The Leading Speakers Bureau

Deputy Chairman of the Government of India’s Planning Commission

Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia is one of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s closest economic advisors. He is Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission for India, a position he has held since 2004. He spent ten years at the World Bank earlier in his career and has published numerous articles on development and global economic issues. He has been a member of the influential Washington-based financial advisory body, the Group of Thirty, since 2007. In 2010, he was a serious candidate to be the probable successor to IMF incumbent Mr. Kahn.

“Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia is India’s chief policy advisor”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia graduated with a B.A. (Hons) degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, University of Delhi. After Oxford, he joined the World Bank, becoming the youngest “Division Chief” at age 28 in the World Bank’s bureaucracy. He returned after several years to become a lateral entrant into the Indian Administrative Service. Prior to taking up his position at the IMF, he was a Member of the Planning Commission in New Delhi as well as a Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He had previously served as Finance Secretary at Ministry of Finance, Secretary at Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce Secretary, Special Secretary to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia stimulates interest in and knowledge about India, and discusses and debates the most pressing issues facing India today. He discusses his role in advancing India’s recent policies of liberalization and provides expert analysis of India’s growing role in the world economy. In addition to his Planning Commission and advisory roles, Mr. Ahluwalia also attends the G-20 summits for India that have now become the primary forum for global economic leadership.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia generates tremendous excitement as a respected and expert speaker on various current global and local issues.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Professor of Marketing, Director of Centre for Marketing, London Business School

Prof. Nirmalya Kumar is one of the world’s leading thinkers on strategy and marketing. His acclaimed case study on easyJet demonstrates his ability to interpret market forces. Typically ahead of the game, his latest work concentrates on how organisations must become market-driving, as the era of push marketing is gone. Nirmalya is a celebrated academic, joining London Business School in 2004. He is Professor of Marketing, Director of Centre for Marketing, and Co-Director for Aditya V. Birla India Centre at London Business School.

“Push marketing is dead” Nirmalya Kumar

[expand title=”In detail”] Now based in Europe, he previously spent ten years in US academia. Nimalya has worked with 50 Fortune 500 companies (e.g., Akzo-Nobel, IBM, Sara Lee) in 45 different countries as coach, consultant, seminar leader and speaker on strategy, marketing, branding, retailing and distribution. He has also served on the board of directors of Bata India, BP Ergo, and Zensar Technologies and has made more than 100 press appearances including BBC, Business Week, CNBC, CNN, Financial Times, International Herald Tribune, and Wall Street Journal. He has written four business books, dozens of articles and is widely quoted in periodicals.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Do you want to position marketing more strategically within your organisation? He will show you how to raise the status of marketing by concentrating on cross functionality and bottom line impact. His most recent work positions him as the Western business leader’s insider’s guide to the art of doing business with Indian leaders and companies. He believes that the marketing function is currently in crisis and explains why. His teaching skills were recognised with Business Week’s highest four-star rating in their guide to MBA programmes.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His blend of research and business experience translates into powerful and pragmatic advice. Kumar learned marketing at the knee of Philip Kotler and practices what he preaches with energetic gusto. He is passionate about marketing and willing to espouse controversial positions.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Award-winning Historian & Biographer, Author of ‘India After Gandhi: A History of the World’s Largest Democracy’

Ramachandra Guha (Ramachandra Guha Speaker)is acknowledged as a world authority in three distinct fields of scholarship, pioneering in the field of environmental history in South Asia, having authored several landmark essays on environmentalism and being seen as a pioneer in the field of sports history. He is a columnist for The Telegraph, Khaleej Times and The Hindustan Times newspapers. He is a fellow of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. A historian and journalist, he is author of ‘India after Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy’, edits ‘The Picador Book of Cricket’ and is a regular columnist with The Telegraph of Calcutta.

“Indian democracy’s pre-eminent chronicler” Time Magazine

[expand title=”In detail”] Ramachandra Guha graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi with a BA in Economics and then attained an MA from the Delhi School of Economics (University of Delhi). He then went to Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where he did a Fellowship (equivalent to a Ph.D.) on the social history of forestry in Uttaranchal, that focused on the Chipko movement, which was later published as ‘The Unquiet Woods’. His books and essays have been translated into more than twenty languages. His essay ‘Radical American Environmentalism and Wilderness Preservation’ has been reprinted in more than thirty anthologies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With books covering a wide range of themes, including a global history of environmentalism, a biography of an anthropologist-activist, a social history of Indian cricket, and a social history of Himalayan peasants, Ramachandra Guha is a ground-breaking pioneer, who is regarded as one of the hundred most influential public intellectuals in the world by Prospect and Foreign Policy magazines. He has emerged as the most prominent chronicler of India’s past and of its present and he is very much in demand at prestigious events worldwide.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]The author-historian-sociologist-cricket expert-environmentalist, Ramachandra Guha has own direct no-nonsense, and sometimes controversial, style. One thing you can’t accuse Ramachandra Guha of is mincing his words. He is also part of our Top Indian keynote speakers. [/expand]
Continue Reading »

Physicist, Philosopher, Environmental Activist, Eco Feminist & Author

Vandana Shiva is a world-renowned environmental leader and thinker. She is a councillor of the World Future Council. Intellectual property rights, biodiversity, biotechnology, bioethics, genetic engineering are among the fields where Shiva has contributed intellectually and through activist campaigns. She has served as an adviser to governments in India and abroad as well as non governmental organisations, including the International Forum on Globalization, the Women’s Environment & Development Organization and the Third World Network.

