I had the privilege of attending the AEE (Association for Experiential Education) – APAC conference
MALATI VASUDEVAMalati is an HR professional with a global perspective, and has over 25 years of industry experience. She is experienced in leading global teams with a focus on strategic business priorities to drive business outcomes. She is a keen student of Psychology and is a psychometric practitioner, facilitator and accredited executive coach. Malati has worked with Sun Pharmaceuticals, PMS India, and DXC Technology in various HR roles such as HR Business Partner, Learning & Talent Management, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, CSR, and Diversity & Inclusion. In her last role, Malati was the Global Learning Lead for DXC Technology.
LOCATION: Noida
VIKRAM BADHWARBased in Delhi, Vikram Badhwar is an experiential educator, executive coach, keynote speaker, actor, and communications expert. He has been using experiential methods of education since the nascent stages of experiential methodology in India. He started Syngrity in 2002 and has ever since, built space in the industry as a Creative Solutions Provider. He has worked across disciplines and industry for the last two decades, using business, experiential, positive, and clinical psychology and holistic methodologies in the space of organizational development, executive coaching, and building sustainable models of transformation at a personal, team, and organizational level.
LOCATION: New Delhi
PRIYANKA KUMARPriyanka runs an award-winning experiential learning and coaching company, called WINGS Team since 2011. She focuses on engaging with clients on developmental themes for their teams using Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) tools that lead to transformational journeys for the organization and their employees. As an NLP coach and facilitator, Priyanka has enjoyed helping craft developmental journeys with organizations and individuals such as HCL, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Tata Coffee, Epsilon, JBM, Pony Needles, Delhi Duty Free, Everest, DLF Foundation, Thapar Engineering College., to name a few.
LOCATION: Lucknow
SUMAL VARGHESESumal is an accomplished & high performing business leader with over 25 years of experience across multiple industries and verticals (Conglomerate + Manufacturing Plant + Consulting + Start-ups + Service Industry). Sumal is recognized for being a valued business driver and change agent in diverse environments, backed by a proven track record in managing a variety of Management & HR essentials, designing Strategy, building Organisational Capability to drive strategy, establishing Policies and Practices, and Leading OD and Change management initiatives linking HR to business results. He has held leadership positions at the K K Birla Group and TVS.
LOCATION: Gurgaon
MARIANA MENEZES
Instructional Designer
Mariana is a Cambridge-certified and TEFL international educator dedicated to each child’s social and academic growth and development. With a BA and B.Ed in Language and Literature, certificate in Playwriting, and Spec. in Psychopedagogy, Mariana is capable of motivating learners to develop higher-order thinking skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, independent research, cooperation, and argument presentation. Additionally, she is a highly qualified native Portuguese speaker teaching across all age groups, including embassies’ bureaucrats aspiring to new diplomatic posts in Brazil.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meneamari/
MONICA MAHENDRU
Theatre
Monica, a former HR practitioner and tech recruiter, shifted her focus to the performing arts to pursue her passion for acting. With over a decade of experience in theatre, she has diversified her skills to include coaching and facilitating workshops for global organisations. Monica harnesses the power of theatre to engage audiences and drive impactful behavioral changes.
VIKRAM BADHWAR
Outbound & Communication
Vikram Badhwar, based in Delhi, is an experienced educator, executive coach, keynote speaker, actor, and communications expert. Since 2002, he has been a pioneer in experiential education in India through his organisation – Syngrity. With over two decades of experience, Vikram specialises in organisational development, executive coaching, and sustainable transformation models using business, experiential and positive psychology approaches.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syngrity/
Building Blocks
Team-Building & Time Management
The Building Blocks intervention is a teaming and leadership-skill based activity. The goal of the exercise is to build a model as close to a provided diagram, within a given time frame, with exciting twists and obstacles designed to encourage teams to strategise, negotiate and problem-solve under the guidance of team leaders.
Talks & Film Screenings
Discussion about thematic areas of the program
Talks given by expert resource persons, alongside film screenings on thematic areas, followed by discussions and Q & As will enable inspired learning, knowledge-sharing and ideation around the various thematic areas to stimulate creativity and innovation.
Innovation Mindset Index Assessment
Style of Problem-solving & Mindset
The Innovation Mindset Index Assessment, developed by Mercer Talent Enterprise, is the first and only psychometric tool focused on assessing an individual’s strengths related to innovation. Based on the research in positive psychology, the assessment measures factors such as resilience, grit, courage, ambiguity, agility, etc. to map an individual across five key orientations to determine their approach to innovation.
