Digital empathy via personal branding: Paradox of future tech sales | Rohan Marfatia | TEDxCSTU
In an era where both the technology you sell and the tools used to sell it are evolving at breakneck speed, what if the true competitive edge comes not from algorithms, but from authentic human connection? What if embracing empathy through personal branding is the paradox that propels tech sales into the future? In this eye-opening TEDx talk, Rohan Marfatia challenges conventional wisdom, sharing how principles like "ACT, FEARLESS, RISK, TRY, SOLVE, GOOD" have shaped his own brand and driven tangible results through sales success, specialization, competitive edge, and partnerships – ultimately leading to authenticity, value, and impact. Drawing from raw personal stories that transformed his life and career, Rohan reveals why it's less about what you're selling and more about who you are as a person, the value you bring to clients, partners and ecosystems, and how your unique brand becomes your superpower. He leaves audiences with a bold challenge: Reflect on your own stories, build your brand, explore your uniqueness, and use it to drive value and real impact – especially for sales professionals ready to make their mark. Rohan Marfatia is the CEO of DataCRaiM, Inc., a specialist in Data, AI & CRM driven business transformation for industries like equipment leasing, finance, MedTech, healthcare, and life sciences. DataCRaiM’s mission is to drive business transformation through intelligent integration of AI, data analytics and CRM solutions, delivering ‘Excellence with Intelligence’ for lasting partnerships. With over 20 years of experience in sales, strategic partnerships, and business growth, he has helped organizations transform customer experiences & achieve business outcomes through innovative tech integrations. A sought-after speaker and panelist, Rohan has appeared at events like Equipment Finance Connect, TEDxCSTU, TieCon and podcasts such as The Dig, Monitor, TomorrowZone Catalyst where he discusses emerging technologies, industry disruption, leading with purpose and how AI and visionary leadership drive community change. He holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Sardar Patel University and is an Emerging Technology Training Program alum of California Science and Technology University. A proud father of twins and devoted husband, Rohan is passionate about continuous learning, loves traveling, hosting events, and inspiring others to leverage their personal narratives for professional success. He is a frequent contributor to discussions on technology, business and leadership. Event: TEDxCSTU Date: May 18th, 2025 Location: California Science & Technology University (CSTU) Website: https://www.cstu.edu?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedx2025&utm_term=rohan_marfatia Speaker: Rohan Marfatia Learn more about the speaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohanmarfatia/ Speaker’s channel: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rohanmarfatia Podcast: https://datacraim.com/podcast/ Organizer: Leni Jin, Organizer of TEDxCSTU Behind the scenes of TEDxCSTU: Stories & notes: https://lenijin.com/tedx More about the organizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenijin/ Organizer's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Leni_Jin Please note: This talk was recorded at TEDxCSTU, an independently organized TEDx event hosted at California Science and Technology University under a license from TED. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent those of TEDxCSTU, the university, or TED. #TEDx #TEDxTalk #PersonalBranding #DigitalEmpathy #TechSales #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessTransformation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #AIForBusiness #TEDxCSTU2025 Rohan Marfatia has 20+ years of experience in sales, strategic partnerships, and business growth through innovative solutions. He has led digital transformation programs for global enterprises across Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Travel, Telecom, and Insurance. With a strong track record in both startups and large-scale organizations, Rohan connects technology to measurable business outcomes and builds sustainable partner ecosystems. He holds an MBA from Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, and a Bachelor's in Electronics & Communications Engineering from Sardar Patel University. At DataCRaiM, he focuses on integrating AI, data analytics, and CRM to deliver “Excellence with Intelligence” across industries. Outside of work, Rohan enjoys travel and sports, bringing a global mindset to solving business challenges. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 10:12Voici comment prendre la place que vous méritez | Louise Aubery | TEDxPanthéonSorbonneCredits: Sorbonne TV https://sorbonne.tv/ Louise Aubery est écrivaine, journaliste et entrepreneure. Que ce soit à travers ses réseaux sociaux, son podcast ou ses livres, elle s’est fixé une mission : aider son audience à prendre le pouvoir de sa vie. Elle est aujourd'hui suivie par plus d’un million de personnes sur ses différentes plateformes.Pour la suivre sur les réseaux sociaux : https://www.instagram.com/louiseaubery/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChG8nxeVTk6jQJyH-_TG7xwPour découvrir ses livres : https://www.fnac.com/a17080114/Louise-Aubery-Miroir-Miroir-dis-moi-ce-que-je-vaux-vraiment-edition-premium https://www.fnac.com/a19733738/Louise-Aubery-Jusqu-ici-tout-va-mal This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:43Et si le luxe disparaissait ? | Claire Gallon | TEDxPanthéonSorbonneEt si le luxe disparaissait? Dans ce TEDx, Claire Gallon invite à un exercice de pensée audacieux : imaginer un monde où le luxe aurait disparu. Un monde apparemment plus sobre, plus égalitaire, moins superficiel.Mais à mesure que le scénario se déploie, un autre visage de cette disparition apparaît : perte de millions d’emplois, appauvrissement