How Arjun Subramanian Is Using AI and Cloud Computing to Drive Economic Growth and Empower Communities
Stay Curious — Cloud computing and AI evolve fast. The people who thrive are those who never stop learning. Keeping up with advancements in AI-driven RAG, data storage, and virtualization strategies is key to staying ahead.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Arjun Subramanian.
America’s digital infrastructure is at a breaking point, with cyber threats escalating at an unprecedented rate and outdated systems draining billions from the economy. Yet, many businesses, and the communities they support, remain dangerously unprepared. Arjun Subramanian is tackling this crisis head-on, not just by modernizing technology, but by creating real economic and social impact. A leader in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and tech modernization, he is equipping businesses with scalable, cost-effective solutions that don’t just protect against cyber threats — they unlock efficiencies, drive job creation, and fuel long-term economic growth.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’ve always been drawn to technology and problem-solving. My early career in systems engineering gave me a strong technical foundation, but I quickly realized that the real impact of technology isn’t just in how it works — it’s in how people use it. Moving into channel sales and solutions engineering showed me how important partnerships are in driving technology adoption. Over time, I found my niche in product marketing, where I get to connect the dots between innovation and real-world business needs. Today, I focus on cloud computing, AI, and data storage, helping businesses adopt unified platforms, improve data resilience with immutable backups, and optimize virtualization strategies. Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming how businesses interact with data, and I’m particularly interested in how Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can enhance their efficiency.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Early on, I believed that the best product would always win. I spent a lot of time explaining features in excruciating detail, thinking that customers would naturally see the value. But during one pitch, the client chose a competitor because they made a stronger business case. That moment was humbling. I learned that people don’t just buy products — they buy solutions to their problems. Since then, I’ve focused on articulating how cloud and virtualization technologies drive efficiency, security, and cost savings, particularly in AI-driven solutions like LLMs that require scalable infrastructure and robust data storage.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
I’m passionate about making cloud computing and AI knowledge more accessible. These fields can feel overwhelming, especially for small businesses and professionals transitioning into tech. I host workshops, mentor aspiring professionals, and write about real-world applications of cloud technologies. Recently, I’ve been helping organizations understand the power of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) in AI applications and how cloud-based infrastructure can make AI solutions more effective and scalable. By educating businesses on how to leverage LLMs within unified platforms, I’m helping them improve automation, customer experience, and decision-making.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I once mentored someone who was shifting from a non-technical background into cloud computing. They were unsure where to start, overwhelmed by the number of certifications and career options. Through structured learning, hands-on projects, and networking, they landed a cloud engineering role within months. A key part of their journey was learning about storage virtualization, data resilience, and how immutable backups could enhance cybersecurity strategies. Seeing their transformation reinforced my belief that the right guidance and mindset can open doors, no matter where you’re starting from.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Invest in Cloud Computing and AI Education, we need to make practical training widely available. More funding for technical education and certification programs would help close the talent gap. Encourage Cloud and AI Adoption for Small Businesses. Many organizations hesitate to move to the cloud due to complexity and cost concerns. Clear policies and incentives could help bridge that gap. Support AI and Cloud Innovation. Technologies like RAG, LLMs, unified cloud platforms, and virtualization solutions are transforming industries. Governments and businesses should work together to ensure ethical development and widespread benefits.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership is about empowering others to succeed. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about fostering a team environment where people feel valued and motivated. One of my favorite leadership moments was launching a new cloud-based platform where sales, marketing, and technical services had to work closely together. By creating space for open collaboration, we not only hit our goals but also built a stronger, more aligned team that delivered measurable customer success. Leadership also means staying ahead of trends like AI-driven automation, ensuring teams are equipped with the skills to leverage LLMs and cloud-native solutions effectively.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1 . It’s Not Just About Tech — It’s About Business — Understanding how cloud technology and AI impact businesses is just as important as knowing how they work.
2 . Networking is Everything — Building strong relationships opens doors. Your next opportunity might come from an unexpected conversation.
3 . Storytelling Matters — People connect with stories, not just data. Learn to craft a narrative that resonates, especially when explaining complex concepts like LLMs or RAG-enhanced AI models.
4 . Failure is Feedback — Every setback is a lesson. The faster you learn from mistakes, the faster you grow.
5 . Stay Curious — Cloud computing and AI evolve fast. The people who thrive are those who never stop learning. Keeping up with advancements in AI-driven RAG, data storage, and virtualization strategies is key to staying ahead.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I’d love to see a movement around Cloud and AI education for everyone. These fields impact every aspect of our lives, yet many people feel left out of conversation. Making knowledge more accessible would lead to a more innovative and inclusive world, where businesses can leverage cloud-native architectures, immutable backups, and AI-powered insights from LLMs to drive success.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Adaptability is about the powerful difference between adapting to cope and adapting to win.” — Max McKeown. Throughout my career, I’ve had to pivot — whether it was learning new technologies, shifting roles, or adjusting strategies. Seeing change as an opportunity rather than a setback has made all the difference. The rapid evolution of cloud computing, AI, LLMs, and data storage solutions has reinforced this lesson time and time again.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Satya Nadella. His leadership in transforming Microsoft into a cloud-first, AI-driven company is inspiring. I’d love to hear his insights on fostering innovation, developing unified cloud platforms, and enabling businesses to drive customer success through intelligent solutions powered by LLMs and AI automation.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I share insights on AI, cloud computing, data storage, and technology trends on LinkedIn. Connect with me there for industry updates, practical advice, and mentorship opportunities.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
How Arjun Subramanian Is Using AI and Cloud Computing to Drive Economic Growth and Empower Communiti was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.