Business Speakers in India

Aditya Ghosh, Co-founder of AkasaAir is a remarkable leader known for driving hyper-growth across various organizations. With experience in managing a workforce of over 25,000 employees, Aditya has a Midas touch in transforming people-driven organizations globally. Aditya serves on the Board of Directors of Fabindia - India’s largest retail platform; and OYO, one of the world’s leading hospitality chains, contributing his expertise to diverse sectors. Aditya started his career in 1996 as a corporate law executive, providing legal counsel to notable entities like InterGlobe, GSK Beecham, PepsiCo, and the World Bank. His leadership journey includes serving as the former President and Board Member of IndiGo, propelling the airline to success, and later transitioning to the unicorn OYO. A compelling speaker, Harvard Business school graduate Aditya shares insights and experiences from his leadership roles at various corporate events and conferences, captivating audiences with his blend of professional and personal skills.

The expert is a senior legal professional at Barclays, which is a British multinational investment bank and financial services company, headquartered in London. He is an NLP and CBT practitioner and a speaker, trainer, and coach. He has more than 18 years of experience in the industry and more than 12 years. experience in guiding people to change their life through fine-tuning their thought processes. He is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. He is skilled in Negotiation, Team Building, Management, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and Corporate Governance. He has a Master's Degree focused in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Indira Gandhi National Open University and is a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Bijou Kurien has more than three decades of experience in the Indian Consumer & Retail industry. After earning his spurs at Hindustan Unilever Ltd., he joined the founding team at Titan Industries, where he helped build powerful brands such as Titan, Fastrack, Sonata, and Tanishq, and create India's largest exclusive brand retail chains. In his stint with Reliance Retail, he was at the forefront of one of the most ambitious retail ventures ever which dramatically transformed the Indian retail landscape. Currently, he is an independent consultant and member of the Strategic Advisory Board of L Catterton Asia (a part of the LVMH Group), an independent director on several listed and unlisted companies, advises select consumer product companies and mentors a few start-ups. Bijou has been associated with the India Retail Forum & Retailers Association of India and has been a member of the World Retail Congress since its inception.

Shalaka is a passionate Global Technology Sales Leader, currently leading a team of Global Cloud Solution Architects to develop industry-aligned solutions on Microsoft Cloud. She drives innovation in client engagement, employee empowerment, operations optimization, and new business models. She also spearheads Azure Quantum adoption within Microsoft's partner ecosystem, fostering early use cases and PoCs.

Previously, she led next-gen technology sales strategy at IBM, securing landmark wins in AI, hybrid cloud, and data platforms. She was IBM's first Quantum Ambassador in the ISA region and holds three US patents in blockchain, storage virtualization, and big data.

A recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including a Gold Medal from India's Prime Minister (BARC 2006), Shalaka excels in building high-performance teams and executing transformative enterprise projects. With expertise in IT infrastructure, AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, she is a dynamic leader navigating the evolving technology landscape.

Kulmeet serves as the visionary force behind SAP's growth and innovation strategies tailored for the Indian Subcontinent, showcasing his exceptional leadership and unwavering customer-centric approach. His role is pivotal in driving remarkable transformations and delivering extraordinary SAP experiences to clients. In the context of digital transformation, Kulmeet stands as a versatile business and technology leader, leading organizations and teams on their journey towards digital reinvention. During his tenure as Managing Director at Adobe, he played a pivotal role in accelerating business growth across Enterprise, SMB, and Consumer sectors, expanding Adobe's digital footprint. Before Adobe, Kulmeet held influential positions at Microsoft Corporation and Sun Microsystems, amassing invaluable experience in the dynamic tech landscape.

Arvind Khinvesra, an ACC-certified Coach and Corporate Trainer, brings over 30 years of diverse industry experience to his work. His extensive credentials include certifications in NLP, Project Management, Hogan Assessment, SAP Manufacturing, and Agile Methodologies. Arvind is also an accomplished author, with the book "11 Secrets of Effective Speaking" to his name.

