Published Date: 24 June, 2024
Last updated on: 10 July, 2024
From the historic city of Agra, renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal, emerges Sunil Kumar, a seasoned leader with a career spanning over three decades. Sunil’s journey has taken him across continents and through diverse industries, with notable leadership roles in esteemed companies, including Deutsche Bank, Genpact, and General Electric.
In 2015, Sunil embarked on a new venture and joined the DataFlow Group, a global leader specializing in primary source verification (PSV), education, qualification comparability, and immigration compliance to support the talent acquisition, licensing, and global mobility of international professionals. Taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer, Sunil’s leadership has transformed DataFlow into a product-first, customer-centric technology organization. His unwavering focus has positioned DataFlow at the forefront of revolutionizing the verification industry, with a shared objective of accelerating the verification of employee credentials while creating an ecosystem to empower global mobility.
With a steadfast commitment to innovation, Sunil has spearheaded a transformation within the verification industry. Under his leadership, DataFlow is thriving, marking a new era of growth and success for the organization.
DataFlow Group: Transforming Verification With the Latest Technology
DataFlow distinguishes itself through its cutting-edge technology, which fuels innovation and modernizes verification methods. This approach guarantees the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and authenticity in the verifications conducted at unparalleled speed within the industry.
“The cornerstone of our services lies in primary source verification (PSV); a concept, process, and term pioneered by the DataFlow Group. Unlike conventional background screening, PSV directly engages with the source that issued professional documents, meticulously validating each data point for accuracy. This approach ensures authenticity, accuracy, and superior quality in verification, far surpassing other forms of background screening that often serve purely as a ‘check in the box’ during the hiring, professional licensing, and migration process.”
Sunil Kumar, CEO of the DataFlow Group
With a best-in-class verification success rate of 98%, DataFlow exemplifies excellence in ensuring the completion of verifications with unmatched effectiveness. “An exceptional facet of our operations involves proactively building direct relationships with over 160,000 schools and universities worldwide. These capabilities not only distinguish us but also strengthen the reliability and depth of our verification services,” he adds.
Exceptional execution is the hallmark of the DataFlow Group, positioning it as one of the most credible and trusted organizations in the industry. Beyond this, the company’s dedication to technological innovation serves as a key driver. The focus on innovation extends to creating value and enhancing experiences and outcomes for all stakeholders.
Navigating Challenges and Leading With Agility
Transitioning from a role in finance with thirty years of experience, including serving as a CFO, to a leadership role in an unfamiliar industry presented Sunil with a significant challenge. However, he tackled this head-on by spending time on the ground, being personally involved in the verification process, and engaging with customers and employees to gain a unique understanding of the core business and the challenges faced by stakeholders.
An additional challenge arises from the varied regulatory landscapes across different regions. The absence of global standardization necessitates the DataFlow Group’s adaptability and readiness to tailor their approach to each client’s specific requirements.
DataFlow has been pivotal in raising awareness about the need for verification and its positive impact on domestic workforces. This becomes particularly apparent during interactions with universities and schools, where initial reluctance to provide verifications stems from the perception that it diminishes the talent pool in specific regions. However, reality presents a comprehensive, mutually beneficial scenario. Individuals who relocate abroad gain international experience and new skills, thereby enhancing their professional development. Crucially, upon returning to their home country, they bring back enriched expertise and capabilities, fostering a holistic advantage for both themselves and their local communities.
Sunil Kumar says, “Throughout these challenges, agility and the industry’s needs have been my guiding principles. Remaining flexible has enabled me to establish connections with various stakeholders, comprehend the intricacies of the verification industry, envision the broader perspective, and adapt to evolving regulations. Embracing a hands-on approach has granted me valuable insights into the business, empowering me to effectively lead DataFlow and achieve our objective of enhancing global mobility while safeguarding the communities we serve.”
In India, DataFlow’s growth trajectory has been remarkable. In the last five years, the DataFlow Group doubled its staff across four offices, including establishing a dedicated technology and innovation center, and continues to collaborate with medical councils, enhancing India’s accessibility to healthcare talent. DataFlow is an advocate for the continued development of professionals and its TrueProfile.io product is a testament to their efforts, providing a career marketplace for development and educational opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals.
These achievements highlight DataFlow’s adeptness in overcoming challenges in critical sectors worldwide, including healthcare, education, and engineering.
Pioneering Innovation and Transformation in Verification Technology as featured in Forbes India – June 2024.
