Neeraj Deshpande, CEO, Managing Partner, D-Squared Consilium Pvt. Ltd.

 

Neeraj Deshpande is a dynamic force in the world of corporate Learning and Development. He is celebrated not only for revolutionizing learning and Development practices in India but also for his expansive global footprint, influencing professionals worldwide. With a remarkable career spanning 30+ years, he has empowered over 25,000 individuals worldwide. Across all the Industrial segments, he has trained 100+ organizations, Nationally and Internationally. Renowned as a "Trainer's Trainer," Neeraj has certified 3,000+ trainers and holds certification in 30+ essential Behavioral models and tools. Through the influence of professionals in the industry like Dr. Stephen Covey and Dr. Paul Hersey, Neeraj’s impact is truly global, revolutionizing human capital development.

 

He isa steadfast advocate and influencer, passionately emphasizing that the key driver for business success is the primacy of "People." Renowned internationally for his expertise, Neeraj has orchestrated the establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and Learning Academies across diverse regions, setting industry benchmarks in global Learning and Development. His reputation as a globally esteemed thought leader and visionary has been established through transformative contributions in areas such as Organizational Development, Leadership Enhancement, Talent Development, and Talent Management.

 

 

Could you tell us about D-Squared Consilium Pvt. Ltd. and its services?

 

D-Squared Consilium is a human capital development firm dedicated to transforming businesses by aligning people development initiatives aligned with CEO vision and strategic direction. With a founding team experienced in managing large-scale learning initiatives, we partner with organizations to design and implement training, coaching, counseling, consulting, and handholding programs that drive measurable business results. Our vision is to be recognized as the best business transformers by 2027, with a revenue goal of ₹500 million. Guided by core values of commitment to impacting results, a people-first approach, integrity, continuous learning, and simplicity, D-Squared Consilium aims to be the premium difference creator in human capital development across industries and geographies.

 

D-Squared Consilium offers a range of services designed to drive business results, including Consulting, Teamwork, Customer Experience, Leadership, and Culture and Strategy. Our consulting services provide strategic interventions that go beyond analysis to engage with people at all levels, building information and insights to execute change. Teamwork services help groups work together effectively, breaking down silos and building productive teams. Customer Experience services leverage over 110 person-years of consulting experience to uncover insights and build capabilities for a "10x" customer experience. Leadership services empower individuals with knowledge, skills, and competencies to lead and take responsibility. Culture and Strategy services help businesses create and deliver on their strategy and brand identity by creating strong leaders and high-performing employees, recognizing that a great company culture is a competitive advantage.

 

 

Could you tell us about your professional journey?

 

During my 30+ years in corporate learning and development, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the transformation of people both in India and globally. I’ve had the honor of empowering over 25,000 individuals across more than 100 organizations, earning the distinction of "Trainer's Trainer." My expertise has been honed through the insights and influence of industry leaders like Dr. Stephen Covey and Dr. Paul Hersey. In addition, I’ve certified over 3,000 trainers, equipping them with more than 30 essential behavioral models and tools.

 

My belief in the importance of people-driven growth has been a guiding principle throughout my career. I’m convinced that the success of any business hinges on prioritizing "People." This conviction has led me to establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and Learning Academies across the globe, setting new standards and driving transformative contributions in organizational development, leadership enhancement, talent development, and talent management. My areas of expertise include organizational culture and OD, leadership development, strategy planning, team dynamics, emotional intelligence, executive coaching, critical thinking skills, facilitation, coaching and mentoring, conflict resolution, and customer experience. My mission has always been to help organizations excel and nurture a culture of continuous learning and growth.

