Guidance for Indian Startups: Building Your Advisory Board

For start-up founders and CEOs, an advisory board can bring value by providing high-quality advice and insights. An advisory board is a group of experienced professionals who provide strategic advice, rich insights, and necessary support to your business. They can help you navigate through different types of challenges, identify new opportunities and possibilities, and provide valuable insights into your industry. 

Our top business mentors and advisors offer their crucial insights on how to build an effective start-up advisory board for startups

When and why do you need an advisory board?

According to TOSB expert, healthcare entrepreneur and author Ashwin Naik, “Building an advisory board is tough. First, you need to get the right advisors. Second, you need to provide value to the advisors in addition to deriving value from them. Most important however is the clarity on what is the role you want the advisor to play in your growth journey.” 

One of the biggest wins of having an advisory board is that it brings together people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This diversity of thoughts and insights can help you see things from different perspectives and come up with tailor-made solutions to complex problems. Additionally, an advisory board can help you build credibility with investors, customers, and other stakeholders.

According to TOSB expert, executive coach Shruti Swaroop, below are some key areas under which advisors are usually sought:

• Risk Advisory: Advice on the various risks associated with finance, business, talent and compliance

• Capital Raising and Financial Advisory: Advice on the when and how of raising capital. Reorganization & restructuring of financial assets and liabilities and creating the most beneficial financial environment for the company.

• Talent Management: Advice on hiring, retaining, and managing talent and ensuring maximum utilization for maximum productivity.

• Business Advisory: Advice on managing business, developing products, marketing, research and development, and improving operations.

• Creating Partnerships: Advice on creating and fostering partnerships with founders with the right value systems.

• Technical Advisory: Advice on technical aspects of the product and market research to ensure management strategies are implemented.

• Go-to-market Strategy: Advice on the right marketing strategy – when, where, and who to sell.

• Operations and Scaling Up: Advice on operational excellence and scaling up of business for the next level of growth.

Finding your advisory board members

Advisors are often found through business networks and mutual contacts. A more standardized approach would be to talk to a consultant who works with a network of advisors and is trained in matching organizations with external advice. Such a consultant would talk through which phase your business is in and to what specific areas do you want to bring this external viewpoint. Do you need an entrepreneur to guide you through growth strategies? Or a lawyer to bring in legal advice? Or a policy expert to navigate complex geo-political trends?

At The Outstanding Speakers' Bureau (TOSB), we work with you to identify the right advisors for your business needs. In doing so, we look at factors such as industry experience, reputation, availability and commitment that would be apt for your business.

Guide to Leverage Your Advisory Board's Expertise 

Once you have an advisory board in place, how do you ensure you are getting the most out of this partnership? When working with advisors, it’s critical to create opportunities for them to share their insights and ideas, be it through meetings, brainstorming sessions or structured feedback mechanisms. Here are some ways to engage with your advisory board:

• Invite your advisors to attend team meetings where they can better understand your business and challenges.

• Include your advisory board members in brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas and identify innovative solutions to complex problems.

• Ask your advisory board members to provide feedback on specific projects or initiatives to refine your strategies and improve your chances of success.

• Tap into your advisory board's networks to gain access to new customers, partners, and investors. 

The right advisor for your business can be an industry leader or a subject matter expert or an entrepreneur themselves or none of the above. The trick is to ensure you explore your options by consulting with someone who has access to a wide network of advisors.

Meta Description: Learn how to build an effective advisory board for your startup. Discover how to choose the right members, structure your meetings, leverage their expertise, and measure their success.

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From Storytellers to Visionaries: A Guide to Different Types of Motivational Speakers

 

Motivational speakers play a pivotal role in uplifting and inspiring individuals across the globe. They possess the unique ability to ignite passion, drive change, and empower audiences to achieve their goals. However, the world of motivational speaking is incredibly diverse, with speakers specializing in various areas and delivering their messages in distinct ways. Let’s take a look at the different types of motivational speakers, each bringing their own flavour of inspiration to the table.

