In this episode of The Core Report Special Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj sits down with C Vijayakumar, CEO & MD of HCLTech, to explore how Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, software development, and human potential.From the first time he used ChatGPT to how HCLTech is driving billion-dollar transformations using AI—this conversation dives deep into the real-world impact of AI in the enterprise.

💡 Topics We Cover:

1) How HCLTech is leveraging Generative AI to cut transformation timelines by 30%

2) Why AI is amplifying human potential, not replacing it

3) The shift from input-driven to outcome-driven business models

4) What “Art of the Possible” really means in AI transformation\

5) The role of frugal innovation and India’s unique opportunity in the global AI race

6) Why every CEO (and creator!) needs their own personal AI assistantWhether you're a tech leader, developer, startup founder, or just AI-curious—this episode will leave you with fresh insights on how to thrive in the age of AI.

🚀 If India’s AI Opportunity, Frugal Innovation, and Generative AI’s Global Impact excite you, on’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode of The Core. Stay tuned for more deep dives into AI transformation, HCLTech insights, and future-ready leadership.

📌 Chapters:

(00:00) Thoughts on ChatGPT and HCL tech

(02:50) Input centric to Output centric services model

(04:20) Productivity unlock and examples(06:40) Iterative Process with the Client

(07:50) Misconceptions about AI and coding jobs

(10:42) Industry specific AI Models and small language models

(12:23) DeepSeek

(13:45) India’s frugal innovation

(16:35) Things that have changed and not changed

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"AI won’t replace you — but someone using it will."In this eye-opening conversation, Noshir Kaka, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, breaks down how AI is reshaping careers, industries, and leadership itself. Hosted by Govindraj Ethiraj, this episode of The Core Report Special Edition explores what it truly means to be future-proof in the age of artificial intelligence.🔍 What You’ll Learn:1) The #1 skill you need in an AI-powered world2) Why Indian companies must build on their data and talent advantage3) How top leaders are using AI to drive real business impact4) What’s holding back AI adoption at scale — and how to fix it5) What India must do to stay competitive in the global AI race💡 “Prepared to be disappointed in year one and year two. If not, be prepared to be terrified in year three.”🎧 Whether you’re a student, professional, founder, or policymaker — this is a must-watch conversation on future-proofing your career and embracing AI as a competitive edge.Timestamps(00:00) We need to put our best foot forward in AI(02:54) AI enables other tech(04:10) India has one of the biggest data sets in the world(05:22) An example of an efficient use of Data(07:08) Where are the gaps in data?(08:58) “Technology delivered, People did not”(10:10) Skilling issues(12:00) The leadership will be the differentiator on AI(13:54) The big problems AI can solve in healthcare, governance….(16:09) AI regulation should promote innovation + protect data(17:32) Data poisoning and the need for robust data pipelines(18:33) IT services companies are scratching the surface of AI(20:25) Final Thoughts

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In this episode of The Core Report Special Edition, we dive deep into the evolving frontier of artificial intelligence and human consciousness with renowned neuroscientist and author Professor Anil Seth.As AI systems like ChatGPT become increasingly human-like in how they communicate, are we mistaking fluency for understanding? And what happens when we begin to care about machines that don't actually feel?📍 Key Highlights:1) The fundamental difference between the human brain and AI2) Why we’re psychologically wired to project emotions onto machines3) The ethical and philosophical risks of human-like AI4) How the brain creates “controlled hallucinations” to interpret reality5) Energy efficiency and what AI can learn from human cognition6) Why the future of AI should be collaborative, not competitive💬 “The real danger is not that AI will feel—but that we will feel for it.” — Prof. Anil Seth🧠 About Our Guest:Anil Seth is Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex and author of the bestselling book Being You: A New Science of Consciousness.Timestamps:(00:00) Convergence of LLMs and Consciousness(03:05) the Limitation of computers as a metaphor for the brain (06:35) Aspirations of AI and AI as tools(09:14) Conflating Intelligence with consciousness(10:41) The downside of the race to AGI(12:47) AI Agents behaviour(15:18) Controlled hallucinations and AI(17:00) How humans process data vs AI systems(18:14) Current projects in AI and Consciousness

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In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Bank, on how DBS transformed from a traditional bank into the world’s best digital bank.🔍 Discover how AI, customer obsession, and cultural change helped DBS lead a fintech revolution — and how they're using embedded finance, predictive analytics, and Gen AI to reshape banking in 19 countries.💡 Key topics covered:1) How DBS became a billion-dollar AI-powered bank2) The concept of "embedded finance" and invisible banking3) Why "nobody wakes up wanting to go banking"4) Cybersecurity in the age of deepfakesThe future of personalized, AI-driven banking5) What DBS learned from Alibaba, Uber, and Netflix6) DBS’s India strategy & digital-only banking insights🔗 Stay tuned till the end as Piyush reveals DBS’s bold bets on blockchain, digital assets, and the future of programmable money.📌 Timestamps(00:00) Introduction(01:22) DBS’ early adoption of technology for banking(03:15) Programme of Change and Digital Transformation(05:29) Balancing being a tech company and a bank at the same time(06:20) Embedded Finance(07:03) Support from Regulatory Bodies(08:00) Issues around trust(10:00) AI and finance and nudges(12:48) Difference of culture between countries(14:23) Example of AI and mortgages and other use cases(16:40) Gen AI(18:22) Innovation processes(19:38) Blockchain and digital assets(20:40) DBS in India(22:20) Plans for India

