Priyanka Brahmbhatt, Executive Director, Group
Strategist, Member of the Board, Bankai Group
Could you introduce yourself to our audience?
Absolutely! I’m Priyanka Brahmbhatt, and I like to describe
myself as a visionary leader at the intersection of business, technology, and
sustainability. I currently serve as the Executive Director, Group Strategist,
and Member of the Board at Bankai Group, where I help shape global strategies
for telecom network monetization and carrier management. I am also the
Executive Director and Group Strategist at Panamax Inc., leading efforts to
redefine fintech and telecom solutions for today’s evolving business needs.
Additionally, I am the CEO and Co-Founder of Bankai Labs, an AI-driven
deep-tech initiative launched in 2024, where we’re on a mission to transform
businesses with innovative AI solutions.
I began my career at the age of 16, guided by my father,
who instilled in me the values of resilience, curiosity, and innovation. Over
the years, I’ve worked with some of the most inspiring teams and started my
entrepreneurial journey at 21.
Beyond my professional roles, I’ve always been deeply
passionate about advancing sustainability, empowering women in tech, and
fostering diversity. My journey is about building meaningful change—whether
through technological innovation, strategic leadership, or advocacy for a more
inclusive future.
Could you tell us about Bankai Group and the
key services it offers?
Bankai Group is a global powerhouse in telecom and fintech
innovation, and our mission is to empower businesses with cutting-edge
technology solutions. For over three decades, we’ve been a trusted partner to
operators worldwide, offering services that range from global carrier
management to telecom network monetization. Our mission is to empower
businesses to become more agile, reduce operational costs, and embrace
next-generation technologies with confidence.
We specialize in carrier services, managing a network of
over 2,500 global carriers to provide seamless voice termination and
connectivity. Through our technology division, Panamax, we deliver innovative
fintech and switching solutions that enhance communication and mobile financial
services for millions of users worldwide. Additionally, we support businesses
with secure and scalable messaging solutions and offer reliable retail
connectivity to meet the growing needs of end-users.
But what sets us apart is our focus on solving real-world
challenges. For example, we’ve developed tools like RAFM (Revenue Assurance and
Fraud Management) and SMSC Firewalls to tackle telecom fraud, a growing
industry concern. Additionally, on the fintech side, through Panamax Inc.,
we’re revolutionizing financial ecosystems with scalable, secure platforms like
MobiFin Elite, which focus on financial inclusion and convenience.
From enabling digital payments in emerging markets to
enhancing security in global transactions, Bankai Group operates at the
intersection of innovation and impact. For us, it’s not just about
connectivity; it’s about building a future where businesses thrive and
communities flourish.
What inspired you to take on your role at
Bankai Group, and how has your diverse background shaped your vision for the
company?
My journey with Bankai Group began long before I formally
joined the organization. Growing up, I watched my father navigate the
complexities of the telecom industry, and this early exposure ignited my
passion for problem-solving and innovation.
From my first internship at 14, where I closed significant deals at an
international conference, to my formal roles in leadership today, Bankai Group
has always been a natural part of my story.
What truly excites me about my role is the opportunity to
drive transformation in an industry I’ve been immersed in since I was a
teenager. As the youngest professional in the telecom industry to represent at
International Telecom Week from 2010 to 2013, I gained invaluable insights and
experience that continue to fuel my passion for innovation and progress in this
field. With a diverse background in scientific marketing, data science, and
engineering management, I’ve learned to approach challenges from multiple
angles. My time at Google and Salesforce taught me about the importance of
scalability and user-centric innovation, while my entrepreneurial ventures,
like BeeHively, reinforced the value of sustainability and purpose-driven
leadership.
At Bankai, I’ve been able to bring all these experiences
together. My vision is to position the company as more than just a service
provider—we aim to be a thought leader and changemaker in telecom and fintech,
fostering innovation that not only drives revenue but also creates lasting
social impact. Whether it’s developing AI solutions at Bankai Labs or expanding
our blockchain capabilities, I see every project as a step toward building a
more inclusive, technology-driven future.
Can you outline your career path, highlighting
significant milestones and achievements that have defined your professional
journey?
Like every teenager, I was excited and equally unsure about
how my career would unfold, but thankfully, my path has been nothing short of
an exciting journey filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make an
impact. I’m deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped my vision and
leadership today.
