Renowned Indian American tech innovator Javad K. Hassan unveiled his autobiography, The Art of The Possible: A Maverick’s Journey to Success, Innovation, and Fearless Leadership, at a special event in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Telecom pioneer Sam Pitroda, known for revolutionizing India’s telecommunications sector, introduced the book and praised Hassan’s extraordinary career and contributions.
Hassan’s memoir chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Kerala, India, to his rise as a global business leader. The book delves into his relentless drive for innovation and leadership, offering a unique perspective on his career, which spans several decades in top technology companies. Through the pages, Hassan shares his philosophy of success and his bold approach to leadership, making it a guide for aspiring leaders in the business world.
A former senior executive at IBM and former president of Global Interconnect Systems at AMP Inc. (now TE Connectivity), Hassan is currently the chairman of the NeST Group, based in McLean, VA. His career began when he came to the U.S. in 1966 to pursue a master’s degree in material engineering at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. After graduating, he started as a young engineer at IBM’s East Fishkill campus in New York.
Hassan’s career at IBM spanned 25 years, where he steadily rose through the ranks. He later joined AMP Inc. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where his unconventional strategies sparked innovations and played a key role in transforming the company through strategic mergers. Hassan eventually embarked on an entrepreneurial path, founding the NeST Group, a conglomerate based in Kerala, India, and acquiring more than a dozen companies in sectors such as fiber optics, software, healthcare IT, and digital media.
At the book launch, Pitroda reflected on Hassan’s life, comparing it to the broader narrative of India’s growth. “His story mirrors India’s journey — from humble beginnings, fighting through challenges, and ultimately making a global impact,” Pitroda remarked. “This book is not just about his personal journey, but about a generation of Indians who came here, contributed, and helped shape both the U.S. and India’s future.”
Born in Aluva, Kerala, in 1940, Hassan grew up as the eldest son of M.M. Khadijoo and Assanu Nagoor Rawther, a police officer. His grandfather, Mackar Pillay, was a prominent businessman in the Travancore-Cochin region and a member of the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha (Popular Assembly). Hassan earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, in 1962, before coming to the U.S.
In his autobiography, Hassan shares key lessons from his career, including his fearless approach to challenging industry norms and his commitment to building high-performance teams. He reflects on both successes and setbacks, offering readers a candid view of his career’s highs and lows. The book also explores his personal philosophy, revealing the mindset required to lead in high-stakes environments, combining strategic thinking with a deep personal ethos.
Hassan’s contributions to the tech industry have earned him numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The Art of The Possible, co-written by London-based Sanjeev Loomba, offers insights not only into Hassan’s professional achievements but also serves as a guide for future leaders looking to push boundaries and lead with integrity.
Hassan currently resides in McLean, VA, with his wife, Sabiha. He is also the subject of a documentary in the Desimax series The American Journey. He has two daughters: Hafiza Khan, a cardiac electrophysiologist in Texas, and Naureen Hassan, President of the Americas at UBS.