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AI is revolutionizing supply chains, logistics, and quick commerce. In this exclusive conversation, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & MD of Nestlé India, about how AI is transforming Nestlé’s operations—from Maggi production to predictive demand forecasting and logistics efficiency.From cutting logistics costs by ₹500 million to using AI for real-time demand forecasting and faster distribution, discover how AI-driven predictive models are changing the game for businesses and consumers alike.(00:00) Introduction(01:50) How AI can help utilise all the data of consumer companies(03:30) The data and forecasting in coffee(05:43) The value of AI should be before it leaves the factories(08:18) AI and crop estimates(10:05) importance of data integrity(11:00) Logistics, delivery, and offtake cycles(13:21) Stocking and AI predictive(15:49) Quick commerce(17:55) Optimise volume business to pay for disaggregated business(19:46) Understanding the consumer space(21:30) Category wise consumer trends(22:44) Premiumisation for Nestle(24:00) What Nestle stands for

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With generative AI poised to reshape industries, how can India’s IT sector keep up? In this episode, Rajesh Nambiar, President of NASSCOM, joins Govindraj Ethiraj to explore the transformative impact of AI on the traditional IT model. Reflecting on pivotal moments like Y2K and the importance of learnability, Nambiar discusses how the industry can pivot to seize new opportunities. What lessons from the past can guide India’s next tech revolution? And how can the country leverage its strengths in data and innovation to thrive in an AI-driven future? Tune in to uncover strategies for staying competitive in this watershed era.(00:00) Introduction to the Future of AI and Work(02:01) The Impact of AI on Job Creation and Replacement(06:01) The Importance of Skill Development in Emerging Technologies(09:16) Challenges and Opportunities for Deep Tech Startups(12:01) India’s Position in the Global Startup Ecosystem(16:31) The Semiconductor Ecosystem and India’s Role(25:18) Leveraging India’s Strengths for Semiconductor Growth(29:33) Startups and Leveraging Technology to Solve Real Problems(32:16) Advice for Young Engineers Entering the Workforce(34:20) The Evolution of IT and What’s Next for the Industry(37:23) Closing Remarks: The Future of Work and Technology

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From upskilling employees to driving innovation, AI is revolutionizing the way companies operate. In this episode, Sanjeev Jain, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer at Wipro, shares how the company is preparing its 240,000 employees for the future of AI. From creating personalized learning paths to integrating AI into business operations, Sanjeev discusses Wipro’s approach to AI adoption and the broader impact on the workforce. He also highlights India’s growing role as a global AI talent hub and how the country can stay ahead in the race for AI expertise. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on the landscape of AI in India and how businesses are gearing up for the future.

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From transforming healthcare to reshaping customer service, AI is making a tangible impact across industries. In this episode, Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive of Fractal Analytics, discusses how AI is augmenting human capabilities and driving real-world outcomes. What does this mean for businesses in India? How can India leverage AI responsibly to stay ahead globally? Srikanth and Govindraj Ethiraj tackle these questions and dive into India’s role in the evolving AI landscape, as well as the ethical and societal implications of this powerful technology. Tune in for an in-depth look at AI’s future in India.

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With the growing convergence of AI and accelerated computing, India is at the cusp of leading a new global tech revolution. But what does this mean for the country's future in the digital economy? In this episode, Rohit Kapoor, CEO of EXL, joins Govindraj Ethiraj to discuss India's critical role in shaping the global tech landscape. How are accelerated computing and AI transforming industries like banking and insurance? How can India, with its massive tech talent base, stay ahead in this rapidly evolving space? Kapoor sheds light on these questions, emphasizing the importance of data management, domain expertise, and innovation. Tune in to hear how India can maintain its competitive edge in the world of tech.

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With the significant rise in cyber attacks, particularly ransomware, cybersecurity has now more than ever become a very important facet of the digital economy. So what role has the Data Security Coucil of India (DSCI) have in collaborating with Government and guiding industry sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and energy? How has AI and machine learning impacted cybersecurity? What is the current state of the cyber-insurance market? And how can we foster and support more innovation in this fast-evolving field? CEO of the Data Security Council of India, Vinayak Godse and Govindraj Ethiraj explore these questions and more in this episode. 

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