Vikram Mansharamani

Global Trend-Watcher, Harvard University Lecturer, Investor, Author, Advisor, Podcast Host, and LinkedIn’s #1 Top Voice for Finance and Global Economics

Topics: Futurist, Strategy, Business, Economy, Thought Leadership, Education, World Affairs

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Biography

Dr. Vikram Mansharamani is a global trend-watcher who shows people how to anticipate the future, manage risk, and spot opportunities. He is the author of the recently-released THINK FOR YOURSELF: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence and BOOMBUSTOLOGY: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst. He has been a frequent commentator on issues driving disruption in the global business environment. Vikram’s ideas and writings have also appeared in Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, The New York Times and a long list of other publications. Linkedin twice listed him as their #1 Top Voice for Money, Finance and Global Economics and Worth has profiled him as one of the 100 most powerful people in global finance. Millions of readers have enjoyed his unique multi-lens approach to connecting seemingly irrelevant dots.

Vikram is currently a lecturer at Harvard University, where he teaches students to use multiple perspectives in making tough decisions. Previously, he was a Lecturer at Yale University. In addition to teaching, he also advises several Fortune 500 CEOs to help them navigate the radical uncertainty in today’s business and regulatory environment. He has a PhD and two Masters degrees from MIT and a Bachelors degree from Yale University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Vikram lives in Lincoln, NH with his wife, daughter, son, golden-retriever, and two cats, one of which he believes may be clairvoyant.

Videos

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Navigating Uncertainty: An Unconventional Approach

In this stimulating and entertaining talk, Dr. Vikram Mansharamani applies a unique combination of practitioner experience and academic perspective to help audiences navigate the seemingly unending crosscurrents of global economic, financial and geopolitical uncertainty. He explains how we got to the current world of protectionism, nationalism, populism, and currency conflicts and explores how the combination of political, social, technological, demographic, and economic pressures will impact future trends. After presenting several scenarios, he considers the risks and opportunities emerging from a recession or an escalation of global tensions. While audiences often find themselves agreeing with Dr. Mansharamani each step of the way, they’re frequently surprised by what turn out to be unconventional conclusions.

Patriotism in a Polarized Time: Implications for Your Industry

One of the greatest independent thinkers of our time, Dr. Mansharamani offers an informed outsider’s perspective on the deeply polarized political culture of our time. As a former candidate for federal office in New Hampshire, he has developed a unique and fresh perspective on the political process and believes that patriotism may offer a path for us to move beyond our current divisive dynamics. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Mansharamani also helps audiences make sense of what various US political scenarios might mean for the economy, geopolitics, and the business environment in 2025 and beyond.

Think For Yourself

In a fast-paced world driven by complex and changing factors, connecting the dots is often more important than developing them. As a result of the overwhelming flood of information that pours at us daily, we run headlong into the arms of experts and technologies. We’ve stopped thinking for ourselves and now habitually – perhaps unconsciously – outsource our thinking about important decisions. Rather than turn to specialists, Dr. Mansharamani guides us to think bigger and look across the silos of expertise, leaving listeners empowered and energized to think for themselves. This memorable talk is filled with stories from a variety of industries and settings about how we got to where we are and how we can reclaim control.

Boom or Bust: Spotting Bubbles Before They Burst

Our dynamic global economy seems to be producing boom and bust cycles more frequently than in the past. There’s always something that seems ahead of itself, having reached unsustainable levels. In direct contrast to the prevailing academic thinking, Dr. Vikram Mansharamani believes it’s possible to identify financial (and other) bubbles before they burst. Drawing on entertaining examples from art markets, architecture, and popular culture (as well as economics and politics), he powerfully demonstrates that you need not be an expert to anticipate the future. Audiences leave this talk feeling empowered to think independently and connect the obvious dots to generate not-so-obvious conclusions.

Testimonials

He hit it out of the park! Enthusiastic responses from everyone. Could not be happier.

– Partner, Pepper Law

I wish we would have allotted more time for discussion as our team was greatly intrigued by your thesis. Our team is thoughtful and intelligent, and your perspective struck a chord in the way we intended. The dialogue during our team dinner tonight was phenomenal, and your discussion with us today was the critical catalyst.

– Director of Product Supply, North America Baby and Child Care, Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Vikram gives a dynamic presentation that pulls disparate trends together to make compelling and thought-provoking arguments about future outcomes and investment opportunities.

– President and Chief Operating Officer; Cambridge Associates

Vikram is a dynamic, engaging and insightful speaker who has the ability to connect seemingly irrelevant dots to paint a mosaic of the future and to help listeners navigate the inevitable uncertainty.

– Associate Director for Leadership Programs and Europe, Office of International Affairs, Yale University

our superbly-delivered keynote presentation directly impacted the overall success of our national conference and was much appreciated by those in attendance. …You were definitely a “hit” with our group.

– Director, Member Services & Communications, Credit Union Central of Canada

Vikram uses economic data and social science to challenge business leaders to think beyond their tenure and outside their comfort zone on what might be possible and likely in today’s highly disruptive world.

– Bruce MacMillan, CEO, Bandwidth Management & Consulting

Vikram has been a speaker at several of our client events in the past. His dynamic and entertaining talk on the boom & bust cycles is not only very engaging but it really pushes the audience to think outside the box. He leaves us inspired about “connecting the dots.

– Managing Director, THE CARLYLE GROUP

Dr. Mansharamani is a talented speaker who connects with his audience. He is able to distill broad themes into relatable bites through illustrative and effective storytelling and use of visual images. He invites the audience to engage directly with him and they do! He is adept at and seems to enjoy responding to questions and challenges to his point of view. Dr. Mansharamani was among the best speakers we’ve had in our Author Series – evidence: the long line of people who sought to meet him and ask more questions following his presentation.

– Suzannah L. Susser, Deputy Director, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Rare is the speaker that offers a perspective culled from a variety of disciplines. Seeking such a person, we booked Vikram to speak to our group, which is comprised of CFA charter holders with a wealth of experience in financial markets. He was someone we thought would inspire outside-the-box thinking, and he delivered in spades. Vikram offered a broad, macro-level presentation that exposed our audience to potential opportunities and threats facing the world. He’s an incredibly knowledgeable, dynamic speaker whose presentation just might change your worldview – he certainly changed a few among our group.

– Sayer P. Martin, CFA, President, Sagacious & Programming Chair, CFA Society of Iowa

Vikram is a lively and engaging speaker. Right from the first moment Vikram steps on stage he captivates the audience and involves them in the session- no one is looking at Blackberries or leaving the room – they are all fascinated with what he has to say. Vikram is a very versatile speaker- he can give thoughtful and entertaining solo presentations communicating a clear and relevant business message but in addition he is a real asset to panel discussions- he encourages debate and creates a compelling dialogue. You can trust Vikram to add value, insight and personality to any conference.

– Victoria Chatterton, Conference Director, ICBI