Written by Jake Smiths
We had the fantastic opportunity to interview Mayur Nagarsheth, an inspiring entrepreneur in the world of tech. Mayur has held multiple roles, from corporate organizations to his own startups.
Johnson: Welcome! To kick things off, could you give us a detailed overview of your journey? Both personally and professionally, what forces and experiences have shaped you into who you are today?
Nagarsheth: Thank you, it’s a pleasure to be here. My journey began in the heart of Mumbai, in a traditional chawl, where I was raised in a close-knit Gujarati family. Our circumstances were modest—each small victory felt monumental. In those days, something as simple as owning a bicycle was a major milestone for us, and we often had to make tough choices to save for essential needs like healthcare and education. Growing up in this environment instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, humility, and appreciation for family, and these values have been my compass ever since.
My father has been the single most influential figure in my life. He left behind a secure job to pursue a dream—his own business in aluminum and plywood. Watching him take that leap, risking stability to follow his vision, inspired me in ways words can’t fully capture. His drive, coupled with my budding technical skills, lit a fire in me to pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions. I learned from him that true success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about creating something meaningful, something that leaves a mark.
Johnson: Do you have any other heroes or role models who’ve shaped your journey, or is your father the primary influence?
Nagarsheth: My father is both my hero and my role model, without a doubt. His tenacity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to others left an indelible mark on me. He taught me that success should never be solely about personal gain; it should be measured by the positive impact you have on others. This has been a guiding principle throughout my life and career, shaping not just how I work but also why I work. His legacy reminds me every day that the most fulfilling accomplishments are those that elevate others as well.
Johnson: You’ve faced significant personal challenges, especially your father’s illness. That must have been incredibly hard for you. How did these experiences influence your professional outlook?
Nagarsheth: My father’s illness was a profound turning point, one that tested me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It forced me to adapt quickly and cultivate resilience, balancing family responsibilities in India while advancing my career in the U.S. The experience taught me the importance of focus and perspective. I knew I had to stay committed, not just for myself but to honor my father’s legacy. He dedicated his life to adding value to the world, and I am driven by a similar purpose: to make a meaningful, lasting impact. That resolve became my fuel, driving me to work harder and push the limits of what’s possible.
Johnson: From roles at Oracle to co-founding startups, and now moving into advisory roles, you’ve seen many facets of the tech industry. What drives your choice of projects and ventures?
Nagarsheth: Each decision I make is a balance between market potential and personal passion. I’m drawn to ventures that address pressing, unsolved problems, where I can bring unique insights and make a measurable impact. For instance, at Glib.ai, we recognized the potential of AI in transforming customer interactions early on. By creating an AI chatbot that was not only reactive but intuitive, we positioned ourselves at the cutting edge of AI-driven user engagement.
In my advisory roles with companies like Bitwage and Matchbook AI, my focus has always been on scalable impact—helping companies go from concept to significant growth. I continuously ask, Where can I contribute most effectively? How can I help these companies unlock their full potential and scale their operations to achieve long-term success? These questions are my north star as I evaluate and choose each new venture.
Johnson: Tell us about your career at MongoDB. What have been some of your most defining achievements there?
Nagarsheth: Joining MongoDB just days before its IPO was a thrilling experience and a perfect confluence of timing and opportunity. Starting as a Senior Solutions Architect and then rising to Director, I’ve had the privilege of leading teams and shaping solutions that align directly with MongoDB’s strategic goals. One of my most rewarding achievements has been guiding MongoDB’s teams in creating scalable, innovative solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also anticipate future growth.
MongoDB has provided me with a platform to explore, innovate, and understand the mechanics of scaling technology in a rapidly expanding organization. It’s a unique place where technical innovation meets business acumen, and I’m constantly learning, pushing boundaries, and developing strategies that help MongoDB grow stronger. This environment has taught me invaluable lessons about navigating growth, leadership, and the dynamic tech landscape.
Johnson: Have you had the chance to work or collaborate with any notable figures in the tech industry?
Nagarsheth: While I haven’t formally studied with famous names, my time at Oracle and MongoDB has allowed me to collaborate with some of the brightest and most innovative minds in tech. Working alongside such talented individuals has provided insights that have been pivotal to my professional growth, giving me fresh perspectives on complex challenges and helping me refine my approach to problem-solving, innovation, and leadership.
Johnson: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your entrepreneurial ventures?
Nagarsheth: Adaptability and perseverance are two core lessons that come to mind. The tech landscape is incredibly fast-paced, volatile even, and success often hinges on your ability to pivot when faced with unexpected changes. I’ve learned that setbacks aren’t failures; they’re learning opportunities. Every entrepreneur encounters challenges, but resilience and the willingness to adapt keep you moving forward and often lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Johnson: What would you consider your biggest contribution to the technology field, and why?
Nagarsheth: I’d say my two biggest contributions lie in advancing data solutions and innovating AI-driven risk management platforms. One project I’m particularly proud of was with Informatica, where I led the migration of their Master Data Management platform to MongoDB Atlas. This initiative resulted in a 20x performance improvement and significantly reduced infrastructure costs, demonstrating how a strategic tech shift can have transformative impacts on operational efficiency. Using my expertise, I’ve been fortunate to help other industry leaders—companies like First Republic Bank, Cisco, Tesla, Apple, and HP—realize similar gains, saving millions, accelerating growth, and ultimately having a positive effect on the U.S. economy.
My second major contribution is the AI-driven risk management platform, which helps organizations proactively manage risks across multiple dimensions—reputation, security, compliance. This platform goes beyond traditional risk management by using AI to anticipate and mitigate risks, enabling businesses to act before issues escalate. The impact has been substantial; companies using this platform have seen significant improvements in risk visibility and response, and industry leaders have recognized it as a game-changer in the field.
Johnson: Have you received any awards or recognitions during your educational or professional journey?
Nagarsheth: Yes, I’ve been honored with multiple MVP awards throughout my career, primarily in recognition of my contributions to revenue growth and strategic customer partnerships. These awards serve as meaningful acknowledgments of the impact I strive to make in my field, and I’m deeply grateful for them.
Johnson: Looking ahead, what are your professional goals for the future? Where do you see yourself in the next decade?
Nagarsheth: My primary focus is on expanding the applications of AI in enterprise risk management. There’s a vast, untapped potential for predictive analytics and machine learning models to reshape decision-making and operational processes, especially in large organizations. I envision developing new models that streamline risk management, enabling businesses to respond more agilely to global challenges. I also hope to give back by mentoring young tech entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building something meaningful and impactful.
Johnson: Any advice you’d like to offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Nagarsheth: Absolutely. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Networking is invaluable; surround yourself with mentors and peers who can provide guidance and broaden your perspective. Above all, focus on excellence—set a high standard for yourself, and success will naturally follow.
Johnson: Finally, what’s the most important message you’d like people to understand about you?
Nagarsheth: I believe that success is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about enjoying the journey and making a positive impact along the way. I practice meditation daily, which helps me stay grounded, and I encourage others to focus on inner growth for long-term success and peace. Self-awareness and balance are essential in both life and work, and I hope that by sharing this perspective, others can find fulfillment and resilience in their own journeys.
Alicia Johnson is a journalist specializing in technology and entrepreneurship. She brings a decade of experience uncovering and interviewing the innovators shaping our world. She hopes to continue this work on various blogs across the web.