI-powered incident response and recovery, content-aware security, and personalized security recommendations.

Also, I think IoT will catch up. I suspect that blockchain-based technology will extensively provide security within the diverse enterprise environment of the future, which will likely comprise a variety of devices, including cars. In fact, I recently published an article in IEEE on the future of cars, which you can read here: https://insight.ieeeusa.org/articles/the-future-of-cars-safer-smarter-and-more-connected/.

Tell me about the most impactful project or decision you’ve been involved in as an executive.

The most impactful business decision I've made was to build an internal identity and access management tool to manage privileged identities at my last job, rather than buying it for a hefty price. We had limited use cases, a limited scope, and even though common industry practices and experience suggested going with a renowned vendor, it was more cost-efficient for the team to build a solution ourselves. Moreover, since it concerned managing critical assets and privileged identities, I was not comfortable sharing classified data with a third-party vendor.

In conclusion, Abhishek Bansal's diverse skill set and rich experience place him in a unique position to provide significant value to organizations. As an advisor, he excels in areas such as cybersecurity, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), product management, and go-to-market strategy. Each of these key areas is critical to achieving organizational efficiency, security, and growth in the digital era. Leveraging these skills and his professional expertise, Abhishek Bansal is equipped to aid your organization in navigating the dynamic digital landscape. He is available for advisory roles through AdvisoryCloud. For companies seeking advice in these challenging fields, considering Abhishek Bansal can be a strategic step towards success.