Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Priyanshu Pattnaik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Priyanshu with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from my father. For over 10 years, he singlehandedly built a nonprofit organization that has touched the lives of thousands in rural communities. Watching him use his knowledge in management studies to selflessly help others taught me the value of dedication, resilience, and purpose-driven work. His journey is a constant reminder to me that meaningful change requires both hard work and a heart for service.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My journey into the world of technology began during my fifth or sixth grade, driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to create meaningful solutions. I’m a self-taught programmer who started by learning basic HTML and CSS through YouTube videos. From there, I ventured into web development using React and the MERN stack, followed by exploring cross-platform app development with Flutter.
In my eighth grade, my interest in technology grew deeper, and I started exploring fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. I honed my skills in Python and studied mathematical concepts through Khan Academy. With dedication, I completed free courses and eventually landed my first internship with a startup based in San Francisco—a milestone that validated my self-taught journey.
Early on, I realized I wanted to use my technological skills to create a positive impact. One of my initial projects was Hastalakshana, an Indian Sign Language detection app. This project was a significant milestone in my journey, earning me recognition as a RISE finalist. Out of a pool of forty thousand + applications, I was among the top five hundred selected by the Rhodes Trust.
Today, I serve as the CTO of Unmute, where we are building a groundbreaking mental health app. By leveraging AI, we’re creating an advanced AI therapist capable of analyzing emotions through text and physical data. It provides users with a comprehensive roadmap of their mental mood, aiming to revolutionize mental health care.
In addition to my technical work, I founded Humanitech, an organization dedicated to harnessing technology for social good. Humanitech has two core arms: Humanitech Labs, which offers tech-driven solutions for nonprofits and social organizations, and Humanitech Hubs, a nonprofit wing focused on education and empowering communities. Through our efforts, we aim to create scalable solutions using emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, while also fostering sustainability and collaboration. We focus on sustainability, capacity building, and leveraging emerging technologies to drive social impact.
Recently, I also started my Business initiative The Teenpreneur, an incubation center for teenagers. This program equips young entrepreneurs with the business acumen, communication skills, and strategic thinking needed to transform their ideas into impactful real-world products. Things that I lacked during my initial Entrepreneurial journey
My journey reflects a deep belief in the power of self-learning and the transformative potential of technology. Through Humanitech and Teenspreneur, my goal is to inspire and empower others to use innovation as a force for good, bridging the gap between technology and meaningful social impact.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Curiosity and a Growth Mindset
Curiosity has been the cornerstone of my journey. It’s the drive to constantly learn and explore that led me from basic programming to advanced fields like AI and ML. Embracing a growth mindset allowed me to view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than setbacks.
Advice: For those starting out, nurture your curiosity by asking questions, experimenting with ideas, and staying open to learning. Explore free resources like YouTube, Khan Academy, and open-source platforms to dive into new skills or knowledge areas.
Self-Motivation and Discipline
Being self-taught required a lot of self-motivation and discipline. Without formal guidance, I had to structure my learning, set achievable goals, and stay consistent in my efforts, even when things got tough.
Advice: Develop a daily habit of learning or practicing your craft. Break your goals into smaller, actionable steps and celebrate progress, no matter how small. Remember, consistency beats intensity in the long run.
Problem-Solving Mindset and Impact-Driven Vision
Early in my journey, I realized that technology is not just about building cool projects; it’s about solving real-world problems. This mindset helped me create projects like Hastalakshana and inspired me to use my skills for social good.
Advice: Focus on identifying real-world problems that resonate with you. Once you understand the problem, use your skills to design impactful solutions. Work on projects that align with your values and contribute to a larger cause, as it brings both fulfillment and purpose.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Two books that have profoundly shaped my journey are The Bible and Zero to One by Peter Thiel. The Bible has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional development, offering timeless wisdom that goes beyond spirituality. It has taught me resilience through verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), encouraging me to face challenges with faith and determination. Its lessons on servant leadership—leading with humility and uplifting others—have influenced my approach to creating impact, while its teachings on stewardship inspire me to use my skills and talents for the greater good. The Bible continually reminds me to align my work with a higher purpose.
On the other hand, Zero to One by Peter Thiel reshaped my understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship. The book’s core question, “What valuable company is nobody building?” challenged me to think beyond trends and explore untapped opportunities. It introduced me to the power of contrarian thinking, giving me the confidence to pursue bold, unconventional ideas, such as leveraging AI for mental health solutions. Thiel’s emphasis on creating a monopoly by offering something truly unique has driven me to focus on impactful, scalable solutions that stand out in their approach and delivery.
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