Hey, I'm Akshat.
Also known online as The Business Backpacker.
I'm a 25-year-old strategist sitting between data and stories, between cultures and the decisions they drive. Engineering at BITS Pilani. Strategy at INSEAD (Dean's List, GMAT 770). Then two years at Novo Nordisk across India, Denmark, and the UK...working on global brand strategy for GLP-1 brands and AI adoption.
Now I'm freelancing from cafes in Gurgaon, doing the same thing I've always done: helping organisations make sense of unfamiliar territory. New market, new audience, new technology...
My main projects are leading AI transformation across 30+ countries at Clinton Health Access Initiative and managing the Chai & AI community at LevelUp Labs (FAANG and F500 executives who hate AI hype).
When I'm not working, you'll find me lifting weights, drinking coffee, reading fiction, walking my dog, or planning the next trip. 40+ countries and counting :)
Gurgaon
All roads lead home, eh? FAFOing now.
London
I consumed a dangerous amount of caffeine and alcohol here. My lovely stint at Novo Nordisk (sadly) came to an end.
Copenhagen
Closest thing we have to heaven on Earth. Don't ask me how I broke my arm :')
Bengaluru
Are you a true BITSian if you don't end up here at some point?
Kolkata
GOATed internship. Everything was sorted (except the work, still had to do that myself).
Singapore
Second campus, different hemisphere. I think I broke a bunch of laws on my last day here...
Fontainebleau
Lovely cozy romantic French village. Weekend trips to Paris helped.
Guru...Ugh, Gurgaon
Lots of Powerpoint and Excel, again.
Mumbai
They get football streaming rights, and Messi lifts the World Cup. I'm telling my grandkids I was directly responsible.
Delhi
Lots of Powerpoint and Excel.
Goa
Yes yes, Goa. There was a beach 5 mins away ;)
Gurgaon
I was the shy nerdy fat first-bencher. How times change...
Let's work together
Strategy projects, speaking invitations, brand collaborations, or just a good coffee.
workwithakshatkharbanda@gmail.com →