Mentors
DIKSHITA AGGARWAL
- MENTOR
Dikshita Aggarwal is an incoming MBA candidate at INSEAD France. Motivated by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s quote, “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do”, Dikshita strives for success through her inquisitiveness to learn and desire to be a pathbreaker.
She distinguished herself as the youngest and the only non-Chinese relationship manager at major local banks such as DBS and OCBC in Singapore. She graduated from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore with Bachelor of Business in Banking and Finance specializing in Applied Wealth Management. She leverages on her financial knowledge, strategic mindset, and analytical thinking to provide leading-edge financial education to her clients. She helps to build and enhance her clients’ financial portfolio to help them smoothly achieve their financial aspirations.
Outside of work, she is involved in multiple pursuits that help her channel her creative juices. She the author of a poem book and a trained Indian classical dance (Kathak) performer. She is excited to empower others in their journey to become pathbreakers.
Dikshita Aggarwal is an incoming MBA candidate at INSEAD France. Motivated by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s quote, “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do”, Dikshita strives for success through her inquisitiveness to learn and desire to be a pathbreaker.
She distinguished herself as the youngest and the only non-chinese relationship manager at major local banks such as DBS and OCBC in Singapore. She graduated from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore with Bachelor of Business in Banking and Finance specializing in Applied Wealth Management. She leverages on her financial knowledge, strategic mindset, and analytical thinking to provide leading-edge financial education to her clients. She helps to build and enhance her clients’ financial portfolio to help them smoothly achieve their financial aspirations.
Outside of work, she is involved in multiple pursuits that help her channel her creative juices. She the author of a poem book and a trained Indian classical dance (Kathak) performer. She is excited to empower others in their journey to become pathbreakers.
SAMARTH AGARWAL
- MENTOR
Samarth Agarwal serves as a Partner Development Associate (inside sales) for Google Cloud, where he manages a > US$ 10mn portfolio. He firmly believes that purpose-driven communication is the cornerstone of his hitherto professional success.
He studied at Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun where he earned the Best Media Anchor award for two consecutive years at an inter-school educational fest. Notably, he played a pivotal role in persuading the school board to launch its first science magazine and served as its inaugural Editor-in-Chief.
Samarth graduated with distinction in Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore where he held leadership positions in the Cultural Society, Engineering Society, and Financial Research Society. He was the runner-up in Dell’s Entrepreneurship Hackathon, an experience that reinforced his belief in professional storytelling as a vital skill for successful entrepreneurship. In his senior year, he created a platform to help students in collaborating for case-study based interview preparation. Samarth is convinced that effective communication skills are essential bridges connecting talent to success.
Samarth Agarwal serves as a Partner Development Associate (inside sales) for Google Cloud, where he manages a > US$ 10mn portfolio. He firmly believes that purpose-driven communication is the cornerstone of his hitherto professional success.
He studied at Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun where he earned the Best Media Anchor award for two consecutive years at an inter-school educational fest. Notably, he played a pivotal role in persuading the school board to launch its first science magazine and served as its inaugural Editor-in-Chief.
Samarth graduated with distinction in Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore where he held leadership positions in the Cultural Society, Engineering Society, and Financial Research Society. He was the runner-up in Dell’s Entrepreneurship Hackathon, an experience that reinforced his belief in professional storytelling as a vital skill for successful entrepreneurship. In his senior year, he created a platform to help students in collaborating for case-study based interview preparation. Samarth is convinced that effective communication skills are essential bridges connecting talent to success.
YAMINI Prashanth
- MENTOR
Yamini Prashanth recently graduated from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. At the age of 12, she became India’s youngest published author. She toured schools and literary festivals in India to encourage children to read and write. This early experience taught her the value and joy of communication and storytelling, particularly to connecting with audiences with diverse backgrounds.
She was India’s youngest TedX speaker at age 13 and has given several media interviews at a young age. As an avid MUNner at school, she won awards at every MUM conference in which she participated. She has chaired multiple international MUNs. At NTU, she served as President of 2 premier social impact consulting clubs, cultivated work experience in consulting, and has secured an offer to join Oliver Wyman in early 2025.
She truly believes that each of these communication experiences have been enhanced by learning from the others’ experiences and stories. She is excited to share her learnings and grow with each interaction.
Yamini Prashanth recently graduated from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. At the age of 12, she became India’s youngest published author. She toured schools and literary festivals in India to encourage children to read and write. This early experience taught her the value and joy of communication and storytelling, particularly to connecting with audiences with diverse backgrounds.