1. The Personal Development Guru:

These motivational speakers are focused on self-improvement and personal growth. They offer practical advice and strategies for developing one's skills, confidence, and mindset. Their talks often revolve around topics such as goal setting, time management, and building resilience.

2. The Leadership Luminary:

Leadership speakers specialize in guiding individuals and organizations towards effective leadership. They emphasize the importance of leadership qualities like communication, decision-making, and team building. Their insights are valuable for aspiring leaders and businesses seeking to foster a strong leadership culture.

3. The Entrepreneurial Visionary:

Entrepreneurial speakers share their experiences and expertise in the world of startups and business ventures. They inspire aspiring entrepreneurs with stories of success, failure, and resilience. Their talks often revolve around innovation, risk-taking, and the entrepreneurial mindset.

4. The Motivational Philosopher:

These speakers dive deep into the philosophical aspects of motivation and inspiration. They explore topics like purpose, meaning, and the human spirit. Their talks are thought-provoking and encourage audiences to reflect on their values and beliefs.

5. The Success Storyteller:

Top Indian motivational speakers and great at storytelling. A powerful tool for motivation, these speakers are masters of the craft. They use personal anecdotes and narratives to convey life lessons and inspire change. Their stories resonate with audiences, making their messages more relatable and memorable.

6. The Health and Wellness Advocate:

Health and wellness speakers focus on holistic well-being. They address physical and mental health, stress management, and work-life balance. Their talks promote a healthy lifestyle and emphasize the importance of self-care.

7. The Diversity and Inclusion Champion:

In today's diverse world, speakers championing diversity and inclusion are gaining prominence. They address issues related to gender, race, and cultural diversity, advocating for equality and unity. Their talks encourage organizations to create inclusive environments.

8. The Academic Motivator:

Academic speakers cater to students and educators, inspiring a passion for learning and academic excellence. They provide study tips, time management strategies, and insights into the value of education. Their talks are ideal for schools, colleges, and educational institutions.

9. The Resilience Expert:

Resilience speakers specialize in helping individuals bounce back from adversity. They share personal stories of overcoming challenges and provide strategies for building emotional resilience and mental strength.

10. The Sports and Fitness Motivator:

These speakers draw inspiration from the world of sports and fitness. They encourage individuals to set goals, stay disciplined, and adopt a winning mindset. Their messages are applicable not only to athletes but also to anyone striving for personal excellence.

Motivational speakers come in a myriad of forms, each offering a unique perspective on inspiration and personal development. Whether you're seeking guidance in your career, leadership skills, entrepreneurial journey, or personal life, there's a motivational speaker out there who specializes in your area of interest.

These diverse voices of inspiration cater to the multifaceted needs and aspirations of individuals and organizations, serving as beacons of light on the path to success and personal growth. In our next series, we will delve into the most sought-after types of keynote speakers in India.

Engage with the top Indian motivational speakers and keynote speakers with The Outstanding Speakers’ Bureau. Talk to our team to learn more.

Leading Inspirational Speakers in India

 These motivational and leadership speakers inIndia have the power to ignite the flames of transformation, empower individuals to achieve greatness, and cultivate effective leadership skills. Get inspired by these top voices known for their inspirational talks on leading with courage and heart.

 Motivational and leadership speakers in India 

Kiran Bedi: A Trailblazer in Leadership

Kiran Bedi, India's first female Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been a trailblazer in the domain of leadership. Known for her unyielding determination and fearlessness, Bedi has broken barriers to pave the way for women in law enforcement. As a leadership speaker, she shares valuable insights into effective governance, ethical leadership, and the importance of leading by example. Bedi's journey from the police force to her involvement in social work serves as a remarkable example of how one person can make a significant impact on society.

Sudha Murthy: A Beacon of Philanthropy and Compassion

Sudha Murthy, a prolific writer, and philanthropist, has touched countless lives through her inspirational stories and acts of compassion. As the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, she has been instrumental in several social and charitable initiatives. Her motivational speeches revolve around the significance of humility, empathy, and giving back to society. Murthy's journey from an engineer to a change-maker is a testament to the transformative power of leadership rooted in empathy and compassion.