Arvind has coached and trained individuals and organizations globally, with clients ranging from TCS and Accenture to Adani and Sun Pharma. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, from Communication Skills and Intrinsic Development to Cutting-Edge Interventions.

Arvind holds a Master's in Management Studies and a Bachelor's in Instrumentation Engineering, allowing him to blend practical industry experience with training excellence. He adapts his presentations to suit any audience, from shop floor workers to CEOs, without compromising on quality.

Committed to lifelong learning, Arvind continues to expand his skills and knowledge, making him a trusted partner.

As a Senior Data Scientist, Dr. Sukhdeve brings 10 years of overall experience and 7 years specializing in data science and machine learning within the telecom industry. His proven track record includes business analysis, problem analysis, product/service conceptualization, technical solutioning, and end-to-end solution development. He is passionate about optimizing key business indicators and excel in enterprise data science and research ecosystem development.

Sneh, an Expert Motivator and Inspirational Coach for diverse demographics, embodies a quest for lifelong success, happiness, and personal growth. With 26 years of transformative experience, he reshapes belief systems and fosters positivity, reducing stress for individuals seeking triumph. His journey as a Living Legend resonates with incomparable knowledge and tangible results, impacting countless lives.

Initially resembling a young, curious MBA, Sneh's depth of understanding, modesty, and clarity unveil a genius in self-awareness and inner strength. His multifaceted nature defies molds, blending uniqueness into every facet.

Fueled by a childhood dream inspired by 'Anthony Robbins,' Sneh embarked on training at nine, obtaining a Microsoft Certified Professional title by 12. For over 25 years, he has been a guiding force, founding Sneh World, conducting life-altering seminars, and unlocking inner potential.

The core areas of Akshat’s expertise include private equity, venture capital, M&A, joint ventures, exchange control advisory, real estate and infrastructure and investments. Akshat has also assisted several multinational companies doing business in and from the UAE/MENA and India in commercial transactions including projects, regulatory & compliance, funds & investments, labour & employment, tax and multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution. He has advised clients in diverse sectors like healthcare, hospitality, real estate, e-commerce (start-ups), and technology. He is also involved in advising and assisting several government organizations with real estate and infrastructure projects. Here at Fox & Mandal he heads a team of more than 10 lawyers. He completed his law graduation from Delhi University (2005) and post-graduation from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (2006) and a  Company Secretary. Prior to joining Fox and Mandal, he was Founder & Managing Partner at Alpha Partners.

Venkatesa Madhan, an independent marketing consultant and seasoned marketing technologist, boasts 19+ years shaping global marketing landscapes. A catalyst for client success, he specialize in strategic, data-driven, and customer-centric marketing solutions, enhancing businesses across BFSI, Retail, HealthCare, EduTech, and FinTech. His expertise spans demand generation, account-based marketing, digital strategies, go-to-market approaches, and lead generation.

An advocate of growth marketing and digital innovation, he empowers organizations to unlock untapped potential, drive success, and innovate through marketing and tech integration. Currently pursuing an MBA at ThePower Business School, he delves into advanced marketing, entrepreneurship, business strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, further enriching his holistic approach to driving business growth.

Naresh Tanwami, a pioneering CIO, spearheads business growth via Digital Customer offerings, shaping robust value propositions in the Energy B2B market. Renowned for strategic Channel strategies and calculated risk-taking, he pioneers futuristic offerings and innovative business models, capitalizing on data and forging strategic partnerships.

With a global footprint, Naresh has overseen Enterprise applications encompassing ERP, CRM, and Data Analytics across strategic, tactical, and operational landscapes. A natural leader, he fosters leadership at all levels, seamlessly navigating from interns to CXOs.

An intrinsic Entrepreneur, Naresh boasts a seven-year entrepreneurial stint in his early career, infusing entrepreneurial spirit into every room he enters.

Arun is a distinguished Data Scientist, AI Intrapreneur, Writer, and speaker in the spheres of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. With 15+ years of experience, he leads AI initiatives and digital transformation across various businesses, transforming complex challenges into structured AI problems. His impressive track record includes designing, implementing, and delivering end-to-end AI solutions at scale, utilizing cutting-edge algorithms & methodologies across diverse industries such as banking, marketing, healthcare, and pharma. Arun is currently the Associate Director Data Science at Novartis and champions disruptive Generative AI technologies within his organization and is developing Gen AI-powered finance copilots for various business groups to revolutionise productivity.

