Akash Karia

A global keynote speaker, Akash has spoken in 25 countries - from Singapore to Hong Kong, Philippines to Dubai. Topics: Influence, Sales, High-Performance.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

3 reasons people struggle to speak on the spot:

1. Too much to say (you ramble)
2. Nothing to say (you freeze)
3. No structure (you go in circles)

One framework fixes all three: OREO.

One Thing. Reasoning. Evidence. One Action.

Try it in your next meeting.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

And this April, I'm returning to the Philippines to keynote at one of the biggest business conferences.

And it genuinely feels like a full-circle moment.
#keynotespeakerphilippines #manilla

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Excited to be the mainstage keynote speaker at VoiceConPH!

The Philippines holds a special place in my heart.

In my early 20s, I spent a month backpacking through the country - just as I was getting started in the L&D industry.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

I remember walking into a bookstore in Manila and slipping my business card between the pages of a few books, hoping a potential client might call.

That was over 15 years ago.

Since then, I've spoken in 27 countries for clients like Gucci, Sony, TikTok & Government of Dubai.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Claim back your control with the pause:

Practice holding space between trigger and response. Just long enough to interrupt the reflex.

And choose a more thoughtful, intentional response.

Easy? No.
Trainable? Absolutely.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

If you can’t manage your emotions, your intelligence is irrelevant.

You can have the best ideas in the room.

But if you get defensive the moment someone challenges you…

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

If you shut down when things don’t go your way… If you crumble the second tension rises…

You’re not seen as a leader.
You’re a a liability.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Why you're losing deals -

Even when they're interested:

https://t.co/yuj5p5K7ka

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Last week, Microsoft and Tesla reported earnings.

And what happened next made no sense.

Microsoft exceeded earnings estimates. Stock went down.

Tesla missed earnings estimates. Stock went up!

Why?

Because of Elon Musk

https://t.co/IQo9L2xzqJ

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Every story starts with:

“once upon a time”

Here’s how it works in business:

https://t.co/ceP8BEMVIP

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Stop trying to prove how smart you are:

When you find yourself:

→ Correcting people
→ Giving unsolicited advice
→ Speaking up to get attention

You don’t have to.

There’s a big difference between speaking because you’re adding value…
↳ And speaking to prove you’re smart

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

"The hero wanted to save the village." 🏘️

Now, add "but":

"The hero wanted to save the village, but the dragon was guarding it." 🐉

Suddenly, there’s tension:

https://t.co/z5cdGrIBfn

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Full list of conversation prompts:

https://t.co/xfDohG0J4D

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

You know someone like this?

You share, “I had a tough day,” and they tell you how theirs was worse.

You celebrate a win, and they’re quick to one-up you with something “bigger.”

Surround yourself with people who lift you up,

Not those who are trying to beat you.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Last week, I came across a Reddit post by
a user named klooberry:

“I've been pushing for a promotion the past few months [but] my boss finally gave me the blunt feedback: what's holding me back is my executive presence.”

This is my response:

https://t.co/Hk4mMTwmwY

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

If keeping customers matters to you, “I’m just following policy” should NEVER be your go-to response.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Isn't this one of the most frustrating phrases?

"I'm just following policy."

When you tell a customer, “It's just our policy,” you’ve already lost.

It might feel like the easiest way to shut down the conversation...

But here’s the problem:

It shuts down the relationship too

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

Say, “I understand how frustrating this must feel.”

Then explain why the policy exists in a way that shows it’s there to protect or benefit them.

When they see you’re not just hiding behind rules but actually trying to help, everything changes.

[Akash Karia @akashspeaker]

“I’m just following policy.”

You win the argument.

But you lose the relationship.