Smit Parikh

Data tells a story. And no one understands that better than Smit Parikh.

A Senior Consultant at Capgemini, Smit works on the go-to-market team for its cloud services division, pitching new business in the tech sector.

While data is certainly part of the work at Capgemini, his strong personal interest in data, analytics, and storytelling extends beyond work into personal life.

Drawn to the Story in Data

“I love collecting data on the most random things. I just enjoy seeing what stories we can uncover,” said Smit, who has built models on everything from personal budgets to daily food intake. “There’s a story in how each data point connects to one another. Building that story is what really enticed me to the MM-A program.”

His parents always encouraged him to ask questions and it’s an approach he has carried into his journey to Ivey’s one-year Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program.

Although Smit initially gravitated to medicine, he soon discovered a keen interest in business and consulting during his undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo. Working alongside highly technical colleagues soon deepened his curiosity about data and analytics, which led him to Ivey’s program.

“The MM-A program is the perfect bridge between leadership and hands-on analytics tools and processes,” said Smit. “The case method exposes me to the different scenarios companies encounter in the real world – the challenges they face, how they overcame them, and what I would do in those situations. That really stimulates the way I learn.”

Smit has also been energized by the Ivey classroom, both in-person and online, with exposure to diverse classmates, industries, and perspectives. Faculty emphasize deep understanding over rote learning, helping him transition from a task-focused contributor to a more strategic, forward-looking leader.

Learning to Think Like a Leader

That shift has also shaped how he approaches emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning.

“The key is remembering that AI doesn’t replace critical thinking,” said Smit, who now better understands the role of a leader in questioning AI outputs, evaluating relevance and accuracy, and applying human judgment to the results.

Working with classmates from various industries has also expanded his thinking and exposed him to new approaches.

“My thinking has really changed,” he said. “I ask more questions instead of accepting facts at face value. In an environment like MM-A, where your professors challenge every assumption, you’re pushed to think more deeply about every response you give.”

Despite a demanding schedule, Smit makes time for his interests, including cricket, soccer, especially Chelsea FC, gaming, and cooking. He also prioritizes time with family to stay balanced.

As Smit continues his story, he will continue to ask questions, connect the dots, and uncover the story beneath the numbers.

Because for him, the future is a story waiting to be told.