Parmesh Shahani

About Parmesh Shahani

Parmesh Shahani is a leading Indian author, public intellectual, culture curator, and one of the most influential voices on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate and social ecosystem. With a rare, hyphenated career that spans academia, media, entrepreneurship, and large-scale corporate transformation, Parmesh brings both intellectual depth and lived experience to every platform he speaks on. He is widely recognised for shaping progressive conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion, leadership and mental well-being.

As the founding head of the Godrej DEI Lab at Godrej Industries Group, Parmesh played a pivotal role in reimagining inclusion strategies across one of India’s largest conglomerates. Through bold cultural experiments, policy reforms, and storytelling-led interventions, he helped position Godrej as a global case study for workplace inclusion. 

An acclaimed author, Parmesh wrote Gay Bombay—a landmark book on identity and globalization in urban India—and Queeristan: LGBTQ Inclusion in the Indian Workplace, which won the CK Prahalad Award for Best Business Book. In recent years, his writing, podcasts, and keynote addresses have focused on Gen Z leadership, mental health at work, inclusive innovation, and navigating identity in times of rapid change. His global fellowships, including TED Senior Fellow, Yale World Fellow, Aspen Fellow, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader—reflect his stature as a global thought leader.

As a speaker, Parmesh Shahani brings warmth, clarity, and courage to conversations often considered uncomfortable. His talks resonate deeply with corporate leaders, HR professionals, educators, students, and creative communities. Booking Parmesh Shahani for an event ensures not just inspiration, but meaningful dialogue that leads to real cultural change.