A great combination of left and right brain, Lakshmi combines Emotional Intelligence with a keen understanding of the marvels of technology, allowing her to bring a “human” perspective to futuristic technologies like Synthetic Biology, AI, IoT, and Blockchain. She is passionate about the possibilities that the human-machine intersection can enable.
As a speaker, Lakshmi addresses large corporates and leaders, instilling cutting-edge insights and moon-shot style of thinking to bring innovative business practices into the company. Lakshmi speaks widely on the topic of storytelling, specifically the vital role that stories play in businesses and institution-building.
Lakshmi’s penchant for community-building and technological innovation led her to found INK which stands for INnovation and Knowledge – India’s foremost platform for the exchange of cutting-edge ideas and inspiring stories. INK is known for events like its flagship annual INK Conference and its programs like INK Fellows wherein stories of game-changing innovations are curated to reach far and wide.
Her long experience in this area dates back to her time at Intel where she harnessed the power of storytelling to help the IT giant transform from a chip company to a leader in the computing industry through programs like Intel Inside.
She also talks passionately about redefining success in terms of breath-taking moments and not billions of dollars. Lakshmi has a tremendous stage presence built over years of speaking at global conferences such as TED, DLD, and WIRED; hosting over ten major INK events across Asia; and acting in theatre in the US.
Prior to INK, Lakshmi spent over two decades in the US in leading roles in technology (Intel), venture capital (Global Catalyst Partners), and shaping initiatives for non-profit organizations (American India Foundation). She attended IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Mumbai, and was gold medalist in undergraduate mathematics. Having waded through domains like math, venture capital, and technology where women are under-represented, Lakshmi is an ardent advocate of women at work.
Among many awards and recognitions she has been conferred with, Lakshmi was listed in Forbes’ ‘Women to Watch in Asia.’