Dr. Pillai is a pioneering thought leader in behavioral science and consumer neuroscience, specializing in improving customer and employee engagement for organizations. A certified neuroscience performance coach and doctoral researcher, his expertise spans management, cognitive, behavioral, and human sciences. Dr. Pillai applies scientific principles to help organizations decode human emotions, motivations, habits, and cognitive barriers, enabling impactful engagement strategies. His collaborative approach combines research with practical application, empowering teams to achieve measurable results. Dr. Pillai has co-authored insightful publications and frequently shares knowledge on topics like stress management, customer experience, and behavior change, providing actionable strategies to address complex challenges. His work bridges the gap between science and business, making him a sought-after advisor for organizations aiming to unlock human potential and drive transformational outcomes.

Prof. Anjal Prakash is an Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. He specializes in water and climate change, urban resilience, and gender and social inclusion in South Asia. He has held roles at institutions such as TERI-School of Advanced Studies and ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal, where he led the Himalayan Adaptation, Water, and Resilience (HI-AWARE) program. Prof. Prakash is actively engaged with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), serving as coordinating lead author for the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) and a lead author for IPCC's 6th Assessment Report. He holds a Master's from Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a Doctorate from Wageningen University. Prof. Prakash's publications and editorial roles underscore his commitment to environmental and social sciences.

Tojin T. Eapen is an innovation consultant and educator with expertise in idea management, creative artificial intelligence, and bioinspired system design. He currently serves as a principal consultant at Innomantra Consulting, a firm he co-founded in 2010. He is deeply passionate about addressing how individuals and organizations can leverage technology and AI tools to enhance their creativity. He explores this topic extensively in his co-authored article, "How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity" published as the cover piece of the July/August 2023 edition of the Harvard Business Review.

Innate ability to approach problems, whether in life or business, with the unwavering belief that there is always at least one solution. - Adept at fostering a growth mindset among leadership, inspiring continuous learning, development, and progress. - Ability to make excellence the DNA of the leadership team. - Creates and nurtures a conviction where failure is not an option. Thus, driving teams to achieve outstanding results. - Expertise in identifying the root cause of complex business challenges, developing practical solutions, and ensuring their successful implementation. - Capability to ensure consistently deliver of solutions, overcoming obstacles with strategic approach and action.

Sushil Muhnot, former Chairman & Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra, boasts 34 years of distinguished experience in finance. As Chairman & MD of SIDBI, he bolstered the institution's growth. Prior roles include Executive Director of IDBI Ltd and MD & CEO of IDBI Capital Market Services Ltd. During his tenure at Bank of Maharashtra, he upheld profitability despite challenges, implemented governance reforms, and prioritized financial inclusion, notably excelling in PM's Jan Dhan Yojana. His leadership fostered growth, expanding outreach and retail business, establishing investment banking divisions, and achieving ISO: 9000 certification for treasury and trade finance departments. Sushil Muhnot's career reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in finance, leaving a lasting impact on the institutions he served, as well as nurturing start-ups in the financial ecosystem.

Founder of 'Body In Motion', Vani is a rare and dynamic combination of a Wellness Entrepreneur, Medical Fitness Specialist, Corporate Wellness Strategist, Movement and Rehab Specialist, Indian Classical Dancer, Columnist and Speaker. Being one of India's first certified specialists in Cancer Exercise, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Arthritis Fitness, her extensive experience and cutting-edge certifications make her a leading wellness expert for individuals with chronic/degenerative health conditions. As a respected Columnist and Speaker, she shares her knowledge globally, inspiring audiences to prioritize their health and well-being. She brings the same dedication and scientific approach to the business world and helps teams and leaders reach peak performance and unlock explosive personal and revenue growth by building a robust, focused, and resilient work culture.

