Episode 15

Binesh Kumar - Engineering Power Distribution | EP 15 | Pathfinders Podcast

Published on: 2nd February, 2025

Summary

In this episode of the Pathfinders podcast, host Vijayan Swaminathan interviews Binesh Kumar, a technical project lead at Atom Power. They discuss Binesh's journey from his early life in India to his passion for engineering and technology, particularly in the fields of IoT and embedded systems. Binesh shares insights on the impact of engineering on society, the importance of first principles thinking, and his experiences at Atom Power, where they are innovating in power distribution technology. The conversation also touches on grid safety, cybersecurity, and the global push for sustainability in energy. In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Binesh discuss the challenges and advancements in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the role of IEEE in fostering technological innovation, the complexities of the patent system, and the importance of mentorship in the startup community. They explore how consumer readiness, charging infrastructure, and battery technology impact EV adoption, while also highlighting IEEE's mission to support engineers and promote STEM education. The discussion further delves into the dual nature of patents as both protective measures for innovation and potential barriers to competition, concluding with reflections on the rewarding nature of mentoring and community support. In this conversation, Binesh and Vijayan explore the significance of authentic conversations, the quest for personal motivation through curiosity, the importance of perseverance and courage in achieving goals, and the challenges of balancing technology with meaningful human connections. They emphasize the need for deeper relationships in both personal and professional spheres, and reflect on the future of humanity in a rapidly changing technological landscape. In this conversation, Binesh and Vijayan explore various themes including servant leadership, the importance of changing perspectives through conversations, navigating pride and cultural differences, and the principle of disagreeing and committing in leadership. They discuss the value of diverse perspectives, the understanding of freedom across cultures, and the significance of celebrating achievements. The conversation concludes with insights on embracing failure as a learning tool and the importance of time as a resource.

Sound Bites

"Transforming power, energy, and beyond."

"Engineering is the closest thing to magic."

"We need to make electricity safer."

"First principles thinking is critical."

"Arc flash incidents are detrimental."

"Sustainability is a global push."

"Range is not the barrier anymore."

"There's a trade-off with patenting."

"Mentoring is extremely rewarding."

"We should all learn from each other."

"I want to talk to real people."