About Me
I am a leadership developer committed to integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern strategic frameworks to empower individuals, organisations, and communities. My work is anchored in Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra (कौटिलीय अर्थशास्त्र)—the foundational Indian treatise on governance, economic policy, and strategic statecraft—an area in which I have built deep expertise and am recognised as an authority.
I currently serve as the Dean, Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership (IIDL), where my focus is to strengthen democratic leadership capacity through rigorous, practice-oriented learning. In this role, I work toward shaping trained, ethical, and responsible leaders for public life by integrating values-based leadership with real-world capability—ethical judgement, citizen-centric governance, public communication, policy-to-execution thinking, and institutional sensitivity. My effort is directed towards building learning ecosystems that combine academic depth with experiential readiness, preparing leaders to navigate complex political and governance environments with competence and credibility.
Across my career, I have held significant roles that shaped my approach and influence in leadership development. As Founder CEO and Director of Chanakya Aanvikshiki Pvt Ltd, I established a platform for imparting leadership philosophies inspired by Indian knowledge systems—impacting over 1,500 participants, coaching leaders, and consulting organisations on holistic leadership principles. I subsequently served as Director of the Chanakya Institute of Public Leadership at the University of Mumbai, where I helped institutionalise ancient wisdom through modern educational programs, including a unique six-month residential course on Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra.
I have also contributed as Senior Executive Officer (Strategic & Outreach) at the Partha Ghosh Academy of Leadership, IIT Kharagpur, where I designed and implemented leadership programs, workshops, and seminars for corporates, academia, and public sector entities. Most recently, I supported the foundational growth of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) as Program Director—engaging stakeholders, contributing to inaugural initiatives, and setting operational processes for sustainable institutional impact.
My experience spans corporate strategy as well. My eight-year journey in the corporate domain—serving as Associate Vice President at HSBC and Standard Chartered—helped me develop strength in financial strategy and advisory, complemented by certification as a Financial Planner and being a CFA Level 2 candidate.
I am an award-winning fellow, having received an International Fellowship in Election Campaign Management for my work with the 2016 USA Presidential Election, and a certificate in Socio-Political Leadership from Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Mumbai. My academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Leadership Science (University of Mumbai), a Post Graduate Certificate in Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra, and advanced strategic and financial certifications.
My scholarly pursuit enables me to deliver lectures and courses at institutions such as the College of Defence Management, MIT School of Government, and several universities—merging strategic thinking, administrative acumen, and ethical leadership. In the academic sphere, I have also been contributing as Faculty at Hindu University of America (HUA) since April 2023, where I design and deliver courses on Indian leadership philosophy, strategic thought, and Kauṭilya’s teachings to a diverse global student body.
My mission remains steadfast: to cultivate transformational leaders driven by vision, moral courage, and practical strategy, creating meaningful change in organisations, governance, and society—guided by the spirit of “प्रजासुखे सुखं राज्ञः” (prajā-sukhe sukhaṃ rājñaḥ), where leadership is ultimately measured by public good.
जीवनं यात्रा एवेति (Jīvanaṁ yātrā eveti)
This succinct phrase captures the essence of the concept that life is akin to a journey, where each individual traverses through various experiences, challenges, and growth, much like a traveler embarks on a voyage with unknown destinations and encounters along the way.
Education
University of Mumbai
Mumbai India
A 2 year Masters in Leadership Science course. The course aims at developing Leaders who are groomed to take logical and creative decisions, who have a vision, Passion and a core Philosophy, led by high standards of moral and ethics. This is a first of its kind course to teach Leadership as a scientific subject & process. This course offers to teach modern & ancient methods of Leadership documented 2500 years ago.
The University of Akron
Ohio, United States of America
The ICF program was a hands-on learning experience in the science of political electioneering where selected participants were given a unique opportunity to travel to the United States and witness the spectacular interplay of political art and the science of electioneering during the 2016 United States Presidential lections.
ICF participants spend time during their stay learning about the USA campaign process through meetings and lectures, but most of their time is spent visiting, observing, and assisting on a major party’s campaign within Ohio. Ohio is perceived as a battleground state in the USA presidential election and, thus offered a unique perspective to understand and learn about USA campaigns and elections.
University of Mumbai
Mumbai India
A unique six-month residential program designed to cultivate aspiring thinkers and leaders. This program was under the Department of Philosophy and was free of charge, upholding the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition). The program aimed to blend ancient wisdom by teaching the whole ancient Indian text of Kautilya Arthashastra which consist of 6000 sutras with modern-day politics and management techniques, providing a comprehensive learning experience for future leaders.
Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini
Thane India
Certificate Course in Socio-Political Leadership focused on honing and harnessing leadership skills through its academically proven and action-oriented modules. Netritva Sadhana was born out of an acute need for a formal short-term training course or a programme for young professionals and individuals considering either a full-fledged career, active volunteering or association with some social or political organization. Conducted as a 5-day residential course, Netritva Sadhana systematically and structurally introduces youngsters to the world of social work or activism or politics. The training is delivered by social workers, activists, political leaders, acclaimed bureaucrats, and intellectuals, and is coupled with informal interactions and field visits.
