Gaurav Sharda is the Chief Technology Officer of Beacon Mobility. He is changing the way we think about transportation technology by putting people at the center of all his decisions. Specifically, he focused on the employee experience first and foremost and, even more importantly, customer experience. Consequently, he brought forth initiatives that focus on increasing operational efficiency and improving user experience. His leadership has been instrumental in tackling the tough challenges of the high-needs transportation sector, especially during a time of such quick change and need.
At the cutting edge of Sharda’s innovations is “Beacon Buddy,” an AI virtual assistant meant to make answering employee questions more efficient. With just two months since we released this tool, it’s already automated 60% of employee questions. In fact, the move has saved the company more than 2,000 hours annually! “Beacon Buddy” has already had an impressive effect. It has a phenomenal customer satisfaction score of 97.5%, demonstrating its candidates’ ability to significantly improve user experience.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Sharda’s commitment to innovation doesn’t end with “Beacon Buddy.” He has yet to work on directly, but he did successfully consolidate ten legacy HR technology systems into a singular platform, Workday. This combined approach has already led to more than $1 million in yearly savings for Beacon Mobility and counting. With more than 18,000 employees dependent upon these systems, improving workflow was a key area where greater efficiency was necessary to keep everybody productive.
Leading this effort on the HR side, Sharda successfully merged over 20 new acquisitions onto a single platform. This level of seamless integration not only makes day-to-day operations effortless, it encourages a culture of collaboration and understanding throughout the entire organization.
“Technology should make your job easier, not harder,” – Gaurav Sharda
His focus on communication with clarity and intention during this moment of acceleration has served employees well. It’s why they’re able to go through these new systems and processes so successfully. By making sure that all parties understand the goal and what’s required, Sharda has created an environment of teamwork and encouragement.
Improving Customer Experience
Beyond the internal redevelopment, Sharda’s leadership has made a significant difference in the customer journey. During this time, under his leadership, Beacon Mobility was able to accomplish a 40% improvement in average dispatch-driver response time. This major upgrade will help them operate and deliver faster, more reliable service, and improve the experience for millions of Americans who depend on today’s transportation network.
Sharda’s initiatives have addressed critical issues such as eliminating dead zones and channel congestion within the company’s operations. He has found ways to change routes and more quickly and effectively communicate with staff. So, he designed a better, more efficient transportation network that serves the needs of riders and residents alike.
“Technological progress should elevate human experiences rather than overshadow them,” – Gaurav Sharda
These achievements highlight Sharda’s vision for a transportation system that leverages technology to enhance human interactions, rather than complicating them.
Recognition and Future Endeavors
Sharda’s impressive accomplishments on behalf of the transportation industry have captured the attention of many. He received the prestigious 2025 Global Recognition Award for remarkable leadership, acknowledging his innovative strategies and their positive outcomes for Beacon Mobility. His ability to look through the lens of long-term, complex challenges and human priorities at the same time is a hallmark of his visionary approach.
On an unseasonably cold Boston morning, Sharda hitched a ride-along on one of the city’s new school bus routes. This experience realized his dedication to understanding the real-world effect of his high-tech innovations. By getting a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations, he is further able to iterate on solutions that will affect end-users in more impactful ways.
