From IT professional to Head of Global IT — FTFL winner Dev Chaudhari’s Firebrand journey

When Dev Chaudhari set out to expand his IT expertise, he wasn’t looking for just any training provider. He wanted something to match his ambitions, keep him ahead in a fast-evolving field, and deliver results. It’s exactly these questions that have led him to Firebrand, a choice that took him from IT trainer all the way to Global Head of IT at RapidCircle.

I sat down with Dev to hear about his journey, his motivations, and how Firebrand's unique accelerated approach changed his career. 

Why Firebrand?

Dev’s decision to choose Firebrand didn’t happen by accident. After working with RapidCircle for years and wanting to move into a more global role, he knew he needed to stay sharp and keep growing. "I wanted to expand my knowledge to stay up to date and progress in my position," he explains.

After exploring options, Firebrand stood out for its residential training model. "It's all about focus," Dev says. "You’re away from work, family, and daily distractions, fully immersed in the course. Plus, you walk away fully certified! It really is the complete package in terms of IT training."

Staying in the zone

Firebrands’ reputation as the fastest way to learn isn’t just talk. It's real, and Dev can vouch for it. Reflecting on the accelerated approach, he recalls how even breaks turned into learning moments, like having lunch with the instructor and classmates, and "the way the conversation naturally keeps going. You stay focused on the subject at hand." That steady focus helped him grasp concepts faster than he expected, turning a seemingly tough climb into a smooth ride.

"That intensity paid off—it enabled me to keep growing in my career without missing too much time at work. The courses really gave me the tools needed to step up and lead on a bigger scale!"

Overcoming challenges fast

For Dev, one big hurdle in professional growth is finding time and mental space to focus. Firebrand's fast-paced, distraction-free setup flipped that challenge around. "Being able to fully commit to the course without juggling work or home life was huge," he says. "It's not just about making time. It's about staying locked in."

That sharp focus helped him push through tough material and come out stronger.

Real-world impact

The skills Dev gained didn’t stay on the page—they reshaped how he works now.

"It's not only about the practical side -- for example, managing risks. I now see problems and risks from a managerial view too." That broader insight has been priceless. Whether he’s tackling Cyber Security challenges or steering RapidCircle's global IT strategy, the training has given him a sharper edge.

What's next for Dev?

Standing still isn’t an option in IT, and Dev knows it. The landscape is constantly changing. "Almost every second," he says. His plan?

"Keep improving, keep learning, and keep using my new skills to push projects forward." As Firebrands FTFL winner, he’s already set his sights on the next goal: CISSP certification. "It's one of the most in-depth courses for Cyber Security," he notes.

"There's high demand for it, it's very important, and it will be a key tool for me in my work."

The Firebrand difference

So, in short: what makes Firebrand stand out? For Dev, it's the people and the process. "Right from the start, the team is involved and wants to help however they can. They plan multiple conversations to ensure the course fits your needs and aligns with your goals, and that support keeps going during and even after the training." That hands-on, personal touch made Firebrand his top pick over other providers and is one of the reasons he kept coming back all those years.

Dev's story shows what happens when ambition meets the right opportunity. With Firebrand's innovative training as his launchpad, he’s not just keeping up with the IT world—he's leading it. And, with plans to tackle CISSP next, his journey is far from over!