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About Nikhil Desai

Inspiring People. Transforming Performance. Building Excellence.

International Motivational Speaker, TEDx Speaker & Corporate Trainer

For 35 years, Nikhil Desai has helped leaders, teams and organizations unlock their potential through high-impact motivational sessions and corporate training programs.

As Director of The Centre For Excellence, he combines an MBA from the USA, hands-on business experience and an energetic speaking style to help professionals strengthen leadership, improve productivity, manage stress and achieve excellence at work.

35
Years
42
Countries
2,000+
Organizations
250,000+
Professionals Impacted

Trusted By Leading Organizations

ABBAditya Birla GroupBASFCapgeminiCaterpillarDeloitteDHLGodrejInfosysJohnson & JohnsonL&TMahindraPfizerPwCPepsiCoStandard CharteredTataUnileverVedantaWipro
See the full list of organizations

Nikhil Desai's participants include executives of more than 2000 organizations including Abbott, ACC, ACG Worldwide, Aditya Birla Group, Airtel, Ambuja, Aon Global, Apollo Tyres, Asian Paints, Bank Muscat, Bank Sohar, Barclays Bank, BASF, Blue Dart, BNP Paribas, BSE, Cadbury, Cap Gemini, Castrol, Caterpillar, Cipla, Clariant, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, DHL, Dow, Dr.Reddys, DSP Merrill Lynch, EY, Essar, Exim Bank, Fiserv, Fosters, GE, Godrej, Holcim, Hyatt, ICICI, Indoco Remedies, Infinti Retail, IPCA, ITC, ITD Cementation, Jindal, JK Cement, Johnson & Johnson, Kalyani Group, Kirloskar, Kone, Kotak, L&T, Levi Strauss, Lowe, Maersk, Mahindra, Motherson, Nestle, Novartis, NTT Data Global Centers, Oberoi Hotels, Omantel, Pepsico, Pfizer, Piramal Healthcare, PwC, Radio City, Ranbaxy, Reliance, Sandoz, SBI, Schiller, Sequent, Shell Gas, Siemens, Sigma Electric, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterlite, Sun Pharma, Synechron, Syntel , TCS, Tata, Torrent Power, TVS Group, Uflex, Ultratech, Unilever, UNO MINDA, UPS, USV, Vedanta, Victorinox, Voltas, Whirlpool, Wipro, Zydus Cadila & various other organizations.

What People Say

Endorsements from industry leaders and feedback from participants.

“I have known Nikhil for over 50 years, since our school days, and his energy, positivity and enthusiasm have always been a part of who he is. It has been wonderful to see him carry these qualities into his professional journey as an International Motivational TEDx Speaker & Trainer. His ability to connect with people, inspire them and bring genuine passion to what he does has enabled him to impact more than a quarter million people through his programs and engagements with corporate audiences globally. I wish him continued success in inspiring many more.”
Boman Irani
“I have known Nikhil Desai and his work since we met at the WOW Awards Asia in Dubai in 2018. Over the years, I have seen his passion, energy and commitment to inspiring people through his work as an International Motivational TEDx Speaker & Trainer. With 35 years of experience, having impacted over 250,000 professionals across 2,000+ organizations in 42 countries, Nikhil has built an impressive journey in the world of motivational speaking. His ability to engage audiences with energy, practical insights and powerful messages has made him a sought-after speaker for corporate events and conferences. I wish Nikhil every success as he continues to inspire audiences worldwide and moves towards his next milestone of half a million participants.”
Mohomed MoraniChairman & Managing Director, Dome & Cineyug Group of Companies
“I know Nikhil Desai as a powerful motivational speaker who understands how a speaker can shape the way people remember an event. He brings strong stage presence and a message that speaks to corporate audiences, helping turn a motivational program into a meaningful part of the occasion. Nikhil's professionalism and ability to engage the audience make him a valuable choice for corporate conferences and gatherings.”
Brian TellisFounder, Radioactive Ventures | Events Industry Leader
“One of the standout moments for me at the 3i Conference, organised by the Insurers Association of Mauritius, was the inspiring session by Mr Nikhil Desai, whose message resonated far beyond our industry.”
Dr. Rishi O. SookdawoorExecutive Director at NIC and former President of the Insurers Association of Mauritius
“Nikhil is one of the most decorated professionals on the training circuit and it has been a pleasure for me to be associated with him across various L&D programs over the years. Personally, Nikhil exudes unparalleled energy and is a joy to work with. With his unique and refreshing training style, Nikhil's enlightening and enthusiastic messages inject education and excellence across audiences. I highly recommend Nikhil for professional skills courses and leadership development programs.”
Ali Khursheed Siddiqui, SHRM-SCPHead of Performance, Training & Talent, FHG Middle East - Saudi Arabia
“The program by Nikhil Desai was inspiring and had a motivational effect on the mind and the way of thinking towards better understanding people and business.”
Nader AlsayedHead of Nationalization, Dolphin Energy - Qatar
“Amazing session. The trainer, Nikhil Desai was leading the floor and I really benefited a lot. Looking forward to seeing him in other sessions. Thanks Mr. Nikhil!”
Nabil Abdulla Al RaisiHead of Training, Bank Sohar - Oman
“Excellent session for everyone! Thank you for sharing ways to manage stress both at the workplace and anywhere.”
Elizabeth BlowDeputy Training Officer, U.S. Coast Guard - USA
“Great Oorja after the session. Nikhil's passion is contagious.”
Ryan PowellDirector of Technical Expertise & Support, Texas Operation, Dow Chemical
“You have given us the tools and the wisdom to do more in our professional career.”
Mathew PuthumanaSr. Performance Engineer, Nokia - India

