Cyber Security

Quick 5 Interview: Sanjoy Sakar, SVP, Director - Application Development & Support at First Citizens Bank

Sanjoy Sarkar is the Senior Vice President and Director of Robotics & Digital Automation at First Citizens Bank, specializing in AI, automation, cloud computing, and digital transformation. A technology executive and digital transformation leader, he drives enterprise AI and automation strategies that improve efficiency, scalability, and business performance.

  1. What motivates you to attend Kodi Connect events?  

Kodi Connect brings together real leaders who are solving real problems. I attend because the discussions are grounded in practical experience, not theory. It is a place where I can exchange ideas openly with peers who understand the challenges of modern technology leadership.

  1. How do Kodi Connect events provide value for your time?  

The value comes from the quality of insights and the honest conversations. Every session gives me something I can apply immediately, whether it is a new approach to strategy, leadership, or cybersecurity. The interactions are meaningful and worth the time.

  1. What advice would you give emerging tech leaders today?

Lead with purpose, communicate clearly, and invest in your people. Technology changes fast, but strong leadership never goes out of style. Focus on building trust and creating an environment where teams can succeed.

  1.  What’s one area where the tech community needs to work together more effectively?

We need stronger collaboration on standards, especially in cybersecurity and data practices. Shared risks need shared solutions, and alignment benefits everyone.

  1. What does responsible innovation mean to you?

It means building solutions that create value without introducing unnecessary risk. Responsible innovation considers impact on people, operations, and long term stability.

Kodi Connect Key Takeaways: 
  • Peer-driven insights make IT leadership events more impactful: Kodi Connect stands out for bringing together IT executives and cybersecurity leaders to share real-world solutions, enabling practical, immediately applicable strategies for modern technology challenges.
  • Strong leadership is critical in fast-moving tech environments: Emerging tech leaders should prioritize clear communication, trust-building, and team development to succeed in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT strategy.
  • Collaboration and responsible innovation are key to future success: Greater alignment on cybersecurity standards and data practices, combined with responsible innovation, helps organizations reduce risk while driving sustainable growth and long-term business value.
Stay Connected with IT & Cybersecurity Leaders

Discover more insights from top IT executives, CISOs, and cybersecurity leaders, and explore upcoming executive networking events designed to drive meaningful connections and real-world solutions. Browse all upcoming events at https://www.kodiconnect.com/events to find opportunities near you.

Connect, Collaborate, and Lead:
Join us for an exclusive evening designed for Cybersecurity leaders, including CISOs, VPs, Directors, and senior-level executives from various industries. Hosted in an intimate, first-class setting, this event is crafted to help you build meaningful connections with your peers and explore innovative solutions to the challenges you face.At Kodi Connect, we believe that the best insights come from open conversations. Our format prioritizes genuine networking, peer-to-peer discussions, and solution-oriented roundtables, providing a unique space for collaborative dialogue.
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What to Expect:
Networking and Connections: Enjoy multiple opportunities to connect with senior Cybersecurity leaders in a relaxed, informal setting. These moments are designed to foster meaningful conversations and set the tone for deeper discussions throughout the event. Drinks and appetizers will be provided to create a welcoming atmosphere for introductions and exchanges.
Engaging Discussions & Meetings: Take part in multiple small-group discussions, each focused on a specific theme or industry challenge. These sessions are moderated to promote active participation and open dialogue, offering you the chance to both learn and share your own insights. The intimate format ensures that conversations can be tailored to your specific interests, maximizing the relevance and value of each discussion.
Continued Networking Opportunities: Throughout the event, there will be informal moments to reconnect with fellow attendees. These are ideal times to exchange contact details, revisit important discussions, or explore new connections in a more relaxed, open setting.
Private Dinner: A select group of senior executives will be invited to an exclusive dinner, offering a private, intimate environment to build deeper connections and explore collaboration opportunities. This dining experience provides a more personal space to continue conversations over a three-course meal.
Key Discussion Themes
Cybersecurity Strategies & Challenges
Cloud Security
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
Threat Detection & Response
Workforce Innovation & Leadership in Cybersecurity
We continuously adapt and update discussion topics based on our registered audience to ensure relevance and value. Final themes will be sent to registered guests prior to the event.
Why Attend:
Expand Your Network with Local Cybersecurity Leaders: Meet and connect with senior Cybersecurity executives from your area, building relationships that can provide long-term professional value.
Stay Ahead of Industry Trends: Learn about the latest industry developments, technologies, and strategies that are shaping the future of Cybersecurity leadership.
Learn from Peer Successes and Challenges: Benefit from the experiences of your peers by learning from both their successes and the challenges they’ve overcome, informing your own strategies.
Collaborate on Industry Initiatives: Take part in conversations that aim to drive progress in the Cybersecurity sector, contributing to shared solutions for common challenges.

Support Your Local Cybersecurity Community: Be part of Kodi Connect’s mission to bring the local Cybersecurity leadership community together, fostering collaboration and growth in your region.
Mentor and Be Mentored: Share your expertise while learning from others in a setting designed for mutual growth and support within the Cybersecurity community.
Discover Local Solutions: Engage with local vendors and solution providers who understand the unique needs and challenges of your region, and explore potential collaborations.
Leave with Fresh Perspectives: Gain new insights and potential solutions that can address your most pressing Cybersecurity challenges, bringing fresh ideas back to your organization.
Invite-Only Leadership Gatherings:
Our Cybersecurity Leadership Networking Evenings are exclusive, invite-only gatherings, curated specifically for senior executives. By carefully vetting our guest list, we aim to bring together leaders with similar roles, seniority, and industry backgrounds to foster relevant and impactful discussions. While we strive to create a balanced mix of peers, we also value diversity of experience and perspective.
Who We Invite:
No Sales or Consultancy Roles: We are unable to accept registrations from individuals in sales, business development, account management, or consultancy roles. Our focus is on creating a peer-driven environment for end-users.
Senior-Level Decision Makers: Our events are tailored for those currently holding Chief, VP, Director, or Senior positions. Attendees should have the appropriate background to contribute meaningfully to the discussion and share insights with their peers.
End-User Organizations Only: We invite executives from end-user companies, typically within the Fortune 1000, that do not provide solutions in the subject field. This helps ensure that the event remains focused on real-world challenges and solutions, rather than product promotion.
Industry Relevance: Attendees should work in industries that align with the event’s topics, ensuring that discussions are relevant to their specific business challenges and areas of expertise.

Active Participation: We encourage attendees who are willing to engage, share experiences, and participate fully in the roundtable discussions. Our format thrives on interaction, and active involvement ensures a rich and productive experience for all.
Space is Limited:
Due to the exclusive nature of the event, space is limited, and registration requires approval. We regret that we may need to decline those who do not meet the above criteria. However, we welcome you to apply for future events or explore other opportunities with us.
No Internal Approval Needed:
Ideas and insights shared at the event reflect your personal viewpoints, not your company’s stance. Therefore, internal approval is not required for participation.
Registration Information:
Attendance is by invitation only, and space is limited. To ensure your spot at this exclusive gathering of
Cybersecurity leaders, we encourage you to register early. Simply click the link at the top of the page to complete the registration form.
If you have any questions or need assistance at any stage of the process, our dedicated team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re committed to making your experience seamless from start to finish:

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