•
16 years old: My professional debut occurred at
the 2010, ITW event. The youngest professional in the telecom industry to
represent in International Telecom Week throughout 2010-2013.
•
2015: Founded my first company at the age of
21, Cozmic Group, which specializes in corporate branding, marketing and
advertisement services.
•
2018: Founded BeeHively, a sustainable
honey-harvesting startup supporting 5,000+ beekeepers and aligning with UN
Sustainable Development Goals.
• 2019: Completed dual masters degrees:
- M.S. in Data Science from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University.
- Masters in applied engineering (Fintech) from Harvard University.
•
2019: Appointed as Executive Director and Group
Strategist at Bankai Group and Panamax Inc., I have consistently led the
technological verticals for telecom and financial technology, driving global
strategies, product innovation, and technology-driven transformations.
•
Honored as a FinTech Leader of the Year at the
National Awards for Excellence for contributions to fintech innovation.
•
One of the defining milestones was the
inception of Bankai Labs, where we’ve launched 50+ AI use cases and secured two
patents for transformative deep-tech solutions.
•
Elected to the Forbes New York Business
Council, recognizing contributions to technology and business leadership.
•
Served as a United Nations Youth Delegate,
focusing on advancing Sustainable Development Goals and driving initiatives for
climate action and global youth representation.
Each step in my journey has taught me that leadership is
about bringing together innovation, purpose, and action. Today, as part of
Bankai Group, I’m focused on creating solutions that not only empower
industries but also contribute to building a better, more sustainable world.
What are your primary roles and
responsibilities at Bankai Group?
At Bankai Group, my role is multifaceted, but if I were to
summarize, it’s about being a catalyst for innovation and growth. As the
Executive Director, Group Strategist, and Member of the Board, I focus on
creating a synergy between cutting-edge technology and business objectives.
I collaborate with our C-level leadership to shape global
carrier management strategies and revolutionize how we monetize telecom
networks. My work isn’t just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about
reimagining how technology can solve today’s challenges. Whether it’s driving
market expansions in the Americas and Europe, fostering a culture of constant
innovation, or pioneering tools to combat industry-wide issues like telecom
fraud, my mission is simple: to turn complex problems into scalable solutions.
In a world where technology is advancing at lightning
speed, I believe it’s not enough to simply keep up—you have to lead from the
front, and that’s exactly what I strive to do every day at Bankai.
What are your main areas of expertise, and how
have they played a role in your professional success?
If I had to define my expertise, I’d say it lies at the
intersection of technology, strategy, and human impact. I’ve always believed
that success isn’t just about what you know; it’s about how you use that
knowledge to create change.
My foundation in digital strategy and technology
integration has been the backbone of my career. From spearheading the launch of
Bankai Labs to creating fintech innovations that simplify and scale global
financial systems, my work has always been about connecting the dots between
technological potential and real-world impact.
But expertise isn’t just technical—it’s also relational.
I’ve learned the value of listening deeply and building meaningful connections.
From closing deals as a teenager at ITW to navigating global markets, I’ve seen
firsthand how relationships drive business forward.
Ultimately, my expertise has allowed me to balance
big-picture thinking with actionable results. It’s not enough to dream—you have
to deliver, and I’ve been fortunate to lead teams that do both.
What advice would you give to aspiring
entrepreneurs who are interested in digital strategy, technology, and making an
impact in these fields?
The world of technology and digital strategy is a dynamic
and exciting one, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. If you want to succeed,
you need to embrace a mindset that’s equal parts curiosity, courage, and
conviction.
First, stay curious. One of my mentors once told me, “The
power of asking the right questions can change your trajectory.” Never stop
questioning, because curiosity is what pushes boundaries and sparks innovation.
Second, don’t be afraid to take risks—welcome them. Risk
isn’t a byproduct of entrepreneurship; it’s the heartbeat of it. I often tell
people, “Every leap you take, even the ones that end in failure, gets you
closer to success.” The key is to learn, adapt, and move forward.
And finally, focus on creating impact. It’s easy to chase
profits, but the entrepreneurs who stand the test of time are the ones who also
chase purpose. Whether it’s through sustainable practices, empowering
communities, or fostering diversity, find a mission that resonates with your
values. When you align your business goals with a deeper purpose, the rewards
are exponential.
Above all, remember this: success is a journey, not a
destination. Keep learning, keep growing, and never lose sight of why you
started in the first place. The impact you make is your true legacy.
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