 

Anand Kumar: The Mathematical Visionary

Anand Kumar, the founder of Super 30, has become a source of inspiration for underprivileged students aspiring to crack the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Through his coaching institute, Anand Kumar has enabled hundreds of students from humble backgrounds to achieve academic excellence. His talks focus on the importance of perseverance, determination, and the impact of education in transforming lives. Kumar's dedication to empowering marginalized youth through education sets him apart as an inspirational figure.

 

Robin Sharma: Unleashing the Leader Within

Robin Sharma, a globally acclaimed leadership expert and best-selling author, is widely regarded as one of the top motivational and leadership speakers in India. With a focus on personal development, leadership, and peak performance, Sharma has empowered individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential. His powerful insights on leading with purpose, embracing change, and cultivating a winning mindset have made him a sought-after mentor for leaders across various industries.

 

Shiv Khera: Living with a Winning Attitude

A best-selling author and renowned motivational speaker, Shiv Khera's messages on success and attitude have left an indelible impact on millions of lives. His book, "You Can Win," has become a guiding light for individuals seeking personal and professional growth. Khera's motivational talks emphasize the importance of positive thinking, self-discipline, and perseverance as essential traits for achieving success.

 

Satyabrata Dam: Believe in Your Passions and Face Your Fears

Satya is often referred to as an “adventurer’s adventurer” and is widely recognized today as one of the most accomplished adventurers in the world. Combining his adventure career of over 40 years through some of the most hostile and remotest environs on earth along with his Armed Forces background, Satya delivers power-packed presentations to inspire and motivate people around the world. A much sought-after corporate and motivational speaker, Satya engages the audience through compelling storytelling along with nail-biting pictures to infuse skills of team building, decision-making, leadership under adversity, strategy, innovation, etc.

 

Yogesh Chabria: Succeed Using The Power of Mindset

One of the top inspirational speakers in India, Yogesh Chabria is an entrepreneur,  #1  bestselling author, and the founder of The Happionaire™ Way, a global initiative to help people discover their own inner greatness and lead fulfilling lives in all areas. His transformative programs and seminars have benefitted leaders at Fortune 500 companies, IITs, members of the European Parliament, TEDx, Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Members of The Royal Family, the Army, Navy, Air Force and people from all walks of life in over 100 countries – from students to billionaires.

 

Shayamal Vallabhjee: Building a Culture of Excellence

One of the top inspirational speakers in India, Shayamal is a sports scientist and an EQ consultant, who has worked as a performance coach to various high-profile athletes, assisting them to enhance their competitive edge. His audience is all ears as he shares interesting anecdotes about various teams and the players, offering a sneak peek into what makes these successful personalities the achievers they are. Drawing from his experience of more than a decade in the sports world, identifying and grooming winning traits in people, Shayamal has helped numerous organizations develop a culture of innovation and adaptability to keep their businesses agile in a competitive environment

 

Sonam Wangchuk: Nurturing Innovative Mindsets

A mechanical engineer by education, Sonam has worked in the field of education reform for over 3 decades and has been instrumental in changing the face of education in the mountains. His sessions throw a whole new perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship that embraces social change. In 1988, Sonam founded SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) which has been instrumental in transforming the face of education in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh.

 

Dr. Kaustubh Radkar: Determination & Persistence

Kaustubh is one of India’s elite athletes. A former Indian swimming national champion, he is the poster boy of Ironman in India and the First Indian Ironman Certified Coach. He is the only Asian, and the fourth person in the world, who has finished an Ironman on all six continents. His inspiring story, laced with intellect and wit, holds the audience in rapt attention. Kaustubh is the CEO & Founder of RadStrong, a company that offers coaching for Triathlon, Running, and Sport Fitness.

