Asif Qamar : Delivering Transformative Solutions To Revolutionize Learning & Apply Cutting-Edge Technology
Asif Qamar
Founder & Chief Data Scientist
He pursued a master’s in computer science, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. After an academic detour into theoretical particle physics, he returned to his engineering roots, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation in AI. After key roles at industry giants like Oracle, Siebel Systems, Evolv, and Cornerstone Ondemand, he now leads Support Vectors AI Lab, merging his passion for teaching and AI to revolutionize how we learn and apply cutting-edge technology.
CEO Insights is privileged to interview Asif. Let’s read on.
How did your experience at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, influence your path?
Urbana-Champaign was a pivotal chapter for me. It was an environment where learning and collaboration were at the core, and I had the chance to work along side incredibly bright and passionate peers. Long nights in machine labs, and hours spent in the Library, it all played a role in shaping my approach to problem-solving and my drive for innovation.
The quiet, almost isolated nature of Urbana itself added to the experience. It was a place where you could fully immerse yourself in academic growth, without the usual distractions. The faculty and the resources there were top-notch, and those early years set the stage for everything I’ve done since.
The friendships I built during my time there remain invaluable. It’s more than a professional network, it’s a circle of trust where we exchange ideas, discuss emerging technologies, and navigate industry trends. On a personal level, it’s also great to have old friends to reconnect with.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the field of AI?
I’ve always had a passion for math and physics. In fact, during my undergraduate years, I chose computer engineering because it was the field that incorporated the most math and physics, subjects I loved. After graduating from IIT, I decided to step away from engineering for a few years to pursue graduate studies in theoretical particle physics and mathe -matical physics which I thoroughly enjoyed.
When I returned to engineering, I was looking for something intellectually stimulating, some-thing that combined my love for math with the cuttingedge developments in computer science. AI stood out as the most mathematical area within the field, making it a natural fit for me.
Beyond the intellectual appeal, AI's potential also fascinated me. The idea that we could create real intelligence from non-living matter is truly remarkable. Even the thought of it is awe-inspiring. While AI has faced its ups and downs, including periods of stagnation, it remains one of the most ambitious and exciting endeavors in science. The challenge of creating non-biological intelligence continues to be a driving force behind my career.
You’ve experienced both startup and corporate cultures with companies like Oracle, Siebel, and Cornerstone. What lessons have you brought into your current role?
I’ve been lucky to have startup-like opportunities even within large corporations, building projects from the ground up and leading initiatives. At Siebel, for instance, I tackled a critical problem on day one, which opened doors for bigger responsibilities.
In corporate settings, the focus is typically on technology, coding, research, and team leadership. Running a startup, however, adds layers like market analysis, revenue planning, and overall business strategy. It’s a steep but rewarding learning curve. The biggest difference is agility. Startups allow for quick decisions and pivots, while corporations move more like a large ship, powerful but slower to turn.
Throughout your career, what are a few ethics and principles you follow on a daily basis, and what has been your success mantra so far?
There are two key principles I adhere to. First, you must work hard, and it’s important to surround yourself with people who are deeply passionate about the subject rather than those focused solely on success.
Passion drives excellence, and while success may take time, it ultimately follows. In leadership, especially when building something new, I always choose people who are creative and passionate. I believe in mentoring and guiding them, listening to their ideas, and growing together.
The second principle is running a democratic organization. Just because you lead a team doesn’t mean they only listen to you. In my experience, the best ideas come from collective intelligence, where everyone’s contribution matters. The team debates, argues, and challenges each other, which leads to better solutions. My role is to foster an environment where all voices are heard and ideas are synthesized into the best possible outcomes.
Beyond the intellectual appeal, AI's potential also fascinated me. The idea that we could create real intelligence from non-living matter is truly remarkable. Even the thought of it is awe-inspiring. While AI has faced its ups and downs, including periods of stagnation, it remains one of the most ambitious and exciting endeavors in science. The challenge of creating non-biological intelligence continues to be a driving force behind my career.
Leadership is about serving the team. If you support your people, help them grow, and empower them, every-thing else falls into place
You’ve experienced both startup and corporate cultures with companies like Oracle, Siebel, and Cornerstone. What lessons have you brought into your current role?
I’ve been lucky to have startup-like opportunities even within large corporations, building projects from the ground up and leading initiatives. At Siebel, for instance, I tackled a critical problem on day one, which opened doors for bigger responsibilities.
In corporate settings, the focus is typically on technology, coding, research, and team leadership. Running a startup, however, adds layers like market analysis, revenue planning, and overall business strategy. It’s a steep but rewarding learning curve. The biggest difference is agility. Startups allow for quick decisions and pivots, while corporations move more like a large ship, powerful but slower to turn.
