Resham Kotecha

Trusted adviser to governments and global companies on technology, AI and public policy.

I help governments and businesses make sense of fast-moving technology and turn it into policy that works. I am Global Head of Policy at the Open Data Institute, where I lead public policy work and partnerships with governments to improve data ecosystems, with a current focus on AI. I previously sat on the government’s Smart Data Council and have briefed ministers and shadow ministers on AI and data issues.

Over my career I have worked with multiple Prime Ministers and advised a former Home Secretary. I have stood for Parliament twice, and The Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP appointed me to her policy board. I am Deputy Chair of the Social Mobility Commission, appointed through the UK Cabinet Office, where I lead the Commission’s work on data and AI and how technology can widen opportunity rather than entrench inequality.

Before the ODI I was Head of Policy (EMEA) at Wise, the FTSE-listed fintech, leading policy work across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and I was Vice-President of the European FinTech Association. I know how to move between boardrooms, ministerial offices and regulators.

I moderate and speak on international panels and have supported clients to do the same, in Paris, Brussels, London, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. I have written for The Times, the Centre for Policy Studies and HuffPost, and I hold a degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge and am a World Economic Forum Global Shaper.

Alongside this, I run Podium Perfect, helping leaders, experts and students communicate with confidence.

It all started when…

…I offered to substitute in for a public speaking coach in 2013. I was running sessions for Women2Win, training women who were hoping to become MPs. Our professional coach cancelled at the last minute and I stepped in to coach several women (one of whom is now an MP), and got really positive feedback. I continued running sessions for the next 18 months, and then in the lead up to the 2017 and 2019 Elections, training over 100 candidates - over 30 when on to become MPs and many have since served in Ministerial and Cabinet positions.

Since then, I’ve worked with professionals, politicians and people who just want to feel a little bit more confident with their public speaking. I have been flown overseas to train clients from different continents and have moderated global conferences.

I have taught >14,000 people since 2020 alone and have worked with leading organisations such as TikTok, Bloomberg, Citibank, Aetna and Pfizer to support them through coaching, moderating and keynote speeches.

There’s no such thing as a speaking opportunity that is too small to get support with. Whether it’s a presentation, an interview, a TV appearance or a speech at an event, do not let your fears get in the way of a powerful performance.

Let me help you to be your best, to achieve your goals, and hopefully, to even enjoy the experience!

My Coaching Experience

2013-2020 - ongoing training for professionals

Worked with clients including TikTok, Citibank, Bloomberg, Pfizer and Aetna to provide 1:1 and team coaching, to deliver keynote speeches and to moderate global conferences.

Training >14,000 professionals in over 100 countries (from the private, public and third sectors) on public speaking, interview techniques and raising their confidence to enable them to be more effective communicators in the professional and personal lives

2013-2020 - training students

Supporting >1,000 students and teaching staff, including at the University of Cambridge, the University of Reading, the University of Sunderland in London, York St John University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Loughborough University, Bloomsbury University London, Staffordshire University, University of the West of Scotland and Northumbria University, with public speaking and interview technique training to support with job interviews, Oxbridge interviews and interviews for medical and dental school

Delivered training to multiple year groups of students on public speaking, increasing their confidence, and how to prepare for University interviews, vivas, and presentations

2019 - COACHING MPS AND POLITICIANS

Flown out to the Republic of North Macedonia (RONM) by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to coach female politicians and MPs from RONM, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo and El Salvador in public speaking, interview technique and media performance

2018 - SPOKE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS

Spoke in the House of Lords on International Women’s Day – the first time non-Parliamentarians have been allowed to participate in a debate in the Parliamentary chamber 

2017 - ASSOCIATION OF SPEAKERS CLUB COMPETITION WINNER

Winner of the London-wide and SE District Association of Speakers Clubs “Topics” competition, ranked 4th Nationally

2017 - MEDIA APPEARANCES

Featured in the Financial Times, The Times, The Times of India and appeared on 5live, The Daily Politics Show and The Sikh Channel