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Anita Mendiratta - <p data-start="304" data-end="501">Anita Mendiratta is a globally trusted advisor, author, speaker, moderator&nbsp;and media voice guiding leaders through crisis, transformation and purpose-driven leadership.</p>

Anita Mendiratta

Anita Mendiratta is a globally trusted advisor, author, speaker, moderator and media voice guiding leaders through crisis, transformation and purpose-driven leadership.

5.00 of 5

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5 of 5

"Having worked with Anita at various points through the crisis I have seen first-hand her own inspirational leadership style; she has a most beautiful technique which puts people at ease and brings out the key thoughts from individuals in a most natural and trusting way. I thoroughly recommend this book to all.”

SIR IAIN GRAY

Director of Aerospace – School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at Cranfield University

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Why book Anita Mendiratta for your next event

  • Brings over 30 years of experience advising governments, global institutions and CEOs across 100+ countries during moments of crisis and change.
  • A calm, credible on-stage and on-air presence, regularly shaping global conversations on leadership, wellbeing and decision-making in uncertainty.
  • Combines strategic insight with empathy, helping leaders unlock confidence, clarity and conviction when it matters most.

Non-binding request for Anita Mendiratta

Trusted Global Advisor on Leadership, Wellbeing and Global Transformation

When leaders are under pressure to decide, respond and lead with integrity, they turn to Anita Mendiratta. A globally trusted strategic advisor, author and media voice, Anita works at the intersection of leadership, wellbeing, tourism, aviation and sustainable development. With more than three decades of experience across over 100 countries, she supports governments, institutions and business leaders navigating crisis, recovery and long-term growth. On stage, on air and in advisory rooms, Anita brings clarity, credibility and calm – empowering leaders to lead with courage, compassion and purpose.

 

Who Is Anita Mendiratta

Anita Mendiratta is one of the most prominent global advisors and thought leaders working with senior decision-makers in times of profound challenge and opportunity. As Founder and President of ANITA MENDIRATTA & ASSOCIATES, she has spent over 30 years advising governments, global institutions and industry leaders across more than 100 countries. Her work spans tourism, aviation, leadership development and sustainable growth, always grounded in the human dimension of leadership.

Recognised as one of the “Most Influential Women in Tourism”, “Top 25 Inspirational Executives in Travel and Hospitality”, “Top 25 Executives to Watch in 2025” and among the “Top 10 Business Leaders Driving Global Change in 2025”, Anita’s influence is defined not by titles alone, but by trust. Leaders seek her counsel when the stakes are high and the path forward requires wisdom, empathy and resolve.

 

Trusted Advisor to Global Institutions and Governments

Anita’s trusted presence is reflected in the advisory roles she holds at the highest international levels. She serves as Special Advisor to the Secretary General of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) and is a strategic resource to the World Bank, the World Travel & Tourism Council, the International Air Transport Association, the Air Transport Action Group and ICCA.

Her leadership insight has also shaped national and regional transformation initiatives. She is a Founding Advisory Board Member of the Royal Commission for AlUla in Saudi Arabia and previously served as Special Advisor to the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority. In academia, Anita contributes as Executive in Residence at the University of Surrey and Visiting Professor at Cranfield University, sharing real-world leadership insight with future decision-makers.

 

Author and Voice of Leadership in Action

As a multi-published author, Anita brings leaders closer to the realities of decision-making under pressure. Her globally acclaimed, award-winning book The Call to Leadership explores what it truly takes to lead with courage, clarity and compassion in times of disruption. The book offers a rare window into the inner world of high-level leaders, addressing the emotional, psychological and ethical dimensions of leadership that are often left unspoken.

This focus on the inner strength of leaders has made Anita a sought-after voice in global media. She is a frequent and trusted contributor on BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Euronews, Sky News, TRT, ITV, France24 and other international outlets, offering insight on leadership in crisis, global recovery and the wellbeing challenges leaders face today.

 

On Stage, On Air and In the Room

When you book Anita Mendiratta for your event, you engage more than a keynote speaker. You engage a seasoned moderator, facilitator and strategic guide. Anita is trusted to moderate and facilitate high-level government, UN, industry, business and academic summits around the world, where nuance, diplomacy and depth matter.