“Vandana Shiva is author of over 300 papers in leading scientific and technical journals”

[expand title=”In detail”] Vandana Shiva received her Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. She has assisted grassroots organizations of the Green movement in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Ireland, Switzerland and Austria with campaigns against genetic engineering. Before becoming an activist, Shiva was one of India’s leading physicists. The founder of Navdanya “nine seeds”, a movement promoting diversity and use of native seeds, she also set up the Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Ecology in her mother’s cowshed in 1997. Its studies have validated the ecological value of traditional farming and been instrumental in fighting destructive development projects in India.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]One of the world’s most prominent radical scientists and a leader in the International Forum on Globalization, Vandana Shiva has been recognised by Time magazine as an environmental hero, and Asia Week called her one of the five most powerful communicators in Asia. Director of the Research Foundation on Science, Technology, and Ecology and a prolific author, she illustrates to audiences the undeniable connection between industrial agriculture and climate change, acting as your bridge to understanding how we can feed the planet in a socially just, environmentally sound way.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]In her trademark style, Vandana Shiva is inspiring, gripping, compassionate and unflinching with a fierce intellect and her disarmingly friendly, accessible manner. She is a truly compelling and powerful speaker who has devoted her life to fighting for the rights of the ordinary people of India and who draws solutions to our world’s most pressing problems.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

World Chess Champion and Speaker

Viswanathan Anand is at the forefront of the Chess world having won rapid, classical chess events and also against computers during his distinguished career. In 2007 and 2008 he won the World Chess Champion. The pinnacle of his career was in 2000 when he became the First Asian to win the (15th) World Chess Champion in Teheran.

“Viswanathan Anand is a truly gifted individual”

[expand title=”In detail”] By 14 Viswanathan was the “Boy Wonder” of Indian chess and his lightning speed, ability to see and read the game far ahead, as well as great intuition, saw him emerge as the Youngest Indian National Champion at age of 16. As he grew in strength and reputation, he won the strongest tournament at that time, The “Reggio Emilia” in Italy in 1991 ahead of Kasparov & Karpov. His successes are many including wins at the World Cup, Chess Classic of Mainz, Corsica Masters, Credit Suisse Masters and the Corus Super GM tournament at Wijk Aan Zee.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Viswanathan Anand is known as the “One man Indian Chess revolution” whose ambition it is to be able to take chess to the grass roots level. He has throughout his career, for almost 20 years now, been way ahead of his times and peers. His dream is to make chess available to everyone.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Viswanathan Anand is a speaker and truly international performer who keenly promotes the game in his vivid presentations, through innovative methods and fascinating insights that touch his audiences. He also enjoys “simult” challenges. He is also part of our Top Indian keynote speakers. [/expand]
Continue Reading »

Inventor of Sixth Sense

Pranav Mistry is the inventor of SixthSense, a wearable device that enables new interactions between the real world and the world of data. He is passionate about integrating the digital informational experience with our real-world interactions. Currently, he is a PhD student in the Fluid Interfaces Group at MIT’s Media Lab.

“One of the two or three, best inventors in the world right now” Chris Anderson

[expand title=”In detail”] Pranav holds a Master in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT and Master of Design from IIT Bombay. He previously worked with Microsoft as a UX researcher. Previous projects from his work at MIT includes intelligent sticky notes, Quickies, that can be searched and can send reminders; a pen that draws in 3D; and TaPuMa, a tangible public map that can act as Google of physical world. His research interests also include Gestural and Tangible Interaction, Ubiquitous Computing, AI, Machine Vision, Collective Intelligence and Robotics.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentation the genius behind the Sixth Sense technology, Pranav Mistry explains and offers a fascinating perspective into why he believes imagination is the only limit in merging technology with real life.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]MIT whiz kid, Pranav is one of those rare people with the ability to charm you the moment you meet him. He radiates an enthusiasm for invention which is thoroughly contagious. He is a fascinating and spontaneous speaker, with a passionate desire to help everyone to be creative and innovative. He is also part of our Top Indian keynote speakers.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO, Global Adjustments Services Pvt Ltd.

Ranjini Manian is the founder and CEO of Global Adjustments Services Pvt Ltd, India’s 15-year-old destination and cross-cultural services company. Having worked with thousands of clients from over 75 nationalities, success is immutably bound to her commitment in promoting intercultural understanding. She is the only Indian on the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University.

