Charusmitha Rao is a seasoned Talent, Learning, and Organizational Development professional with over two decades of experience. She is currently the Director - Global Talent Development function for Asia Pacific and India at Akamai Technologies, while also serving as a Talent Development Consultant and Executive Coach for the global functions.

Charusmitha was named to the prestigious HR 40 Under 40 list of gamechangers and innovators in India (2018), and more recently honored as a 'Next Generation Woman Leader' by Zinnov.

A recognized thought leader, she has driven global impact by designing and implementing human-centered frameworks that emphasize inclusion, social psychology, and whole-brained learning. Her work is rooted in a deep belief in making organizations more people-centric and future-ready.

She is also the co-founder of Coolture, a creative venture focused on making culture cool through art, storytelling, and experiential learning.

Beyond her professional achievements, Charusmitha is a proud mother to a six-year-old, an offbeat traveler, and an entrepreneur at heart—always exploring the intersection of creativity, culture, and leadership.