On stage, her presence is calm yet powerful. She connects strategy with humanity, global context with personal responsibility. Whether delivering a keynote, moderating a panel or guiding an executive dialogue, her aim is consistent: to lift the room, elevate confidence and create meaningful connection.

 

Leadership, Wellbeing and Purpose

At the heart of Anita’s work is a deep commitment to leadership wellbeing and responsible impact. She understands that sustainable results depend on leaders who are grounded, resilient and purpose-driven. Through The Anita Mendiratta Foundation, she supports access to education for children in tourism-dependent countries, ensuring that global leadership decisions deliver meaningful local impact.

For audiences navigating uncertainty, transformation or renewal, Anita Mendiratta offers something rare: perspective shaped by experience, insight delivered with empathy, and leadership guidance that stays with leaders long after the applause ends.

Book Anita Mendiratta for your event to inspire confidence, clarity and courageous leadership when it matters most.

Anita Mendiratta - <p data-start="304" data-end="501">Anita Mendiratta is a globally trusted advisor, author, speaker, moderator&nbsp;and media voice guiding leaders through crisis, transformation and purpose-driven leadership.</p>

Customer Reviews

5 of 5

"Having worked with Anita at various points through the crisis I have seen first-hand her own inspirational leadership style; she has a most beautiful technique which puts people at ease and brings out the key thoughts from individuals in a most natural and trusting way. I thoroughly recommend this book to all.”

5 of 5

"UN Tourism is proud to be the UN lead agency in embedding Tourism within the sustainable development agenda of nations across the globe. Critical to our efforts is securing the direct support of recognised & respected Tourism practitioners. I am pleased to have Anita Mendiratta working alongside the UNWTO as Special Advisor to myself, the Secretary General. Anita brings not only her proven acumen in Travel & Tourism development to the service of the UNWTO mandate, but also her rich global network of trusted relationships at the highest levels, all being vital to Travel & Tourism value chain alignment and activation for sustainable, positive impact at economic, societal, cultural and environmental levels."

5 of 5

“Anita’s strategic counsel and deep understanding of tourism’s role in economic and societal transformation have been hugely valuable to the journey of the Saudi Tourism Authority. I have deep respect for her commitment and ability to drive meaningful change, inspire leaders to connect to their most authentic selves and think in bold and creative ways.”

5 of 5

“When we talk about the lessons from the pandemic, there will be very procedural, practical lessons. But there are lessons for humanity here as well. This book (The Call To Leadership) book goes a long way towards really amplifying those messages.”

5 of 5

“Anita is one of the rare voices in the world of Saudi influence that can speak deeply about every corner of the tourism industry and how it’s shaping the broader economic landscape in the kingdom. Anita has been critical in painting the bigger picture for our stories. It helps that she knows how to deliver a great sound bite!”

5 of 5

“Whether she is delivering insightful commentary, conducting compelling interviews, or moderating high-level discussions, her professionalism and poise shine through. And it is that deep industry knowledge and her ability to articulate complex global issues which has, in a very short period of time, led her to be trusted as a frequently returning guest.”

Rated 5.00/5 based on 6 customer reviews

Keynotes

Keynote by Anita Mendiratta:

Leading with Purpose in a Complex World

This keynote explores how leadership purpose becomes a stabilising force in an increasingly complex, interconnected and demanding world. Building on frameworks for change leadership, resilience, agility and stakeholder engagement, Anita examines how organisations can align leadership purpose with global trends, stakeholder values and sustainable outcomes.

The keynote looks beyond slogans and statements, focusing on how purpose is embedded in the DNA of leadership and how it actively shapes decision-making, culture and long-term resilience. Drawing on global leadership experience, Anita shows how purpose-driven leaders create coherence between strategy, values and action – especially when facing competing priorities and pressure.

This keynote is particularly relevant for organisations seeking to strengthen trust, relevance and impact in times of rapid change.