 

Whether you are looking for inspiration for your teams or leaders, to strive for their goals or overcome a particular challenge – these leadership speakers in India bring cutting-edge 

Keynote Speakers in India

 Keynote Speakers in India are renowned professionals who inspire and empower audiences across the nation. With expertise in various domains like business, leadership, and personal development, they use engaging and dynamic speaking styles to captivate audiences. Through powerful speeches, stories, and practical insights, these charismatic speakers connect deeply with their audience, leaving a lasting impact. Utilizing techniques such as storytelling, humor, and real-life examples, India's Best Motivational Speakers motivate individuals to take positive action in their lives, making them a sought-after resource for personal and professional growth.

How to Engage With Advisors to Grow Your Start-Up

 Covid-19 has changed the game for entrepreneurs. We saw some businesses folding up while some sectors witnessed an unprecedented growth. What does this new environment mean for businesses? How can they navigate through its challenges and opportunities? And what crucial role are advisors playing in decoding the “next normal”?

 We spoke to Monce C Abraham, Director, THEV Consulting and Renu Shah, Founder, Shakti – The Empathy Project (STEP) as they shared their insights from years of advising growth strategies for entrepreneurs and being a crucial part of start-up advisory boards. Here are the key takeaways:

 Focus more on the opportunities than the challenges of the pandemic

While some industries have seen a definitive decline since the outbreak of Covid-19, many have boomed, such as online medicine and retail. It’s a good time to take a pause and re-invent your business model by exploring the ways in which the pandemic has changed the landscape.

 Advisors can help you retain the bird’s-eye view

The uncertainty of the pandemic has made many entrepreneurs question the sustainability of their business models. An experienced advisor can help ask the right questions as one navigates through these times while also going beyond functional issues to throw light on areas that a business might not be looking at, such as a market statistic, changing policies, new technologies etc.

 Reach out to multiple people

Partnering with varied qualified individuals and organizations brings in different value additions to a business. It is advisable to vet several choices as you set up your start-up advisory board. Make sure that the vetting process is thorough to avoid any conflict of interest in terms of other businesses that the individual or organization may already be advising.

 Look out for networks – incubators, accelerators, advisory consultants

We live in a hyper-connected world and India has a very strong start-up network. Find consultants who are working in the space and are connected with varied individuals who bring in different skills and expertise. A consultant who works with start-up advisors can speak with you to find the right fit for your present needs.

 There are multiple ways to engage with advisors

Retainership, commission, success fees, sweat equity, or a combination of these – choose the right model for your advisory needs. These can be further adapted to your business. Advisory consultants can help you identify what kind of engagement would work best for your team and business.

 Start Early

It often helps to find an advisor right at the earliest stages so you can mitigate the risks. Advisors can help you avoid mistakes that they may have already made. And help you create a stronger foundation.

 About the speakers:

Monce C Abraham is the director of THEV Consulting, works with companies who have achieved product market fit across company stages, including early stage firms with less than $ 1 Mn Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) as also established businesses with ARRs of more than $ 200 Mn. THEV has created value for entrepreneurs and business leaders, with backgrounds which include Harvard, UPenn, Columbia, Cambridge, World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders (WEF YGLs), Fortune 500 CEOs, IIMs, IITs, RECs, non-profit founders and top level management.

 Renu Shah is the founder of Shakti - The Empathy Project (STEP) - a unique incubation program that provides strategic support to exceptional women entrepreneurs in their early stages. The program aims at creating an enabling ecosystem for women entrepreneurs creating social impact. In her long and dedicated career in the development sector, Renu has worked extensively towards the education of underprivileged children. She founded Koseli, Project Pehal and also led Ashoka's Changemaker Schools Program for South Asia.

The Outstanding Speakers’ Bureau has a strong network of advisors who offer valuable insights to start-ups, in area such as capital raising & funding, talent management, business management, creating partnerships, technical know-how, digital transformation, go-to-market, public policy, operations & scaling up etc. Talk to our team to find the right advisor for your business.

 And follow TOSB Conversations for more such insights. TOSB Conversations is a series of curated dialogues with leading global experts on the ideas that are shaping our world. 

