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
- 17:56Μικρές Στιγμές Απολαμβάνειν για πάντα | Anny Benetou | TEDxZakynthosΜέσα από τα όνειρα η Άννυ Μπενέτου μας έβαλε να μετρηθούμε με τις φοβίες, τις ανησυχίες, το επιθανάτιο άγχος μας. Τι σημαίνουν οι αποχαιρετισμοί; Αν το απολαμβάνειν είναι η ικανότητα του να χαίρεσαι τη ζωή έχουμε ευχάριστα συναισθήματα κάθε μέρα; Η Άννυ Μπενέτου μας έμαθε ότι το Απολαμβάνειν είναι η γιορτή κάθε στιγμής και μας ζήτησε να συνδεθούμε με το άπειρο μέσα από τις στιγμές που τις ζούμε σε όλη τους την ένταση. Anny Benetou was born and raised on Chios. She studied Law at the University of Athens and Psychology at the University of Crete. She holds a Master's degree and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Athens.As a researcher, she delves deeply into the concept of enjoying and how it relates to positive emotions, happiness, and overall well-being.Anny has extensive experience as an adult therapist, trainer, and speaker. She has collaborated with various institutions in Greece and abroad (Council of Europe, Open Popular University, Institute of Human Resource Management, European Network for Positive Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panteion University), delivering lectures and experiential seminars to students, professionals, and the general public. She is the President of the Hellenic Positive Psychology Society. 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
- 24:48Νους- Εκεί που το πεπερασμένο συναντά το Άπειρον | Konstantinos Charantiniotis | TEDxZakynthosΠώς αντιλαμβάνεται το Άπειρον ο πεπερασμένος νους; Ο Κωνσταντίνος Χαραντινιώτης μας περιπλάνησε από τον Πλάτωνα, τον Ηράκλειτο, την Advaita Vedanta έως τον μύθο του Ίκαρου και την Ταντρική Φιλοσοφία. Πώς το Άπειρον από θεωρία γίνεται εργαλείο μεταμόρφωσης; Ο Κωνσταντίνος Χαραντινιώτης με το μοναδικό του χάρισμα να ενώνει κόσμους και φιλοσοφίες μας είπε « είσαι ταυτόχρονα πεπερασμένος και άπειρος». Konstantinos Charantiniotis is a personal development advisor, author, and speaker specializing in mindset improvement and mindfulness. With over two decades of experience, he has helped thousands of people in Greece and internationally to develop mental resilience and implement strategies to achieve their goals in an ever-changing world.He is the creator of a unique method that combines traditional techniques with modern practices, such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Growth Mindset Coaching, tailored to each individual’s needs. As the author of the books “Mindset” and “Thoughts” (Pedio Editions), he offers practical tools for transforming one’s mindset and enhancing everyday life. He provides individual sessions, training, and seminars for personal and professional development. 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
- 18:47Ξετετραγώνισε τον κύκλο | Dr. Danae Deligeorges | TEDxZakynthosΗ Δανάη Δεληγέωργη μας προκάλεσε να σκεφτούμε αν η χαρισματικότητα χωράει σε κουτάκια. Με ένα ευφάνταστο και παραβολικό παραμύθι ταξιδέψαμε στην χώρα των κουτιών. Στο πράσινο της λογικής, στο κίτρινο της δημιουργίας, στο μπλε της καλοσύνης και στο κόκκινο των δυνατών. Αλήθεια εσύ σε ποιο κουτί θα έμπαινες; Μα ήταν κουτιά ασφάλειας ή φυλακές; Και αν τα κουτιά αναμειγνύονταν; Κι αν σκεφτόμασταν έξω από τα κουτιά; Κι αν αυτό είναι ελευθερία, ευφυΐα και εξέλιξη; Μια μαγική παραβολή με τον μοναδικό αφηγηματικό τρόπο που ενώνει την επιστημονική έρευνα με την κατανόηση. Danae Deligeorgi is a psycho-pedagogue, a Doctor at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and a graduate of the Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences (majoring in Psychology), holding a postgraduate diploma from Northeastern Illinois University (USA) in the education and socio-emotional needs of gifted and talented individuals. She is a certified group counselor for parents of gifted and talented children with the organization SENG (Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted). In 2008, she founded the Center for Intellectual Development F, where she continues as director and scientific lead. In 2020, she published her first book, “Giftedness: Notes I”.In 2023, she organized the first experiential global conference on giftedness, the “Gifted World Experience”, with a focus on international participation and promoting an inclusive approach. The GWE organization supports the rights of all neurodiverse individuals and minority groups. 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