Indradeep Ghosh is Executive Director of Dvara Research where he drives the research agenda and leads research priorities in coordination with the practice heads. Dvara Research is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit policy research institution based in India. Dr. Ghosh brings an interdisciplinary orientation to understanding and solving the problems of financial inclusion and social protection in India, and an enthusiasm for co-creating solutions in a style of constructive engagement with other research organizations, academic researchers, and practitioners.

Dr. Ghosh also interfaces regularly with policymakers and regulators to advocate for sensible pro-poor financial inclusion and social protection policies. In 2020, Dr. Ghosh led the drafting team for the Social Stock Exchange report (by SEBI’s Working Group), and in 2021, Dr. Ghosh served on the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India’s Research Guidance Group. 

Sameer is Chief Executive Officer at AIQRATE, a bespoke global AI advisory and consulting firm. Sameer is a globally recognized AI advisor, business builder, evangelist and thought leader known for his deep knowledge, strategic consulting approaches in AI space. Sameer has consulted with several Fortune 500 global enterprises, Indian corporations , GCCs, startups , VC/PE firms, Academic Institutions in driving AI-led strategic transformation and innovation strategies. He built and scaled cognizant analytics and data sciences practice to being a market reckoning player covering all genres of analytics and data sciences services , consulting and solutions for multiple industry verticals across geographies. His experience puts him at the intersection of business and technology, helping organizations get ready for the digital revolution. Sameer is a renowned author , columnist, blogger and five times TEDx speaker. He is the author of best selling book – AI and Analytics : Accelerating Business Decisions.

Transformation is the law of nature.With the objective to automate the learning and development industry so that it saves time, energy, and costs for the organisation, Ms Saakshi Choithani started her first venture,"Mindynamics" in the year 2019,when she was at the peak of her corporate career. With a rich professional experience of 12 years, she could identify the need for customization of training programs and automating the same. Currently being a Coach for Solopreneurs, she helps people grow their business being a solo person.

Mr. Manan Jain is the Global Lead- HR People Partner and Experience at YASH Technologies, a global IT services organization. Mr. Jain is a true leader, a great visionary and remarkable at planning, strategizing and guiding successful implementations. His contribution for the last 10 plus years at YASH has been magnificent. He overall has 11 plus years of experience primarily in IT and ITes industry. He is a core member of the team which has helped YASH in getting awarded and recognized 6 times in a row in Top 50 Great companies to work for.

Ganesh is a Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant with over 25 years of experience, having led KFin Technologies Pvt Ltd (formerly Karvy Fintech) as MD & CEO. Under his leadership, KFin became the largest multi-asset, multi-region platform in India and Asia, offering comprehensive solutions across asset classes. Ganesh has championed digital transformation, expanding services in Mutual Funds, Pension Funds, and more. He grew businesses from inception to achieve a 4x valuation in 10 years, managing 100 million investor accounts with $100 billion AUM and processing nearly 500,000 transactions daily. Recognized as a thought leader and strategic thinker, he excels in client engagement and talent development while driving growth and innovation in the industry.

With over 30 years’ experience in successful business leadership, JP led teams and organizations to innovative solutions and greater achievement. During his tenures at Lakme, India Today and Bausch and Lomb, his colleagues applauded his strategic ability, energetic leadership and strong team building styles. JP used a distinct leadership practice of ‘leading through coaching.’ JP is described as proactive and focused—noted as a marketing wizard—who also supported and invited the creativity and input of his teams. His motivated attention to the person as well as the job at hand increased the investment of his team and resulted in successful business campaigns. JP possesses a deep understanding of people and what they need to succeed; essentially someone to believe in them and lead them forward.Since 2008, JP has focused on ‘Co-Evolution/Co-Creation and Facilitation in the Execution of Highly Focused, Distilled and Clear Thoughts, Insights and Action Plans with Measurable Results/Return on Investment’. 

Sameer has Business and Growth leadership experience of over 20 years across cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions (MandA), Private Equity, Venture Capital, Corporate Venture Portfolio management, Investment banking (both buy-side and sell-side), Strategy, and Corporate Development. He has been involved as Investment Partner to growth stage entrepreneurs and advisor to mature stage companies and management in growing business and to overseas companies to enter India. Also, act as Mentor to young portfolio companies and entrepreneurs in scaling up their businesses.