She was India’s youngest TedX speaker at age 13 and has given several media interviews at a young age. As an avid MUNner at school, she won awards at every MUM conference in which she participated. She has chaired multiple international MUNs. At NTU, she served as President of 2 premier social impact consulting clubs, cultivated work experience in consulting, and has secured an offer to join Oliver Wyman in early 2025.
She truly believes that each of these communication experiences have been enhanced by learning from the others’ experiences and stories. She is excited to share her learnings and grow with each interaction.
UTKARSH VATS
- MENTOR
Utkarsh Vats is an Associate at Clarence and Partners, specializing in M&A Transactions and Venture Capital. A graduate of the National Law Institute University, Bhopal with a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), Utkarsh has shown a strong commitment to corporate law.
His academic journey is highlighted by active participation in moot courts and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) competitions, sharpening his advocacy and negotiation skills. As the Co-convenor of Manthan – Center for Knowledge and Policy at NLIU, Utkarsh fostered academic discourse and policy analysis among students.
His internships at top law firms like Saraf and Partners, Trilegal, and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas allowed him to engage with complex legal issues, including contract novation and the intricacies of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. Utkarsh is also involved in legal aid initiatives, where he contributes his legal expertise to community service.
Utkarsh Vats is an Associate at Clarence and Partners, specializing in M&A Transactions and Venture Capital. A graduate of the National Law Institute University, Bhopal with a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), Utkarsh has shown a strong commitment to corporate law.
His academic journey is highlighted by active participation in moot courts and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) competitions, sharpening his advocacy and negotiation skills. As the Co-convenor of Manthan – Center for Knowledge and Policy at NLIU, Utkarsh fostered academic discourse and policy analysis among students.
His internships at top law firms like Saraf and Partners, Trilegal, and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas allowed him to engage with complex legal issues, including contract novation and the intricacies of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. Utkarsh is also involved in legal aid initiatives, where he contributes his legal expertise to community service.
Mac MILIN KIRAN
- MENTOR
Mac Milin Kiran is an Innovation Scholar at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. With a master’s degree in Communication, Culture, and Technology from Georgetown University, he brings expertise in technology governance, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and data protection. Mac’s work has spanned critical tech policy areas such as online child safety and election integrity, where he has contributed to research initiatives that inform public discourse and policy discussions.
In addition to his research, Mac has led external relations efforts as the Director of External Relations at Georgetown GradGov, where he developed and executed strategies that strengthened community engagement and stakeholder relationships. His experience extends across sectors, including public relations, data journalism, and social media marketing in Singapore, where he crafted communication strategies that effectively bridged complex topics and diverse audiences.
Known for his ability to engage with stakeholders at various levels, Mac is adept at translating challenging issues into accessible narratives that drive impact. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, helping them leverage storytelling and strategic communication to navigate complex challenges and create meaningful connections.
Mac Milin Kiran is an Innovation Scholar at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. With a master’s degree in Communication, Culture, and Technology from Georgetown University, he brings expertise in technology governance, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and data protection. Mac’s work has spanned critical tech policy areas such as online child safety and election integrity, where he has contributed to research initiatives that inform public discourse and policy discussions..
In addition to his research, Mac has led external relations efforts as the Director of External Relations at Georgetown GradGov, where he developed and executed strategies that strengthened community engagement and stakeholder relationships. His experience extends across sectors, including public relations, data journalism, and social media marketing in Singapore, where he crafted communication strategies that effectively bridged complex topics and diverse audiences.
Known for his ability to engage with stakeholders at various levels, Mac is adept at translating challenging issues into accessible narratives that drive impact. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, helping them leverage storytelling and strategic communication to navigate complex challenges and create meaningful connections.
SAKSHAM GOYAL
- MENTOR
Saksham Goyal is a final year business management student at NMIMS Mumbai with a specialization in finance. He is also a CFA candidate and is currently working at Nuvama Private. His debating career spans over 7+ years.
Earlier he was a person who used to stammer and suffered from terrible stage fright, but as he was always determined to excel, he emerged as an ace debater. He has clinched victories at various debating competitions such semi-finalist at IIT Bangalore, and overall Novice Champion at IIM Ahmedabad. Beyond this, he has served as the President of his school’s and college’s Debating Society.
