Simpplr Connect: New York

Bala Kasiviswanathan, a Mechanical Engineer, started his career at Microsoft. With an insatiable curiosity, he played a key role in building foundational projects in India. Inspired by the dynamic nature of product development, Bala embarked on journey across APAC, driving innovative initiatives along the way. He joined Apigee as a product leader, and his contributions were instrumental in the company’s growth, leading to a remarkable IPO and eventual acquisition by Google. At Google, Bala continued to make waves, spearheading the expansion of API management products and revolutionizing the Google Cloud landscape.

Next came the role of Chief Product Officer for project Tidal at X (formerly Google X), where he immersed himself in groundbreaking research. With a focus on advanced computer vision and AI, Bala tackled complex ocean problems, aiming to make a positive impact on humanity.

Currently, as Simmplr’s Chief Product and Customer Experience Officer, Bala brings his expertise to drive AI-based innovations across their product portfolio. With a genuine dedication to enhancing employee experiences, he aims to deliver outstanding solutions that empower organizations.

Outside of the ever-evolving world of software, you’ll find Bala exploring the wonders of nature through hiking and indulging in the delightful flavors of specialty local coffees.

Jordan is the Chief Insights Officer for Simpplr, the leading AI-powered modern intranet and employee experience platform. In his practice, he focuses on advising organizations on the effective and impactful use of data and analytics, including the drivers of positive employee experience, to develop strategies that predict outcomes and increase performance.

As the former Global Head of Employee Experience (EX) Transition Programs and Global Head of Employee Experience Solutions Strategy – Public Sector for Qualtrics, Jordan was responsible for all aspects of growth within his vertical including forming the EX Partner Ecosystem and growing partner sourced revenue by ~90% YOY for 3 consecutive years. He was instrumental in growing the overall EX business from $20M to over $250M in ARR and increasing client retention from 50% to 92% by leveraging data and analytics to understand and apply the drivers of market growth and customer impact.

Jordan has consulted for hundreds of rapid growth SaaS companies as well as several world class global organizations like Zimmer, Korn Ferry, Mercer, Baxter, AB-Inbev, GM, Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, The Federal Reserve System, Medtronic, Vanderbilt University Health System, NASA JPL, Fermi Lab, the Department of Defense, etc.

Jordan received a B.S. from Vanderbilt University, his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business and a Certificate in Data Science and Analytics from M.I.T.

Allegra Kipnis is the Senior Internal Communications Manager at Coursera, an innovative learning platform with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. A tenured Internal Communications professional, with a unique blend of experience running IC from under marketing, HR, and PR-Comms banners. At Coursera, Allegra is committed to ensuring access to information for the global team, fostering a sense of commonality and shared mission.

Throughout her career, Allegra has received notable recognition for her work. She holds an MBA in Marketing & Global Business from Rutgers Business School, and a SHRM-CP certification. This cross-functional mindset supports a strategic approach to Internal Communications that prioritizes leverage and impact. Prior to Coursera, Allegra led HR Internal Communications at Onna, TCS, and Panasonic. Beyond her work, Allegra is a proud twin mom and resides in New Jersey with her husband and three boys. In her free time, she enjoys baking, indulging in Star Wars novels, and talking to strangers.