Engineering Intelligence: Shishir Tewari Shares His Future for Data Systems

Hi, I’m Shishir Tewari, a senior engineering leader with a deep focus on AI/ML-driven data engineering. Over the past two decades, I’ve led large-scale data initiatives at companies like Google, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, and Procore Technologies, where I’ve worked on everything from cloud-native architecture to big data analytics and intelligent automation.

I’m passionate about building responsible and scalable systems that not only meet business goals but also adhere to ethical AI principles. My work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and Google Scholar, and I recently authored AI-Driven Enterprise: Scaling Business Success, a book that explores how to effectively integrate AI into enterprise strategy. I also enjoy mentoring and sharing insights to support the next generation of tech leaders.

I currently serve as Senior Manager of Data Engineering at Procore Technologies, where I lead a dedicated team of engineers in designing, developing, and optimizing next-generation data platforms. My role involves architecting scalable, AI/ML-driven solutions that enhance data accuracy, compliance, and accessibility across the organization, as well as driving innovation and operational excellence through effective leadership and strategic vision.

Procore Technologies is a leading global provider of cloud-based construction management software, dedicated to streamlining the end-to-end construction process. With tools that unify project planning, scheduling, financials, and collaboration into a single, integrated platform, Procore empowers stakeholders from owners and general contractors to specialty contractors and architects to work more effectively and efficiently.

The platform’s real-time data insights enhance decision-making, reduce risk, and help deliver projects on time and within budget. By fostering an environment where continuous innovation and customer-centric solutions thrive, Procore aims to elevate the construction industry to new heights of productivity and transparency.

Procore Technologies operates within the construction management software industry, a specialized segment focused on digitizing and streamlining the complex workflows that drive building and infrastructure projects. This industry stands out for its emphasis on real-time collaboration, comprehensive project oversight, and data-driven decision-making.

By integrating cost tracking, scheduling, safety, and communication tools into unified platforms, construction software providers help project owners, general contractors, and subcontractors reduce risk, stay on budget, and optimize resource usage.

As technology adoption accelerates in historically manual environments, key industry characteristics include a rising demand for cloud-based solutions, heightened focus on compliance and safety standards, and growing reliance on AI/ML to enhance predictive analytics and automate routine tasks.

Receiving the TITAN Business Awards is both a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of the dedication, creativity, and resilience that I bring to my day to day work. This recognition validates our collective commitment to pushing boundaries in AI/ML-driven data engineering, fostering a culture of continuous innovation, and delivering solutions that not only excel technically but also create tangible business value.

It inspires me to keep aiming higher, exploring new technological frontiers, and working together to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Securing international recognition such as the TITAN Business Awards serves as a powerful endorsement of both our organization’s capabilities and the value we create for our clients. This distinction raises our global profile, attracting potential partners, customers, and top-tier talent who recognize our demonstrated excellence and commitment to innovation.

Moreover, the award reinforces trust and credibility in our solutions and services, spotlighting our ability to deliver transformative results for clients in any market, whether regional or international.

Developing and marketing our award-winning solution posed two main challenges. First, translating cutting-edge AI/ML and data engineering capabilities into practical, user-centric features demanded a deep understanding of real-world constraints, seamless integrations with existing systems, and rigorous data governance. We had to balance innovation with accessibility, ensuring that even non-technical stakeholders could readily adopt and benefit from advanced analytics tools.

Second, differentiating our offering in a competitive market required strategic positioning and clear communication of its unique value, namely, delivering tangible ROI through cost savings, risk reduction, and improved decision-making. Crafting a narrative that resonated with both technical teams and executive-level buyers was key, as it helped bridge the gap between an abstract technology concept and concrete business outcomes.

Our ideation process begins with a deep exploration of market needs and user pain points, ensuring that our concepts directly address real-world challenges. We engage stakeholders early, ranging from frontline employees to executive sponsors, so we can gather insights and validate assumptions.

From there, we promote open, cross-functional brainstorming sessions where diverse teams share ideas, critique potential approaches, and iteratively refine concepts. This collaborative setting fosters creativity and helps us balance cutting-edge innovation with practical feasibility.

Once we settle on a promising direction, rapid prototyping plays a key role. We build minimum viable products (MVPs) to quickly test functionality, evaluate user experiences, and gather feedback. Lessons learned inform the next iteration, allowing us to continuously enhance the solution.

Throughout the process, we prioritize data-driven decision-making relying on metrics, user behavior analytics, and continuous feedback loops to guide development toward an offering that is both high-value and user-centric.

I believe a successful team or organization is one that balances purpose, performance, and people. When everyone rallies behind a clear mission, measures progress with tangible goals, and continuously invests in personal and professional growth, remarkable things happen.

