Behind every corporate logo are individuals shaping the future. While some names have defined the tech world, the true sources of inspiration often work behind the scenes.
Among them is Nithin Subramanya, a lead product manager for Workspace Safety at Google. With a unique mix of AI and machine learning expertise and strategic insight, Nithin is dedicated to creating a secure digital space for billions of users, from individuals to major corporations.
“Google Workspace products like Gmail, Drive, Meet, and Chat are used by billions—consumers, educational institutions, and businesses alike. A core part of my expertise is focused on preventing malicious content from spreading through our products, including sophisticated attacks consumers can easily fall for,” he explains.
Nithin’s journey to becoming a tech expert began in Bangalore, India, with a fascination for video games that grew into a career in technology. After studying information science and earning an MBA from Mays Business School, his early roles at Dell and Amazon involved managing multi-million-dollar budgets and optimization strategies across global markets. These experiences led him to his impactful role at Google, where he innovates in online safety.
Recognized as a Product Leader by Product School, Nithin shares his insights on AI’s evolving role in product management. He’s also an editor for the International Journal of Economics, Business, and Management Research, where he reviews and curates manuscripts to maintain high academic standards. In addition, Nithin has judged awards including CODIE, STRATUS, GLOBEE, and EDISON, evaluating excellence in software, cloud computing, business, and product innovation.
Nithin’s vision for a safer digital world is rooted in simplifying complex problems: “The main focus is users don’t have to worry about safety issues. They can enjoy all the good things that online and the digital world offers, without worrying about the negative stuff. That’s the impact I would love to have.”
By leading a team of engineers, analysts, and privacy experts, Nithin’s work significantly reduces spam, scams, phishing, and malware: “My goal is to build secure products by design,” he says.
Using his in-depth experience, Nithin instructs those who work with him to use advanced AI tools to detect harmful content on a massive scale, stopping significant volumes of malicious messages before they reach people. Filters detect and isolate links or invitations, ensuring users can rely on tools they love without fear.
The complexity of online safety continually challenges Nithin. Abusers are financially driven and constantly adapt, making the job a high-stakes battle. “The scale of online abuse is enormous,” he notes. “AI keeps us ahead, tackling threats seamlessly so users can carry on without disruption.”
His approach goes beyond spotting threats; it’s about understanding abusers’ tactics, enabling him to stay one step ahead. This dynamic adaptability has earned Nithin a reputation as a top expert in his field.
For Nithin, safety isn’t just about adding features—it’s a design philosophy. Imagine using an app without fear of threats or confusion in security settings. That’s the goal: “Safety is built into the foundation of each product, ensuring that security is always there, even if users don’t actively think about it.”
Nithin’s strategy for online safety includes adaptability, tailoring security settings to fit each user groups needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all model: “Risk isn’t the same for everyone,” he explains. This user-centric approach enables personalized and optimal protection based on user needs.
As he navigates the world of online safety, Nithin knows his work requires resilience and readiness: “Abusers are always evolving. They’re driven by profit, so they’re constantly finding new ways to slip past security,” he says.
To counter this, you need to move quickly, testing and adapting new security measures: “When you spot a new threat, you don’t wait. You safely test solutions in real-world settings to see what works,” he shares.
This “bias for action” drives Nithin and enables him to instruct those working for him to keep digital spaces safe while learning from each challenge.
Colleagues who’ve worked with Nithin highlight his strong analytical skills and collaborative spirit. Srishti Garg, who collaborated with him on the Google Voice team, recalls: “Nithin’s ability to analyze user data and identify fraud trends was evident when we worked together to address unpaid invoices. He effectively translated these insights into product strategies.”
She adds: “Nithin’s patience and dedication make him an excellent product manager. He’s collaborative, supportive, and always willing to share his knowledge.”
Jason James, a product manager working with Nithin to stop abuse in Google Workspace, appreciates Nithin’s reliability and strong communication skills: “Nithin does what he says he’s going to do and keeps you informed on where things are, what’s next, and the timeline.
“I recently saw him present to a room full of leaders who can scrutinize every detail, yet his presentation went incredibly smoothly.” He continues, “When we had an incident that required fast action, Nithin was a strong partner in analyzing the issue, getting to the root of it, and reporting it to all our stakeholders. He was fully involved.”
For Nithin, collaboration is essential in his strategy for user safety. Working alongside legal, privacy, and regulatory teams, he ensures that security solutions are effective and compliant: “Online safety is a shared responsibility,” he says. “It’s never just one team’s job. By working together, you can create scalable solutions that are effective and aligned with diverse needs.”
At the core of Nithin’s work is a set of values that guide his leadership approach. One of these is “customer obsession,” which means always prioritizing users’ needs. “Our top priority is to protect users without making their experience cumbersome,” he explains. Respect is another key value, creating a work environment that encourages constructive disagreements and values diverse perspectives. “Safety is a team effort, and different perspectives make solutions even better,” he says.
Continuous learning is also essential for Nithin. As threats constantly evolve, he emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and committed to growth: “Since abusers are constantly changing their tactics, we have to keep learning and adapting our methods,” he says.
This mindset fosters a culture of experimentation and agility within his team, keeping them ready to tackle new challenges in online safety.
Nithin’s professionalism, family values, and clear communication set him apart as a leader and mentor: “I’m definitely family-oriented. I have a two-year-old daughter, and I make sure to balance work with family,” he notes.
“I work to make progress and learn but also balance it with family life.” He values open feedback and clear communication, saying: “It’s okay to have disagreements as long as we’re clear about them.”
Beyond his direct work, Nithin is passionate about mentoring young professionals; at Product School, sharing his experiences and knowledge with those just beginning their careers.
He also serves as a judge for prestigious industry awards like the CODIE, Globee Cybersecurity, Stratus for Cloud Computing, and Edison Awards, helping to identify and honor emerging talent.
Looking to the future, Nithin envisions a digital landscape where online safety is seamlessly integrated. His goal is simple yet impactful: to create environments where users can engage freely without worrying about security: “If we can make safety a non-issue for users, then we’ve done our job well,” he shares.
By harnessing artificial intelligence, strategic planning, and user-focused design, he’s dedicated to making technology that works for everyone without compromising security.
With a reputation for tackling the complexities of online safety, Nithin hopes to be remembered as a leader who simplifies complex problems to improve users’ lives. “My goal is to simplify complex problems, making life easier for both my team and our users,” he says, showing his dedication to creating a secure digital world.
As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in online security, Nithin’s impact will resonate across the digital landscape, empowering users with a safer online experience.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of Nithin Subramanya and are not in any way reflective of or representative of the companies he has worked for or is currently working for.
