Ravi Hutheesing

Education & Cultural Futurist

Ravi Hutheesing

Education & Cultural Futurist

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Biography

Ravi's journey as a rock star, aviator, cultural diplomat for the US Department of State, and keynote speaker is an inspiring example of how to pivot and succeed in an ever-changing world. He is the first American-born descendant of India’s first family (which includes prime ministers Nehru and Gandhi), but his worldwide visibility skyrocketed in 1997 as the guitarist of triple-Grammy-nominee, Hanson, performing at the White House, Madison Square Garden, Saturday Night Live, Today Show, and more.

Ravi later became a pilot and aviation speaker helping the industry attract new student pilots, and in 2015, the US Department of State began sponsoring his cultural programs in Russia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Lebanon.

A highly respected keynote speaker in education leadership, Ravi is also the founder of Ravi Unites Schools—a large network of international K-12 schools (that span the extremes of the socio-economic spectrum) whose classes participate in peer-to-peer real-time audio-video interactions—and author of PIVOT: Empowering Students Today to Succeed in an Unpredictable Tomorrow.

Speaker Videos

Minute to Pivot: Is Education the Problem or Solution?

Leading By Example

Speech Topics

Pivoting to Cultural Competence & Equity in Education

With 40% of today's jobs about to be automated (source: PwC), today's students will no longer be defined by what they do, but rather, by who they are. By focusing more on cultural competence, equity, and unity, students will grow into compassionate global citizens, discover worldwide opportunities, and master the required skills for the future of work and society.

Born into one of the world’s most influential families but rejecting the obvious choices presented to him, Ravi takes the audience on his exciting journey as a rock star, entrepreneur, aviator, and cultural diplomat, and shows how his own education empowered him to build relationships and pivot whenever necessary. Using humor, points that resonate and make you think, and statistics that make you question what you thought, he explains how to transform students into culturally and globally competent lifelong learners by pursuing equity, teaching and engaging in civil discourse, and inspiring students to overcome generations of implicit biases so that they can develop a healthy curiosity about the world and become truly empathetic global citizens.

Based on the forward-thinking concepts explored in his acclaimed book, PIVOT: Empowering Students Today to Succeed in an Unpredictable Tomorrow, Ravi will shift your thinking on how public education can put society on a path to equity, equality, and ultimately world peace.

Creating Unity Within Diversity

As even the most local of workforces become more diverse, the ability to cultivate a team among employees is more challenging but absolutely essential. To create a culturally competent and competitive company, one must first establish a culture of embracing our commonalities along with a healthy curiosity about our differences.

In this presentation, Ravi extrapolates from his background as a member of one of the most influential families that created the world's largest democracy (encompassing 7 major religions and 22 official languages), his peacekeeping work as a cultural diplomat for the US Department of State (including in Iraq and Russia), and his experiences as both the sole non-white member of an otherwise all-white world-famous band and a non-white pilot in the 80% white aviation industry to prove that one can effectively collaborate with people from vastly different backgrounds, including traditionally opposed cultures and religions. Using humor, points that resonate and make you think, and statistics that make you question what you thought, he will elevate your thinking and arm you with the tools to create unity within diversity.

You Can Do It!

In this presentation, Ravi encourages attendees to pursue their passions regardless of preconceptions or obstacles. However, following one's dream is not about rebelling against one’s parents, school, or traditional values. It is about collaborating with these influences while broadening horizons and learning to “be the change you wish to see in the world” (Gandhi). A child’s talents, strengths, and interests often differ from their culturally traditional path. As they become teenagers, those same interests can become aspirations that are then in conflict with the expectations of any given family, society, or culture. Ironically, it is this very difference that can give a young adult "the edge,” enabling him or her to achieve greater success. Moreover, in the age of automation and globalization, the perceived security of a traditional career is no longer the reality.

Testimonials

“When you think of a keynote speaker, you often expect humor, points that resonate and make you think, and statistics that make you question what you thought. Ravi’s address to our membership at the North Carolina School Boards Association’s Annual Conference was all of that and then some. His compelling message of trying to understand others, what they are saying and where they are coming from, is one of the most relevant conversations that locally elected leaders need to hear. And when he brought out the guitar to show his rockstar side, we were all captivated. What meant the most, however, was the time he spent with the attendees outside of the formal speech getting to know us. Not only did I gain so much from his keynote but I also feel like I gained a friend. I look forward to our paths crossing again.”