"Don"t judge a book by its cover" Fortunately or unfortunately people do judge by its cover. As an Image Consultant, Author, Founder of Tres'chic Academe, I introduce myself as "I package people" next question would be, "What do you mean?" It means, I redefine people according to their professional and personal goals to achieve more success through refining yourA,B,C,D,E's. Apperance, Body Language, Communication (verbal/nonverbal), Digital Presence, Emotional Quotient

Maj Gen Neeraj Bali, Sena Medal, a distinguished Indian Army veteran and corporate professional, brings a wealth of experience to organizational culture transformation. Commissioned in 1978, he served over 37 years as an infantry officer, contributing significantly in J&K and various border regions. Gen Bali commanded a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion during heightened terrorism, earning the Sena Medal. Post-retirement, he excelled as CEO of a leading Engineering PMC Company, doubling its revenue in two years. His leadership extended to a rural education Society overseeing 92 schools. An acclaimed author, his book, "The Winning Culture," delves into lessons from the Indian Army. As a certified Life and Leadership Coach, professional speaker, and management advisor, Gen Bali imparts his expertise globally, addressing prestigious forums and institutions on organizational culture, leadership, and competitive intelligence.

Shakti Leekha specializes in helping B2B companies scale and thrive with innovative Go To Market (GTM) strategies. He builds ecosystems that enable businesses to grow and evolve into global brands. With a strong focus on customer success, he guides clients in navigating the complex landscape of domestic and international markets, ensuring they remain ahead of the curve. Shakti Leekha,the Founder is an authority in sales and marketing, renowned for his leadership in business transformation. With decades of experience in Fortune 500 companies, he's driven award-winning success and inspired many through his thought leadership and mentorship. A keynote speaker and 'Mentor of Change' at Atal Innovation Mission, he has a passion for contributing to sustainable success and guiding companies towards a brighter future. Through Shakti Leekha Ventures, businesses gain the tools to scale and succeed.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, Ajeesh is a creative and data-driven leader who can help you grow your brand and revenue. He is the Founder CEO and Fractional CMO of Ajeesh Venugopalan, a marketing consultancy that offers end-to-end solutions for B2B and B2C segments.
As a Kotler Award winner and a certified graphic designer, web developer, and film maker, he has a blend of the right and the left brain, and a passion for creating engaging and impactful content and campaigns. He has hands-on experience in marketing automation, SEO, social media, event management, analyst relations, and account-based marketing. Whether you need a CMO who can get you started in the right direction, or a partner who can support your existing marketing efforts, he is ready to help you achieve your goals.

Manu specializes in building brands and bringing Rapid Revenue Growth to organizations engaged in Consumer & Technology Products. He has expertise in setting up and growing multi-channel, multi-vertical, multi-brand organizations, and delivering outstanding revenue in India and MEA. He has expertise in devising effective Marketing & Customer Experience Strategies and has strong knowledge of content marketing, digital & e-commerce setup, performance marketing & ROI analytics. He has had success in bringing international organizations, brands, and foreign investors to India and building brands, recruiting teams, setting up operations, and building desired revenue. He currently helps both Start-ups & Grown-ups in their quest for Innovation in Strategy, GTM, Course-Correction, Tactical Thinking, Creativity, Higher Revenues, Brand Strengthening and strong Customer Affinity.

Vijay Kumar is a technology enthusiast, researcher, startup mentor and inventor with 10 US patents across SMAC (Social, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud), AI/ML, Video/Media, Security and Blockchain. He has held technology, delivery, operations and strategy roles across startup and conglomerates. As a Digital Consultant, Vijay writes, trains and speaks on emerging technologies, FinTech and digital disruption leveraging AI/ML, Blockchain, AR/VR, IoT, BIoT and Cyber Security across India, UAE and Europe. He is a graduate of NIT Warangal, IIIT-Bangalore and ISB Hyderabad with stints at The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) and Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University). Besides, Vijay has worked across start-up (Bangalore Labs), Wipro, Adobe, Oracle and TiVo for 19 years before starting DigiFortex, a venture on Data Security, Cloud, Privacy and GRC. Vijay is certified on Data Privacy, Cloud, Security, Networks, Network Management, GRC, AI/ML, Firewall/VPN, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.

