From Patna to Global Influence
Born in Patna, Bihar, India, Akshay Prasad spent his formative years in cities like Patna, Ranchi, and Bokaro. At the age of six, his father’s transfer to Frankfurt, Germany, exposed him to diverse cultures before globalization took hold. Returning to India, Akshay attended Delhi Public School R.K. Puram and Daly College Indore, which paved the way for his higher education. He pursued Economics at Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, and later completed a Master’s in Management and Strategy at the London School of Economics (LSE). For admission into LSE, Akshay focused not only on academics but also strengthened his profile through active participation in co-curricular opportunities at Delhi University, such as Paper Presentation, Business Plan, and Whitepaper presentation for Economics as part of intercollege and university competition. He credits his mother for instilling in him the belief that “nothing is impossible” and acknowledges the guidance and support of his father, sister, and wife throughout his journey.
Professional Beginnings and the Consulting Path
Akshay’s professional journey is rooted in his passion for solving complex challenges, making management consulting a natural fit. After completing his master’s at LSE, he entered the consulting field, drawn by its dynamic and fast-paced environment. Consulting not only demanded a blend of hard and soft skills but also offered the opportunity to work on issues of critical importance for top executives. Akshay’s consulting career has been marked by his relentless curiosity, adaptability, and impeccable communication skills, which have allowed him to stand out in the competitive landscape.
Unique Business Strategy
Akshay’s business strategy is built on a trifecta of qualities: curiosity, adaptability, and effective communication. His inherent curiosity drives him to explore and innovate, leading to deeper insights and creative solutions. Adaptability has been crucial in navigating the diverse and multicultural teams he works with, especially in the rapidly evolving field of consulting. Effective communication fosters trust and collaboration, enabling seamless interactions with clients and colleagues.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Balancing the demands of a management consultant in Southeast Asia’s automotive sector with personal life presents unique challenges. Akshay’s approach involves effective time management, task delegation, and open communication with both clients and family. Regularly dedicating time to family ensures a supportive home environment, while his organizational skills help him excel professionally.
Passion for Business and Driving Change
Akshay’s passion lies in solving problems within the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. The dynamic nature of the Southeast Asian EV market provides ample opportunities to devise innovative solutions. His commitment to making impactful contributions drives him to seek new business opportunities and push for growth.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the consulting industry, causing project delays and cancellations. Akshay navigated this period by focusing on projects involving world bodies like the World Bank and UN, ensuring resource utilization and staying updated with developments. He also focused on building intellectual capital and upskilling in new emerging areas of EV such as battery recycling, turning the pandemic into an opportunity for innovation and growth.
Contributions to Economic Strength
Akshay’s work in the EV ecosystem helps companies transition to sustainable transportation, optimizing their strategies and enhancing operational capabilities. This not only drives innovation and growth but also contributes to decarbonization of the transport sector thereby supporting carbon neutrality goals in the Southeast Asian region.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Akshay’s strengths include effective communication, confidence, and adaptability. However, he acknowledges his struggle with the difficulty to say “No”. Akshay likes to help its clients and even juniors and at times due to this may be a bit stretched with amount of workload. He is actively working on prioritizing such commitment and doing it in a timebound manner so that overall time management is better.
Awards and Accolades
Akshay’s accomplishments are numerous and varied:
2007: First position in Class 12th Senior Secondary School Examination for Science with Economics.
2008-09: Winner of Several National and International Business plan Competitions.
2009: Selection of Business Plan for Pilot Implementation by Government of India in State of Manipur
2010: Second position in Final university exams at Delhi University for Economic Hons at Kirori Mal College.
2011: Distinction in MSc Management and Strategy at LSE.
2017: Recipient of the Global Star Case Award by Arthur D. Little.
2018: Recipient of Yale School of Management Entrance Scholarship.
2021-24: Keynote speaker at various EV conferences.
2022-23: Lead author of multiple flagship reports on Electromobility in Southeast Asia .
2022-24: Contributor to Major publications such as Wall Street Journal, Bangkok Post, Nikkei Times
2024: Awarded “Top 10 Global Influential Leader in EV” by CIO.
Mantra for Success
Akshay believes in continuous learning, strategic networking, and unwavering dedication. Staying updated on industry trends, engaging in conferences, and forging meaningful connections have been pivotal to his sustained growth and success.
Advice for Aspiring Consultants
For young aspiring consultants, Akshay emphasizes the importance of networking, cultural awareness, adaptability, technical expertise, and a global mindset. Building a strong professional network, understanding cultural nuances, and being prepared to work across borders are essential for success in a foreign land.
Akshay Prasad’s journey epitomizes resilience, curiosity, and the strength of familial support. His story inspires others to follow their passions, conquer challenges, and make impactful contributions to their industries.
