Biography of Mohit Saxena: Co-Founder & CTO at InMobi Group and Spotlight-Entrepreneur
Biography of Mohit Saxena:
Mohit Saxena: Academic Foundations and Advanced Management
Mohit Saxena’s educational background is as impressive as
his professional achievements. He completed the Advanced Management Program
(AMP 190) at Harvard Business School in 2016. This prestigious program enhanced
his skills in business administration and management, equipping him with
strategic insights that complement his role as Co-Founder and Group CTO at
InMobi Group.
Before Harvard, Mohit earned a Bachelor of Engineering in
Material Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, graduating
with honors in 1997. His education in engineering provided him with a solid
technical foundation, which has been instrumental in his career in technology
and management.
AT&T and Tata Steel: The Early Years
Prior to his time at Virgin Mobile, Mohit worked as a Senior
Manager (Systems & Databases) at AT&T from January 1999 to May 2005.
There, he managed a team of DBAs and was responsible for comprehensive database
management, migration support, and ensuring TELCO-grade security across various
systems. His career began at Tata Steel, where he worked as a Senior Officer in
System Automations from 1997 to 1998, marking the start of his journey in
technology and systems management.
A Proven Track Record in Telecom
Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Mohit gained
significant experience in the telecom industry. From May 2005 to January 2007,
he was a Senior Manager of Operations at Virgin Mobile USA, where he played a
key role in developing the company’s postpaid billing and revenue recognition
systems. His efforts contributed to Virgin Mobile's growth, making it the
largest and most successful Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in the U.S.
Chasing a Dream Beyond Success
Despite leading a successful life in the United States in
2006, with a lucrative job, a new home, and a dream sports car, Mohit felt
unfulfilled. The happiness he expected from these achievements was elusive.
Driven by a deeper desire for happiness and meaning, Mohit decided to leave
behind the comfort of his steady job and pursue something more significant.
This decision marked the beginning of InMobi, where he aimed to explore the
untapped potential of smartphones and mobile technology.
Mohit Saxena: A Technological Pioneer at InMobi
Mohit Saxena is a well-known name in the tech industry,
serving as the Co-Founder and Group CTO of InMobi Group, which includes InMobi,
Glance, and Roposo. Since December 2006, Mohit has been instrumental in
aligning the technological vision across the group’s companies. His role as the
Group CTO involves coordinating the efforts of various CTOs, the Chief
Information Security Officer (CISO), and the Chief Data Officer (CDO) to ensure
that the group’s long-term strategies are seamlessly integrated. By focusing on
mid- to long-term technical strategies, Mohit ensures that the business units embrace
new and innovative technologies, thereby enhancing efficiency and performance.
Biography of Mohit Saxena: Co-Founder & CTO at InMobi Group and Spotlight /Entrepreneur/Angel Investor/DJ Secario/Success story of Mohit Saxena/life
The Birth of InMobi
InMobi was not an instant success. Initially, the company's
business model focused on SMS-based search and monetization, which did not take
off as expected. However, Mohit and his team did not give up. They recognized
the emerging potential of the mobile web and decided to pivot towards this new
direction. This shift was the turning point for InMobi, eventually leading to its
success as a leading mobile advertising platform.
Overcoming Early Failures
The early days of InMobi were challenging, with the company
facing a significant failure that nearly derailed their efforts. The team was
running low on finances, morale was dwindling, and they had no paying customers
or investors. These were the darkest days in InMobi's history, but they also
forged the resilience, determination, and camaraderie that remain strong within
the company today. Mohit reflects on this period as a crucial time that shaped
InMobi's character and future success.
Building a Diverse Engineering Team
At InMobi, Mohit played a crucial role in building a diverse
team of engineers. He believed in the power of collaboration and diversity,
understanding that a team with varied perspectives could innovate more
effectively. Under his leadership, the engineering team at InMobi has thrived,
contributing to the company's technological advancements and its ability to
stay ahead in the competitive mobile advertising market.
A Thought Leader and Writer
Since July 2015, Mohit has been sharing his insights as a
Senior Columnist at The Indian Economist. His writings reflect his deep
understanding of technology and business, and his ability to foresee trends
that shape industries.
Founder of Rizort and Spotlight
In February 2018, Mohit founded Rizort (later rebranded as
Spotlight), a platform designed to improve employee engagement, retention, and
recognition in the remote and hybrid workplace. This venture highlighted his
focus on adapting to the "new normal" by empowering managers to build
stronger connections with their teams, even in a virtual environment.