Massey University
Auckland, New Zealand
The Postgraduate Certificate in Business with a focus on Marketing at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand, is a program designed for individuals who are interested in gaining advanced knowledge and skills in the field of business and marketing. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. It is suitable for graduates who wish to study selected courses in business.
Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration
Manipal, India
This Bachelor’s program by Welcomgroup which is a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education in Manipal, India, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program aims to provide students with a strong foundation in knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for employability and leadership roles in hospitality and restaurant operations, management, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum covers various aspects of hotel management, including Food Production, Food & Beverage Service, Front Office, Accommodation Operations, and Management Studies. Graduates of the BHM program can pursue careers in hotels and restaurants, tourism and allied services, retail, aviation, customer care and logistic services, and many other service-based commercial ventures, including online services and products.
Education
Masters in Leadership Science | Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
A 2 year Masters in Leadership Science course. The course aims at developing Leaders who are groomed to take logical and creative decisions, who have a vision, Passion and a core Philosophy, led by high standards of moral and ethics. This is a first of its kind course to teach Leadership as a scientific subject & process. This course offers to teach modern & ancient methods of Leadership documented 2500 years ago.
International Election Campaign Fellowship (ICF) | Sep 2016 - Nov 2016
The ICF program was a hands-on learning experience in the science of political electioneering where selected participants were given a unique opportunity to travel to the United States and witness the spectacular interplay of political art and the science of electioneering during the 2016 United States Presidential Elections. ICF participants spend time during their stay learning about the USA campaign process through meetings and lectures, but most of their time is spent visiting, observing, and assisting on a major party's campaign within Ohio. Ohio is perceived as a battleground state in the USA presidential election and, thus offered a unique perspective to understand and learn about USA campaigns and elections.
Post Graduate Certificate in Kautilya Arthashastra | Jan 2014 - Jul 2014
A unique six-month residential program designed to cultivate aspiring thinkers and leaders. This program was under the Department of Philosophy and was free of charge, upholding the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition). The program aimed to blend ancient wisdom by teaching the whole ancient Indian text of Kautilya Arthashastra which consist of 6000 sutras with modern-day politics and management techniques, providing a comprehensive learning experience for future leaders.
Certificate Course in Socio Political Leadership | Jul 2013 - Jul 2013
Certificate Course in Socio-Political Leadership focused on honing and harnessing leadership skills through its academically proven and action-oriented modules. Netritva Sadhana was born out of an acute need for a formal short-term training course or a programme for young professionals and individuals considering either a full-fledged career, active volunteering or association with some social or political organization. Conducted as a 5-day residential course, Netritva Sadhana systematically and structurally introduces youngsters to the world of social work or activism or politics. The training is delivered by social workers, activists, political leaders, acclaimed bureaucrats, and intellectuals, and is coupled with informal interactions and field visits
Post Graduate Certificate in Business (Marketing) | Nov 2007 - Oct 2008
The Postgraduate Certificate in Business with a focus on Marketing at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand, is a program designed for individuals who are interested in gaining advanced knowledge and skills in the field of business and marketing. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. It is suitable for graduates who wish to study selected courses in business.
Bachelor in Hotel Management | Jun 2001 - Jun 2005
This Bachelor’s program by Welcomgroup which is a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education in Manipal, India, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program aims to provide students with a strong foundation in knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for employability and leadership roles in hospitality and restaurant operations, management, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum covers various aspects of hotel management, including Food Production, Food & Beverage Service, Front Office, Accommodation Operations, and Management Studies. Graduates of the BHM program can pursue careers in hotels and restaurants, tourism and allied services, retail, aviation, customer care and logistic services, and many other service-based commercial ventures, including online services and products.
Experience in Leadership Development
School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) | Jan 2025 – Oct 2025
Program Director
- Coordinated the inaugural SOUL Leadership Conclave, engaging key stakeholders and thought leaders.
- Support the initiation and oversight of SOUL’s campus construction, ensuring alignment with institutional vision.
- Engage with donors and supporters to secure funding and resources for campus development.
- Organised Leadership Lecture by Prof B Mahadevan. Worked on curating workshops for the Ministry of Education and leadership programs for the Ministry of Youth, Mission Karmayogi initiative for Narmada District under Capacity Building Commission aligning curricula with the needs of young public leaders.
- Concluded tenure as Program Director in October 2025 after setting foundational processes and pioneering leadership programs.
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | Sep 2023 - DEC 2024
Partha Ghosh Academy of Leadership
SEO - Senior Executive Officer
- Design and implement leadership development programs tailored for participants from corporate, public, and academic sectors. Facilitate workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance leadership skills.
- Build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including Board of Advisors, students, corporates, and public sector entities. Act as a liaison to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Oversee and manage career development processes within organizations. Provide guidance and support to individuals in their professional growth and leadership journey.
- Handle large-scale projects involving multiple organizations. Plan, execute, and monitor project progress to ensure successful outcomes.
- Manage and lead a team of professionals. Foster a collaborative environment and ensure team members are aligned with the program’s objectives.
