Guryog Ghuman — From Special Forces Leader to Tech Leader

Empathy may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of a former Captain in the Indian Army's Special Forces. However, Guryog Ghuman, now a tech executive, strongly values traits like resilience, adaptability, pursuit of excellence, and yes, empathy. "Empathy is about understanding what people want and need. The better you understand people, the easier it is to reach them," he explains.

Community Transformation Through Operation Goodwill Ghuman's emphasis on empathy was born out of necessity during his military service. His role in Operation Sadbhavana (which translates to 'goodwill') was integral to uplifting communities in the disputed territory of Kashmir. Ghuman was responsible for a host of infrastructure and technology development projects, such as improving healthcare facilities and empowering women.

One standout achievement was the successful provision of wireless internet facilities to 16 remote schools as part of the Indian Army's larger plan. This initiative introduced the students to modern educational tools in a region where technological resources were scarce. "Our aim was to transform this paradigm," Ghuman recounts. "By extending access to modern educational tools, we gave these children an opportunity for a more comprehensive education."

Technological Innovation for Safety and Security Ghuman's role wasn't limited to community development. Leveraging his engineering background, he contributed to the early trials of India's first indigenous thermal imaging drone prototype. This innovation enhanced the army's ability to locate hostiles in challenging terrains. "Infrastructure, enhanced by technology, is only as useful as the safety it provides," Ghuman notes.

Transitioning from Military to Tech This focus on technology and innovation made Ghuman's transition from the military to the tech industry seem less surprising. He joined Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a senior program manager. Despite having no prior experience in the cloud services industry, he adapted quickly to his first civilian post. He played a significant role in AWS's growth period during the pandemic-driven digital boom, a testament to his adaptable and innovative approach.

Sharing Lessons Learned and Looking Forward The lessons Ghuman learned in the military were wholly applicable to the next stage of his career, and he believes that the same can be true for anyone. "Leadership, resilience, responsibility, accountability, pursuing excellence... the list goes on. But you don't need to join the army to learn them. Depending on how you apply yourself, you can cultivate many of these qualities in any other profession."

These days, Ghuman is preparing for a new challenge. He's been recruited to join a stealth start-up that he can't talk about just yet. "We aim to change how people interact with technology. I can't reveal more than that at the moment but watch this space."

Ghuman's journey provides valuable insights for anyone considering a career shift. He insists that the feelings of frustration when facing challenges are universal, regardless of one's background. The key difference lies in perseverance, or as he likes to call it, "strategic stubbornness."

Guryog Ghuman's story exemplifies that stubbornness, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excel in whatever he does. As he moves forward in his career, he envisions himself at the forefront of the tech industry, helping to turn the online world into a safer, more rewarding space that truly respects and values its users. Through his upcoming role, he hopes to redefine how people interact with the digital realm, guided by his belief that empathy should underpin any venture as it enables us to create solutions that genuinely resonate with those we aim to serve.