When it comes to building AI and data platforms that operate at genuine global scale, few voices carry more weight than Manoj Yerrasani. As Vice President of Global Platform Engineering, Data & Personalization at NBCUniversal, Manoj leads the large-scale machine learning and personalisation systems that power streaming experiences for audiences worldwide - and previously drove Search and Personalisation engineering at Warner Bros. Discovery during the high-stakes launch of HBO Max. A seasoned judge across some of the industry's most respected awards programmes, Manoj brings a sharp, practitioner's eye to evaluating what separates real technological advancement from the noise. We sat down with him - in partnership with the National Software Testing & QE Conference in Toronto, Canada - to explore what it takes to build award-worthy technology, why storytelling matters as much as engineering, and what judges are truly looking for when they open a submission.
How did you become aware of the digital transformation awards and what inspired you to be a judge?
Having previously served on the judging panels for several prestigious industry awards, I actively track platforms that celebrate true technological advancement. I was drawn to the Digital Transformation Awards because of its rigorous focus on the actual business impact of technology. As someone who leads hyperscale data and AI platforms, I am inspired to identify and elevate the engineering and product teams that are solving complex global challenges, driving organizational change, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.
What are judges really looking for in award submissions?
Judges are looking for work that is distinctive, well executed, and clearly impactful. It is not enough to simply implement standard tools or follow typical practices. The strongest entries show how a team solved an important business problem, navigated meaningful complexity, and delivered measurable outcomes that aligned with broader stakeholder goals.
What separates a good entry from a great one?
A good entry explains what technology was built. A great entry explains the organizational adoption, the change management required to implement it, and the measurable business impact it achieved. The best submissions provide hard metrics that prove the work sustainably moved the needle for the entire enterprise.
Why do industry awards like the Digital Transformation Awards still matter?
Independent recognition still matters because it helps distinguish work that is genuinely innovative, scalable, and impactful from work that is mostly marketing. Strong awards programs create a credible forum for peers to recognize teams that are truly moving the industry forward and sustaining successful digital transformations.
Is the judging process unbiased? How do you evaluate submissions?
Yes, it is highly rigorous. When I evaluate submissions, I approach them exactly as I would a high-level architectural and business review. I look past the jargon and assess the underlying engineering complexity alongside the business execution. I evaluate the technical constraints the team faced, their strategic build versus buy decisions, and whether the solution represents a true industry advancement.
What are the most common mistakes applicants make?
The most common mistake is focusing too much on the technology in a vacuum and not enough on the commercial outcomes or customer adoption. Another major pitfall is a lack of concrete data. Claiming a platform is highly scalable is helpful but telling me your architecture successfully absorbed massive concurrent viewership with zero downtime, while simultaneously driving revenue, is what proves your capability.
How important is storytelling in award submissions?
It is vital. Storytelling provides the necessary context. You have to guide the judge through the problem space. What was the critical business challenge? What was the organizational or technical wall you hit? How did your team creatively engineer a way through it? The narrative connects the raw code and architecture to the real-world value it generated.
Is using AI in submissions acceptable?
AI can help improve clarity, structure, and grammar, but it should not manufacture the substance of the entry. The core innovation, judgment, and execution still need to come from the team’s real work.
What practical tips help submissions stand out?
- Be precise with your metrics (e.g., latency reduced, revenue increased, adoption rates).
- Highlight the business transformation and stakeholder alignment, not just the code.
- Ensure the scale of your achievement is immediately clear.
- Keep the narrative focused on distinctive execution that had a sustainable effect on the business.