Audience takeaways:

  • A clear understanding of how purpose drives stronger leadership decisions

  • Insight into aligning leadership values with global and stakeholder expectations

  • Practical ways to embed purpose into leadership culture and behaviour

  • Tools to strengthen organisational resilience through purpose-led leadership

Request a quote: Anita Mendiratta Leading with Purpose in a Complex World

Keynote by Anita Mendiratta:

Answering the Leadership Call: From Vision to Action

This keynote addresses the full journey of leadership – from recognising the need for leadership, to defining a compelling vision, and ultimately taking concrete action. Anita explores how leaders move from intention to execution, especially in complex, global or fast-moving environments.

Drawing on examples from global consulting, development and aviation, the keynote highlights how leaders must not only articulate direction, but also mobilise people, resources and trust across geographies, cultures and systems. Particular focus is placed on translating strategic intent into operational reality, even when conditions are uncertain or constantly shifting.

This session challenges leaders to step fully into responsibility and to act decisively when leadership is most needed.

Audience takeaways:

  • Clarity on the stages of leadership from vision to execution

  • Insight into mobilising teams and stakeholders across complexity

  • Practical approaches to turning strategy into action

  • Confidence to step forward and lead decisively in dynamic environments

Request a quote: Anita Mendiratta Answering the Leadership Call: From Vision to Action

Keynote by Anita Mendiratta:

The Silent Strength: Leading with Empathy in Uncertain Times

This keynote explores the often underestimated power of empathy in leadership, particularly in times of crisis, transformation or cultural sensitivity. Ideal for organisations navigating change or post-crisis recovery, the keynote reframes empathy as a strategic leadership capability rather than a soft skill.

Anita demonstrates how leaders who listen deeply, understand emotional dynamics and act with emotional intelligence create stronger resilience, loyalty and long-term impact. Empathy, when combined with decisiveness, becomes a powerful stabilising force that strengthens trust and performance.

The keynote offers leaders permission – and practical guidance – to lead with humanity while maintaining authority and direction.

Audience takeaways:

  • A new understanding of empathy as a strategic leadership strength

  • Tools for leading people through uncertainty with emotional intelligence

  • Insight into building trust and loyalty during times of change

  • Practical ways to balance compassion with decisiveness

Request a quote: Anita Mendiratta The Silent Strength: Leading with Empathy in Uncertain Times

Keynote by Anita Mendiratta:

Stillness in the Storm: The Power of Composed Leadership

This keynote focuses on the value of calm, clear and centred leadership when everyone else is reacting emotionally or irrationally. Particularly relevant for high-pressure sectors, cross-cultural leadership, diplomatic and development contexts, the keynote highlights how composed leaders anchor their organisations during turbulence.

Anita explores how stillness is not passivity, but presence. Leaders who remain grounded offer confidence instead of chaos, clarity instead of noise. Drawing on real-world leadership under pressure, the keynote shows how composure becomes a competitive advantage in moments of uncertainty.

This session is a powerful reminder that how a leader shows up matters as much as what they say.

Audience takeaways:

  • Insight into the role of composure in effective leadership

  • Tools to remain calm and clear under pressure

  • Understanding how leaders emotionally anchor teams in crisis

  • Practical techniques to lead with confidence during uncertainty

Request a quote: Anita Mendiratta Stillness in the Storm: The Power of Composed Leadership

Keynote by Anita Mendiratta:

he Whisper of Wisdom: What Crisis Teaches Us About Real Leadership

This keynote draws on lived crisis experience to unpack the leadership traits that only emerge when leaders are truly tested. True leaders are not revealed in calm – they are shaped in chaos. Crisis becomes a leadership classroom where values, judgement and courage are put to the test.

Anita explores what crisis strips away, what it exposes and what it ultimately demands of leaders. The keynote examines how leaders grow through adversity, how wisdom is forged under pressure, and how lessons learned in crisis can permanently elevate leadership capability.

This is a deeply reflective yet practical keynote for leaders who want to grow stronger through challenge rather than be diminished by it.

Audience takeaways:

  • Insight into the leadership qualities revealed through crisis

  • Lessons on decision-making under extreme pressure

  • Understanding how adversity strengthens leadership maturity

  • Practical reflections leaders can carry into future challenges

Request a quote: Anita Mendiratta he Whisper of Wisdom: What Crisis Teaches Us About Real Leadership

Anita Mendiratta - What It Takes To Be A Leader

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