Pratik Surana

Manish is not just a true thinker, but also an exceptional teacher. In every element of his job, he embraces the ideas of systems thinking, adding enormous value to every conversation and encounter. His systems thinking workshop has revolutionized how I approach business intelligence and data analysis at PayPal.

As a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at PayPal, I work with complex data systems that span multiple business units, technologies, and stakeholder groups. Understanding the interconnections between these systems is crucial for generating actionable insights.

Before the workshop, I was focused primarily on data accuracy and reporting efficiency. While these remain important, Manish taught me to see the broader system context - how data flows through the organization, how different teams interpret and use insights, and how business decisions create feedback loops that affect future data patterns.

The systems thinking approach has transformed my analytical methodology. Instead of just answering the questions asked, I now explore the systemic reasons behind those questions. This has led to more strategic recommendations that address root causes rather than symptoms.

One particularly powerful concept was understanding leverage points in systems. Manish helped me identify where small changes in our BI processes could create significant positive impacts across the entire organization. This has made our team far more strategic and valuable to the business.

The workshop also improved my communication with stakeholders. I now present insights within the context of the larger business system, making my recommendations more compelling and easier to implement.

Manish’s teaching style is both profound and practical. He creates an environment where complex concepts become clear and immediately applicable. His ability to help participants see familiar challenges from entirely new perspectives is remarkable.

I would strongly recommend this workshop to anyone in data analytics, business intelligence, or strategic roles who wants to elevate their impact and effectiveness.