Wisdom from the Frontlines: Lessons from Experience

Welcome back to Wisdom from the Frontlines, where we explore the journeys of professionals who have made a lasting impact in their fields. Through their experiences, challenges, and reflections, we bring you perspectives that can help navigate your own career path.

This edition features Mahesh Bala, a technology leader with over two decades of experience in AI, robotics, business strategy, and mentorship. From his early days at ISRO to leading AI-driven programs at Zoho Research Labs, Mahesh has played a key role in driving innovation while guiding the next generation of professionals.

In this Q&A, he shares his thoughts on leadership, the future of AI, the balance between technology and business, and what it takes to build a strong career. His experiences offer practical takeaways for entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and anyone looking to grow in an evolving industry.

Read on for a conversation style answers filled with real-world lessons and thought-provoking perspectives.

1. How did your experience at ISRO shape your approach to technology and innovation later in your career?

- I have seen how deep technologies are explored and built with an attitude of selflessness. Senior scientists working hard and taking complete ownership of their work amazed me. I was working in the staging separation division, which was responsible for separating a satellite in orbit from a launch vehicle. Even the senior most scientists were well aware about the torque values of even screws to be tightened.

2. What was the biggest turning point in your career, and how did it influence your professional growth ?

- Loosing a job in 2009 was the biggest turning point in my career. I started my own company.

3. With your experience in AI and robotics, what ethical considerations do you believe should be prioritized in technological advancements?

- Depending blindly on AI tools and techniques like Chat GPT etc. will not help anyone to improve their career. We must have fundamental knowledge and we should be able to know how smartly we are able to use AI techniques.

4. How do you foresee the future of indigenous technologies in India competing on a global scale?

- We need more and more ‘deep technical’ indigenous technologies coming up from India. We should not settle with light weight solutions which have short term business advantageous.

5. What are the core focus areas of Zoho's R&D Centre at Kottarakara? How does it align? with Zoho’s broader vision? How do you foster innovation in a setting that is away from major tech ecosystems?

- Our Founder's vision of R&D and RD (research and development and rural development) emphasize core deep technologies built from rural India. We are in humble effort of empowering the local Indian talent to do hardcore research

6. What kind of research and innovation projects are currently being undertaken at the center?

- AI and Robotics in general. LLMs also.

7. What inspired you to transition into academia and mentorship alongside your corporate career?

- Giving back something back to society

8. If you had to summarize your life philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

- Never waste time, and do the work for self satisfaction. The rest is taken care of by itself.

9. Who has been your biggest inspiration in your professional journey?

- Rahul Dravid and Virat Kholi

Wisdom from the Frontlines: Lessons from Experience

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