Book Journalism Speakers

Mstyslav Chernov is a Pulitzer Prize-sharing Ukrainian journalist, filmmaker, and war correspondent for Associated Press. His footage from the Siege of Mariupol became the basis of the acclaimed film 20 Days in Mariupol. He is a member of "Ukrainian PEN" and the President of the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers. His work, which covers conflicts, social issues, and environmental crises in all formats, has won prestigious awards like the Livingston Award and the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award for war reporting.

Megyn Kelly is a prominent journalist, television host, and best-selling author. She is a leading voice in American media, known for her incisive interviewing style and her powerful presence on major news networks. She is the author of the best-selling memoir, Settle for More. A compelling keynote speaker, Kelly provides an inside look at her life in the media and the principles that have guided her career. She speaks on communication, leadership, and resilience, offering a powerful and honest guide for navigating challenges and succeeding in a competitive environment. Her talks are ideal for leaders and teams.

Rajdeep Sardesai is an award-winning senior journalist, Consulting Editor and lead news anchor of the India Today Group. He was the founder-editor of the IBN 18 network (CNN IBN). An Oxford alumnus and former President of the Editors Guild of India, he is the bestselling author of 2014: The Election that Changed India. His keynotes provide deep insights into national politics, media manipulation, and the profound social and political shifts occurring in India.

Evan Solomon is a Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre and one of Canada's preeminent political journalists. He is the author of the best-selling books Fueling the Future and Feeding the Future. His career includes roles as a political television host (CTV, CBC) and former Publisher of GZERO Media. His keynotes offer expert analysis on geopolitics, energy security, and the future of global food systems, providing audiences with a deep, strategic understanding of major international crises.

Ismael Cala is one of the most renowned journalists and speakers in the Hispanic region, best known for his long-running show Cala on CNN en Español. He is the founder of CALA Enterprises and the Ismael Cala Foundation. The bestselling author of over 11 books, including CALA Contigo, El Poder de Escuchar (The Power of Listening), his work focuses on personal development, effective communication, and finding your purpose. His keynotes provide dynamic inspiration and strategic frameworks for Mindful Exponential Leadership across Latin America and the US Hispanic community.

Rajat Sharma is a leading Indian journalist and the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV. He is best known as the host of Aap Ki Adalat, the longest-running reality show in Indian television history. The recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2015), he is an influential executive who recently filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court urging the government to address the challenges posed by deepfake creation.

Shekhar Gupta is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of ThePrint and the former Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express. He is a highly influential journalist and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2009). His career is marked by seminal news-breaks, including exposing the Nellie massacre and reporting on the threat of Islamic fundamentalism before 9/11. His keynotes offer sharp, perceptive analysis on politics, governance, and business, informed by his decades of reporting from the social and political frontlines.

Vir Sanghvi is one of India’s most influential journalists, a former Editor of The Hindustan Times and Sunday magazine. He is an expert in Indian politics, media, and culture. A former Global Leader of Tomorrow (WEF, 1993), he anchored numerous TV shows across Star Network and NDTV. His books, including the bestsellers Men of Steel and Rude Food (which won an international Cointreau Award), reflect his diverse expertise in politics, food, and history.

Dr. Arun Shourie is a celebrated investigative journalist, a former Minister of Communications and IT for the Government of India, and a World Press Freedom Hero. A highly influential commentator on current and political affairs, he has authored 26 books on topics ranging from constitutional law to governance. His latest book, Preparing For Death, offers profound insights from major religions and philosophy to help people face life's ultimate challenge with equanimity.

Shankkar Aiyar is a leading political economy analyst, former Wolfson Chevening Fellow at Cambridge University, and the author of the critically acclaimed book Accidental India. His journalism exposed India’s 1991 gold crisis, accelerating economic liberalization. His keynotes, informed by his book Gated Republic, provide deep insights into India’s socio-economic fault lines, public policy failures, and the intersection of politics and economics in the country's development.

T. N. Ninan is the Chairman and Editorial Director of Business Standard Ltd., and one of India’s most respected economic editors. He is a recipient of the B.D. Goenka award for excellence in journalism. He successfully edited Business Standard, The Economic Times, and Business World, driving rapid growth. His weekly column, “Weekend Ruminations,” is highly influential. He is a sought-after commentator on economic and business issues and was a recipient of the Nehru Fellowship.

M. J. Akbar is a leading Indian journalist, former editor of major dailies, and a critically acclaimed author. He is a prominent expert on Indian policy and South Asian geopolitics. His first book, India: The Siege Within, had a deep impact on India’s policy in Punjab and Kashmir. His latest book, Tinderbox, discusses identity crisis and class struggle in Pakistan. His keynotes offer incisive commentary on current and political affairs and the complex dynamics of the Indian subcontinent.

Palki Sharma Upadhyay is a journalist and editor who translates complex international affairs into clear, evidence-led narratives. After early work in public broadcasting and print, she anchored WION’s global news coverage and later held senior editorial roles at Network18/Firstpost. Her on-air style privileges sourcing and context over spectacle. As a moderator and commentator she helps audiences and leaders read geopolitical signals, assess media risk, and shape communications that withstand scrutiny.