In a world where data, technology, and human stories often operate in parallel, Ankesh Saxena is building bridges between them. His journey as a storyteller, strategist, and builder of collaborative ecosystems highlights how meaningful conversations can fuel innovation, empathy, and smarter decision-making.
From Stories to Strategy: A Podcast That Inspires Real Conversations
For Ankesh, stories are not just narratives; they are catalysts for connection and change. This belief is at the heart of The Collaborative Canvas Podcast, a platform he created to bring together founders, CXOs, researchers, and thought leaders from across the globe.
Through over 50 episodes, The Collaborative Canvas has explored a vast landscape of conversations from artificial intelligence and consumer behavior to entrepreneurship, diversity, and brand building. What truly sets it apart is Ankesh’s empathetic hosting style. Rather than positioning himself as an expert, he approaches each conversation as a learner alongside the audience.
This creates space for honest, insightful discussions that leave listeners not just informed, but inspired.
Recent episodes showcase this diversity:
- “How to Expand Your Business Globally” with Pratik from Opsonomy explored cultural leadership in Germany vs. India.
- “From Data to Decisions” with Manish Makhijani from RSPL Group dove into transforming insights into boardroom strategy.
- “Cosmic Consumers” blended zodiac signs with marketing behavior, illustrating creative approaches to consumer engagement with Smriti Singh Bhatia of InQognito.
The podcast isn’t just about talking; it’s about creating a collaborative space where ideas meet, evolve, and influence real-world action.
Humanizing Data: Acutus AI Insights and the Power of Personas
Ankesh’s vision extends beyond conversations. As Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Acutus AI Insights, he is on a mission to humanize how organizations view and use data. Acutus is pioneering platforms such as QMAPI and Zcoded, which focus on solving challenges around data quality and creating digital-twin personas for sharper consumer understanding.
His philosophy is simple but powerful: data isn’t just numbers; it’s a collection of stories waiting to be decoded.
In his role, Ankesh shapes Acutus’s market strategy and ensures the company’s solutions stay true to this principle. By merging data intelligence with human insights, Acutus helps organizations build strategies that are not only effective but empathetic.
20+ Years of Expertise in Market Growth and Strategy
With more than two decades of industry experience, Ankesh brings a rare depth of strategic and operational knowledge to everything he builds. He specializes in market expansion, global operations, and opportunity capture.
A proud member of ESOMAR and MRSI, and a certified Market & Social Research professional, Ankesh combines technical expertise with real-world business acumen.
He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance along with a Postgraduate degree in Digital Marketing, a blend of academic rigor and modern digital insight that complements his practical skills in leadership, client relations, negotiations, and budgeting.
Throughout his career, Ankesh has consistently driven innovation and fostered high-performance cultures that exceed business objectives. Whether leading global initiatives or building collaborative ecosystems, his approach blends strategic foresight with human-centered leadership.
Reinvention Through Reflection
Ankesh’s journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. After taking a deliberate six-month break from the corporate world, he invested that time in reflection, mentorship, and exploring new possibilities. That pause became the foundation for the ecosystem he’s now building, a network of ventures spanning consulting, affiliate marketing, and event platforms.
At the core of these initiatives is a consistent thread: creating spaces where collaboration thrives and technology empowers rather than replaces human potential.
Building Global Bridges in Research and Innovation
Ankesh’s commitment to collaboration doesn’t stop at entrepreneurship. He is actively engaged with the global research community, participating in renowned international conferences such as MRMW and ESOMAR. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to The Research Pulse Wire magazine, further amplifying his role in shaping the dialogue around research, innovation, and consumer insights.
His approach is defined by bridge building between tradition and innovation, between data and decision-making, between people and possibilities. This mindset has positioned him not just as a host or entrepreneur, but as a connector of ecosystems.
Shaping the Future Through Collaboration
What truly makes Ankesh’s work unique is its human foundation. He doesn’t see his podcast audience, users, or consumers as statistics. He sees them as people with stories, contexts, and potential. Whether it’s through a thoughtful podcast conversation, a data-driven insight, or a collaborative event, he is constantly asking:
“How can we use technology, storytelling, and strategy to uplift, connect, and empower?”
This question has become the guiding principle of everything he builds.
Ankesh Saxena isn’t just leading a podcast or a company. He’s shaping a way of working and thinking, one where insights and empathy coexist. By weaving storytelling, research, and technology into everything he does, Ankesh is building collaborative futures that are as strategic as they are human.
His work is a reminder that the future of innovation isn’t just about tools and data. It’s about conversations, connections, and the courage to collaborate.
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