Rise Through It®
Higher education is changing fast.
New technology. New student needs. New definitions of success. And behind all the innovation, faculty and administrators are under pressure to do more, with less, and often without the support they truly need.
In the race to keep up, it’s easy to lose touch with the purpose that brought you here in the first place.
As a former Wall Street investment banker, Ivy League-educated lawyer, and college professor who’s walked through failure and come out stronger, I bring an unfiltered perspective to education leadership one rooted in presence, purpose, and the power of resilience.
Let’s rehumanize leadership in academia one conversation, one campus, one decision at a time.
Trusted By
I help educators and institutions rise through burnout, resistance to change and disconnection, building cultures rooted in purpose and impact.
Rashmi Airan is not only a deeply moving speaker with a unique story —she is an absolutely captivating storyteller. When she spoke at the Jacksonville Women’s Leadership Forum earlier this month, her authenticity, courage, and wisdom resonated powerfully with our audience.
Rashmi has a unique gift for blending personal vulnerability with universal truth, and her message on integrity, leadership, and accountability sparked reflection and meaningful dialogue among our attendees. She is one of the few keynote speakers in our forum’s history to receive a standing ovation—and it was more than deserved.
We are so grateful for the impact she made, and I wholeheartedly recommend Rashmi to any organization or event seeking a speaker who will not only inspire but truly transform a room. Cindy Rose
Finance Expert
The Children's Christmas Party of Jacksonville
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Rashmi Airin since 2012, and from the start I was struck by her professionalism, authenticity, and drive. Over the years, I’ve seen her resilience firsthand as she turned her life’s hardest challenge into a powerful purpose. Rashmi chose accountability, growth, and a new path—one focused on leadership, compliance, and the ethical decision-making challenges professionals face every day.
Her voice is both candid and inspiring. She has a rare gift for turning personal lessons into meaningful insights that resonate with others, and she brings honesty and courage to every conversation. I’m proud to call Rashmi a friend and a living testament to the power of resilience, growth, and transforming adversity into a mission to help others. Angela (Eason) H.
Sr Executive
Third Order Effects
Rashmi Airan kicked off our IGNITE Sales Stampede with a keynote that absolutely hit home. It was genuine, emotional, and the kind of message that sticks with you long after the day is over.
She used her own story to bring the RISE framework to life in a way that felt real and human, and it connected with our team in such a powerful way.
What made her impact even stronger was what happened after she left the stage. Rashmi jumped right in with our team: listening, encouraging, and engaging with a sincerity you don’t see every day.
She’s a phenomenal speaker: authentic, dynamic, and courageous. Any organization would be lucky to have her. She’s part of our family now. Brian Crumby
MHM, CHIA, CED
Caesars Entertainment Meetings and Events
I would highly recommend Rashmi to any organization looking for a speaker who truly makes an impact. We had Rashmi speak to our company for our Annual Meeting after a challenging year and her story really resonated with our employees.
Rashmi’s story is both deeply unique and incredibly relatable. From the very beginning, her willingness to be vulnerable creates an immediate and authentic connection with the audience.
Regardless of where you are as an organization, or as an individual, there is something powerful to take away from her message. This was not a typical motivational speech, it was honest, thought provoking and genuinely impactful. Erica LaCentra
Chief Marketing Officer
RCN Capital
I'm so grateful to have heard Rashmi's message- one that has left a lasting impression.
She speaks about pressure, accountability, and resilience in ways that are deeply personal, yet also widely relatable. There are no grand promises or clichés - just an incredible perspective, and hard-earned wisdom.
When Rashmi spoke with our collegiate athletes, I was struck by how our team leaned in. Young student-athletes can be a tough crowd to quiet, but you could feel their reflection happening in real time.
She is a moving speaker who connects with people on a deeper level and creates meaningful self-reflection. Rashmi would be a gift to any group lucky enough to hear her message. Jen Bowman
Head Volleyball Coach
Trinity College in Hartford CT
I’ve led in boardrooms and classrooms, fallen hard, and risen again — not by getting everything right, but by finally getting honest.
Today, I use that journey to help academic leaders face the pressures of modern education with clarity, integrity, and self-awareness.
This is about more than strategy. It’s about who you are while you lead.
If you want to create a culture where your people — and your purpose — can thrive, I’m here to work with you.
KEYNOTES
for Education & Academia
Don't
Wait Any Longer
Leadership in education shapes not just institutions, but generations. Let’s build environments where reflection, empathy, and purposeful learning guide both educators and students toward lasting impact.