Throughout your career, what are a few ethics and principles you follow on a daily basis, and what has been your success mantra so far?
There are two key principles I adhere to. First, you must work hard, and it’s important to surround yourself with people who are deeply passionate about the subject rather than those focused solely on success.
Passion drives excellence, and while success may take time, it ultimately follows. In leadership, especially when building something new, I always choose people who are creative and passionate. I believe in mentoring and guiding them, listening to their ideas, and growing together.
The second principle is running a democratic organization. Just because you lead a team doesn’t mean they only listen to you. In my experience, the best ideas come from collective intelligence, where everyone’s contribution matters. The team debates, argues, and challenges each other, which leads to better solutions. My role is to foster an environment where all voices are heard and ideas are synthesized into the best possible outcomes.
Leadership is about serving your team. If you support your people, help them grow, and empower them, everything else falls into place. When individuals do their best, the team succeeds.
How do you empower and support your team?
I see myself as both a leader and an educator. When someone encounters a challenge, I approach it as a learning opportunity, guiding them to find the solution rather than offering it outright. It helps them grow and builds confidence.
I also assign responsibilities that push their boundaries, while standing by to provide support. This helps develop their skills and encourages personal growth.
Another key practice is creating a cooperative environment. Team members share their strengths and mentor each other, ensuring everyone grows together instead of competing.
As a leader with expertise in advanced technologies, how do you integrate them into your work?
Technology is at the core of what we do. At Support Vectors, for instance, we’ve built an AI-powered platform for education. It identifies learners’ strengths and weaknesses in real time, focusing on deliberate practice to help them improve quickly.
This personalized learning approach uses AI to pinpoint areas for growth, making the process more efficient and impactful. It’s a great example of how advanced technology can drive both individual and organizational empowerment.
What future plans do you have for yourself and your company?
Honestly, I’m living the life I’ve always wanted. It’s thrilling to be part of such transformative times in AI, working on projects that have a real, tangible impact. Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in building products and platforms, and the satisfaction of seeing them come to life is something I truly value as a technologist.
But beyond that, I’m increasingly focused on building people. Teaching has become a rewarding aspect of my journey. Engineers join for various reasons. Some are pivoting from software engineering to AI, seeking opportunities in a booming field while traditional software roles slow down, while others may have faced job losses or simply have a passion for AI.
Whatever their reasons may be, guiding these individuals and watching them grow, whether they become AI engineers, researchers, or even founders of their own startups is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing their transformation, confidence, and growth is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
As for the future, the plan is to keep improving our learning platform, making it more effective. Once it’s stabilized, we aim to expand its reach. We’re not focused on traditional measures of success, like building a billion-dollar company. Instead, our goal is to do meaningful, impactful work that truly changes lives.
How do you empower and support your team?
I see myself as both a leader and an educator. When someone encounters a challenge, I approach it as a learning opportunity, guiding them to find the solution rather than offering it outright. It helps them grow and builds confidence.
I also assign responsibilities that push their boundaries, while standing by to provide support. This helps develop their skills and encourages personal growth.
Another key practice is creating a cooperative environment. Team members share their strengths and mentor each other, ensuring everyone grows together instead of competing.
As a leader with expertise in advanced technologies, how do you integrate them into your work?
Technology is at the core of what we do. At Support Vectors, for instance, we’ve built an AI-powered platform for education. It identifies learners’ strengths and weaknesses in real time, focusing on deliberate practice to help them improve quickly.
This personalized learning approach uses AI to pinpoint areas for growth, making the process more efficient and impactful. It’s a great example of how advanced technology can drive both individual and organizational empowerment.
What future plans do you have for yourself and your company?
Honestly, I’m living the life I’ve always wanted. It’s thrilling to be part of such transformative times in AI, working on projects that have a real, tangible impact. Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in building products and platforms, and the satisfaction of seeing them come to life is something I truly value as a technologist.
But beyond that, I’m increasingly focused on building people. Teaching has become a rewarding aspect of my journey. Engineers join for various reasons. Some are pivoting from software engineering to AI, seeking opportunities in a booming field while traditional software roles slow down, while others may have faced job losses or simply have a passion for AI.
Whatever their reasons may be, guiding these individuals and watching them grow, whether they become AI engineers, researchers, or even founders of their own startups is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing their transformation, confidence, and growth is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
As for the future, the plan is to keep improving our learning platform, making it more effective. Once it’s stabilized, we aim to expand its reach. We’re not focused on traditional measures of success, like building a billion-dollar company. Instead, our goal is to do meaningful, impactful work that truly changes lives.