About us
Echios is an experiential learning company focused on developing capability through active engagement. Our approach is grounded in the understanding that effective learning is shaped through direct experience, deliberate practice and evaluation of outcomes with corrective adjustment.
Our programs are designed to provide a safe yet rigorous environment in which participants can extend beyond established habits, trial new techniques and apply strategies drawn from authentic workplace scenarios. The result is sustained growth in capability alongside increased confidence in practical, applied settings.
Echios was established by its founders with a clear belief that learning should be engaging, practical and transformative. The original commitment to move beyond traditional classroom-based training has evolved into a global learning partner trusted by leading organizations across finance, technology and professional services.
The work integrates depth of technical expertise with a strong command of communication, ensuring that every program is designed to build capability, strengthen confidence and support meaningful, lasting change across professional contexts.
Meet the Team
The Echios team comprises experienced facilitators, coaches, subject matter experts, program managers and learning designers with a shared focus on high quality learning outcomes. Each role contributes specialist expertise and practical experience to the design and delivery of learning engagements.
Experience across the team spans finance, technology, corporate learning, wellbeing and leadership development. This breadth of perspective supports a considered and collaborative approach to client work.
Across leadership programs, technical academies, executive coaching and bespoke learning journeys, the team works with clarity, care, and precision, supporting learning that is applied, relevant, and sustainable.
Neel Bhandari
Neel is the CEO of Echios and a professional development trainer with a background supporting Fortune 500 companies and Investment firms across asset classes. He is a performance coach trusted by CEOs, founders, and senior investment leaders operating in high stakes environments. Over the past twenty years, he has advised and coached leaders at global firms, including leaders of multiple investment firms with more than $35B in AUM, helping them communicate with precision in boardrooms, earnings calls, investor meetings, major client pitches, and leadership transitions.
Neel’s work bridges communication science and real world execution. He blends coaching, practical tools, and speech analytics to reduce noise, sharpen message clarity, and improve decision making under pressure. He also coaches leaders on practical AI adoption, helping them integrate AI into daily workflows to increase efficiency, sharpen judgment, and scale impact. Clients value his discretion and consistency.
Through Echios, Neel partners with organizations to scale the same standards across leadership teams and enable teams to reach their full potential.
Gilad Christie
Gil has broad experience in education technology and training. He co-founded 7city Learning Group and served as its CEO during a period of significant growth that positioned the company among the leading privately held EdTech firms.
For more than twenty years he has designed and delivered training programs for major financial institutions and asset managers. His work covers capital and derivatives markets, asset management, valuation, and accounting. He draws on long standing industry knowledge in his teaching and focuses on developing practical skills for professionals.
Sanjay Bhandari
Sanjay is a CEO with more than 20 years of experience and a steady, thoughtful approach to leadership and innovation. With a background in Global Markets, he has partnered with major organizations to support transformation and strengthen talent strategies. He has coached Chiefs of Staff and CEOs across hedge funds and investment banks.
He advises finance firms on AI adoption, helping investment committees integrate AI into research and decision workflows. He clarifies where AI should have a voice and builds the operating habits that sustain adoption over time.
Sanjay has worked across many areas of training and development and is especially committed to diversity and the advancement of women. He also speaks on leadership, teamwork, and innovation in global settings. Whether partnering with senior teams or coaching individuals, he focuses on practical insight, steady support, and meaningful impact.
Vishaka Serres
Vishaka is a driven professional with experience working with a diverse range of clients in multiple languages to strengthen their communication skills. With her training and background in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she guides the Echios trainers on key concepts and terminology in the field. She also supports clients by explaining the processes involved in speech, language and articulation, enabling clients to build more effective communication skills. Vishaka manages the organization and planning of Echios’ growth strategies, proactively anticipating where clients will need support and aligning the team to meet those needs.
Rupa Patel
As the Operations Officer of Echios, Rupa guides the operational work that supports our company’s goals, aligning delivery to drive client growth, stronger execution, and measurable ROI. With fifteen years of experience in financial and strategic management, Rupa supports the ongoing development of our business operations.
Rupa also collaborates closely with external partners, ensuring that the expertise they provide is integrated seamlessly into our core functions. This helps Echios stay current in our field and continue delivering the highest quality training and support to our clients.
Jon Freedman
Jon is a technologist with over 20 years of experience working across hedge funds and financial institutions. He builds reliable systems and supports teams delivering practical results in demanding environments.
He has worked directly with engineers, traders, and business leaders, including time as a sole developer within a trading team. Jon is methodical, detail oriented, and values clear communication. He now works fractionally, focusing on a small number of engagements where he can deliver the most value.
Meera Brij
Meera is a relationship manager with more than twelve years of expertise in developing talent for enterprise organizations. She brings knowledge in human resources, digital, data and analytics and has partnered with a wide range of global clients.
Meera works effectively with C level directors and consistently delivers solutions tailored to each client's needs. She has supported the growth of sales teams and built lasting partnerships with corporate banks, hedge funds and asset management firms. Her work with clients across multiple countries has strengthened her ability to understand cultural nuances and respond to the specific needs of diverse teams, earning their trust as a reliable and insightful advisor.
