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On a recent episode of the Next Moves podcast, hosted by Joe Diubaldo, Founder & CEO of Clarity Recruitment, Cyriac Alappat shared the fascinating story of his career transformation—from public accounting to making a meaningful impact through venture capital. Their conversation revealed actionable insights for professionals and leaders navigating ever-evolving industries. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, Cyriac illustrated how calculated risks, resilience, and a global perspective can unlock extraordinary opportunities.
This episode is a treasure trove of strategies and inspiration for anyone striving to excel in finance, entrepreneurship, or mission-driven ventures.
Shaped by a Global Perspective
Cyriac’s early years were spent between Canada and Dubai, two worlds that gave him a front-row seat to the complexities of international markets. His exposure to regions like India and sub-Saharan Africa sparked an awareness of underserved markets and cultivated a global mindset—an outlook that would later guide his professional decisions.
Building Foundations in Public Accounting
Cyriac began his career as a CPA, following in his father’s footsteps and joining Ernst & Young. There, he mastered the art of due diligence and honed his ability to work alongside senior executives. Reflecting on this period, he shared:
“The key lesson I learned in auditing was how to conduct thorough due diligence—something that’s critical in my work today.”
Yet, despite these invaluable experiences, Cyriac knew auditing wasn’t his long-term calling.
A Leap into Technology and Business Development
Eager to embrace change, Cyriac transitioned to Clarity Recruitment, where he explored recruitment, business development, and the operationalization of Clarity’s LumaFi platform. This shift allowed him to deepen his understanding of leveraging technology for growth—a skill set that would prove transformative.
“At Clarity, I learned to grow networks and leverage technology—skills that have been pivotal in my career.”
However, he soon realized that a long-term career in auditing wasn’t for him. Drawn to technology, Cyriac joined Clarity Recruitment, where he transitioned into recruitment and business development, contributing to the operationalization of Clarity’s LumaFi platform. “At Clarity, I learned to grow networks and leverage technology—skills that have been pivotal in my career.”
The Accelerator That Almost Took Flight
With his entrepreneurial spirit ignited, Cyriac co-founded an accelerator with plans to launch a $10 million venture fund. While the venture was ambitious, securing funding proved to be a formidable challenge due to their limited track record.
“We went to the final stages of securing investment but were told we didn’t have the experience. It was a tough but formative moment.”
Rather than letting this setback define him, Cyriac pivoted, joining Grand Challenges Canada to further develop his expertise in impact investing.
Driving Change Through Cross-Border Impact Ventures
Today, Cyriac serves as a Principal at Cross-Border Impact Ventures, a $90 million fund focused on commercializing life-saving health innovations for underserved markets. His work involves evaluating investments, growing networks, and fostering transformative technologies that make a tangible difference.
Speaking about the fund’s mission, Cyriac explained:
“Our thesis measures impact through lives accessed, lives improved, and lives saved—a purpose-driven approach to venture capital.”
He also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, leveraging AI to assess technologies, and creating pathways for innovations to reach developing markets.
A Testament to Resilience and Vision
Cyriac Alappat’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks often pave the way for growth. By blending technical expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and a deep commitment to social impact, he has carved a unique path that inspires professionals to think beyond conventional boundaries.
Tune in to this compelling Next Moves Podcast episode to uncover strategies and insights that can help you thrive in your career and create meaningful change.
Key Takeaways for Businesses and Employees
- Adaptability is key: “Every role built a new skillset—due diligence, networking, or leveraging technology—that brought me here.”
- Forward momentum creates opportunities: “Even setbacks teach you something valuable if you keep moving forward.”
- Impact matters: “It’s not just about returns—it’s about making a difference in underserved markets.”
Clarity has worked with people like Cyriac Alappat and numerous C-level executives throughout their hiring and career journeys. If you’re trying to find the high-performing talent you need to build your finance and accounting teams, we’re ready to help!
