CIO&Leader in Conversation with Deepak & Shanu Malkani, the Minds Behind IndusGuru’s Mission to Transform the Future of Consulting and Independent Talent in India.
In a world increasingly driven by flexibility, expertise, and human connection, IndusGuru aims to stand as a testament to how purposeful innovation can redefine the consulting landscape. Founded by Deepak and Shanu, two professionals who left behind long corporate careers to build something more meaningful, IndusGuru embodies the shift from rigid employment models to a new, agile world of independent consulting, one that values experience, empathy, and adaptability as much as technology.
“The future of work isn’t about where you sit, it’s about what you bring to the table.” Deepak Malkani, Co-founder, IndusGuru
Building a Platform for Experts, Not Employees
When Deepak and Shanu launched IndusGuru in 2015, they weren’t chasing valuations. They were chasing value.
Drawing on decades of experience in management consulting and enterprise technology, they observed a seismic shift: seasoned professionals, many in their 40s and 50s, were leaving traditional jobs to pursue freelance work. Simultaneously, companies were seeking specialized expertise without the overhead of large consulting firms.
That gap became the genesis of IndusGuru: a curated platform connecting organizations to independent consultants for projects of any scale, from a few days to long-term engagements. The goal was to make expertise transformative yet straightforward, accessible, flexible, and impactful.
The Rise of GCCs: India’s Global Advantage
The conversation naturally flowed toward India’s rise as a hub for Global Capability Centers (GCCs). Over the past two decades, India’s journey from call centers to cutting-edge innovation hubs has been nothing short of revolutionary.
“Today, global banks, tech giants, and manufacturing companies are running end-to-end processes, even R&D from India,” Deepak explained. “And increasingly, they’re driving innovation, not just execution.”
With a deep and diverse English-speaking talent pool, India’s potential in the GCC space continues to expand beyond Tier 1 cities. From Hyderabad to Coimbatore, the next generation of professionals is fueling global transformation not as followers, but as leaders.
From Call Centers to AI Labs: A Story of Evolution
The conversation took an inspiring turn when Shanu spoke about AI’s influence on the consulting and GCC landscape.
She shared how one client, a global manufacturing firm, partnered with IndusGuru to find a GenAI specialist capable of integrating advanced AI models into their production systems. “We found the right expert in weeks, not months,” she said. “That agility proved how India’s independent consulting model can outpace traditional hiring.”
This shift highlights a key industry truth: technology can automate tasks, but human insight remains the driving force behind transformation. IndusGuru’s blend of curated expertise and tech-enabled matching ensures both speed and quality, a rare balance in today’s consulting ecosystem.
Quality with a Human Touch
Unlike algorithm-only platforms, IndusGuru champions a “high-touch” model. Every consultant undergoes a meticulous verification process, including reference checks, conversations, and behavior mapping to ensure alignment with client expectations.
“It’s like matchmaking,” Shanu laughed. “You’re not just connecting profiles; you’re connecting people and goals.”
This personalized curation fosters accountability and trust qualities that are often lost in the age of automation. It’s a system that values relationships as much as results.
Future of Work: Flexibility as a Mindset
Deepak reflected on a larger workforce trend: the shift toward project-based, independent work.
“More professionals today, even in their 30s, are choosing independence over employment,” he said. “They seek flexibility, meaning, and control over their work.”
For organizations, this model offers cost efficiency and agility. For individuals, it provides freedom and purpose. Platforms like IndusGuru are making that convergence not only possible but powerful, creating a bridge between corporate structure and freelance freedom.
Nurturing the Next Generation
Both founders share a passion for mentoring young talent. Through internships and early career opportunities at IndusGuru, students can explore diverse domains, from finance to marketing to technology, before choosing a path.
“Young people today are smart,” Shanu noted, “but they need exposure to see what real business looks like before they decide where they belong.”
Their advice for the next generation? Focus on practical learning. Theory builds a base, but experience builds confidence.
AI and the Consulting Revolution
As AI reshapes industries, consulting too is transforming. Entry-level analytical tasks may be automated, but the human element of empathy, collaboration, and change management remains irreplaceable.
“There’s talk of AI replacing consulting firms,” Deepak smiled, “but that’s an oversimplification. Consulting is about managing change, and that’s deeply human.”
IndusGuru envisions a “human-in-the-loop” future, where consultants leverage AI tools for insight but lead with wisdom and experience.
Partnerships, Purpose, and Trust
When asked about their own partnership, Deepak and Shanu emphasized the importance of trust, clarity, and aligned goals.
“We’ve divided our responsibilities clearly, sales and clients on one side, finance and HR on the other,” said Shanu. “It’s not about ego; it’s about the mission.”
Their partnership reflects the ethos of IndusGuru itself: collaboration over competition, purpose over profit.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Moment of Impact
India today stands at the forefront of a global consulting revolution. Its young workforce, deep technical skill base, and growing culture of independent expertise are converging to redefine what it means to work, lead, and create value.
As Deepak aptly concluded, “India doesn’t just have talent; it has trusted talent. And that trust will shape the next decade of consulting.