At college, he conducted triweekly debating workshops and training sessions for the members. He finds the opportunity to mentor others to be extremely fulfilling and is committed to support others in their journey to improve their communication skills. Apart from this, he really loves music, cooking, and cinema.
Saksham Goyal is a final year business management student at NMIMS Mumbai with a specialization in finance. He is also a CFA candidate and is currently working at Nuvama Private. His debating career spans over 7+ years.
Earlier he was a person who used to stammer and suffered from terrible stage fright, but as he was always determined to excel, he emerged as an ace debater. He has clinched victories at various debating competitions such semi-finalist at IIT Bangalore, and overall Novice Champion at IIM Ahmedabad. Beyond this, he has served as the President of his school’s and college’s Debating Society.
At college, he conducted triweekly debating workshops and training sessions for the members. He finds the opportunity to mentor others to be extremely fulfilling and is committed to support others in their journey to improve their communication skills. Apart from this, he really loves music, cooking, and cinema.
SARTHAK TAYAL
- MENTOR
Sarthak Tayal is a dynamic and driven Economics graduate from IE University, Spain. He was ranked in top 10% in his class and gained work experience as a strategy consultant at Deloitte. As a senior analyst at the Eden Fund, he was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the first student-led investment fund in Spain.
He has a deep passion for debating and public speaking. He demonstrated strong leadership skills and commitment to public speaking through his roles as Director General of Finance for the IEU Debate Club. He successfully organised numerous debates and MUN conferences. He also oversaw content writing for the university’s flagship magazine.
Sarthak’s commitment to social impact is evident in his volunteer work, including leading relief efforts in India and participating in MENA Climate Week. He was an active member of the IEU Theatre Club as an actor and assistant director, reinforcing his belief that the ability to express oneself on public platforms is imperative.
Sarthak Tayal is a dynamic and driven Economics graduate from IE University, Spain. He was ranked in top 10% in his class and gained work experience as a strategy consultant at Deloitte. As a senior analyst at the Eden Fund, he was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the first student-led investment fund in Spain.
He has a deep passion for debating and public speaking. He demonstrated strong leadership skills and commitment to public speaking through his roles as Director General of Finance for the IEU Debate Club. He successfully organised numerous debates and MUN conferences. He also oversaw content writing for the university’s flagship magazine.
Sarthak’s commitment to social impact is evident in his volunteer work, including leading relief efforts in India and participating in MENA Climate Week. He was an active member of the IEU Theatre Club as an actor and assistant director, reinforcing his belief that the ability to express oneself on public platforms is imperative.
Shivansh Bansal
- CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Shivansh Bansal is an analyst at Goldman Sachs, Bengaluru and posits a great interest in critical thinking and public speaking. He pursued Bachelor of Business Administration and Management degree at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.
With his roots in an entrepreneurial family and school education at The Scindia School where he understood the value of time and work and developed an inclination towards process optimization at grassroots level. He interned at Jindal Stainless Limited, India wherein he tactfully identified inefficiencies causing financial impact.
He has 8+ years of experience in debating and served as the President of his college’s debating society. During his tenure, he won numerous accolades at internationally recognized competitions like Habib Pre-Worlds, Pakistan and Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. His learning contour has curved from acute stage fright and strong opinions to confident articulation and free thinking.
Shivansh Bansal is an analyst at Goldman Sachs, Bengaluru and posits a great interest in critical thinking and public speaking. He pursued Bachelor of Business Administration and Management degree at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.
With his roots in an entrepreneurial family and school education at The Scindia School, one of India’s top residential schools, he understood the value of time and work and developed an inclination towards process optimization at grassroots level. He interned at Jindal Stainless Limited, India wherein he tactfully identified inefficiencies causing financial impact.
He has 8+ years of experience in debating and served as the President of his college’s debating society. During his tenure, he won numerous accolades at internationally recognized competitions like Habib Pre-Worlds, Pakistan and Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. His learning contour has curved from acute stage fright and strong opinions to confident articulation and free thinking.
Dhruv Periwal
- Founder & Chief Executive Director
Dhruv Periwal is a strategy consultant at Strategy& (part of PwC) in Singapore and a public speaker at heart. He triumphed over stammering and has been actively engaged in public speaking for 9+ years.
Dhruv studied at The Scindia School. He defines his life changing moment when despite suffering from stammering, he faced an audience of 500+ people and won an English elocution competition. Eventually, he nurtured his passion for communication in the school’s newsroom where he worked as an Editor-in Chief for 2 flagship magazines and in other leadership positions like Secretary of Elocution and Public Speaking and School Council.
