Meet Kunaal Khilnani | AI Product Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kunaal Khilnani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kunaal, how do you think about risk?
In my opinion, risk and success go hand-in-hand, a belief that has been shaped by both my personal journey and professional experiences. To me, taking risks involves making strategic decisions that push the boundaries of what’s comfortable, in pursuit of transformative achievements. This approach is deeply influenced by my early life experiences, where my family had to navigate through several financial challenges, teaching me the value of resilience and the importance of calculated risks.

The decision to quit my well-paying job at Amazon in India and relocate to the U.S. to pursue a master’s in Product Management at Carnegie Mellon University marked a pivotal moment of risk, set against a backdrop of financial constraints. This step, taken amidst the challenges faced by my family’s business, required unwavering resolve to advance my education and career. It entailed significant risks, involving not just the investment of our collective family savings but also the undertaking of a substantial student loan, dramatically heightening the stakes.

Opting for higher education in the U.S. was a calculated move, rooted in the conviction that enhancing my skills and knowledge was essential for unlocking new opportunities. This leap of faith, bolstered by meticulous saving and strategic planning, facilitated a transformative journey from my position at Amazon in India to becoming a Product Manager within the competitive tech ecosystem of the U.S.

Transitioning to a Product Manager at Microsoft, especially in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence, was another testament to the symbiotic relationship between risk and success. It required stepping beyond my comfort zone, venturing into a domain where innovation is relentless. Yet, it is this very risk that has allowed me to lead the development of next-gen AI feedback systems, making a tangible impact on how products evolve in response to customer needs.

Moreover, my foray into mentorship, particularly my collaboration with Criya, also represented a personal challenge and risk, stemming from my introverted nature. Venturing into mentorship meant stepping out of my comfort zone, engaging in regular, in-depth interactions, and putting myself in a position of visibility and leadership—a daunting prospect for someone who naturally gravitates towards solitude. Despite these personal hurdles, my drive to give back and make a difference propelled me forward. The success of this initiative, evident in the positive transformations of those I’ve mentored, not only reaffirmed my belief in the value of taking calculated risks but also in the personal growth that comes from pushing beyond one’s inherent tendencies. This experience has been a testament to the idea that meaningful contributions and personal fulfillment often lie on the other side of our comfort zones.

Thus, my journey from Chennai to Atlanta is a testament to the power of embracing risks, grounded in the lessons of my past and a vision for the future. It’s a philosophy that continues to guide me as I navigate the challenges and opportunities of the tech industry, always with an eye towards making impactful contributions and driving positive change. As I look forward, my next venture into the unknown involves launching my own startup, a step that embodies the culmination of my experiences and the essence of calculated risk-taking that has defined my path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up, the path to my future career was anything but clear. Without the guidance from educated parents or the financial means to explore the burgeoning world of technology, I often found myself enviously observing from the sidelines. It wasn’t until my best friend introduced me to a PC in my early teens that I discovered the world of programming. This newfound passion was a beacon, guiding me toward a field I had never envisioned for myself: technology. My early experiments, like creating simple programs such as playing chess or a basic bookkeeping program for my dad’s business in my school’s computer lab made me realize the potential to solve problems through technology, and I decided to pursue my career in computer science.

Fast forward to a few years to 2014, after completing my undergraduate degree in computer science, I began my career at Amazon as an Analyst, quickly rising through the ranks to become a Program Manager. Over my 5-year tenure, I had the privilege of being a part of a team that spearheaded the expansion and diversification of the company’s product catalog. My experience at Deloitte further honed my product management skills, where I was part of a team that ideated and launched a product that protects automobile manufacturers from cyber-attacks.
In 2021, after a year at Deloitte, I started my master’s degree in Product Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. This rigorous program equipped me with the tools, methodologies, and frameworks for product development. During this time, I also interned at Proofpoint, conceptualizing, and designing a new AI-based email threat response product that protects companies from cyber-attacks, further honing my skills.

