Speaking
I speak on political literacy at work: what it is, why it matters, and what becomes possible when you learn to read the system.
My talks are built for corporate audiences. I have given more than 200 talks on mindfulness in professional settings, and I know how to make ideas land in a room where people are busy, sceptical, and short on time.
I do not do inspiration. I do tools, frameworks, and the kind of clarity that makes people think differently about something they face at work.
ICF Professional Certified Coach
MBA · Cranfield School of Management
Deutsche Bank · HSBC
200+ professional talks
Most professionals were never taught to read the system they are operating in. Political literacy is the ability to see how power and influence actually move through an organisation, and to make deliberate, intentional choices about how you engage with that system. It is not about becoming political. It is about becoming fluent.
What I speak about
How power actually moves through organisations
Not the official version. The real one. Who gets heard, who gets credit, who gets left out of the room where it matters, and why. What you can do about it without becoming someone you do not recognise.
Political literacy for women in leadership
The particular dynamics that technically excellent women face in organisations where the unwritten rules were written by and for someone else. How to build influence while staying true to who you are.
Navigating organisations across cultures
For leaders working between India and global headquarters, or across any significant cultural boundary. What power distance actually means in practice. Why the political rules change when the geography does, and how to read both systems at once.
Speaking up without getting burned
Why authenticity at work is more complicated than it sounds, and what it actually takes to make your voice land in a room where the power dynamics are not in your favour.
Interruptions and how to handle them
Being talked over, dismissed, or having your ideas taken up by someone else in the room is one of the most common and least addressed experiences in professional life. This session looks at what is actually happening when it happens, and what you can do about it without making it worse.
What people say
"One of the most powerful visualisations I have ever experienced in 3 years of practice. I adore the fact that the group is asked what they want to get out of the session and then your words are tailored to achieve this. Really special."
Amber Marshall
Success Partner, HSBC · London
"You are a leader who is not just approachable and inspirational, but also a guide, enabler, torch-bearer. Your passion for Mindfulness shows up in the high quality of every session."
Niladri Chakraborty
Training Lead · India
"Your mindfulness practice sessions have had a deep impact on me and helped me become a better version of myself. I truly admire you for being honest and open about your life experiences, and for reminding us that it is okay to not be okay."
Poorva Shrotriya
Chief Control Office, HSBC · India
Format
Keynotes and event speeches, typically 45 minutes.
- Women in Tech groups
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Leadership development programmes
- Internal company events
- Industry conferences and panels
Complimentary talks
I offer a limited number of complimentary sessions as I build this part of my practice with new audiences and formats. If you lead or organise one of these groups and think your audience would benefit, I would like to hear from you.
Get in touch
Request a talk
Fill in the form below. It takes about five minutes and means I can come back to you with a clear answer. I respond within three working days.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does Shirisha Nagendran speak about?
Shirisha speaks on political literacy at work: how power and influence actually move through organisations, the particular challenges technically excellent women face in political environments, navigating organisations across cultures (especially India and global headquarters), how to speak up without getting burned, and how to handle being talked over, dismissed, or ignored. All topics are research-backed and built for senior professional audiences.
What format do Shirisha's talks take?
Keynotes and event speeches, typically 45 minutes. Shirisha speaks to Women in Tech groups, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), leadership development programmes, internal company events, and industry conferences and panels. She is currently offering a limited number of complimentary talks to groups where this work is most needed.
Who is the audience for Shirisha's speaking?
Shirisha's speaking is designed for senior professionals, leaders in complex organisations, women in leadership, and any group navigating the gap between formal authority and real power. Programmes she speaks to include Women in Tech groups, ERGs, leadership development initiatives, and cross-cultural leadership cohorts.
How do I request a talk from Shirisha Nagendran?
Use the enquiry form on the Speaking page at shirishanagendran.com/speaking/. Include your name, organisation, type of engagement, approximate event date, a description of the group and what you are hoping the session gives them. Shirisha responds within three working days.
Does Shirisha Nagendran offer complimentary talks?
Yes. Shirisha is currently offering a limited number of complimentary talks to groups where this work is most needed, particularly ERGs, Women in Tech communities, and leadership programmes working with underrepresented professionals. If you lead or organise one of these groups, reach out to discuss.