Rishad Tobaccowala: The Mindset Shifter Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore

When Rishad Tobaccowala steps into a room, he doesn’t just speak—he catalyzes change.

Across boardrooms, stages, and global conferences, Rishad has made it his mission to get people to see, think, and feel differently—about their work, their teams, and most importantly, themselves. It’s this rare ability to distill four decades of wisdom into messages that are provocative, pragmatic, and personal that makes him not just a speaker—but a force.

A veteran of the industry with an unshakable human-first lens, Rishad has spent over 40 years helping people and companies grow, evolve, and lead with soul.

An Architect of Thought Leadership

Rishad is the author of two acclaimed books:

“Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in the Age of Data”

“Rethinking Work”
Both published by HarperCollins, these works aren’t just reads—they’re roadmaps for navigating a future increasingly shaped by data, automation, and disconnection.

He also publishes “The Future Does Not Fit in the Containers of the Past,” a weekly newsletter followed by over 30,000 leaders globally. It’s where executives, entrepreneurs, and creators alike turn to recalibrate in a world that’s reinventing itself in real time.

The Speaker Who Speaks Without Slides—And Still Stuns

Rishad doesn’t rely on fancy decks, charts, or effects. No slides. No audio. No video. Just truth. In the past five years alone, he has delivered over 200 keynotes and 80 workshops, consistently ranking as the top-rated speaker at 95% of events where feedback was gathered.

Why? Because he tailors every session—drawing from a massive reservoir of insights spanning AI, change management, digital transformation, leadership, personal growth, and more.

He doesn’t just tell people what to do—he shifts how they see the world.

Legacy of a Trailblazer

For over a decade, Rishad served as Global Strategist and Chief Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe, the 100,000+ strong marketing and business transformation powerhouse. His work helped shape the group’s evolution through technology, innovation, and global expansion.

His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed:

Named one of the top business leaders by BusinessWeek

Dubbed one of five global “Marketing Innovators” by TIME Magazine

Inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame—an honor shared by only 300 people in its 75-year history

What Makes Rishad Different?

In a business world obsessed with scale, automation, and constant optimization, Rishad brings back what’s been missing: humanity, depth, and originality.

He believes that while AI may run the systems, it’s HI—Human Ingenuity, Intuition, Interaction, and Inspiration—that will run the future. And he walks the talk, continuously reinventing himself while helping others do the same.

A Voice Leaders Trust. A Vision They Follow.

Whether he’s guiding CEOs through transformation, inspiring marketers to embrace reinvention, or urging the next generation to lead with meaning—not metrics—Rishad’s message is clear:

“The future doesn’t fit in the containers of the past. Keep the rebel and creator in you alive.”

In a world defined by noise, Rishad Tobaccowala offers signal. And for leaders who want to stay relevant in the age of machines, his voice may be the one they need most.