Speaking
I speak about power, influence and the hidden workings of organisations.
My talks explore questions senior leaders encounter throughout their careers: why some people advance while others stall, why certain leaders consistently secure support, and why decisions everyone agreed to can remain unimplemented.
I draw on my experience in senior corporate leadership and executive coaching to explore what these situations reveal about how organisations work.
I have delivered more than 200 talks in professional settings.
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.
Speaking topics
Political Literacy at Work
Three questions about how organisations work.
Why Do Some Careers Take Off While Others Stall?
Two equally capable professionals start with similar opportunities. Ten years later, one is leading a business while the other's career has stalled.
What explains the difference?
Reputation, sponsorship, access to opportunities and organisational relationships all shape how careers advance. We'll explore how these forces interact with performance, and why equally capable people can experience very different career trajectories.
Why Do Some Leaders Always Get Their Way?
Some leaders get their proposals approved, secure resources and bring people along. Others, with equally impressive titles and ideas, struggle to get the same support.
What makes the difference?
We'll explore how leaders build influence, how relationships and dependencies shape decisions, and why formal authority doesn't always determine whose ideas prevail.
The SteerCo Agreed. Nothing Happened.
The business case was sound. The SteerCo approved it. Everyone left the meeting in agreement.
Three months later, nothing has moved.
What happened?
We'll explore the gap between agreement and commitment: competing priorities, unspoken reservations, informal vetoes and the relationships that determine whether a decision becomes action.
Format
Speaking engagements
I speak at corporate events, leadership forums and professional communities, online and in person.
Paid engagements are available online or in person. They can cover any of the three talks or a customised topic agreed with the organiser.
I also offer a limited number of complimentary online talks on the three standard topics, depending on the audience and event.
Talks run for about 45 minutes and can include audience interaction and questions.
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 about power, influence and the hidden workings of organisations. She gives three standard talks: “Why Do Some Careers Take Off While Others Stall?”, “Why Do Some Leaders Always Get Their Way?” and “The SteerCo Agreed. Nothing Happened.”
Who are the talks for?
Senior leaders, executives, leadership teams and experienced professionals. Shirisha speaks at corporate events, leadership forums and professional communities, usually at the invitation of HR and L&D leaders, leadership development teams, professional associations or corporate event organisers.
How long is a talk, and is it online or in person?
Talks run for about 45 minutes and can include audience interaction and questions, depending on the event. Paid engagements can be online or in person. Complimentary talks are online only.
Can a talk be customised for our event?
Yes, as a paid engagement. A paid engagement can cover any of the three standard talks or a custom topic agreed with the organiser. Fees are discussed individually.
Does Shirisha Nagendran offer complimentary talks?
Yes, a limited number. Complimentary talks are online only and cover the three standard topics. Whether one is possible depends on the audience and the event.
How do I request a talk from Shirisha Nagendran?
Use the enquiry form on the Speaking page at shirishanagendran.com/speaking/. Include your organisation, the audience and its approximate size, the event date, whether the event is online or in person, and your preferred topic. Shirisha responds within three working days.