By: Alex E. Blevins
In the fast-evolving world of business intelligence, Darren Goonawardana stands out. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Collectiv, Goonawardana has positioned himself at the forefront of Microsoft consulting, AI-driven business solutions, and data architecture transformation. His company, Collectiv, has gained recognition with a 2x Inc. 5000 ranking, becoming a trusted partner for organizations aiming to streamline their analytics, modernize planning, and explore artificial intelligence for strategic growth.
But who is the man behind this influential consultancy? And what shapes his passion for human-centered AI and executive automation? Let’s explore his journey.
A Global Entrepreneurial Spirit
Goonawardana’s career has been far from conventional. Having founded and led companies across four continents, he brings a global perspective to business strategy, data intelligence, and digital transformation. His entrepreneurial journey spans various industries, but one core principle remains consistent: leveraging technology to simplify complexity.
With an extensive background in business intelligence and enterprise performance management, he has held leadership roles at Infor, Acterys, and Systems Union, gaining firsthand experience in how companies often encounter data inefficiencies and fragmented analytics. Recognizing these challenges, he sought to build a consultancy that empowers businesses to harness the full potential of data and AI—thus, Collectiv was born.
Beyond his business ventures, Goonawardana has an adventurous spirit. His experiences include navigating international business challenges, working across multiple industries, and even facing personal trials such as being briefly detained in Africa. These unique experiences have shaped his leadership style, allowing him to bring a practical, real-world perspective to data strategy and AI-driven transformation.
Building A Power BI Consulting Firm
Under his leadership, Collectiv has become the highly-rated Power BI consulting firm on G2, a go-to partner for companies seeking expertise in Microsoft’s data stack. Collectiv’s service offerings include:
- Data Strategy & Infrastructure
- Enterprise Analytics & Reporting
- AI-Driven Planning & Forecasting
- Consulting, Implementation, Training & Support
- Microsoft Power BI, Fabric & Azure Integration
By focusing on tailored business intelligence solutions, Goonawardana and his team have worked to transform how organizations collect, analyze, and act on data. Their approach is simple: empower executives with automation and AI so they can lead with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
What sets Collectiv apart is not just its technical expertise but its focus on ensuring business impact. The firm doesn’t just deploy technology—it aligns data strategies with organizational goals, ensuring every AI-driven insight supports smarter decision-making.
The “Cyborg CEO” Mindset
One of Goonawardana’s noteworthy ideas is the “Cyborg CEO” concept—an approach where executives use AI and automation to run businesses more efficiently, freeing them from micromanagement and operational burdens. His philosophy is clear: leaders should not feel confined by their businesses but instead use technology to create more freedom, balance, and impact.
He believes that AI is not a replacement for human intelligence but a tool that can complement leadership capabilities. By integrating AI into decision-making, leaders can focus on high-value strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in repetitive operational tasks.
“How we do things today is not how we will do them tomorrow,” he often reflects—a reflection of his forward-thinking approach to business leadership.
Beyond Business: A Life of Exploration and Storytelling
Beyond his professional achievements, Goonawardana is a storyteller. His experiences—ranging from being detained in Africa to building businesses in multiple countries—have fueled his passion for sharing insights on resilience, adaptability, and global business trends. He enjoys discussing industry disruption, AI’s impact on professional services, and the evolving role of consultants in the digital age.
His ultimate goal? Personal branding and thought leadership—not just within the data and AI space, but also as a speaker and advocate for work-life balance through automation.
With a growing social media presence and thought leadership initiatives, Goonawardana seeks to inspire leaders to rethink how they work, automate what they can, and embrace a smarter, AI-driven approach to leadership.
The Future of Collectiv and AI-Driven Business
As Collectiv continues to grow, Goonawardana remains focused on helping businesses automate decision-making, modernize analytics, and future-proof their operations. His vision for the consulting industry is bold and unconventional—he even suggests that traditional consulting may eventually be replaced by AI-powered advisory services.
With Collectiv’s expertise and a growing reputation as a leader in AI-driven business intelligence, Goonawardana is actively contributing to redefining how modern enterprises think about data, leadership, and automation.
To learn more about his journey and insights, you can connect with Darren Goonawardana on LinkedIn or explore Collectiv’s services at gocollectiv.com.
Published by Joseph T.
