Business Leadership Speakers

Lakshmi Pratury

Lakshmi Pratury is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, public speaker, master interviewer, and writer. She is the founder and CEO of INKTalks, a transformative platform and community launched in 2010, where she curates stories and a community of global thought-leaders and game-changers.

Lakshmi is a sought-after public speaker and curator – addressing a wide range of leadership topics, including redefining success, future technologies and their role in shaping the workforce, women’s roles in the workplace, and the transformative power of storytelling in business. Alongside her speaking engagements, Lakshmi writes on a range of topics spanning business and life, and has contributed to several leading publications. She is on the board of several startups and initiatives, shaping and guiding teams on scaling globally and building communities. 

With over two decades of experience in the United States, Lakshmi held pivotal roles at Intel, where she helped shape the tech giant’s foray into end user marketing and business development. She worked in venture capital with Global Catalyst Partners and drove impactful projects in leadership roles for the non-profit American India Foundation.

Lakshmi is credited for co-hosting TED’s first and only conference in India in 2009 and bringing Singularity University’s international summit to India in 2015. Continuing her mission with INK and the non-profit INK Global Foundation (IGF), Lakshmi is committed to amplifying India’s narrative on the global stage, bringing the best of the world to India, and vice versa. She champions the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and storytelling to ignite innovation, foster resilience, and shape our collective destiny. Her journey from mathematics gold medalist to business and theater graduate underscores her multifaceted expertise and passion for driving change.

Archana Dutta

As CEO of INK Women, Archana Dutta leads a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. INK Women fosters mentorship, networking, and knowledge-sharing, creating a thriving ecosystem where women can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Under Archana’s leadership, the platform champions visibility, inclusion, and growth, ensuring more women have access to opportunities that help them excel.

Before INK Women, Archana spent 28 years in leadership roles at Hyatt Hotels and Lufthansa German Airlines. She then founded SecondAct, a platform for personal and professional transformation, and hosts the Discover Your SecondAct podcast, featuring over 150 inspiring stories. Her social impact initiative, Pedal On, focuses on skill-building and sustainable livelihoods for underprivileged women, creating over 10,000 eco-friendly products. Across all her ventures, Archana remains committed to driving meaningful change, empowering individuals to embrace reinvention and step into their next act with purpose.

Vidya Shah

Vidya Shah is the Executive Chairperson of EdelGive Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Edelweiss Group, a leading financial services company in India. After a successful career in investment banking, Vidya transitioned into philanthropy, driven by a passion to address India’s most pressing development challenges. She founded EdelGive Foundation in 2008 and, over the years, has transformed it into a strategic platform that supports grassroots NGOs across India. The foundation has provided both financial and non-financial resources to over 150 organizations, significantly scaling their impact.

Under Vidya’s leadership, EdelGive has emerged as a trusted philanthropic fund manager and advisor, connecting Indian and international funders with credible NGOs. Her innovative approach to grant-making focuses on placing NGOs at the center of funding decisions, allowing them to access sustainable support from various institutional and corporate partners. This model has established EdelGive as a go-to resource for those looking to engage with India’s development sector.

In addition to her role at EdelGive, Vidya Shah serves on the boards of several prominent civil society organizations such as Akshaya Patra Foundation, Janaagraha, and Mann Deshi Foundation. She also holds positions with international organizations like WINGS and Empower Families for Innovative Philanthropy, and recently joined the Asia Gender Network. Vidya holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and previously worked in investment banking with firms such as ICICI and NM Rothschild before becoming CFO of Edelweiss.

Suzannah Muthoot

Suzannah Muthoot is a dedicated professional with over 7 years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently, she serves as the Head of Strategy for Muthoot Housing Finance Company Ltd. Suzannah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s in Management from IE Business School.

Suzannah is passionate about the powerful impact of storytelling. She has witnessed firsthand the inspiring journeys of many customers, particularly women, whose stories often remain untold. Her goal is to bring these narratives to light, empowering women by sharing their experiences and journeys.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Suzannah is a mother to 8-month-old twin girls. She finds peace and calm through singing and drawing and enjoys a good workout. She also cherishes time spent with her lovable cocker spaniel, Cola. Suzannah’s blend of professional acumen, dedication to storytelling, and personal interests make her a dynamic and influential leader in her field.

Dao Jensen

Dao Jensen has carved out a prominent space in the technology industry as a trailblazer and visionary leader. Graduating from the Harvard Business School’s OPM Executive program, she founded Oak Rocket, Inc. in 2013. Oak Rocket stands as the first 100% female minority-owned company on the West Coast born in the cloud, which has positioned itself among the fastest-growing women-owned companies in the United States. The company’s mission is to lead in cloud enablement, offering strategic and optimized solutions for public cloud platforms.

Throughout her career, Dao has faced profound personal and professional challenges, including being a refugee and enduring the loss of close family members. These experiences have shaped her resilience and commitment to transformation, both personally and within her enterprise. She is also a dedicated board member of the YPO Pacific West Integrated Chapter and actively engages in global discussions on leadership and technology at platforms like AWS, GEN AI Days, and WBENC.

Jensen’s work extends beyond business; she is passionate about empowering others, evident in her talks at prestigious venues including the INK Talks and the Harvard Club. Her journey and insights have inspired many, proving that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and leadership.

Vita Dani

Vita Dani is a prominent entrepreneurial philanthropist and sports enthusiast, known for her significant contributions to the Indian sports landscape. She is the co-owner of the Indian Super League football team Chennaiyin FC and a league co-owner in Indian table tennis. Her passion for sports extends into her philanthropic efforts through the Dani Foundation, which she founded to empower communities via grassroots programs. These programs reflect her firm belief in the transformative power of sport and community engagement.