TEDx Speaker

Nikhil Desai has delivered two TEDx talks.

Nikhil Desai at TEDx Sydenham College

TEDx Talk 1
Unleashing The Potential In You & Your Organization
Watch on YouTube →

TEDx Talk 2
Persistence: The Key To Success
Watch on YouTube →

Awards & Recognition

Click on any of the awards below to view them.

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Forbes India featured Nikhil Desai among Influential Leaders Creating Global Impact

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Big Impact Award: Global Excellence in Motivational Speaking, presented by Dia Mirza (telecast on Zee TV)

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WOW Awards Asia 2026: International Corporate Motivational Speaker & Trainer Award, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai

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Global Excellence In Corporate Training & Development Award at the Corporate Guru World Summit & Awards

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"You Are An Inspiration Award" at the Ikon Awards 2021

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HR & Training Company Of The Year by The CEO Magazine

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HR Motivational Leader Award at the National HR India Leadership Awards 2021

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Global Iconic Motivational Speaker Award at the Leadership & Excellence Awards 2021

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Life Time Achievement Award at the The World HRD Congress

250,000+ professionals from 2,000+ organizations in 300+ cities over the last 35 years from 42 countries worldwide including from India, USA, Canada, UK, Sweden, Germany, France, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Kosovo, Barbados, Greece, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Botswana, Nigeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Nepal, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries have attended and benefited from Nikhil Desai's programs with excellent feedback.

Nikhil Desai in Action!

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Background

Nikhil graduated with an MBA from USA where he stood first in his university. Thereafter he worked in New York.

Started as an entrepreneur after returning to India and set up manufacturing facilities and industries in the textile and automobile sectors and grew from 1 business to 8 businesses in 8 years.

As a sportsman he played cricket with former Test and Ranji trophy players. He was also in the first ever cricket coaching series that was telecast all over India on Doordarshan — Cricket with Poly Umrigar.

In 1991 when India liberalized the economy Nikhil established The Centre For Excellence which was awarded as the HR & Training Company of the Year by the CEO Magazine.

Nikhil was featured in the special issue of The Human Factor on The Learning Panaroma -Industry Best Practices Revealed with other eminent icons worldwide.

Nikhil Desai is the only speaker & trainer in the world who has the combined strength of an MBA from U.S.A, business acumen through his own business enterprises, a qualified corporate yoga practitioner and has 34 years of experience in conducting motivational sessions and training programs.

This wealth of experience enables him to share rich ideas and experiences with the audiences during his sessions which are very interesting, interactive and impactful.

He has also appeared on Television & Radio in India, New York, California, Philippines, South Africa & Oman.

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Programs

Nikhil Desai's flagship Program

Nikhil Desai's Other Popular Programs

Achieving Excellence Thru Stress Management®

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Achieving Excellence At Work

All Types Of Motivational Programs

Conflict Management

Delivering High Impact Presentations

Doubling Personal Productivity

Fun Ways Of Energizing The Body & Mind

Enhancing Effectiveness At Work

Excellence In Communication Skills

Excellence In Customer Care

How to Double Your Productivity When Working From Home

Inter-Personal Skills

Manage Your Time, Master Your Stress, Energize Your Life!

Managerial Effectiveness 

Mastering Time Management

Oorja – For Leadership Excellence

Team Building

The Art Of Leadership

Train The Trainer  

Contact Details

The Centre For Excellence

The Centre For Excellence 9, Ali Chambers, 1st Floor, Tamarind Lane, Fort Mumbai - 400001 Maharashtra, India

WhatsApp

+91 7715889633

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