Employee Spotlight

Introduction

Hi, I’m Karan, and I’ve had the privilege of leading Data Science initiatives at Blenheim Chalcot India for nearly five years. My journey here has been nothing short of dynamic, filled with opportunities to dive into different ventures and explore industries that are worlds apart from each other. This diversity is, for me, one of the most rewarding aspects of working at BC.  

 Working at BC

My career at BC has involved working across various ventures, starting with Researcher, where I led data initiatives that shaped the company’s broader AI strategies. Today, my focus has shifted to a completely different domain: powering the analytics functions for the Rajasthan Royals in the fast-paced world of sports analytics. The stark contrast between these two industries is precisely what I love about BC. Whether it’s delving into academic research or helping a sports team make data-driven decisions, the learning never stops, and neither does the excitement.  

What initially attracted me to BC was my passion for sports analytics. During university, one of my hobbies was analysing data to predict the March Madness basketball tournament. When I learned that the Rajasthan Royals were exploring the sports analytics space, it piqued my interest in Blenheim Chalcot as a place where I could blend my passion for sports with a more traditional data science role. Given that sports has always been a driving interest for me, it’s no surprise that my favourite portfolio company is the Rajasthan Royals.  

For me, one of the key characteristics of the BC experience is the commitment to creating truly global teams. I’ve had the opportunity to regularly travel between Mumbai and London, maximising face-to-face collaboration across continents. This constant exchange of ideas, perspectives, and expertise is invaluable, allowing us to push boundaries and innovate on a global scale.  

 My Role

As the Head of Data Science, I’m responsible for driving solutions from data engineering and analytics to the rapidly evolving space of Gen AI. My role is all about translating business challenges into actionable insights, while also mentoring our teams to stay ahead of technological trends. Over the past year, leading R&D initiatives focused on Gen AI has been particularly thrilling. Being enabled to research cutting-edge technologies and develop solutions that redefine what's possible is what makes my work at BC so rewarding.  

I find BC’s approach to data science distinct and refreshing. Here, data teams aren’t just support functions; we are integral to the decision-making process. We’re embedded in everything from product strategy to customer discovery. Our data scientists are expected to think beyond numbers and algorithms – we need to understand the broader business context, grasp customer needs, and influence key decisions. Ensuring our teams are equipped to deliver on this vision is a core part of my role.  

For anyone aspiring to pursue a similar role, I believe that the data science field today is less about traditional skillsets and more about mindset. While coding and maths skills are essential, cultivating curiosity, outcome focused mindsets and empathy are what set great data scientists apart. Interestingly, I’ve seen people from vastly different fields, like law, sports and even medicine, become the best data scientists. They bring unique experiences and perspectives that often lead to the most innovative solutions. Writing code is a skill you can learn – but cultivating these qualities takes time and passion.  

  Looking Ahead

Working at BC has been a continuous journey of growth. Every challenge is different, pushing me to adapt, learn new skills, and keep improving. BC’s culture is one of relentless learning and innovation. Our internal L&D platform, RedTeam, reflects our commitment to continuous development, offering us the tools and platforms to upskill and stay on the cutting edge.  

Ultimately, it’s this blend of diverse challenges, freedom to innovate, and a culture that encourages bold thinking that keeps me motivated every day. Whether it’s exploring uncharted territories or building world-class products, I’m always excited about what’s next. I don’t see BC just as a place to work – I see it as a place where my ideas thrive, and where I’m constantly inspired to break new ground.  

Connect with Karan on LinkedIn