Currently, I work as a Product Manager at Microsoft. Here, I lead the design and development of next-gen Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered feedback systems, ensuring we are not just creating products but refining and evolving them based on genuine customer feedback and love. This role has given me the opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and user experience, ensuring that our products resonate deeply with our audience.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. I had to navigate through a series of formidable challenges that shaped my professional path. Financial constraints limited my access to educational opportunities and essential resources, and the absence of early mentorship left me charting my own path in the tech world until I found guidance later in my career. Additionally, the cultural transition I encountered upon moving to the U.S. demanded swift adaptability, challenging me to assimilate into new social and professional environments. Compounding these, the relentless pace of technological advancements within the industry has perpetually tested my competence and resilience. Yet, in facing these hurdles, I cultivated a profound sense of resourcefulness, securing scholarships and winning competitions that not only funded my education but also exposed me to hands-on tech experience. The move to the U.S. broadened my worldview, instilling in me a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusion as cornerstones of innovation. Moreover, the fast-evolving tech landscape reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring I remained at the cutting edge of my field. Embracing risks and stepping into the unknown became instrumental in my development, not just as a product manager proficient in technology, but as a professional who deeply values the intersection of technology with human experience.

My career has been driven by a blend of technical expertise and empathy for user experiences, setting me apart in product management. At Microsoft, my work on implementing AI systems for survey data analysis has significantly enhanced our product feedback loop. Additionally, my role at Proofpoint in developing an AI-based email threat response product has protected companies from financial losses exceeding USD 200 Million annually, addressing a critical industry challenge. What excites me most now is the prospect of launching my own startup, an ambition inspired by my early exposure to entrepreneurship through my dad’s small business. This new venture, while uncertain, is a passionate pursuit to leverage technology for meaningful impact, grounded in the principles of risk-taking, human-centric design, and addressing real user needs.

As I reflect on my journey, one thing stands clear: the path to discovering what we are meant to do in life is rarely straightforward, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s the steps we take towards our goals, the resilience we build in the face of challenges, and the joy we find in the journey itself that truly matter. In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to take that first uncertain step towards their dreams, to embrace the journey with all its twists and turns, and to remember that it’s never too late to discover what you’re truly meant to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since making the move to Atlanta almost two years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to dive into what this vibrant city has to offer, especially around the Upper Westside where I’ve made my home. The Works and Krog Street Market have been culinary highlights, offering a taste of the world right here in the city. Cultivate Food and Coffee or Brash Coffee is where you’ll often find me starting my weekend with their amazing coffee.

Among my regular hunts for great eats are Aviva by Kameel, Delbar, Botiwalla, Wagaya, and Okiboru – each one offering something uniquely delicious. My penchant for desserts, especially ice cream, leads me on sweet escapades, with Jeni’s standing out as a favorite. It’s tough to choose just one flavor, but if pressed, the Brown Butter Almond Brittle would be my top pick for its rich, comforting taste.

When I’m not indulging in the city’s food scene, I’m probably out enjoying Atlanta’s green spaces. The Beltline, Piedmont Park, and Westside Park are my escapes to nature, perfect for those lazy weekend vibes.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey is a tapestry woven with the support, guidance, and encouragement of many, and I am deeply grateful for each thread. At the very heart of this tapestry are my family – my dad, mom, and brother. Their unwavering belief in my dreams, even when faced with significant sacrifices, has been the cornerstone of my resilience and success. Their love and faith have been my guiding light, shaping the person I am today.

The wisdom and mentorship of Lydia Krishna Telgarska, Sanah Abbas, Anirud Srinivasan, Swathi Singh, Manohar Madhira, and Manoj Rawat have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of the tech industry and beyond. Their invaluable insights and encouragement have propelled me to strive for excellence and growth in every endeavor.

Moreover, my journey has been immensely enriched by the camaraderie, support, and learnings from dear friends like Ravina Chopra, Emma Wang, Apeksha Sharma, Elva Fernandez Sanchez, Sheldon Rodrigues and Gang Ling. Their friendship, shared experiences, and the joy of celebrating each milestone together have added depth and color to my life’s journey.

Last but not least a huge shoutout to Mike Bhand and the Shoutout ATL team for this incredible opportunity!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kunaalkhilnani/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunaal-khilnani-bba9ab110/

Other: https://www.criya.site/kunaal