- Executive Director, North Carolina School Boards Association

“We recently had Ravi Hutheesing present at our annual convention and all I can say is – WOW! Not only is Ravi a rock star in real life, he is a rock star presenter too! As I looked around during his presentation, no one was scrolling through their cell phones or distracted by their devices – over seven hundred school board members were hanging on his every word. It is rare in today’s world of immediate distractions where you see that level of engagement. Ravi’s message was relevant, robust, and inspiring! If you are looking for a speaker that can engage your members and inspire their work – bring Ravi Hutheesing to your next event, you will not be disappointed and you will come away with new insights! Ravi did not only do a fantastic presentation to our members, but he also took the time to listen to them afterwards and engage them in conversations about their work and understanding their challenges. His life experiences are amazing and how he weaves those experiences into an inspirational message will be an extremely positive benefit to your event, your organization, and your members. Comments from our members included: “simply the best speaker OSBA has ever had in my 20 years of attending the convention!”, “transformational and inspirational!”, “Who knew the guitar player for Hanson could bring such a powerful message – I loved it!” Ravi will engage your members and get them to reflect more deeply on the real meaning of their work with his message. One of the most powerful presentations I have heard in my 30 plus years of doing this work!”

- Executive Director, Oregon School Boards Association

“Ravi has a powerful message that connects with people regardless of age, demographic, or region. He tapped into the personal motivations that drive educational leaders to do their work through humor and his personal stories. We left his session feeling inspired to take on the tough challenges we all face in preparing our youth for the world they will encounter.”

- Executive Director, Kansas Association of School Boards

“At a time in our country where we seem so far apart, Ravi is just the person to unite and bring us all together. His ability to find commonality and promote positive civil discourse for a better world is unmatched by any presenter we have used. If you want your staff engaged and leaving with a growth mindset, Ravi is your person.”

- Superintenent, Bloomfield Hills MI School District

“Ravi's presentation was not only insightful but thought provoking. As school board members we must not accept the status quo in student success in our governance roles and his presentation reaffirms that notion.”

- President, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)

"Ravi's message was inspiring to me and everyone in the audience. It was clear that he has a passion for breaking cultural barriers in our world, especially with students. Ravi understands the relevance of the changes we need to make in education to connect with today’s generation and bridge divides globally. His journey through life is a testament to the positive impact each one of us can make building connections and relationships. I am empowered to be part of that change to achieve world peace. Thank you Ravi for inspiring me!"

- Board of Directors, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development

“Ravi was a hidden gem! He was perfect and brought so much inspiration to our conference at the most welcomed time! It was our first post-pandemic conference for our 18th annual and his presentation couldn’t of been more appropriate for our attendees of school administrators and staff. His message received such positive feedback, best keynote in a long time.”

- Executive Director, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

"Ravi delivered an outstanding opening keynote presentation for the 79th Annual Conference. He won the hearts of the attendees who are passionate about lifelong learning and the power of education to transform lives and the world. Ravi's message is powerful, and his purpose is inspirational."

- President, Association for Continuing Higher Education

“The educators and counselors who gathered were impressed with Ravi's ability to relate his personal experiences to so much of what they, and their students are now experiencing. Shifts in cultural acceptance, technological competencies and social shifts were all woven into the fabric of his presentation, providing everyone with a well thought-out, compelling presentation. In fact the word of the week was “pivot” and this too brought his message into focus, particularly as we shifted to a virtual environment.”

- CEO, Independent Educational Consultants Assocation

“Ravi’s message to the members of the school boards association was timely and very much appreciated. He took a topic that can be sensitive to capture and did in a way that was inclusive and engaging, but at the same time thought-provoking.”

- Executive Director, Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA)

“Ravi empowers change and leadership with his unique life experience and captivating keynote. His keynote was the affirmation and inspiration that our educational leaders needed. He met their heavy pandemic-induced fatigue with hope and fortitude. Ravi provided tools to take on the necessary issues of today in regards to growth, cultural competence, leadership in social justice, equity in education, peace, and unity. His testimony reflects the value of life-long learning while his message equips educators to succeed in this unpredictable world.”

- Executive Director, North Dakota Council of Education Leaders

"Ravi’s keynote at KASA was just what we needed. His passion for education and collaboration connected with the audience, and his multicultural views both challenged and broadened our take on what education can be. Ravi’s willingness to connect with attendees throughout the conference made an impression that we will not soon forget."

- President, Kentucky Association of School Administrators