People of Rekor | Vikash Srivastava, Sr Director of Data and Analytics

Name: Vikash Srivastava

Title & Department: Senior Director of Data and Analytics

Location: Columbia, MD

Years at Rekor: 2

How has your role at Rekor contributed to your professional growth and career development?

As a Senior Director of Data and Analytics, I have had the opportunity to lead a diverse team of talented data scientists and engineers. This role has honed my leadership skills, allowing me to manage complex projects, navigate challenges, and mentor emerging talent.

The dynamic and innovative environment at Rekor has allowed me to stay abreast of the latest advancements in data analytics, machine learning, and AI.

What opportunities for skill development have you had or observed within Rekor?

I have been exposed to the growing challenges and opportunities of a fast-paced small company and agile processes that we can leverage to mitigate and address those challenges. This experience provided me with a great perspective on cross-department cooperation.

I have also leveraged AWS certification to stay up-to-date with our main vendor's latest tools and technologies.

What retention strategies have you found effective or appreciated within your team, and how does the company ensure employee engagement and job satisfaction?

Effective retention strategies within my team include fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, providing continuous learning and development opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding achievements. Encouraging open communication and feedback ensures that team members feel valued and heard. Additionally, offering flexible work arrangements and promoting work-life balance have been appreciated by the team.

These strategies collectively create a positive and motivating work culture.

How does Rekor foster a collaborative and team-oriented culture, and what collaborative projects or cross-functional teams have you been a part of that have contributed to your professional development?

Rekor fosters a collaborative and team-oriented culture by encouraging open communication, promoting transparency, and providing regular opportunities for team-building activities. The company emphasizes the importance of cross-functional collaboration by creating project teams that include members from various departments, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise are brought together.

I have participated in several collaborative projects at Rekor that involve close cooperation with the product development, operations, and marketing teams. These projects enhanced my understanding of different business functions and improved my ability to communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders, significantly contributing to my professional development.

Regarding technology and innovation, how does Rekor stay at the forefront of industry advancements, and how are employees encouraged to contribute to technological advancements within their roles?

Rekor stays at the forefront of industry advancements by heavily investing in research and development and staying updated on the latest AI and data analytics trends.

Employees are encouraged to contribute to technological advancements through continuous learning opportunities, including training programs and industry conferences.

The company fosters innovation by hosting regular brainstorming sessions, hackathons, and innovation labs, where employees can experiment with new ideas. Additionally, a culture that recognizes and rewards creative problem-solving and proactive contributions motivates employees to drive technological progress.

What opportunities are available for leadership development to help employees progress into leadership roles within the organization?

Rekor offers several opportunities to help employees progress into leadership roles within the organization. These include development programs like mentorship and coaching from senior leaders and access to external leadership training courses and workshops. Employees are encouraged to undertake stretch assignments and cross-functional projects to develop their skills and gain broader organizational insights.

Regular performance reviews and individualized development plans help identify potential leaders and provide tailored support for their career growth.

Additionally, a culture of promoting from within ensures that employees have clear pathways to advance into leadership positions.