 

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of organizations across various industries throughout my career. In the automobile sector, I’ve worked with leading manufacturers like Toyota, Maruti, Hero MotoCorp, New Holland Tractors, Fiat, and General Motors. My experience in telecommunications includes partnerships with Airtel, Reliance Infocomm, and Jordan Telecom Group. I’ve also engaged with major banking and financial institutions such as ABN-AMRO (now RBS), ICICI, HDFC Bank, Mashreq Bank, and American Express. In the consumer electronics space, I’ve worked closely with brands like Sony, Samsung, and Electrolux, while my experience in the consumer goods industry spans collaborations with Unilever, Pepsi, and Nestle. I’ve contributed to educational initiatives like Shiv Nadar Schools, technical colleges in the UAE, CSIR, and NABARD, and partnered with real estate firms such as the Rustomjee Group, Tata Housing, and Jacquar Bennett Coleman and Co. Additionally, I’ve had notable engagements with the Bharti Group, Domino’s, Travel Corporation of India, and OnSite Go.

 

I’ve had the opportunity to extend my training legacy globally, delivering impactful workshops, seminars, and training programs across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. My ability to connect with diverse audiences has allowed me to create dynamic learning environments, fostering growth on a global scale.

 

 

Could you elaborate on your roles and responsibilities as the CEO and Managing Partner of D-Squared Consilium Pvt. Ltd.?

 

As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. In my role as CEO, my responsibilities extend beyond managing profit and loss. I lead the Content Development team, support the business development team, and oversee the creation and management of strategic alliances. A critical aspect of my role is ensuring that all team members are aligned with our organization's Vision, Mission, and Core Values. I also have to ensure that our team progresses according to the strategic plan and milestones toward achieving our business objectives. Additionally, I represent and advocate for our core competencies in the marketplace. As the leader, I am committed to maintaining a culture of transparency and accountability, ensuring that everyone "says what they mean and means what they say."

 

 

What sets your services apart from other companies?

 

We take pride in our ability to understand business needs and goals, allowing us to customize our learning solutions to ensure those objectives are met. Our proprietary models, "DEPTH" and "D³R²," enable us to create tailored solutions and help client organizations measure the ROI on their learning investments. We provide guidance to participants, ensuring they learn, adapt to new behaviors, and achieve the desired results. We also offer "Post-Workshop Handholding" sessions to ensure thorough revision of the training program and to support the effective implementation of the training. These sessions help reinforce learning and ensure that the training is being applied effectively in the participants' work environments. Additionally, we seek buy-in from reporting managers to actively involve them in the learning process, which enhances the effectiveness of our solutions. Our learning solutions adhere to the 70-20-10 or 3-33 model, depending on how participants contribute to the organization's business goals. We offer a comprehensive approach to learning and development, incorporating formal learning, informal learning, and social/peer learning.

 

 

Could you describe how learning from Dr. Stephen Covey and other leading figures in the field has shaped your L&D philosophy?

 

I believe that Learning and Development (L&D) must be transformational, not transactional, to be a strategic enabler rather than just a support function. The emphasis should be on building long-term organizational capability rather than merely addressing short-term needs. I assert that the "Law of Cramming" is ineffective, and instead, the "Law of Farming" produces meaningful results. I see people as the greatest asset, and with proper training and coaching, they can transform themselves and drive organizational outcomes. This transformation can impact various areas such as customer interaction, role perception, leadership, resource management, adaptability to change, and organizational culture. It also has the potential to influence sales pipeline management and leadership pipeline development, leading to comprehensive organizational transformation. My focus has always been on fostering this foundational change in every organization I have worked with or consulted.

 

 

Could you highlight some of the significant achievements and accolades you have received throughout your career?

 

In my opinion, my biggest achievement has been the privilege of collaborating with and learning from renowned figures such as Dr. Ram Charan, Dr. Rolf P. Lynton, Dr.Udai Pareek, Dr. Dipankar Roy, Kurt Lewin, Dr. Stephen Covey, and Dr. Paul Hersey.

 

I hold certifications in over 30 behavioral practices and tools, as well as credentials as a "Power Coach" (ICF & IIC) and a "Master Trainer" from the Centre for Leadership Studies. I have had the privilege of being a founding team member for three international training brands in India. In addition, I have served as a keynote speaker and panelist at global conferences, sharing insights and knowledge with diverse audiences. My efforts in leading CSR initiatives have earned me two Golden Peacock awards, and I have been recognized for introducing innovative practices in Learning and Development.


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