culturel, disparition de savoir-faire ancestraux. Derrière les paillettes, le luxe soutient aussi des industries, des régions, et un patrimoine immatériel irremplaçable.Claire ne cherche ni à idéaliser, ni à condamner le luxe. Elle en propose une lecture critique et lucide : le modèle du luxe tel qu’il fonctionne aujourd’hui est à bout de souffle. Trop industrialisé, il s’est détourné de l’idée du luxe. Trop déconnecté des réalités sociales, il est devenu le symptôme d’un monde qui va mal : inflation insupportable, impérialisme occidental, miroir de l’entrisme, marqueur des inégalités croissantes.Face à cette crise d'acceptabilité, elle propose une méthode : la positionnalité. Avec une conviction : il ne disparaitra pas s'il devient moteur de valeurs essentielles pour notre avenir. Et si le luxe pouvait nous aider à consommer moins mais mieux? A prendre le temps de faire les choses bien? A préserver l'humain à la machine? A développer notre empathie culturelle?Credits: Sorbonne TV https://sorbonne.tv/ Claire Gallon est Partner chez The Salmon Consulting et dirige la Practice luxe du groupe Havas. Ses analyses et prises de parole sont régulièrement publiées dans Business of Fashion, Le Monde, Les Échos, Madame Figaro, Stratégies Luxe ou encore CBNews. Elle est coautrice de l’ouvrage Génération Z & Luxe. Conférencière et enseignante en marketing à la Paris School of Luxury, elle siège au conseil d’administration de 17H10 Paris. Son expertise à la croisée du business, de la culture et de l’innovation en fait l’une des voix incontournables du luxe de demain. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:2000后女孩和她的一百位爷爷奶奶 | 代倩倩 | TEDxXuhui Youth代倩倩，一名“00后”社工，也是一百多位爷爷奶奶心中最亲的“孙女”。她以上海市奉贤区为老服务项目为起点，用七年时间走进无数独居、空巢老人的生活与内心，从语言不通的迷茫少女，成长为用技术守护记忆、传递关爱的践行者。她不仅分享了如何在与老人相处中找回自我价值、学会表达爱的动人历程，更带领团队开发数字化工具，用低代码与AI技术回应真实需求，让关怀“一键可达”。她的演讲，是一次关于爱、责任与创新的真诚告白，也是一份面向未来的倡议：邀请更多年轻人加入这场温暖而深刻的社会实践，用技术书写有温度的人文代码。 代倩倩，社区社工，陪伴百余位高龄老人。面对语言和学历障碍，她赢得了老人深厚信任。开发数字化健康数据共享系统，促进家庭与社区关怀。引领大学生结合技术与人文，推动“AI向善”，用科技守护记忆与爱。呼吁更多年轻人参与，共创有温度的未来。 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:28这是真的吗 | Ziyi Chen | TEDxShenShuiWan YouthWhat if everything you call “reality” is only a thought—never a fact? In this talk, a powerful question—“Is this true?”—becomes a tool to dissolve the invisible prisons of belief, culture, and tradition. We live surrounded not by facts, but by human definitions: love, success, failure, even identity itself. By recognizing their emptiness, we discover that nothing is fixed—and therefore everything is possible. True freedom is not found in changing others or reshaping the world, but in turning inward, breaking the chains of inherited thinking, and reclaiming the wisdom to see clearly. This talk invites us to step beyond illusions, release unnecessary suffering, and embrace the infinite possibilities hidden within the simplest of questions. Dr. Chen Ziyi is a certified national psychological counselor, a coach at Handezhixin China, and an expert at the Beijing Top Wisdom Scientific Education Research Institute. She believes that a happy life, effective work, and efficient learning follow an underlying logic and method. Dr. Chen is passionate about sharing these insights and practical experiences with others. She has delivered nearly a thousand courses across the country and conducted workshops in government agencies, schools, communities, and enterprises, as well as over a thousand public charity salons, earning widespread recognition and praise. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:00Forgetting the essence of connection | Ishita Madasu | TEDxThe Gaudium SchoolIn a world full of digital noise, Ishita explores how connection isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence, empathy, and the quiet ways we show up for each other. Her talk is a reminder that even on our “yucky” days, we are never truly alone. Meet Ishita Madasu, a dedicated CBSE grade 10 student with an avid interest in psychology and a naturally thoughtful and observant personality. Ishita is a curious and reflective soul who wonders why we’ve drifted so far from genuine connection. Down-to-earth, authentic, and unafraid to lead with confidence, she turns thought into meaningful change. When she’s not deep in thought, you’ll find her lost in a book or shooting hoops on the basketball court. Known for her open-mindedness and resilience, Ishita brings empathy and clarity to every conversation she’s a part of. Meet Ishita Madasu, a dedicated CBSE grade 10 student with an avid interest in psychology and a naturally thoughtful and observant personality. Ishita is a curious and reflective soul who wonders why we’ve drifted so far from genuine connection. Down-to-earth, authentic, and unafraid to lead with confidence, she turns thought into meaningful change. When she’s not deep in thought, you’ll find her lost in a book or shooting hoops on the basketball court. Known for her open-mindedness and resilience, Ishita brings empathy and clarity to every conversation she’s a part of. She’s passionate about creating spaces where authenticity thrives, which is why TEDx felt like a natural platform for her voice. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:08Teenage Revolution Challenging the System with Ideas, Not Anger | KRITIKA PARGAIEN | TEDxAVBIL YouthA teenage revolution isn’t about chaos. It’s about clarity. Because the system doesn’t change when you shout louder. It changes when your ideas are so clear and strong that silence has no choice but to listen.Real change happens when your voice makes the old ways impossible to ignore. Kritika Pargaien is a driven and dynamic Class 12 student at Aryaman Vikram Birla School. With a keen interest in literature and science, she pairs academic excellence with her love for dance, football, and public speaking. Always eager to learn, Kritika embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow and inspire those around her. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
