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.
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.
Nandini Ashok, the driving force behind IGF’s India operations, is deeply immersed in all facets of the foundation’s operations. With a specialization in Facilities Management and Operations, Nandini’s 20-year journey at Intel, Sasken, and the United Nations (ESCAP-APCTT) has honed her adaptability to manage complex projects and navigate organizational change. This adaptability has proven to be a key asset in fostering strong community relations and driving operational efficiencies. Nandini’s diverse experience and meticulous approach underscore her commitment to enhancing organizational performance and community engagement.
Deepika Vardhan Sharma (Dee) brings three decades of experience in business journalism, marketing, and education. Currently responsible for program design and communications at IGF, she was formerly the Director of Marketing and Curation at INK. Dee’s career began in business journalism at The Economic Times in New Delhi, India. In the U.S., she transitioned to marketing, holding strategic roles at NAVAJO Company, a boutique agency with mega-star clients in Silicon Valley. Dee established and became the managing editor for the company’s corporate publications division.
Driven by the belief that education shapes the future and stories inspire its architects, Dee reinvented herself as an educator in Taipei, Taiwan. At Taipei American School, she taught English, Economics, and International Relations, designing innovative curricula emphasizing student agency and choice. A lifelong learner, Dee holds master’s degrees in education and economics, with certifications from Stanford and Columbia Universities. Having lived in the U.S., Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India, she strongly believes in fostering inclusive communities.
Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill is the Operating Partner at Silicon Valley Quad (SVQ), an angel investing syndicate based in Silicon Valley that focuses on seed round investments in early-stage technology companies. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit programming and fundraising, she has worked with organizations such as The Asia Society and Museum, American India Foundation, and NEXUS in New York. Raj-Ann holds degrees from Syracuse University and serves on the Syracuse University Board of Trustees. She is dedicated to supporting innovative ventures and fostering global impact through her leadership at SVQ.
Balakrishnan G. Iyer (Balki) serves as the CCO and Executive Lead for US expansion at e-Zinc, based in the New York City Metropolitan Area. Balki’s illustrious career includes pivotal roles such as CCO at Eos Energy Storage. He co-founded and served as Chief Growth Officer at Utopus Insights, a global renewable energy analytics company acquired by Vestas. Additionally, he has held senior executive positions, including COO at Enel Green Power and Bharat Light & Power and Director of Business Development at GE. He is also a Board Advisor at Prescinto.
Balki holds a Master’s in Engineering from Binghamton University, an MBA from NYU Stern, and a Joint Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering & Science from BITS, India. In recognition of his contributions to sustainable energy and inclusive education, he received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from Binghamton University in 2019. He is also a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Balki was honored with the ‘Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business’ award in 2017.
A prolific speaker at global conferences, Balki is on the advisory group for INK and has served on GE’s Asia Pacific American Forum, mentoring Asian American business leaders. Alongside his wife, he co-founded Iyer Educational Institutions (IEI) to offer inclusive learning opportunities for children with autism, and serves as the Director of the Center for Children with Autism, a unit of IEI, Bengaluru.
Sarayu is the founder of Aapti Institute, a research organization that explores the intersection of technology, society, and public interest. Her experience spans management consulting (McKinsey & Company), venture investing (Elevar Equity), program development and management (Gray Matters Capital), and academic research. She holds a PhD in Political Science from King’s College London, a Master’s in Public Policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), and a dual degree in Arts and Law from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore.
Poonam Gupta’s work bridges technology, sustainability, and social impact. One of India’s early computer programmers, she has brought strategic and creative thinking to both industry and philanthropy, with a consistent focus on driving change in India.
She serves as Honorary Secretary at Saidham, a trust focused on education and healthcare, and leads the India chapter of the Rajeev Motwani Foundation, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. As Co-founding Partner at FCML Surfaces Pvt. Ltd., she has also championed sustainable practices within the ceramic tile sector—keeping impact at the core of all she does.
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