10 Business Speakers to Navigate the “Next Normal”

Covid-19 has restructured our economies, changed consumer behaviour and market dynamics, creating new imperatives for entrepreneurs. What will it take to navigate this crisis? How do businesses need to change for the “next normal”? What should leaders do differently in heralding this new era?

While business speakers have always been sought-after for their incisive perspectives on strategy, leadership, scaling-up, diversifying and various facets of running a business, their importance has become even more evident in a rapidly changing business environment. Here are 10 of our most popular business speakers for 2021. 

Ravi Venkatesan: Technology And Business Visionary; Former Chairman, Microsoft India; Social Entrepreneur
One of India’s most respected CEOs and Chairman of the Bank of Baroda, Ravi Venkatesan is also an impact investor, social entrepreneur, mentor and author. He is a passionate advocate of India’s potential and persuasively talks about business, disruptive innovation, transformational leadership, globalisation, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. As an industry leader, Ravi has always been a strong proponent of the philosophy of ‘doing well by doing good.’ With his successful initiatives like Project Shiksha at Microsoft India and the all-women engineering college at Cummins India, Ravi has walked the talk on creating shared value.

Gurcharan Das: Author, Consultant, Former VP And MD, P&G Worldwide
An inspiring leader and one of the most-read management authors, Gurcharan Das shares his experience and wisdom about managing people and an organisation. Not only do his talks give an insight into organisational setups, they also help develop a perspective on leadership. In 1995, after a career spanning 30 years, he took early retirement and has since authored two international bestsellers. ‘India Unbound’, is a narrative of India from Independence to the global information age and has been published in 17 languages in addition to being filmed by the BBC. ‘

Prakash Iyer: Former MD, Kimberly-Clark Lever; Author, Speaker and Coach
Prakash Iyer is a best-selling author, motivational speaker and leadership coach. After spending nearly three decades working with teams selling everything from soaps and colas, to yellow pages and diapers, Prakash chose to step out of the corporate world in 2014 to pursue his passion for writing, speaking, and helping other people unleash the leader within. He speaks and writes extensively on motivation, leadership, story-telling, teamwork and winning. And is the author of two best-selling books: The Habit of Winning and The Secret of Leadership.

Naina Lal Kidwai: Chairman, Advent Private Equity India Advisory Board | Past President, FICCI
Naina Lal Kidwai is a well-known leader who has successfully broken the glass ceiling, with many firsts to her credit – from being the first Indian woman MBA from Harvard Business School to the first woman to head a private sector / foreign bank in India and the first woman to be elected as President of India’s leading national industry association, FICCI, in 86 years. She brings her experience and wisdom in the corporate world to her sessions and speaks about organizational culture, values, discovering one’s true potential and leadership.  

Radhika Gupta: Managing Director And CEO, Edelweiss Asset Management
Radhika Gupta is an investment professional with a range of diverse experiences across asset management – globally and in India, which includes start-up and global giants, public & private sector, and institutional & retail clients. Radhika is a global citizen having grown up across four continents, a keen storyteller, Bridge player, and Twitter microblogger. Her YouTube video, “The Girl with a Broken Neck” which narrates her life journey has garnered more than 100K views in a short span of time.

Sanjay Kapoor: Business Leader, Entrepreneur and Keynote Speaker
With close to three decades of experience, Sanjay is one of the most illustrious business leaders and entrepreneurs in India. He has spent 17 years in the telecommunications industry and has helped shape the growth and diversity of India’s largest integrated telecom service providers across multiple lines of businesses. Sanjay is also one of the leading business speakers in India, whose understanding of the telecom sector and the Indian market is highly sought-after. Having held senior leadership and board member positions at several corporates and industry bodies like CII, COAI, and NASSCOM, his talks on management and leadership are highly regarded.

Ram Charan: Business Consultant | Speaker | Writer
A world-renowned business consultant, author and speaker, Ram Charan has spent the last three and a half decades of his life working with top companies, CEOs and boards. He brings the depth of his knowledge and an inside view on the functioning of economies and leading companies to the speaking platforms when he delivers talks on leadership, talent, innovation, and more. Known for recognising the core business problems in the ever-changing business environment, the list of companies he has worked with include industrial giants such as GE, Tata, Aditya Birla Group, GMR, Bank of America and many others. He has also served on the boards of companies such as Fischer and Porter, Austin Industries, Emaar and Hindalco.