In addition to her roles in sports, Vita serves as the Director of ELMS Sports Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating sports development in India. Through her leadership, the foundation supports impactful projects like Annamrita, Project Mumbai, and Kapadwanj Kelavni Mandal, all aimed at empowering individuals and fostering transformative change within communities.

Vita Dani’s work not only promotes sports but also encompasses broader social impact initiatives, making her a pivotal figure in both the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spheres in India.

Hannah Muthoot

Hannah Muthoot is a dedicated social entrepreneur and a fourth-generation torchbearer of the Muthoot Pappachan Group. Based in Kochi, Kerala, she focuses on business development, operations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Hannah combines her business acumen with a passion for social empowerment. An alumna of the University of Southern California, she holds a degree in social entrepreneurship. Since 2016, she has also been consulting for the Jeevan Jyothi Non-Profit Organization in Pune, India, addressing various social issues.

Currently, Hannah is spearheading the Group’s efforts in sports development for Indian youth, aiming to create a comprehensive sports ecosystem in India. This initiative seeks to inspire, uplift, and transform the next generation through the power of sports.

In March 2021, Hannah co-founded Aurah Social, a health and wellness initiative that promotes healthy living as a social movement through monthly events. These events combine physical activities with nourishing food and music, fostering a community-focused atmosphere in various picturesque locations across India.

Anu Sethram

Anu Sethuram, one of INK’s earliest supporters, is the co-founder and president of INK Global Foundation. Her role combines her passion for promoting intercultural exchange and collaboration with her dedication to social empowerment. Anu is instrumental in the success of the U.S. Roadshow, where she continues to champion the organization’s mission and growth. Her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and extensive community engagement efforts are integral to Anu’s role.

Vani Kola

Vani Kola is the Founder and Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm in India. With a background as a 2x entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, Vani brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to her investment philosophy, which focuses on supporting young, first-time entrepreneurs with passion and perseverance. 

At Kalaari, Vani has led over 30 successful investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, gaming, digital content, and healthcare. Some notable successes include Dream11, Myntra, Cure.fit, and Snapdeal. Vani is actively involved in guiding these companies as a board member, contributing to their growth and success.

Vani has become an influential figure in India’s startup ecosystem over the past decade. She has been featured in numerous publications and recognized as one of Fortune India‘s ‘Most Powerful Women in Business.’ Vani is also dedicated to supporting organizations that promote entrepreneurship and women leadership.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Vani prioritizes personal well-being and sustainability. She practices heartfulness meditation and Ashtanga yoga, enjoys reading and writing, and is passionate about sustainable living. Vani cultivates organic produce in her garden to meet her family’s needs, embodying her commitment to a balanced and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Alayna Van Dervort

Alayna Van Dervort, the visionary founder of The Big Wild, is at the forefront of merging technology and environmental stewardship to drive sustainability within global climate initiatives. Armed with a Harvard education and a background as a Marine Mammal Medic, Alayna brings a unique blend of expertise to her role as an Amazon AWS professional, where she pioneers collaborative technological solutions aimed at addressing critical issues in climate, environment, and society.

With a deep commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Alayna empowers individuals and organizations on the front lines of environmental advocacy and Indigenous community support. Through her innovative approach, she facilitates access to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, and GIS tools, enabling stakeholders to tackle global challenges effectively.

Alayna’s transformative work extends beyond mere advocacy; she actively propels the missions of organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. Her holistic approach underscores her dedication to fostering meaningful change and driving progress towards a more sustainable future.

Sukhi Singh

Sukhi Singh is the visionary founder behind Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods, a distinguished brand celebrated for its authentic Indian cuisine meticulously crafted with premium ingredients and time-honored recipes. What began as a solo venture has evolved into a globally recognized enterprise, setting the standard as one of the few USDA-certified, third-party audited Indian food providers. 

Sukhi’s remarkable journey includes groundbreaking achievements, notably becoming the inaugural Indian food company to secure placement in major American retailers like Costco and Whole Foods, marking a significant milestone in introducing Indian flavors to mainstream audiences. Today, Sukhi’s legacy thrives with active involvement from her three children, who play integral roles in steering the company toward continued prosperity and innovation.

Kirthiga Reddy

Kirthiga Reddy is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor at the forefront of technological innovation. Currently serving as the CEO of Verix, she spearheads a pioneering platform driven by GenAI and blockchain technology, focusing on authentication, engagement, and monetization across various sectors, including events, awards, creators, brands, and sports. With her extensive experience, Kirthiga brings strategic vision and leadership to Verix, driving its growth and impact in the digital landscape.

Prior to her current role, Kirthiga held significant positions at renowned organizations. She served as a Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, contributing to investment strategies and fostering innovation in the technology sector. Kirthiga made history as Facebook’s inaugural employee in India and later served as the Managing Director for Facebook India & South Asia, playing a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s reach and engagement across the region.

Committed to social impact, Kirthiga co-founded Liftery, a groundbreaking initiative empowering mothers in their careers. She has also championed women-led initiatives as a Founding Investment Partner of the F7 seed fund and President of Athena Tech II, facilitating access to capital markets and promoting diversity in the tech industry.

Kirthiga’s contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including accolades such as Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business 2013, Business Today’s Hottest Young Executives, Fortune India’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women in India, and the top position in IMPACT’s 50 Most Influential Women list in media, marketing, and advertising 2015. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire and shape the landscape of technology and entrepreneurship in India and beyond.