Ranjini personifies the essence of the true global Indian with “Indian Roots and Global Wings”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ranjini Manian attained a Bachelors degree from Elphinstone College, Mumbai, and a Diploma in French Literature from the University of Sorbonne, Paris. An indelible part of her service in the last 15 years is the magazine she pioneered and continues to be the editor of: At A Glance – Understanding India was the country’s first free cultural magazine for expatriates, that even earned a congratulatory note from the then President of India, Dr Abdul Kalam. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Ranjini Manian’s deep knowledge of the Indian ethos, her excellent orientation and communication skills and understanding of world cultures, continually proves to be the perfect combination in helping audiences understand the nuances of Indian culture for personal, as well as business needs. An accomplished author, she writes regular columns in leading business dailies and is a highly sought-after speaker. She shares insights about Indian culture, particularly in the context of foreign businesses operating in India.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Ranjini Manian is a clear and warmly communicative speaker and a multicultural expert at sharing her knowledge with business professionals. She is known to be an anecdotal and entertaining speaker with practical advice to make you “India credible” and ready. She is also part of our Top Indian keynote speakers. [/expand]

Continue Reading »

Expert on Employment and Workforce Diversity

Amin Rajan is Chief Executive of the Centre for Research in Employment and Technology in Europe (CREATE) – a pan-European network of prominent researchers undertaking high level advisory assignments for the UK government, City institutions, multinational companies and international bodies such as the EU, OECD and ILO. He is also a visiting professor at the Cass Business School, London Guildhall University and at the Centre for Leadership Studies at Exeter University, and also President of the Scientific Committee at Audencia-Nantes, Ecole de Management.

“ Amin’s work has proved so influential that he now provides leadership coaching to top executives and investment specialists”

[expand title=”In detail”] Amin Rajin was formerly an economic advisor at the National Economic Development Office, Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. He has also carried out numerous studies for the UK Government and international bodies, and acted as a consultant to companies such as BP, British Telecom, IBM, ICL, Legal & General, Motorola, Merrill Lynch, National Westminster Bank, Fiat, Rolls Royce, SunAlliance and Shell.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]As a prominent researcher Amin Rajan offers audiences valuable insights into the business benefits of and practical challenges involved in the promotion of workforce diversity. Amin Rajan also uses his experience to coach decision makers and offer essential advice on leadership and emerging business strategies. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Appearing regularly on business television as well as at numerous events around the world, Amin Rajan’s high content presentations are filled with invaluable information from his research perfectly tailored to suit individual client’s needs.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Global Futurist and authority on how technology is transforming business and society

Rohit Talwar is a global futurist and award winning professional speaker noted for his inspirational approach, provocative content and humour. Rohit leads Fast Future Research and has conducted in depth future studies on a range of topics. He was profiled by the Independent Newspaper as one of the top ten global future thinkers and is considered an authority on how technology is transforming business and society. Rohit also has a particular geographic interest in the emerging economies of Asia and Africa and a strategic focus on the challenges of embedding foresight in leading organisations

“A leading futurist with exceptional foresight”

[expand title=”In detail”]
Rohit launched a personal campaign to raise one million pounds for various good causes such as the Pakistan Earthquake Red Cross Appeal where he hosted a fund raising seminar and dinner, covered across Asia by the media. Rohit authored Designing Your Future – Key Trends, Challenges and Choices, edited Achieving Transformation and Renewal in Financial Services, and contributes regularly to books and journals on futures and strategic change.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Rohit draws upon his experience and highlights how critical changes and the development of new technologies really are to global businesses. Rohit is recognized worldwide as an innovative thinker.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Rohit’s presentations are a fascinating insight into the shape of the future. He has an ability to create an engaging debate, capturing his audience with incisive thought provoking ideas[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development, Harvard Business School

Rakesh Khurana teaches a doctoral seminar on Management and Markets as well as The Board of Directors and Corporate Governance in the Harvard MBA program. Rakesh’s current research grows out of the same interests in the social context of business leadership and the allocation of leadership positions that motivated his research on the CEO labor market.

“Expert in Leadership Development”

[expand title=”In detail”] Rakesh’s research uses a sociological perspective to focus on the processes by which elites and leaders are selected and developed. He has written extensively about the CEO labor market with a particular interest on the factors that lead to vacancies in the CEO position, the factors that affect the choice of successor; the role of market intermediaries such as executive search firms in CEO search and the consequences of CEO succession and selection decisions for subsequent firm performance and strategic choices.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Rakesh offers businesses his knowledge of how to help improve their CEO succession, governance, and executive development practices. In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers. He shares key leadership skills that delegates will be able to take away and put into practice.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Rakesh Khurana provides fascinating researched insights into leadership and other issues with great clarity and charisma in his tailored presentations.[/expand]
Continue Reading »