Raghav Bahl: Founder, Quint | Founder & Former Md, Network 18
Raghav Bahl is a serial entrepreneur and investor, with several successful exits to his credit. Besides founding and scaling Network 18, India's leading media group, Raghav has also seeded moneycontrol.com, bookmyshow.com, firstpost.com, yatra.com, among others. Raghav started television news capsules while still reading Economics at St. Stephen’s. After an MBA at FMS Delhi, Raghav’s career followed an obvious trajectory, beginning as a Management Consultant at AF Ferguson followed by a stint at Amex. But news seemed a natural home for him, and he went on to set up Network 18, among India’s top media houses. Raghav has also managed long and successful partnerships with some of the world’s leading media brands: CNBC, Viacom, BBC, Star TV, A&E, Time Warner, Forbes.

Pramod Bhasin: Founder, Genpact; Chairman, The Skills Academy; Industry Champion & Thought Leader

Pramod is one of the first business leaders in the country to bring about a transformation in the knowledge industry. Thanks to him, General Electric (GE) is today a business case study. In his talks, Pramod shares his vast experience as a leader, handling adverse situations in the dynamic business environment of India, and how to manage a diverse workforce. An industry champion, an entrepreneur and a thought leader—Pramod is one of the pioneers who steered India’s rise as a knowledge economy. 

Neelam Dhawan: Former MD, Hewlett Packard India
With over thirty-five years of experience in the IT industry, managing complex technologies in highly matrixed organisations, Neelam is an icon and mentor for the tech world. Her sessions help businesses understand and thrive with the “new reality” of technology; and talk about how technology is changing the face of sectors such as healthcare. Over the span of her career, Neelam has held various positions across HCL, IBM, Microsoft and Hewlett Packard. For eleven years, she led the country businesses of Microsoft and later Hewlett Packard in India. She brings together her learning and wisdom from the helm of these companies to talk about the role of the CEO in managing and growing businesses. She also helps organisations define and drive their diversity agenda.

These are some of the leading business speakers in India. Engage with us to identify the right insights that your business needs. Our consultants will connect you with business speakers that bring the external perspectives you require.

Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow

Every business organization has multiple levels of leadership. From the top most to the bottom most, every worker in the organization strives to move a level above. Moving from one level to another is an inevitable process in the life of a business since a business grows along with the people in the organization. Due to this, it is important for every business to develop future leaders that can take the business forward.

Preparing leaders for tomorrow is also a big part of personal development of employees. This type of development encourages employees to work harder and move to the next level in an organization. 

This kind of leadership motivation can be achieved in multiple ways and one of them is to call upon leadership speakers bureau, that can give various talks to employees in order to inculcate the spirit of leadership. Other than calling on expert speakers, organizations can also do a few things on their own. Some of them are-

1) Make leadership programs a part of work culture- Don't make leadership a one time thing where employees participate in activities for a day and then forget about it. Allow leadership to take shape naturally by making the organizational structure more decentralized. Another important aspect of such a move is to get full support from top executives since leadership will be encouraged if the senior executives are also motivated to make future leaders.

2) Communicate- Effective communication is extremely important in order to facilitate a transparent work environment. This transparency will allow for better decision making on the part of employees since they will not shy away from taking business decisions instead of being completely dependent on top executives to take decisions due to fear of going wrong. Better decision making will in turn yield better leadership since it will make employees more confident.

3) Flexible working schedules- Such schedules allow employees to learn how to organize and prioritize which are two very important things to know in order to be a good leader. Instead of giving employees  a fixed schedule and constantly making sure whether they are done with their work or not, let them take these decisions.

4) Incorporate the whole organization- Leadership is not only for middle levels. It is for everyone and so it should incorporate the whole organization. Every employee should be given the chance to move forward.