At Nanyang Technology University, Singapore, Dhruv received a Bachelor of Business with highest distinction (top 5% of class). While overseas, he was elected as Vice President – Membership at Toastmasters International with the mission to inspire people to become better communicators and won prestigious accolades like 3rd runner-up at Singapore National Speech Competition 2020.
As a strategy consultant, he works across sectors like automotive and industrials to solve complex business problems for top clients like Large corporates and leading private equity firms.
Dhruv Periwal is a strategy consultant at Strategy& (part of PwC) in Singapore and a public speaker at heart. He triumphed over stammering and has been actively engaged in public speaking for 9+ years.
Dhruv studied at The Scindia School, one of India’s top residential schools. He defines his life changing moment when despite suffering from stammering, he faced an audience of 500+ people and won an English elocution competition. Eventually, he nurtured his passion for communication in the school’s newsroom where he worked as an Editor-in Chief for 2 flagship magazines and in other leadership positions like Secretary of Elocution and Public Speaking and School Council.
At Nanyang Technology University, Singapore, Dhruv received a Bachelor of Business with highest distinction (top 5% of class). While overseas, he was elected as Vice President – Membership at Toastmasters International with the mission to inspire people to become better communicators and won prestigious accolades like 3rd runner-up at Singapore National Speech Competition 2020.
As a strategy consultant, he works across sectors like automotive and industrials to solve complex business problems for top clients like Large corporates and leading private equity firms.
Dhruv is on a mission to change lives by equipping people with opportunities and resources to become better communicators. He specializes in tackling communication challenges, so that people communicate with clarity, coherence, and eloquence.
ATREYA SRIDHAR
- MENTOR
Atreya Sridhar graduated from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore with a degree in Robotics and Business. Consequently, he worked as a strategy consultant in the healthcare & life sciences sector.
As a strategy consultant, he had the opportunity to solve complex business problems and present solutions to CEOs and senior executives of pharmaceutical, medical technology, and consumer health companies. During his tenure, he honed his skills in structured problem solving, critical thinking, and public speaking.
Outside of work, Atreya likes practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai and is an avid basketball player. He has participated and won several case contests and innovation challenges. He is looking forward to helping people achieve their full potential and attain a career they are passionate about.
Atreya Sridhar graduated from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore with a degree in Robotics and Business. Consequently, he worked as a strategy consultant in the healthcare & life sciences sector.
As a strategy consultant, he had the opportunity to solve complex business problems and present solutions to CEOs and senior executives of pharmaceutical, medical technology, and consumer health companies. During his tenure, he honed his skills in structured problem solving, critical thinking, and public speaking.
Outside of work, Atreya likes practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai and is an avid basketball player. He has participated and won several case contests and innovation challenges. He is looking forward to helping people achieve their full potential and attain a career they are passionate about.
Arnav Sehgal
- HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Arnav is currently a sophomore undergraduate student at NALSAR University of Law, India. His debating journey has been marked with notable achievements such as the Best Novice Speaker and reaching the Semi-Finals in the British Parliamentary Debate at IIM Ahmedabad, and victories at reputed institutions like IIM Kharagpur and IIM Indore.
Outside of academia, Arnav finds fulfilment in engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations and exploring new areas of knowledge through his passion for reading. He enjoys delving into diverse subjects and gaining insights from various perspectives. Arnav’s interests also extend to martial arts, where he has achieved national recognition as a Karate practitioner. With a Bronze medal in Nationals and a certified black belt accredited by the National Karate Federation of India, he embodies discipline and perseverance in his pursuits.
In addition to his academic and extracurricular endeavours, Arnav contributes to the placement cell at NALSAR University of Law, supporting fellow students in their career journey. Through his diverse experiences and commitment to growth, Arnav aims to make a positive impact both within the university and beyond.
Arnav is currently a sophomore undergraduate student at NALSAR University of Law, India. His debating journey has been marked with notable achievements such as the Best Novice Speaker and reaching the Semi-Finals in the British Parliamentary Debate at IIM Ahmedabad, and victories at reputed institutions like IIM Kharagpur and IIM Indore.
