The Best of America Small Business Awards has welcomed Sumit to the BASA independent Judging Panel. We interviewed Sumit to learn more about him and his passion for small businesses.

Sumit, can you describe your job in one line?

I digitally program complex activities by removing all the manual interventions to improve flow.

What do you love about small businesses?

Small businesses are tremendous, and we want to see them thriving. If they succeed, America succeeds, so it’s our job to support them.

From your first day at work to now, what are some of the biggest things you’ve learned?

You’ve got to build networks across the industry. That’s how you meet people who may have more experience than you and who can guide and impart their wisdom. Similarly, you could be a mentor for those just starting.

"Only businesses that are innovative and forward-looking will grow."

What makes a successful business in this industry?

Strive to be a visionary. You have to look to the future and make decisions accordingly. It allows you to strategize in the face of any eventuality and ultimately puts you ahead of the game. Look at companies like Apple and Tesla - they plan. Emulate their ethos of forward-thinking, and you will always succeed.

What does leadership mean to you?

A leader is a trendsetter for their team. As a leader, you will work with your team, mentor them and show them how to do things.

"To stay relevant in these changing times, be an expert, gain some expertise! You don’t want to develop a product that will be obsolete in a few years.”

What does creativity mean to you?

It means staying relevant. In my industry, it's about finding the best designs and employing modern technologies to iron out glitches and provide a simpler, optimized solution for everybody.

"You don’t want to develop something that’s going to be obsolete in a few years.”

The BASA awards are all about authentic, independent recognition. Why do you think that's important?

Winning an award is not only recognition but motivation to do better. At the same time, regardless of whether you win, you will receive honest feedback from impartial judges like me.

"You don’t want to develop something that’s going to be obsolete in a few years.”