About Dhruv
short bio
Dhruv Periwal is a strategy consultant at Strategy& (PwC) in Singapore and a passionate public speaker. His story is one of triumph, transforming his battle with stammering into a lifelong commitment to inspiring others through the art of communication.
At The Scindia School, one of India’s top residential schools, Dhruv faced a defining moment when, despite his stammering, he stepped up to speak in front of over 500 people. Winning that English elocution competition marked the beginning of a deep passion for communication. He went on to channel this passion by contributing as Editor-in-Chief of two school magazines while taking on leadership roles that allowed him to elevate his communication skills further.
Dhruv’s journey continued at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business and honed his public speaking talents. As Vice President of Membership at Toastmasters International, he not only fostered a community of aspiring communicators but also showcased his own progress by achieving recognition at national competitions.
Now a strategy consultant, Dhruv brings the same determination to solving business problems for leading clients across industries. His commitment to clear, confident communication extends beyond his own growth, as he helps others navigate their challenges and find their voice—just as he did.
Dhruv Periwal is a strategy consultant at Strategy& (PwC) in Singapore and a passionate public speaker. His story is one of triumph, transforming his battle with stammering into a lifelong commitment to inspiring others through the art of communication.
At The Scindia School, one of India’s top residential schools, Dhruv faced a defining moment when, despite his stammering, he stepped up to speak in front of over 500 people. Winning that English elocution competition marked the beginning of a deep passion for communication. He went on to channel this passion by contributing as Editor-in-Chief of two school magazines while taking on leadership roles that allowed him to elevate his communication skills further.
Dhruv’s journey continued at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business and honed his public speaking talents. As Vice President of Membership at Toastmasters International, he not only fostered a community of aspiring communicators but also showcased his own progress by achieving recognition at national competitions.
Now a strategy consultant, Dhruv brings the same determination to solving business problems for leading clients across industries. His commitment to clear, confident communication extends beyond his own growth, as he helps others navigate their challenges and find their voice—just as he did.
BACK STORY
Dhruv Periwal was raised in the historic city of Jaipur, India, a place where the timeless elegance of old-world traditions meets the innovative pulse of modern development. Surrounded by a vibrant community of visionary entrepreneurs and dedicated educationists, Dhruv was immersed in an environment where ambition flourished and challenges were met with unwavering courage. These early influences likely sowed the seeds of resilience and determination that would later define his personal journey—a journey marked by the pursuit of overcoming one of the most daunting challenges of his life.
At the age of 10, Dhruv began to experience moments of stammering, initially small but gradually spiraling into frequent, debilitating episodes. The once minor hindrances quickly eroded his self-confidence, enveloping him in a cocoon of self-doubt. Despite undergoing over 25 speech therapy sessions with three different specialists, the issue persisted, leaving him feeling disheartened. Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, Dhruv chose to confront his fears head-on, refusing to be imprisoned by the harsh cycle of self-judgment and insecurity. It was here, at this intersection of frustration and resolve, that Dhruv began the arduous but ultimately transformative journey to reclaim his voice.
At 15, he took a bold leap by enrolling at The Scindia School, Gwalior, a prestigious residential institution located 350 kilometers away from home. This move, while exciting, pushed Dhruv out of his comfort zone and further exacerbated his stammering, fueled by the anxiety of adapting to a new environment. However, in the face of these challenges, he remained determined. Dhruv courageously signed up for an English elocution competition, a decision that would prove pivotal. After weeks of meticulous practice, he confidently delivered a 4.5-minute speech to an audience of over 500 people, a feat that not only won him the competition but also unlocked previously unimaginable opportunities.
The full extent of his progress became clear when Dhruv was invited to speak at the Global Social Leaders conference at Wellington College in the United Kingdom, where he once again delivered a flawless speech. This moment solidified his growing confidence, and from that point on, Dhruv’s momentum only increased. He was appointed as Secretary of Elocution and Public Speaking and earned a seat on the School Council, further establishing his leadership in communication. Simultaneously, he channeled his passion for storytelling into the school’s newsroom, serving as Editor-in-Chief for two flagship magazines, where his words reached and inspired many.
Later, at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Dhruv pursued a Bachelor of Business, but his passion for public speaking continued to thrive. Elected Vice President of Membership at Toastmasters International, he motivated others to find their voice and helped onboard 30+ new members. His dedication to honing his craft led him to success in several competitions, including 3rd runner-up at the Singapore National Speech Competition in 2020 and 3rd runner-up at Toastmasters International Speech Competition in 2021.
Today, Dhruv is a strategy consultant at Strategy& (part of PwC) in Singapore, working with leading global clients across sectors such as automotive and industrials. He tackles complex business challenges for Fortune Global 500 companies and private equity firms with assets exceeding USD 1 billion, applying the same determination, creativity, and resilience that helped him conquer his personal battle with stammering.
