Roger Kurian doesn’t just understand the language of computers; he speaks the dialect of social change with equal fluency. With a storied 25-year career that cuts across the financial, oil and gas, healthcare, and utilities sectors, Kurian’s professional life reads like a who’s who of corporate giants—JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Citi Group, and Shell, to name a few. But beneath the sheen of his tech expertise lies a profound commitment to philanthropy, a chapter of his life that he authors with the same zeal he applies to his work.
“The IT industry has been rewarding, but making a tangible difference in people’s lives? That’s invaluable,” Kurian says, his words reflecting a deep-seated belief in technology’s potential to effectuate positive societal shifts.
His last project, a groundbreaking asset and resource management product used by 62% of North American utility companies, is a case in point. “It had a lot of artificial intelligence and robotics built into it,” Kurian notes, underscoring the advanced technological frameworks he has helped pioneer.
However, Kurian’s pivot to philanthropy was not spurred by success alone but by personal adversity. Amidst a battle with depression, his journey took an unexpected turn toward community service, a testament to his resilience and the restorative power of giving back. “Volunteering became my getaway, my therapy,” he reveals, demonstrating the catharsis found in selflessly serving others.
This ethos of service earned him the Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national recognition of his dedication to the Houston Food Bank during trying times. “I wasn’t doing it for an award,” he clarifies, painting a picture of humility at its finest.
His advice to those forging their path in the tech world is poignant and personal. “Take baby steps and learn your way very well,” he counsels, emphasizing the importance of mastering each rung on the career ladder before reaching for the top.
From a Vice President of Technology to a technology trainer during the pandemic, Kurian’s roles have been as varied as they are impressive. Yet, they all converge at a singular point—impact. Whether optimizing corporate efficiencies or packing meals for the less fortunate, his focus remains steadfast: to make a difference.
Roger Kurian’s journey is a compelling narrative of a tech maestro who conducts an orchestra of change. His story, punctuated by digital advancements and personal revelations, is a beacon for future leaders. It illustrates that the synthesis of technology and philanthropy isn’t just possible but necessary for the world today.
In the tapestry of Kurian’s life, threads of innovation intertwine with strands of compassion, crafting a fabric that drapes over the cold machinery of industry, warming it with the spirit of human kindness. This is the legacy of Roger Kurian—where technological leadership and social impact blend to create a more connected, compassionate world.