Mark Anderson
Mark is an Executive Trainer and Head of Professional Skills who specializes in communication, influence, and leadership. He builds credibility and rapport with a wide range of audiences and creates an environment where people feel motivated, confident, and ready to grow. With experience across finance, consulting, and technology, Mark has coached senior leaders through high stakes conversations, complex interpersonal dynamics, and the development of clear, confident communication that improves clarity and effectiveness. His practical, warm, and engaging style supports meaningful learning and application. Mark designs and delivers programs that strengthen leadership identity, improve communication practices, and help individuals at every level become more intentional, influential, and effective in their roles.
Priya Mehra
Priya is an Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer who specializes in helping senior leaders, C suite executives, and emerging talent communicate with authenticity, confidence, and impact. She brings a background in Human Communication Sciences and extensive experience in the financial industry and has coached leaders across many of the world’s leading organizations. Her approach centers on courageous vulnerability and empowers individuals to step into their authority while remaining true to who they are.
Priya leads The Empowered Leader Program and serves as a lead trainer. She designs and delivers transformative learning experiences that strengthen leadership presence, elevate personal brand, and build confidence in high pressure environments.
CK Bhaumik
CK is a software engineer and business analyst with more than 20 years of industry work. He trains clients in technology, information security, and emerging digital trends, explaining complex topics in a clear and practical format. CK has delivered cloud-based Management Information Systems in the UK, US, Canada, and India, improving operational processes and decision making. He leads technical training and advises clients on modern coding practices, full stack cloud native development, Machine Learning, GenAI, and Blockchain. He supports organizations in building the skills they need to keep pace with the digital landscape.
Cristina Moncho
Cristina is a Trainer and Coach with a certification in counseling and a background in psychology. She helps people apply emotional intelligence in practical, day to day situations. She supports professionals as they work to communicate with clarity, navigate complex moments, and build confidence when the stakes feel high.
Cristina also has a background in technology training, having spent several years at Apple, working closely with teams as they learned new tools, adjusted workflows, and strengthened teamwork. She combines behavioral understanding with structured training design, with an emphasis on building both technical and interpersonal skills.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, Cristina engages with clients in a warm and thoughtful manner that supports steady, meaningful growth.
Neel Shah
Nimai is a Financial and Digital Trainer specializing in AI, data, global markets, investment banking, and regulatory concepts. With more than a decade of experience, he helps professionals build confidence in complex financial and technological topics through clear, engaging, and practical teaching. Nimai supports learners at every level from new graduates to senior leaders and helps them develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in fast evolving financial environments. He designs and delivers programs that connect finance with technology and brings concepts such as AI and data analytics to life for the needs of today’s industry.
Hannah Merriman
Hannah is an Executive Coach, Professional Skills Trainer specializing in communication, leadership, and personal impact. With a background in psychology and over a decade of experience, she helps individuals communicate with clarity, authenticity, and confidence while bringing out their best. Known for her warm, approachable, and engaging style, she fosters collaboration within teams and supports people through challenges and change. As a lead trainer, Hannah designs and delivers programs that build leadership capability, enhance communication, and promote wellbeing while also leading the organization’s Facilitation Certification Program to develop skilled, impactful facilitators.
Sarah Bhandari
Sarah is a leadership coach and trainer who guides individuals toward greater awareness, clarity, and purpose. With more than a decade of experience in Change Management, she has supported senior leaders across industries in unlocking their potential, expanding their awareness, and stepping into more effective ways of leading. Sarah uses strategic insight and guided personal exploration to help leaders build the inner clarity that drives stronger leadership outcomes. She supports leaders in applying that clarity in practical ways, enabling sound decisions and meaningful results.
Krishna Schleusener
As the Communication and Operations Manager, Krishna connects client needs to steady internal execution. He communicates clearly with partners while keeping daily operations organized and consistent. As an AI Software Specialist, he supports the integration of Echios AI and other tools with clients, guiding onboarding and training to ensure smooth adoption. He uses leading AI platforms thoughtfully to streamline processes, support productivity, and deliver reliable, high quality outcomes.
Lalita Hughes
Lalita is a Client Services Manager specializing in building strong partnerships, creating high quality client experiences, and ensuring that programs run with clarity, consistency, and care. She has a background in education, sales, and administration, along with hands on experience as an Education Partnership Coordinator. This background brings together relationship management skill, operational insight, and educational understanding.
Lalita oversees client relationships, coordinates program delivery, and works closely with internal teams to ensure that every client receives a seamless and supportive experience.
Prahlad Das
Prahlad Das is the Social Media Manager. He supports the company’s digital presence by focusing on clear communication and an understanding of the audience. He helps create content, encourages community interaction, and keeps the brand voice consistent. His work supports Echios and its connection with people who follow the AI driven learning space.
Prahlad also works closely with video content. He oversees both short form and long form projects, manages platform growth, and uses data to understand performance. His technical and creative skills help the company share its work with clarity and precision.
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