Personal Reflection
Journaling & Silent Hour
Personal Reflection entails practices such as Silent Hour and Journaling which serve as structured methods to facilitate introspection around key learnings and takeaways of the day. Silence, in particular, becomes a conduit for engaging with one’s inner thoughts. There will also be facilitator-guided reflections, alongside peer-sharing, which will provide a platform for participants to share personal discoveries, experiences, and ideas in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Outbound
Hikes, Rafting & Nature walks
Outbound learning serves as a vital bridge between cognitive learning and real-world application, preparing individuals for the challenges encountered beyond academic settings. By immersing in engaging experiences that stimulate both the mind and body, outbounds facilitate the acquisition of new knowledge and insights. They promote the development of a healthy attitude and positive values while imparting practical life skills through increased awareness, appreciation, and actionable learning.
Design Thinking
Innovation & Brainstorm
Design Thinking guides individuals through a systematic series of activities and processes tailored to deeply understand needs and transform challenges into innovative solutions. Design Thinking also fosters effective team communication by encouraging collaboration and establishing a shared vocabulary. This comprehensive approach strengthens teams on various fronts, enabling individuals to tackle complex problems with confidence and unity.
Style of Language
Communication, Storytelling & Presentations
The style of Language is designed to improve spoken communication skills, including communication, storytelling, and presentation abilities. Participants gain empowerment to enhance public speaking and oratory skills, expressing ideas with clarity and confidence. By mastering language nuances and delivery techniques, effectiveness in conveying messages to diverse audiences is improved.
Theatre of the Self
Empathy & Inclusion
Theatre of the Self uses the principles of improv theatre to provide insightful reflections on the self and group dynamics. Through a series of engaging exercises, participants explore empathy, trust-building, self-awareness, collaboration, and the ability to shift mindsets in a creative and dynamic setting. This playshop creates a safe and enjoyable environment for experiential, self-directed learning, nurturing personal growth and deeper insights into interpersonal relationships.
PRITESH MARU
Design Thinking
Pritesh Maru is a versatile artist and designer, specialising in Spatial and Exhibition Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. With experience as an Art Director and Visual Designer for various media projects, including the National Award-winning film “Dhh”, he has established a reputation for his expertise in miniature sets, stop motion films, and promos. He has also worked as a design consultant for institutions like the National Science Centre and the Election Commission of India. Presently, he heads Vanm Design Labs, a multidisciplinary design studio in Noida.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritesh-maru-23b987229/
BLESSIN VARKEY
Design Thinking
Blessin is a technologist, social innovator and design thinking coach. He works in the space of emerging technologies including human-computer interaction research and generative AI, and has been a social innovator and accessibility advocate for persons with Intellectual and developmental disabilities, persons with Parkinsons, and other vulnerable groups. Blessin is also a prolific theater practitioner having directed plays and improv shows in the space of learning and development for corporates and not-for-profit organisations.
LAEEQ ALI
Innovation
Laeeq, Co-founder & Director of Origami Creative Concepts, Bloombox Brand Engineers, and Cultinno, is a seasoned marketer and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in branding, advertising, marketing, and communications. He’s also the co-author of ‘Your Time is Now,’ a book on personal development. Laeeq is deeply involved in promoting innovation through Cultinno and also holds leadership positions in organisations like The Ad Club Bangalore and CII Karnataka.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laeeqali/
ANUJ KOTHARI
Innovation
Anuj, Co-Founder of Cultinno.in and Chief Executive at Adinath Enterprise, is a seasoned entrepreneur in pharmaceutical warehousing & logistics. He’s a fellow of Ananta Aspen Centre’s Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Anuj has led initiatives for Young Indians (YI), represented India at the G20 YEA, and mentors in programs like Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women Entrepreneurs. He also serves on councils like CIPET’s Governing Council.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anujkothari/
DR. RAHUL MIRCHANDANI
Innovation
Dr. Rahul Mirchandani is the Executive Director of Aries Agro Limited, a top Indian multinational specialising in plant and animal nutrition products. He brings over a decade of experience in marketing, finance, and strategy. He is a leading advocate for youth empowerment and inclusive growth, receiving prestigious awards such as the Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Shakti Award 2010. Rahul is a Fellow of the Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship and Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rahul-mirchandani-67a2355/