By: Debra L. Bosworth

Darren Goonawardana didn’t follow the conventional road to success. He didn’t climb a traditional corporate ladder or stay boxed in a single industry. Instead, his path wove through four continents, multiple startups, intense failures, and unexpected adventures—including a stint in jail in Africa. Today, he leads Collectiv, a 2x Inc. 5000-listed firm and one of the top-rated Microsoft Data & AI consulting providers on G2.

This is the story of a nontraditional entrepreneur who turned global grit into data-driven growth, and in doing so, has helped reshape how modern business leaders think about automation, freedom, and success.

A Rebel with a Cause

While many tech CEOs pride themselves on clean, linear paths through high-tier MBAs and Silicon Valley startups, Darren Goonawardana forged his leadership style in the trenches of real-world business. From founding firms across Australia, the UK, Asia, and the U.S. to navigating hostile markets and chaotic startup scenes, his background has given him a distinctive edge—one that books alone often can’t teach—resilience and perspective.

His business acumen comes not from theory, but from living through unpredictable, high-stakes environments where agility often made the difference. Whether navigating regulatory pitfalls in emerging markets or working with underserved business sectors, Goonawardana’s career has consistently been about challenging norms and reconsidering what’s possible.

His view? Consulting should evolve or risk becoming obsolete. He believes that the traditional professional services model is increasingly in need of change and innovation. With Collectiv, he’s not just offering services—he’s contributing to a shift in how data and AI are delivered to mid-sized corporations aiming to modernize swiftly.

Data Strategy with a Human Touch

The secret to Collectiv’s approach lies not just in technical skill, but in a human-first philosophy toward artificial intelligence. Darren’s philosophy centers around the “Cyborg CEO” mindset, aiming to empower business leaders to improve operational efficiency without sacrificing well-being. Rather than overcomplicating things with jargon, Collectiv translates complex AI and data strategy into language accessible to everyday executives.

This is about practical impact—helping CEOs, CFOs, and VPs make better decisions, faster. Not surprisingly, Collectiv has become a preferred firm for organizations seeking to connect data with meaningful business outcomes, not just dashboards.

It’s also about fostering cultures of empowerment. Goonawardana’s teams prioritize training and upskilling internal stakeholders, so clients don’t become overly dependent on outside consultants. This is a consulting firm that actively works to reduce dependency, enabling leaders to run data operations independently and with growing confidence.

The focus isn’t just on automation for productivity, but automation for clarity and creativity. By freeing up executives from manual reporting, Collectiv allows more room for visionary thinking, strategic pivots, and personal growth—hallmarks of sustainable leadership.

A Founder Who Doesn’t Worship the Hustle

Unlike many tech entrepreneurs, Darren Goonawardana doesn’t glorify burnout. He’s open about wanting a business model that enables a fulfilling life, not just a productive one. “How we do things today is not how we will do them tomorrow,” he says, embodying his belief that automation should aim to liberate, not overwhelm.

His company’s mission mirrors this ethos: build smart systems so leaders can step back, breathe, think, and focus on what truly matters. It’s about reclaiming time through intelligent automation, and Collectiv is actively contributing to this shift.

This mindset also resonates with modern executives who are redefining what success looks like. Rather than being tethered to constant meetings and reports, Collectiv’s clients are empowered to lead with purpose, supported by real-time insights and predictive analytics.

In an age where “busy” has become a badge of honor, Goonawardana offers an alternative: a potentially smarter way to lead, grow, and live. He champions well-being alongside business excellence, illustrating that innovation can coexist with mental health and balance.

What’s Next?

With an eye on growth and a foot firmly in the Microsoft ecosystem, Collectiv is positioning itself as a key player in business intelligence for modern enterprises. And for Darren Goonawardana, the journey is far from over. His next mission? Expanding his influence as a thought leader and speaker, and turning his “lazy CEO” philosophy into a broader conversation.

This means not just promoting services, but sparking ongoing dialogue around the future of leadership, automation ethics, and how AI can humanize business rather than mechanize it. Goonawardana suggests professional services will soon look very different, shaped by AI-driven insights, agile thinking, and leadership that values lifestyle as much as growth.

If you’re weary of consulting buzzwords and searching for practical transformation, Collectiv and its founder might be well worth considering. And if you’re an executive seeking more clarity and less chaos, Goonawardana’s approach could offer a thoughtful blueprint for a better way to lead—potentially smarter, freer, and on your own terms.