Questions and answers about Darren Goonawardana

Darren Goonawardana is a technology entrepreneur and keynote speaker known as The Cyborg CEO. He is the co-founder and CEO of Collectiv, a Chicago-based Microsoft data and AI consulting firm, and has spent more than 30 years building technology companies across four continents.

The Cyborg CEO is the personal brand of Darren Goonawardana, the co-founder and CEO of Collectiv. Under it he speaks and publishes on AI leadership: how executives can use data, automation, and artificial intelligence to make better decisions and build companies that scale without them.

Darren Goonawardana leads Collectiv, a Microsoft data and AI consultancy that helps organisations build modern data architectures, analytics, and connected planning, and turn AI pilots into production systems. As The Cyborg CEO he also speaks and advises executives on leading with AI.

Darren Goonawardana is known for human-centred AI leadership, the "Cyborg CEO" approach of using AI and automation to amplify executive judgment, and for building Collectiv into a recognised Microsoft data and AI consulting firm and a 2025 Inc. 5000 honouree.

Darren Goonawardana studied Electronic and Broadcast Engineering at the University of Brighton, then spent more than 30 years in business intelligence and enterprise software. He co-founded MIS in the UK and Asia-Pacific, founded the Systems Union business intelligence division for the Americas, and co-founded Collectiv in 2019.

Darren Goonawardana is based in Chicago, Illinois, and works globally. Over his career he has built and led technology companies across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Collectiv is a Chicago-based Microsoft data and AI consulting firm co-founded by Darren Goonawardana in 2019. It helps organisations with data architecture, analytics, enterprise planning, and AI across the Microsoft data platform, including Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Azure, and Databricks. It is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and a 2025 Inc. 5000 honouree.

Collectiv specialises in the Microsoft data platform: data strategy and architecture, Power BI and Microsoft Fabric implementation, Databricks, enterprise planning (xP&A), and putting AI into production. It was an early Power BI adopter and is a Microsoft Solutions Partner.

Darren Goonawardana co-founded Collectiv (2019), HotFit.tv, and FizzyLime, founded the Systems Union business intelligence division for the Americas, and was a co-founder of MIS in both Asia-Pacific and the United Kingdom. The through-line is building technology and data businesses across four continents.

Darren Goonawardana speaks about AI leadership, data strategy, the Microsoft data platform (including Power BI and Microsoft Fabric), enterprise planning, and systems thinking: how leaders build companies that scale beyond them. He is a regular speaker at the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference.

Darren Goonawardana is available for keynotes, workshops, and panels at corporate events, leadership summits, and technology conferences worldwide. The best way to start is to get in touch via the contact page.

Through Collectiv, Darren Goonawardana works with data and AI leaders at organisations that want to get real value from the Microsoft data platform. As The Cyborg CEO he works with executives and leadership teams who want to lead with AI rather than against it.

For consulting, your organisation can engage Collectiv. For keynote speaking or executive advisory on AI leadership, the best way to start is a short conversation. See the contact page to get in touch.