- Ensure all activities comply with institutional policies and industry best practices. Stay updated with the latest trends in leadership training and development.
Chanakya Aanvikshiki Pvt Ltd | Sep 2016 - Aug 2023
Founder CEO & Director
- Achieved over ₹ 2.5 Crore in revenue through bootstrapping, impacting 1500+ participants, coaching 45 leaders, consulting 14 companies, and reaching 200,000+ people online and offline.
- As a founder, handled company setup, administrative office establishment, staff recruitment, and partnered with domain-specific consultants.
- Developed and delivered 40+ courses on chanakya’s teachings, catering to corporates, educational institutes, and government organizations.
- Provided leadership consulting for family businesses, blending Indian and Western principles, with engagements ranging from 12 to 24 months.
- Coached individual and group leaders, managed campaigns, analyzed electoral patterns, and executed policy and strategy implementation.
Chanakya Institute of Public Leadership | Jul 2016 - Jun 2023
Director
- The Chanakya Institute of Public Leadership (CIPL) is a training school for future leaders inspired by the ancient Indian wisdom.
- CIPL aims to institutionalise the ancient Indian Spiritual knowledge with an emphasis on its practical application in society to create a model society that can sustain for generations to come.
- The Institute offered a unique six-month residential program designed to cultivate aspiring thinkers and leaders. This program was under the Department of Philosophy and was free of charge, upholding the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara (teacherstudent tradition). The program aimed to blend ancient wisdom by teaching the whole ancient Indian text of Kautilya Arthashastra which consist of 6000 sutras with modernday politics and management techniques, providing a comprehensive learning experience for future leaders.
Chanakya Mitra Mantrana Pvt Ltd | Jul 2014 - Aug 2015
Chief Operating Officer (Advisor and Consultant)
- Strategic level decisions making along with the Board of Directors in the area of Market Study andBusiness Model creation.
- Get the company set up including Company Registration, Trademark, Bank Accounts, etc
- Set up the administrative office including Website; Email ids, Crating Company profile.
- Analysing the client’s company / profile and creating an in – depth report on the present functioning systems and procedures.
- Advise a plan to the client on changes and upgrades required in Financial Systems and Human Resource Management.
- Hand holding them from the conception to execution of the systems.
- Acquired new clients through references and Business Development activities.
Experience in Financial Services
Standard Chartered Bank | Sep 2015 - Aug 2016
Priority Relationship Manager
- As a Priority Relationship Manager, I proactively review and address Premier clients’ needs, enhancing relationships through additional funds and diverse financial products.
- I focus on deepening product penetration by identifying clients for tailored offerings, ensuring all engagements involve comprehensive risk profiling and financial planning.
- I organise events for client bonding, maintain strict adherence to KYC/AML norms, and provide thorough information on our services, ensuring the highest service standards.
HSBC | Apr 2011 - Jun 2013
Associate Vice President
- As a Associate Vice President, I actively assess and meet the financial needs of HSBC Bank’s premier clients, fostering stronger relationships through personalised service and diverse product offerings.
- I focus on expanding product penetration among my client base, identifying opportunities for tailored financial solutions that cater to their evolving needs.
- I ensure all client interactions are compliant with KYC/AML standards, organise events for client engagement, and provide comprehensive product information to maintain
high service quality.
Wealth Manager | Sep 2010 - Apr 2011
Ing Vysya Bank is now Kotak Mahindra Bank
- I specialize in client acquisition and nurturing client relationships, ensuring their financial plans are crafted and implemented effectively.
- By keeping a close eye on market trends, I make sure clients’ financial strategies are current and adjust them as needed.
- I provide clients with clear financial reports, explore new investment opportunities, and offer detailed explanations of their financial plans and options
SAFEinvest | Aug 2008 - Oct 2009
Manager - HNI and NRI Desk
- Established the NRI desk, providing financial planning and wealth management to deepen relationships with HNI customers.
- Conducted regular portfolio reviews and advised on investments in Mutual Funds and Portfolio Management Services.
- Organised large promotional events for new products and tailored services to meet the unique needs of HNI clients.
Experience in Hospitality
Hyatt Regency Mumbai | Jun 2005 - Jul 2006
Sales Coordinator - MICE Sales
- Managed the MICE market segment as a sales coordinator and oversaw the corporate segment of South Mumbai for the hotel.
- Acted as the central liaison for convention groups, coordinating with all hotel departments to ensure seamless service.
- Handled rate negotiations, prepared quotations, and drafted contracts for hotel sales and services.
Licenses & Certifications
Certified Independent Director
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 2 Candidate
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Research papers presented
What people have to say:
Vasundhara Talware
Lalchand Yadav
Gaurang Bhatt
Jayesh Solanki
Ravi Pokharna
Rasika Madge
Antriksh Shah
Shrikantha H S
Amit Parmar
Shiv Bhaskar
Ina Patel
Nirav Somaiya
Mohnish Bose
Venkat S
Rishi Raj
Aditya Bharadwaj
Kinnari (Kinnari Toliya) Modi
Yogesh Jain
Disha Selarka
Sheena Rajan
Consulate General of India, New York, USA | Jun 2018