Such a team thrives on open communication and collaborative problem-solving, always adapting to new challenges while staying true to its core values. Ultimately, success emerges from a shared commitment to delivering excellence both for the organization’s stakeholders and for each other.

Our success is rooted in a few key elements. First, we’ve consistently embraced innovation, leveraging AI/ML and next-generation data engineering to streamline processes and anticipate market shifts.

Second, we foster a culture of continual learning and collaboration, encouraging every team member to ideate, experiment, and refine solutions until they truly resonate with end users.

Finally, we remain laser-focused on delivering tangible value, whether by boosting efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing customer experiences. By uniting forward-looking technology with a deep sense of purpose, we’ve carved out a distinct reputation for excellence and adaptability in our industry.

The United States has played a pivotal role in advancing our industry by fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem and providing access to robust venture capital resources. The country’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, coupled with a strong academic research base, helps cultivate new ideas and cutting-edge technologies.

Additionally, supportive infrastructure (such as world-class cloud providers), mentorship networks, and a talent-rich workforce accelerate the development of sophisticated AI/ML solutions. These factors not only contribute to rapid experimentation and iteration but also pave the way for scaling transformative projects that shape markets domestically and abroad.

A primary challenge during the pandemic was managing distributed teams and maintaining seamless collaboration amidst widespread remote work. The sudden shift away from in-person interactions initially introduced communication gaps and disrupted established workflows.

To address this, we rapidly adopted robust collaboration platforms and implemented clear, agile-driven processes that kept everyone aligned on project goals and deadlines. Regular virtual stand-ups, transparent task tracking, and targeted mentorship sessions helped preserve team cohesion.

By fostering a supportive remote culture and leveraging technology effectively, we not only overcame these hurdles but also developed greater resilience and flexibility in our operations.

I’m especially excited about the accelerating convergence of AI, cloud infrastructure, and real-time analytics trends that are transforming how businesses operate. With the rapid evolution of generative AI, enterprises can now automate more complex tasks, streamline decision-making, and deliver hyper-personalized customer experiences.

Additionally, the push toward distributed data architectures and advanced MLOps practices is lowering barriers to experimentation, enabling organizations to scale intelligent solutions faster than ever before. Finally, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible AI integrating ethics, governance, and security into every phase of solution design, ensuring that technological progress benefits both businesses and society at large.

I believe continuous learning and collaboration are the foundation for success. First, I’d recommend following reputable industry publications like Harvard Business Review or McKinsey Quarterly for data-driven insights.

Second, it’s invaluable to participate in professional communities, both online (LinkedIn groups, specialized forums) and at in-person conferences or meetups, to stay current on best practices and emerging trends.

Third, skill-building platforms such as Coursera or edX are excellent for refining technical or leadership competencies.

Fourth, I’ve found that reading key business and leadership books, for example, ‘AI-Driven Enterprise: Scaling Business Success’ for AI/ML insights or classics like ‘The Effective Executive’ by Peter Drucker can spark new ideas.

Finally, I strongly believe in mentorship, whether through formal programs or personal relationships. Having someone who can provide guidance and an outside perspective often leads to clearer strategic thinking and faster problem-solving.

I expect the business industry to become increasingly data-centric, automated, and globally interconnected. AI and machine learning will continue to reshape operations, from streamlining supply chains and customer engagement to enabling hyper-personalized services. Meanwhile, cloud computing and distributed systems will further reduce barriers to entry, allowing even smaller companies to scale rapidly and compete internationally.

We’ll also see continued focus on ethical and responsible AI, where governance and regulatory frameworks become integral to how new technologies are developed and deployed. Finally, remote collaboration and digital workspaces will persist as a core operating model, driving innovation across borders and industries, and reinforcing the need for agile, adaptive strategies.

One of my earliest and most enduring inspirations was my father, who demonstrated the power of curiosity and perseverance from a young age. He encouraged me to explore my interests, particularly in technology, and emphasized the value of deep, focused learning. That foundational mindset propelled me into data engineering and AI, where the ability to constantly innovate is essential.

Later in my career, mentors at companies such as Microsoft and Amazon played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership philosophy. Their guidance showed me that true innovation happens when we combine rigorous technical skill with empathy for team members and end-users.

Ultimately, the blend of my father’s constant support and the lessons learned from industry mentors taught me the importance of not only excelling in my domain but also empowering others to do the same.

I’ve found that the key to long-term success lies in three elements: continuous learning, authentic collaboration, and a willingness to take calculated risks. By consistently refining your skill set, seeking diverse perspectives, and pushing beyond your comfort zone, you create the conditions for true innovation.

My parting advice is this: never lose sight of the human side of your work. Whether you’re building teams or products, staying attuned to people’s needs, motivations, and aspirations will not only guide you toward more impactful solutions but also ensure that your success is shared and sustainable.