Today we’d like to introduce you to Venkatesan Pillai.
Hi Venkatesan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rooted in technology and education, my journey has evolved into building purpose-driven initiatives that create real-world impact. From Run2Feed (turning miles into meals) and NAPTA (preserving spiritual and cultural heritage) to HANDS (autism support), CyberWarriors (student cybersecurity empowerment), and Play4Cause (youth through sports), I focus on blending innovation, entrepreneurship, and social good to make a meaningful difference globally.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. Building social initiatives and entrepreneurship simultaneously comes with challenges like limited resources, raising awareness, and navigating cultural barriers. There were moments of doubt, especially when starting programs like Run2Feed or HANDS, but persistence, community support, and a clear mission helped turn obstacles into learning experiences and meaningful impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Way11 Cybersecurity?
Iam the Founder and CISO of Way11 Cybersecurity and co-founder of Essway Industrial Cybersecurity. We specialize in OT and industrial cybersecurity, offering managed security services, cybersecurity consulting, and innovative products for global clients across manufacturing, critical infrastructure, and enterprise sectors.
What sets us apart is our deep industry expertise combined with a vendor-agnostic approach, delivering tailored, practical solutions that address real-world security challenges. We’re proud to have worked with major clients like Honeywell, Emerson, Schneider Electric, ABB, Yokogawa, Siemens, and Cognizant, and to have built a team of over 120 professionals across multiple countries.
At the core, our brand is about trust, innovation, and resilience—we help organizations protect critical systems, ensure business continuity, and navigate complex cybersecurity landscapes. Beyond business, I am equally proud of our social impact initiatives, showing that technology and philanthropy can go hand in hand.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people who know me through my professional career are aware of my cybersecurity expertise, but they don’t know much about my social and community initiatives. Friends, family, and community members who know me personally recognize my work in volunteering and social service. Many are often surprised to learn how deeply I am involved in cultural and spiritual preservation, particularly through NAPTA and our World Peace Day initiatives. Beyond technology and business, Iam passionate about teaching kids, mentoring students, and creating programs that unite communities globally, showing that true impact extends beyond professional achievements.