 

Som Mittal is the Former President and Chairman of NASSCOM. He has been advising companies, CEOs, trade bodies, and senior business leaders on business, management, government, and global policies. He motivates and mentors entrepreneurs to help succeed in growing and managing business ventures to managing mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures across diverse business cultures. He has been working with governments worldwide to formulate trade, taxation, and immigration policies that balance business, national and social interests.

Sidharth Balakrishna has over 20 years' experience in senior management roles; holds an MBA from IIM Calcutta and an Economics degree from SRCC. 

His experience includes the media & entertainment, artificial intelligence, energy, renewables and education sectors; has been an Executive Board Director and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at one of India's largest conglomerates; been employed with Royal Dutch Shell, Cairn India (Vedanta) in Corporate Strategy roles and Management Consultants such as KPMG & Accenture.

Has authored academic 6 books, published by Pearson and SAGE; writes a column for the Economic Times, the Hindu-Business Line. 

 He mentors startups in US, Israel, India; is an Adjunct Faculty at a number of top management institutes including IIM Indore, IIM Shillong, IIM Nagpur, BITS Pilani, SRCC etc; has presented papers in 12+ countries. He has also delivered over 250 training sessions for corporate executives

Shilpa Ajwani is the Chief Executive Officer of Unomantra, a business consultancy firm specializing in enabling Businesses to grow faster. She is a seasoned business leader with over two decades of strategic leadership experience at the world's leading Direct Selling Companies. Prior to this, she was among the directors at Tupperware India for four years. Furthering the Company's mission of women empowerment, promoting workplace diversity and ecological sustainability, she has spear-headed several transformational initiatives.

Amit is an IIT alum with an MBA from FMS, Delhi, and a Senior Business Leader with over 34 years of experience in sales, marketing, business unit management, and P&L across sectors like healthcare, telecom, engineering, FMCD, and EdTech. He has worked in both B2B and B2C markets, with notable experience in global healthcare companies like Johnson & Johnson Medical, Medtronic, and Ranbaxy. An ICF-PCC certified Leadership and Executive Coach, Amit specializes in leadership development, team management, and business performance improvement. His coaching focuses on mindset shifts, delivering tangible results through one-on-one and group interventions.

Armed with more than 2 decades of professional experience, Bhavesh Kothari has been a pioneer in the startup mentoring domain and has mentoredmore than 7-8 dozen start-ups over the last 12+ years. A Chemistry Majors Graduate from Mumbai University with a PG Degree in Event Management, A Diploma in International Trade with an MBA in International Business, A six sigma green belt certified professional along a cer tification as an Enter- TrainerTM, he craves for learning all the time. He is a Published Author of two books on 25 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Stories called ‘EVES AGAINST THE ODDS’ (Volume I & II). His podcast titled “Startup Shaastra” is highly regarded in the startup ecosystem as a learning tool for entrepreneurs. An avid reader, explorer and a go getter he firmly believes in “Build Value & the Valuation will follow!”

Viral has nearly two decades of experience in leadership roles across industries and geographies. Viral has been at the forefront of building quick-commerce in India: he built Zepto from 0 to ~$1B in sales and helped raise over $500M from A+ global investors. He was also part of Uber's leadership team that built both ridersharing and food delivery businesses in India that played a role in the largest ever Tech IPO. Prior to spending a decade in consumer internet businesses in India, Viral was part of the Aerospace manufacturing industry in the US that counted Boeing and Airbus as its customers.  Viral holds an MBA from INSEAD. He is endorsed by the UK Government as a Global Tech Leader, thereby being awarded Residency to the UK.