DJ Secario: A Creative Outlet
Amidst the global lockdown, Mohit discovered a new
passion—music. What started as a hobby quickly became a serious pursuit, and
Mohit adopted the alias "DJ Secario." Since January 2020, he has been
creating and sharing his musical creations on platforms like SoundCloud and
YouTube. His journey as an "Accidental DJ" is a testament to his
ability to find opportunities in every challenge.
Mentorship: A Profound Responsibility
For Mohit, mentorship is more than just offering guidance;
it is a profound responsibility. He views it as a way of giving back the
invaluable support he received from his own mentors. His approach to mentorship
is about co-creating tailored solutions by asking thought-provoking questions
that empower his mentees to make informed decisions. He likens a good mentor to
a doctor who delves deep into understanding problems, helping others to not
just treat symptoms but to find lasting solutions.
Morning Routine: Finding Inspiration in Simplicity
Mohit's morning routine starts with a quick check of his
emails and messages, followed by a brisk walk with his dog, Ellie May. This
walk re-energizes him for the day ahead. He finds inspiration in the simple
things, like the enthusiasm his dog has for everyday life. To Mohit, Ellie May
embodies living in the moment, without regrets or stress, a perspective he
strives to incorporate into his daily life.
AI as a Powerful Partner
Mohit believes that AI is perfectly suited for handling
monotonous and repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on what they do
best—thinking critically and creatively. He views AI as a powerful partner that
complements human creativity. While AI can automate routine processes, it is
human beings who bring empathy, critical thinking, and unique creativity to the
table, especially in fields like advertising, where connecting on a
subconscious level is key.
The Value of Giving and Taking in Mentorship
Mohit recommends the book Give and Take: Why Helping Others
Drives Our Success by Adam Grant to anyone interested in mentorship and growth.
The book aligns with Mohit's belief that successful mentorship is built on a
dynamic relationship of trust, commitment, and accountability. It highlights
the importance of fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between mentors
and mentees and emphasizes the responsibility both parties have to innovate and
grow together.
InMobi: A Dream Realized
For Mohit, InMobi is more than just a company; it is the
realization of a dream. His journey with InMobi has been a testament to his
passion for technology and his belief in the potential of small ideas to become
global powerhouses. Despite the initial challenges, Mohit and his team have
built InMobi into a successful and innovative company that continues to make
waves in the mobile advertising industry.
Founding Angel at The/Nudge Institute
In October 2021, Mohit took on a part-time role as a
Founding Angel at The/Nudge Institute, an organization committed to lifting
Indians out of poverty by creating large-scale livelihood opportunities. The
institute aims to build resilience in society, enabling it to withstand
economic shocks. Through his involvement, Mohit contributes to this noble cause
by supporting initiatives that foster dignity and economic security for all.
A Mentor at Heart
Beyond his role at InMobi, Mohit sees himself as a mentor
who is committed to guiding others on their professional journeys. He
understands the profound impact that good mentorship can have and strives to
pass on the wisdom and knowledge he has gained over the years. For Mohit, being
a mentor is about helping others realize their potential and making a meaningful
impact on their lives.
Living by the Lessons of Failure
The lessons Mohit learned from the early failures of InMobi
have stayed with him throughout his career. He believes that facing failure
head-on and learning from it is crucial for success. These experiences have not
only shaped InMobi's journey but have also influenced Mohit's approach to
business and life, teaching him the value of resilience, adaptability, and
perseverance.
The Journey Continues
As InMobi continues to grow and evolve, Mohit's journey as
an entrepreneur and mentor is far from over. He remains committed to pushing
the boundaries of technology and innovation, always looking for new ways to
make an impact. Mohit's story is one of passion, perseverance, and the belief
that with the right mindset, even the smallest ideas can change the world.
Timeline for Mohit Saxena:
1997: Graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Material
Science from IIT Roorkee.
January 1999 - May 2005: Worked as Senior Manager (Systems
& Databases) at AT&T.
1997 - 1998: Served as Senior Officer in System Automations
at Tata Steel.
May 2005 - January 2007: Senior Manager of Operations at
Virgin Mobile USA.
December 2006: Co-founded InMobi Group and became Group CTO.
July 2015: Became a Senior Columnist at The Indian Economist.
2016: Completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP 190) at
Harvard Business School.
February 2018: Founded Rizort (later rebranded as
Spotlight).
January 2020: Started creating music under the alias DJ Secario.
October 2021: Joined The/Nudge Institute as a Founding
Angel.
