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Durante il picco della crisi dell'Ebola, il processo di recupero in Africa non stava andando secondo i piani. Un fallimento dopo l'altro hanno spinto Shalini Unnikrishnan di BCG a riconoscere che avevano approcciato la crisi dalla direzione sbagliata.

Shalini Unnikrishnan is the Global Lead for Societal Impact in the Consumer and Social Impact practices at Boston Consulting Group. 

Shalini’s work at BCG is focused at the intersection of the private, public, and social sectors. She is the co-author of “Total Societal Impact,” which explores how companies can gain business and societal value through their core operations. Shalini gained expertise in this subject through her work with private sector clients. She also supports public and social sector clients on private sector engagement. Shalini has worked extensively in emerging markets–on value chains of private sector companies in agriculture, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and economic development. Her experience includes supporting the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response in West Africa, working within presidencies in Africa as an advisor on economic development, supporting global health and education coalitions, and designing public-private partnerships for consumer companies. 

Shalini has taken leaves of absence from BCG (2009-10, 2012) to serve with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's Africa Governance Initiative (AGI). She was embedded within President Kagame's government in Rwanda to support private-sector development, and she was a day-to-day advisor to President Banda in Malawi. 

Shalini is a recent Presidential Leadership Scholar, a selective program led by former President George W. Bush, and she has written and published extensively on various topics in societal impact including a TED talk on new models for tackling humanitarian crises. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Tony Blair Foundation.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • MBA, health care management, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
  • MA, international relations, Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies
  • BA, economics and sociology, Davidson College

HONORS AND AWARDS

Publications and Videos

Four Futures for the Global Food System | Rectangle

Four Futures for the Global Food System

The cost of food is rising rapidly, and hunger is on the increase. What will it take to build a better way to feed the world?
Seaweed Is Making Waves in Sustainability - rectangle

Seaweed Is Making Waves in Sustainability

Companies can use seaweed to advance decarbonization and create other benefits, including improved marine ecosystem health.
Most Innovative Companies Promo Rectangle

Most Innovative Companies 2022: Are You Ready for Green Growth?

Companies have plenty of “will” but much less “way” when it comes to climate and sustainability innovation readiness.
The War in Ukraine and the Rush to Feed the World | rectangle

The War in Ukraine and the Rush to Feed the World

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our global food systems are struggling to feed those most at risk.
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The So What Podcast from BCG:
How Can My Shopping Save the Planet

Sustainability is as much about mindset, intention, and focus as technology, explains Shalini Unnikrishnan, a leader on social impact at BCG.
Sustainability in Retail Is Possible—But There’s Work to Be Done - Rectangle

Sustainability in Retail Is Possible—But There’s Work to Be Done

Few retailers excel at being green, but the need for improvement is acute. Where is your company on the maturity curve?
For Consumer Companies, It Will Take Collective Action to Fight Deforestation - rectangle

For Consumer Companies, It Will Take Collective Action to Fight Deforestation

Companies are accelerating efforts to ensure their products do not contribute to global forest loss. But individual company action, while necessary, is not enough.
Why Climate Action Needs a Gender Focus - rectangle

Why Climate Action Needs a Gender Focus

Current efforts to combat climate change leave women behind. But drawing women fully into the fight is a win-win—accelerating climate progress and advancing gender equity.
The True Value of Food

The True Value of Food: A Powerful Aid to Business Decision-Making

What business transformations are necessary to change food systems for the better? BCG and WBCSD work together to identify the natural, social, and economic impacts of food products from farm to fork.
Transforming Africa’s Food Systems from the Demand Side

Transforming Africa’s Food Systems from the Demand Side

Efforts that focus on increasing subsistence farmers’ yields have achieved scant success. It’s time for a radical rethinking of food policies on the continent.
The Time Is Ripe for Food Tracing

The Time Is Ripe for Food Traceability

Food traceability is here to stay. The question is whether food companies, distributors, and retailers treat it as a regulatory burden or a strategic opportunity.
The Digital Agriculture Revolution Will Take More Than Innovation - rectangle

The Digital Agriculture Revolution Will Take More Than Innovation

The promise of digital agriculture to boost farmers’ income and enhance food system resilience remains largely unrealized. But acting on three key insights can unleash the digital ag revolution.
Deep Expertise, Broad Experience