Suraj Moraje is a dynamic business and social sector leader, driven by a passion for driving purposeful change in a rapidly morphing world through ethical leadership. Suraj is sought after for his views on topics like megatrends, the strategy to execution journey, and mid-career transitions! A gold medalist from NIT Surat and Young Alumni Achiever from IIM Ahmadabad, Suraj is a former Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and the former Managing Director of India's largest employer, Quess Corp. Suraj is currently building The Eka Fellowship and piloting two business venture ideas. Formerly, as Group CEO & Managing Director of Quess Corp Limited, Suraj orchestrated a comprehensive transformation, leading to significant growth and digital advancement. With over two decades at McKinsey & Company, he played key roles in tech-led transformations across Asia and EMEA. Suraj holds an educational background from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. 

Ankit has 12+ years of experience in Venture Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Incubation and Product launches. Ankit has completed his MBA from IIM Lucknow and B.E. (Hons) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BITS Pilani. He additionally holds certificates in Capital and Financial markets from IIFT Delhi, Impact Investing from Thunderbird school of management Phoenix. He is currently a General Manager - at the India Growth Office at Cummins scouting for investment and growth opportunities for the business and previously worked at TechMahindra & Elara Technologies, Singapore (Housing) as Corporate strategy and M&A lead. 

Gopal, a gold medalist from IIT-BHU, joined Physics Wallah (PW) as a founding team member, helping it grow from 30 members to over 15,000. He established and scaled PW's operations, gaining insights into startup development, business scaling, and team leadership. Previously he was a mentor at Upgrad, specializing in comprehensive career guidance and entrepreneurial development for corporate professionals providing insights into career advancement and corporate networking. His journey underwent a transformative shift at Ola, India's fastest-growing startup, where he gained expertise in business operations, data-driven decision-making, and strategic growth. He also co-founded Night Panda, a profitable night food business. Seeking new challenges, Gopal previously played a dynamic role in Avail Finance, building operations, developing an analytics team, and setting up auxiliary functions, eventually becoming Director of Business Strategy and Analytics. Today, he shares his expertise and passion, helping others navigate their paths to success.

Priyanka is the Founder of Platform 10x, a holistic personal branding agency. With over 5 years of experience collaborating with CEOs, coaches, and professionals across various industries, she is passionate about raising awareness of personal branding's significance through storytelling. Priyanka's mission is to connect with more individuals through diverse speaking opportunities, empowering them to establish themselves as brands in their respective niches. Her dedication helps clients unlock boundless opportunities along their journey, making her a driving force in the personal branding landscape.

Dr. Ramu Nagarajapillai is an accomplished academic and researcher, currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Commerce at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India. With 28 years of teaching and 18 years of research experience, his expertise spans Human Resource Management (HRM) and banking. Dr. Ramu has received the prestigious UGC Research Award and is an Accredited Management Teacher recognized by the All-India Management Association. He has contributed significantly through research articles, edited volumes, and conference presentations. He has also served as Chairperson, Scientific and Organizing Committee member, Subject Expert, Editor-in-Chief, seminar coordinator, and Placement Officer at various academic events.

Sudharsanan Ganapathy is an entrepreneur, creator, and keynote speaker with over a decade of experience in branding and marketing. He has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and CXOs on personal branding and positioning. Sudharsanan has trained over 50,000 people, spoken on more than 200 stages including TEDx, IITs, and IIMs, and collaborated with over 300 CXOs. 

VD is a transformational business leader with 35 years of experience in the global auto components supplier industry, with manufacturing expertise in India and across Asia. He has a proven track record of handling full P&L responsibility for three companies in India and Thailand simultaneously, managing a combined turnover of over $45 million. VD is driven to build long-term, respectable institutions and has been recognized with global corporate awards for innovation and inspirational leadership, particularly in overcoming production challenges following a natural disaster. An industry expert, VD is also a featured author and keynote speaker for academic and corporate audiences.

Amitabh Kumar is an ICF Accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and holds an EMCC Global Individual Accreditation (EIA) as a Senior Practitioner (SP). He is also a Certified NLP Practitioner and has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Executive Coaching Voice and Brand Icon Award 2023 recipient. With over 1600 hours of coaching practice experience, Amitabh’s portfolio includes corporate leaders, CXOs, IT & ITes leaders, startup founders, and education leaders. 

