Niluka Kavanagh is a dynamic entrepreneur, strategist, and thought leader whose work centres on empowering individuals to build stronger businesses with confidence and clarity. As the Founder of ImagineThat and creator of The Modern CEO, she has become a respected voice in the future of work, innovation, and leadership. Her mission is rooted in creating the supportive network she once sought herself, ensuring today’s founders and professionals can thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Niluka’s academic foundations were established at the University of Oxford, where she later became an Alumni Ambassador for Somerville College and was featured in the University’s Entrepreneurial Spotlight. Her professional career commenced at KPMG LLP in a graduate market development role, where she quickly gained recognition for her ability to combine commercial thinking with fresh creativity. During her time at the firm she progressed through multiple strategic positions, led KPMG SheCan as Head of Communications, and founded the KPMG Behavioural Science Unit. After rising to a managerial role in customer, marketing and brand strategy, Niluka left to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions. She co-founded a dating app and served as its CMO and Director, while simultaneously launching HelpMePresent, a public speaking consultancy trusted by organisations such as Siemens, Deloitte, and the University of Chicago. Today, she leads ImagineThat, an influential community supporting founders, and has developed The Modern CEO to guide leaders in rethinking their approach to culture, management, and workplace effectiveness.
Her expertise has reached global audiences through her YouTube series Breaking Boundaries with Niluka, in which she interviews innovators who have challenged convention. She has contributed to respected publications, including The World Financial Review, Cambridge University, and KPMG LLP, and is an active member of the UN Culture of Innovation Group. Her reputation continues to grow, and she has been recognised by MSN as one of the Top 10 Leading Speakers to Follow.
Niluka’s motivational speaking is shaped by firsthand experience, resilience, and a steadfast belief in the power of human potential. She translates complex themes such as psychological safety, intrapreneurship, and communication into practical guidance that audiences can immediately apply. Her Modern CEO framework champions collaborative leadership, purposeful innovation, and a workplace culture where every generation can excel. Engaging, inspirational, and grounded in real-world insight, Niluka equips audiences to embrace change, overcome barriers, and lead with confidence, making her an exceptional choice for corporate events, conferences, and summits.
