Balakumar Rajaram

Commander
DISC Type : D

Associate Director - Institutional Advancement at Plaksha University

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Overview

Balakumar is the Associate Director of Institutional Advancement at Plaksha University, leveraging over 14 years in the impact sector to drive strategic growth. An IIM Bangalore alumnus, he specializes in creating meaningful partnerships. Colleagues describe him as highly focused, diligent, and analytical.

He is passionate about addressing global challenges in climate action, sustainability, and education, with a focus on vulnerable communities. His commitment is demonstrated through a Climate Change Fellowship at Terra. do and past support for startups revolutionizing ocean plastic recycling.

Unique fact: Balakumar was named the I-Volunteer Volunteer Hero of the Year in India.

Personality Overview

Risk-Taker

Very Quick

Strong-Willed

They take a lot of pride in personal achievements.  They are not always relationship oriented. They prefer to be the ones controlling the conversation or defining the terms.

Topics They Care About

Climate Action
He is a Climate Change Fellow at Terra. do and has supported environmental startups focused on issues like ocean plastic recycling.
AI in Philanthropy
Recently hosted a workshop on "Reimagining Giving with Gen AI" for CSR and philanthropy leaders, exploring how AI can be used meaningfully in the social sector.
Strategic Partnerships
His current role focuses on institutional advancement, and he has extensive experience leading development and partnership teams at organizations like Teach For India.

Media Appearances

Balakumar has no verified media appearances

Work History

5-2025
Associate Director - Institutional Advancement at Plaksha University
4-2024 - 3-2025
Development and Development Operations at Teach For India
11-2023 - 4-2024
Organization Development at Baeru
4-2022 - 10-2023
Engagement Manager at Sattva Consulting
10-2020 - 4-2022
Lead - Program Partnerships at Villgro Innovations Foundation

Education

4-2023 - 3-2025
Master of Business Administration - MBA from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
1-2024 - 4-2024
Fellowship from Terra.do

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 4 Location : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Associate Director - Institutional Advancement at Plaksha University
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Insights For Selling To Balakumar

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Objectively showcase the impact that your product creates
  • Speak about competitive differentiation that your product offers
  • Refer to testimonials from well-known industry leaders

DONT's

  • Don't try too hard to forge relationships with them
  • Do not spend too much time focusing on product tech or features
  • Avoid being a storyteller and don’t try to oversell

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Balakumar is

  • Confidence in impact is paramount to them, followed by a sense of achievement and ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Balakumar

  • If they decide not to go ahead, they will say no without hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Balakumar move?

  • They can reach decisions fairly quickly if they are convinced.
  • Can Balakumar take some risk or not?

  • They don’t mind risks but can be quite binary about them.

You And Balakumar

Personality Compatibility


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