In his professional journey, Amitabh has coached various senior and upcoming leaders. Notable examples include aiding India’s leadership in a global technology and consulting company in transitioning to larger global roles, coaching a startup CTO from VP to CTO, and working with senior BFSI leaders to achieve SMART goals based on stakeholder feedback. Amitabh’s international coaching extends to clients in the Americas and Europe, focusing on their personal and professional growth.

Debasis specializes in leadership coaching for middle managers, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to inspire their teams, drive growth, and navigate complex situations. Additionally, he offers coaching for start-ups, helping them navigate unique challenges and opportunities to foster resilient and high-performing teams. Witnessing transformations brings him immense satisfaction. His Notable achievements include guiding a project management team in Vietnam to grow by 90%, leading to significant performance improvements, helping teams launch critical projects that exceed market demands, and partnering with organizations to achieve operational excellence through impactful coaching and strategic planning.

Sidd Ahmed, Founder and CEO of VDart Group, exemplifies success through his dedication to "people, purpose, planet." Leading a diverse workforce of over 4000 professionals across twelve countries, he has positioned VDart as a global leader in digital talent management and solutions in various industries, including Automotive, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities, Banking & Finance, and Healthcare & Life Sciences. Under his leadership, VDart has earned accolades like National Supplier of the Year Class IV 2023 by NMSDC, GMSDC, and CAMSC, and the Toyota Diverse Supplier of the Year 2021. Sidd himself has been recognized with awards such as the Global Entrepreneur Award by CII-Yi and Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Award. Beyond VDart, he leads Group Companies and serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Education Foundation, advocating for education and job creation.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and a fervent enabler of the startup ecosystem, Mittu Tigi brings over 10 years of dedicated experience in nurturing startups, understanding their unique challenges, and contributing to their growth strategies in India. With a keen interest in fostering responsible entrepreneurship, Mittu believes in its power to address and solve the nation's pressing problems.
Through various leadership roles, including CEO at AIC IIITK, Director at Merstra Foundation, and State Chapter Lead at Headstart Network Foundation, Visiting Faculty at XIME Kochi,  Mittu has demonstrated a commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Sonal Mehta is a seasoned corporate banker with over 20 years of experience in banking and finance. She collaborates with founders to support their growth journeys, specializing in branding, strategy, and fundraising.

She holds leadership roles in key panels, including serving as Vice President (North) for NAREDCO Mahi, where she launched the Proptech Accelerator platform "Dolphin Tank" in collaboration with India Network and Start-Up India. She is also a mentor for startups at IIT Guwahati and guides students under Delhi Government Schools' Master Blaster Program.

Shakti, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore and the Officer Training Academy, is a Consultant, Public Speaker, and Mentor based in India. With over 20 years of diverse experience across corporate, government, and startup sectors, he brings a unique ability to simplify complex challenges and deliver actionable solutions. His pioneering work in launching India's first online teleconsultation model earned coverage in The Economic Times, The Times of India, and other prominent media outlets.

Shakti has held leadership roles at JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank, driving change management and strategic programs by leveraging emerging technologies and process improvements. As a consultant, he excels in building order books through his exceptional pitching and negotiation skills, helping businesses secure impactful deals.

His core expertise includes negotiating corporate and government sales, ideation, and problem-solving, making him a trusted advisor for organizations seeking strategic growth and innovation.

Atul is the former Country Head of Nike’s Global Sourcing operations for South Asia, where he managed a $1B FOB sourcing business. With 28 years at Nike, he brings extensive expertise in global apparel supply chains, sourcing from top manufacturers across Asia, and previously led apparel operations in Thailand and Indonesia.

A three-time winner of the “Nike Apparel Maxim Award,” Atul was also honored with the “Excellence Award for Contribution to Business & Society” by India’s Textile Minister in the presence of President Dr. Abdul Kalam. He has held key leadership positions, including Chairman of AMCHAM Karnataka and board member of AMCHAM India.

Atul is a sought-after speaker on topics such as apparel, leadership, and coaching.