Faculty Feature: Avinash Patil

Avinash Patil, a part-time faculty member at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS), brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom. With a career spanning leadership roles at industry giants like Hewlett Packard, Cisco, VMware, and Oracle, he has managed complex global PMOs and programs across 25 countries. Before diving into project and program management, Avinash trained as a space scientist specializing in designing geosynchronous communication satellites. His diverse journey—from working on cutting-edge innovation projects to leading global transformations—has given him a unique ability to deliver outstanding results, no matter the organizational, geographical, or cultural challenges. 

At Northeastern, Avinash’s role is as dynamic as his background. He teaches courses in project, program, global management, and Agile methodologies. He shares that what makes his role interesting is bringing real-world complexity into the classroom while empowering students to think holistically about what makes a great project manager. The biggest challenge, he says, is ensuring that he inspires each student to discover their potential. 

When asked what drew him to Northeastern, Avinash points to the extensive catalog of courses offered in the MS in Project Management program. The university’s commitment to blending academic rigor with industry relevance resonated deeply with him. 

Avinash’s teaching style is informed by decades of experience. By integrating case studies, real-world examples, and lessons learned, he equips students with practical knowledge that bridges the gap between theory and industry demands. Beyond technical skills, he emphasizes soft skills like teamwork, presentation abilities, and meeting facilitation. Avinash incorporates rigorous assignments and group work to build essential skills for project management. Success in project management, he notes, is as much about communication and collaboration as it is about technical expertise. 

From developing the first tablet to leading Appstore innovations, Avinash has spearheaded groundbreaking projects across various domains, including cybersecurity, cloud technologies, SaaS platforms, system software, operating systems, virtualization, and mobile technologies. Among his most notable accomplishments is leading one of the world’s most complex business transformation programs, as well as creating a SaaS platform and managing a subscription business in Australia and New Zealand. Renowned for his ability to transcend organizational, geographical, and cultural boundaries, Avinash effectively collaborates with individuals at all levels—from entry-level employees to C-suite executives—driving innovation, product development, and successful turnarounds. 

Avinash has presented at over 20 international conferences, including PMI Global Congresses, PMI New York, and the NAAAP Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. These opportunities reflect his standing as a thought leader in project management and innovation. 

A researcher at heart, Avinash is currently exploring the profound impact of AI on society, business, and the workforce. His other areas of interest include global management and the future of work. The rapid pace of change in the world, he shares, inspires him to keep learning. It’s essential to stay curious. 

When he’s not in the classroom or conducting research, he enjoys reading, taking long walks with his wife, and visiting places of natural beauty. He also appreciates the small things in life. Another passion of his is reading about history and visiting historical sites, particularly those related to the American Revolution and the California Gold Rush. He has explored many historical sites around Boston and New England related to the American Revolution, as well as numerous Gold Rush sites in California. He recently visited Virginia City, Nevada, where his favorite author, Mark Twain, began his career. 

Avinash’s literary influences are as diverse as his career. His first mentor had a profound influence on his career trajectory, teaching him lessons that remain with him to this day. He admires authors like Henry David Thoreau and Mark Twain. One of his favorite books is Grant by Ron Chernow, a biography of Ulysses S. Grant. Avinash draws inspiration from Grant’s resilience, perseverance through spectacular failures, and deep love for his wife—a devotion exemplified in his actions even on his deathbed. 

He also finds inspiration in the poet Robert Frost, particularly The Road Not Taken. The lines, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference,” reminds him of the importance of making choices that align with one’s values, even when unconventional. 

In today’s VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—Avinash offers this advice: adapt quickly, maintain a growth mindset, and cherish the lessons learned along the journey. It’s important to focus not just on the destination, but on the journey itself. Life’s true enrichment comes from the lessons we learn along our journey. With focus and persistent effort, we can learn anything. Ultimately, what we do with what we have will determine our success. Keep a positive attitude when going through difficult circumstances. Also remember “There is always light at the end of the tunnel”. 

Avinash Patil’s journey exemplifies the blend of academic excellence and industry expertise that makes Northeastern’s faculty truly exceptional. His passion for innovation, education, and lifelong learning continues to inspire students and peers alike. Stay curious, take the road less traveled, and embrace the lessons along the way—Avinash’s story is a testament to the transformative power of growth, perseverance, and an open mind.