Outside of academia, Arnav finds fulfilment in engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations and exploring new areas of knowledge through his passion for reading. He enjoys delving into diverse subjects and gaining insights from various perspectives. Arnav’s interests also extend to martial arts, where he has achieved national recognition as a Karate practitioner. With a Bronze medal in Nationals and a certified black belt accredited by the National Karate Federation of India, he embodies discipline and perseverance in his pursuits.
In addition to his academic and extracurricular endeavours, Arnav contributes to the placement cell at NALSAR University of Law, supporting fellow students in their career journey. Through his diverse experiences and commitment to growth, Arnav aims to make a positive impact both within the university and beyond.
MALAVIKA UNNIKRISHNAN
- MENTOR
Malavika Unnikrishnan is a Technology Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, based in Singapore. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from NTU, Singapore. However, her journey in communication began much earlier, during her school days in India, where she actively engaged in debates and public-speaking events. This early passion evolved into a dedicated pursuit, culminating in her becoming a seasoned Toastmaster, known for her ability to connect with audiences and deliver impactful messages.
Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of effective communication, Malavika is committed to mentoring aspiring communicators, helping them harness this vital skill to build confidence, forge meaningful connections, and inspire others. Through this mentoring journey, she looks forward to empowering individuals to find their unique voice and thrive as strong, impactful communicators.
Malavika Unnikrishnan is a Technology Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, based in Singapore. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from NTU, Singapore.
However, her journey in communication began much earlier, during her school days in India, where she actively engaged in debates and public-speaking events. This early passion evolved into a dedicated pursuit, culminating in her becoming a seasoned Toastmaster, known for her ability to connect with audiences and deliver impactful messages.
Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of effective communication, Malavika is committed to mentoring aspiring communicators, helping them harness this vital skill to build confidence, forge meaningful connections, and inspire others. Through this mentoring journey, she looks forward to empowering individuals to find their unique voice and thrive as strong, impactful communicators.
KHUSHIE MUNDHARA
- Mentor
Khushie Mundhara is a final year high school student in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. She aims to pursue finance and public policy when she goes to college. Her interest in public speaking began when she joined Model United Nations in her first year of high school, and fell in love with diplomatic debating to solve real-world issues.
Since 2022, she has won many state and international awards for Model UN and now serves as the Secretary of her schools Model UN team where she mentors new members. Khushie’s commitment to bettering the world through public speaking is shown through her work with the non-profit, VT Seva where she has started an annual Model UN workshop to raise money for charities in India. Additionally, Khushie is very passionate about government and politics and serves on the boards of various political and community groups.
Khushie Mundhara is a final year high school student in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. She aims to pursue finance and public policy when she goes to college. Her interest in public speaking began when she joined Model United Nations in her first year of high school, and fell in love with diplomatic debating to solve real-world issues.
Since 2022, she has won many state and international awards for Model UN and now serves as the Secretary of her schools Model UN team where she mentors new members. Khushie’s commitment to bettering the world through public speaking is shown through her work with the non-profit, VT Seva where she has started an annual Model UN workshop to raise money for charities in India. Additionally, Khushie is very passionate about government and politics and serves on the boards of various political and community groups.
ROHIL SHARMA
- MENTOR
Rohil Sharma is currently pursuing a degree in Law at JGLU, where he has actively embraced opportunities to sharpen his communication skills. His journey in public speaking began early, with a strong inclination toward debates, quizzes, Model United Nations, and discussions on international and geopolitical issues. These formative experiences instilled in him the value of clarity, confidence, and adaptability in delivering messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
For Rohil, effective communication goes beyond words — it lies in the tone, body language, and ability to create meaningful connections. He is passionate about using authenticity and enthusiasm to engage, inspire, and influence. Through The Speaks Group, he is committed to mentoring aspiring communicators, helping them refine their abilities and discover their unique voice as impactful speakers
Rohil Sharma is currently pursuing a degree in Law at JGLU, where he has actively embraced opportunities to sharpen his communication skills. His journey in public speaking began early, with a strong inclination toward debates, quizzes, Model United Nations, and discussions on international and geopolitical issues. These formative experiences instilled in him the value of clarity, confidence, and adaptability in delivering messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
For Rohil, effective communication goes beyond words — it lies in the tone, body language, and ability to create meaningful connections. He is passionate about using authenticity and enthusiasm to engage, inspire, and influence. Through The Speaks Group, he is committed to mentoring aspiring communicators, helping them refine their abilities and discover their unique voice as impactful speakers
