By: May Nguyen
The Business Process Management class at Stanton University welcomed a distinguished guest in the Fall 2024 quarter: Shri Bhatia, a seasoned cybersecurity advisor and entrepreneur. Bhatia, who owns a consulting firm that serves small businesses across various industries, including entertainment, telecommunications, and consulting, shared valuable insights from his career. His visit aimed to enlighten students on topics ranging from project management and cybersecurity to business intelligence and personal growth.
From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
Bhatia opened his talk by recounting his journey to founding his own company. His interest in technology and business analytics drove him to leap into entrepreneurship after working in corporate environments. He revealed how interviewing for a business intelligence (BI) position initially inspired him to explore independent ventures. His company now helps small businesses enhance their cybersecurity and streamline their business processes.
Innovations in Project Management and Cybersecurity
Currently, Bhatia is exploring hybrid project management methods, particularly in the context of handling unclassified confidential data. He described how his team employs a Scrum-based methodology, with daily stand-ups where team members discuss their greatest challenges. Bhatia emphasized the importance of adapting to different organizational cultures and iterating workflows to improve efficiency.
On the cybersecurity front, Bhatia shared his experience managing data protection for various organizations. He highlighted the need for small businesses to achieve enterprise-level cybersecurity, despite limited resources. His team collaborated with ethical hackers from Israel for penetration testing and developed solutions using platforms like ServiceNow for Identity and Access Management (IAM). He explained how understanding an organization’s culture and existing workflows is crucial to implementing effective cybersecurity measures.
Bhatia also discussed the importance of compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and PCI. Depending on the nature of transactions, data retention policies can vary from 90 to 180 days, with different levels of security clearance required to maintain sensitive information.
Business Intelligence and Data Analysis
Diving into business intelligence, Bhatia recounted a unique project involving a casino’s plan to build a UFC arena. His team created a five-year roadmap and return-on-investment (ROI) plan, incorporating data analysis and predictive analytics. Bhatia explained how data monitoring tools like Splunk and Databricks were utilized to gather insights from social media platforms and customer opinions regarding the proposed UFC arena, ultimately guiding the casino’s decision-making.
He emphasized the growing demand for skilled data analysts and financial analysts in business intelligence roles. Bhatia encouraged students to familiarize themselves with BI tools and processes, stating that understanding the business need is the first step toward delivering meaningful insights.
Personal Lessons and Life Philosophy
Bhatia concluded his talk by sharing personal reflections on his journey as an immigrant from Mumbai, India. He described how adapting to a new culture and environment in the United States taught him discipline and respect. “People are just people,” he said, emphasizing the universal importance of treating others with kindness and understanding.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Bhatia volunteers with ISACA Orange County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cybersecurity education and professional networking. He encouraged students to engage in volunteer work, learn continuously, and build networks.
A Lasting Impact
Students left the session inspired by Bhatia’s candid insights and practical advice. “It was an eye-opening experience,” said one student. “Hearing real-world applications of project management and cybersecurity made the concepts we learn in class come to life.”
The visit by Shri Bhatia not only provided a deeper understanding of cybersecurity and business intelligence but also offered valuable life lessons on adaptability, respect, and the power of continuous learning. As Stanton University continues to invite industry leaders to engage with students, such sessions serve as a bridge between academic learning and real-world applications.