- 21:57Live in Concert | For Future Band | TEDxFreiburgClimate change knows no borders and affects all cultures worldwide, a message the band conveys through their interpretations of diverse musical styles. Die For Future Band Freiburg ist eine Gruppe junger Musiker*innen, die eine bestimmte Leidenschaft teilen: das Erschaffen von Musik, die groovt und die gleichzeitig Menschen für die Themen und Ziele der For Future Bewegungen begeistert. Dafür spielt die Band bei Demonstration der For Future Bewegung auf den Straßen Freiburgs und Umgebung und unterstützt diese über den Weg der Musik und des Herzens.Das Thema Klimawandel kennt keine Ländergrenzen und betrifft alle Kulturen weltweit, was die Band durch ihre Interpretationen diverser Stile zum Ausdruck bringen will. Eine vielfältige, charmante Mischung aus Reggea, Funk und Swing kommt dabei raus! 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
- 17:34Soy un chico bueno | DAVID PAREJA | TEDxArxiducSoy un chico bueno. Actor y humorista: es un genio de lo absurdo, un creador que transforma lo cotidiano en comedia y que ha conquistado al público con su humor único e inconfundible. Con una trayectoria que abarca cine, televisión y redes sociales, David ha demostrado que el ingenio y la autenticidad son su mejor carta de presentación. Desde el cine hasta la viralidad en internet, su estilo irreverente nos invita a ver el mundo con una perspectiva diferente. Prepárate para una charla que, sin duda, te hará reír, reflexionar y descubrir el poder del humor. 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
- 15:17Hayatımı kalbimle yaşıyor, tutkularımla çiziyorum | İsmail Tuncer Değim | TEDxAtaturkUniversity“Küçükken oyunlarımda konuşmalar yapardım, büyüyünce akademisyen oldum.” İsmail Tuncer Değim, hayat yolculuğunda tutkuyla çalışmanın önemini kendi hikâyesi üzerinden anlatıyor. Yorulduğunda dinlenmek yerine başka bir işe koyulduğunu söylüyor. Ona göre, bir işi güzel yaparsanız mutlaka birini etkilersiniz.Bir iş ne kadar yürekle yapılırsa, hayat da o emeğe göre şekillenir. Ancak önemli bir denge vardır: “Çok çalışan kazanır ama dinlenmesini bilmeyen çalışmasını da bilmez.”Sevgi, başarıda temel taşlardan biridir. Bir şeyi severek yaptığınızda hayat mutlaka karşılığını verir. Yeterince istenen bir hedef, belki herkese değil ama mutlaka birilerine dokunur.Mesajı net: Bir şeyleri başarmak istiyorsanız önce sevin, sonra yürekle çalışın. Çünkü hayat, sevgiyle yapılan işin ödülünü er ya da geç verir. Prof. Dr. İsmail Tuncer Değim graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy in 1985, earned his MSc from Gazi University in 1988, and completed his PhD at Cardiff University, UK in 1996. He became a Professor at Gazi University in 2009 and served as Dean (2012–2016). Since 2016, he has been at Biruni University. He has over 55 national and international publications, book chapters, and has served on editorial and advisory boards of several scientific journals. He supervised 11 MSc/PhD theses and contributed to 16 TÜBİTAK/BAP projects. He holds patents on iontophoresis-based blood urea measurement, electrohemodialysis cartridges, and extended-release tablets. He received the Novartis publication award (2005) and Mustafa Nevzat Pharmacy Award (2012). His research focuses on controlled release systems, iontophoresis, dermal drug delivery, pharmaceutical formulations, nanotechnology, and aerospace pharmacy. 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