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.
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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 leaders at global firms, including principals of multiple investment firms managing 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 with applied leadership practice. He combines coaching, tools and speech analytics to improve message discipline, reduce misinterpretation and support sound decision making under pressure. He also advises leaders on practical AI adoption, supporting integration into daily workflows to improve efficiency, judgment and scale. Clients value his discretion, consistency and precision.
He partners with organizations to extend these standards across leadership teams and enable teams to reach their full potential.
Sanjay Bhandari
Sanjay is a CEO with more than twenty years of experience and a steady, thoughtful approach to leadership and innovation. His background in Global Markets includes partnerships with major organizations supporting transformation and talent strategy. He has coached Chiefs of Staff and CEOs across hedge funds and investment banks.
He advises finance firms on AI adoption, supporting investment committees as they integrate AI into research and decision workflows. His work defines the role of AI within those workflows and builds operating habits that support sustained adoption.
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. His focus remains on practical insight, steady support and meaningful impact.
Gilad Christie
Gil has experience in education, technology and professional training that spans more than twenty years. He co-founded 7city Learning Group and served as CEO during a period of growth that positioned the firm among leading privately held EdTech companies.
He has designed and delivered training programs for major financial institutions and asset managers. His work spans capital markets, derivatives, asset management, valuation and accounting. His teaching is grounded in decades of industry experience and focuses on building practical capability for professionals.
Vishaka Serres
Vishaka is a communications professional with experience supporting a diverse client base across multiple languages. She has a background in Communication Sciences and Disorders and guides Echios trainers and coaches on core concepts and terminology in the field. She supports clients through clear explanations of speech, language, and articulation processes, helping them develop more effective communication skills. Vishaka oversees the structure and ongoing organization of Echios and supports the planning of growth initiatives by anticipating client needs and aligning the team to meet those needs.
Rupa Patel
Rupa leads the operational work that supports Echios goals, ensuring delivery aligns with client growth, effective execution and measurable return on investment. He brings fifteen years of experience in financial and strategic management and supports the ongoing development of Echios business operations.
Rupa works closely with external partners to integrate their expertise into core operational functions. This supports consistency, relevance, and quality across Echios training and client support.
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 experience supporting talent development within enterprise organizations. Her expertise includes human resources, digital, data and analytics, with work spanning a wide range of global clients.
Meera works closely with C level leaders and delivers solutions aligned to each client’s needs. She has supported the growth of sales teams and developed long term partnerships with corporate banks, hedge funds and asset management firms. Work with clients across multiple countries has strengthened the ability to understand cultural nuance and respond to the needs of diverse teams, earning trust as a reliable and insightful advisor.
Mark Anderson
Mark is an Executive Trainer and Head of Professional Skills specializing in communication, influence and leadership. He builds credibility and rapport with a wide range of audiences and creates an environment that supports motivation, confidence and growth.
He has experience across finance, consulting, and technology and 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 support individuals at every level in becoming more intentional, influential, and effective in their roles.
Priya Mehra
Priya is an Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer specializing in communication with authenticity, confidence and impact for senior leaders, C suite executives and emerging talent. She has a background in Human Communication Sciences and extensive experience in the financial industry, with coaching experience across many of the world’s leading organizations. Her work emphasizes courageous vulnerability and supports leaders in exercising authority while remaining grounded and authentic.
Priya leads The Empowered Leader Program and serves as a lead trainer. She designs and delivers learning experiences that strengthen leadership presence, clarify 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
Christina is a Trainer and Coach with a certification in counseling and a background in psychology. She supports professionals in applying emotional intelligence in practical, day to day situations, with a focus on clear communication, navigating complex moments and building confidence in high pressure contexts.
Christina also has experience in technology training, including several years at Apple. She worked closely with teams as they learned new tools, adjusted workflows and strengthened collaboration. Her work combines behavioral insight with structured training design, emphasizing the development of both technical and interpersonal skills.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, Christina works with clients thoughtfully and with consistency, supporting sustained professional development.
Neel Shah
Nimai is a Financial and Digital Trainer specializing in AI, data, global markets, investment banking and regulatory concepts. He has more than a decade of experience supporting professionals in building confidence across complex financial and technological topics through clear, practical instruction.
He works with learners at all levels, from new graduates to senior leaders and supports the development of knowledge and skills relevant to fast evolving financial environments. Nimai designs and delivers programs that connect finance and technology, translating concepts such as AI and data analytics into practical applications aligned with current industry needs.
Hannah Merriman
Hannah is an Executive Coach and Professional Skills Trainer specializing in communication, leadership, and personal impact. She has a background in psychology and more than a decade of experience supporting individuals in developing clear, confident communication.
Hannah designs and delivers programs that build leadership capability, strengthen communication practices, and support wellbeing. She also leads the organization’s Facilitation Certification Program, focused on developing practical and effective facilitators.
Sarah Bhandari
Sarah is a leadership coach and trainer supporting individuals in developing greater awareness, clarity, and purpose in their leadership. She has more than a decade of experience in change management and has worked with senior leaders across industries to strengthen leadership effectiveness.
Sarah combines strategic perspective with structured reflection to support clearer thinking and more deliberate leadership decisions. Her work helps leaders apply insight in operational leadership decisions, supporting sound judgment and meaningful results.
Krishna Schleusener
Krishna is the Communication and Operations Manager, connecting client needs with consistent internal execution. He communicates clearly with partners and maintains organized, reliable day to day operations.
In his role as an AI Software Specialist, Krishna supports the integration of Echios AI and other tools with clients, guiding onboarding and training to support smooth adoption. He works with leading AI platforms to streamline processes, support productivity and deliver reliable, high-quality outcomes.
Lalita Hughes
Lalita is a Client Services Manager specializing in building strong client partnerships and supporting high quality program delivery. She has a background in education, sales and administration, supported by experience as an Education Partnership Coordinator. This experience combines relationship management, operational coordination and educational understanding.
Lalita oversees client relationships, coordinates program delivery and works closely with internal teams to support clear communication, consistency and a reliable client experience.
Prahlad Das
Prahlad Das is the Social Media Manager, supporting the company’s digital presence through clear communication and audience awareness. He contributes to content creation, encourages community engagement, and maintains a consistent brand voice across platforms. His work supports Echios and its connection with audiences engaged in the AI driven learning space.
His role includes close involvement with video content. He oversees short form and long form projects, manages platform growth, and uses performance data to inform decisions. His technical and creative skills support clear, precise communication of the company’s work.
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