The mission of Y-RISE is to advance the science of scaling development policy interventions. Y-RISE fills a critical gap: innovations are often rigorously evaluated (through randomized controlled trials or RCTs) but when it comes to scaling, the focus shifts entirely to implementation while overlooking the question of whether exciting pilot results hold. Programs run into scaling complexities: spillover effects, political economy considerations, external validity and implementation issues and at Y-RISE we examine those complexities. I lead Y-RISE (along with faculty director, Prof. Mushfiq Mobarak) - setting strategy, fundraising, managing the team and operations and ensuring broad outreach to our potential audiences, both academic and policy makers.

We aim to help social impact organizations improve their programs through the use of behavior science. We are most interested in working long-term with organizations to build their capability to effectively use behavioral science in their programs. Because of our structure, we can train, advise, coach with a flexible yet goal-oriented approach.

I advise organizations such as Johns Hopkins CCP, Surgo Ventures, Innovations for Poverty Action, the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics, Noora Health on using behavior science in the design and implementation of initiatives and on communication strategies to translate research to action.

The Centre for Social and Behaviour Change (CSBC) was established through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance evidence-led behavior change programs in India. I founded the center, created the strategy, established clear goals, and built a roadmap comprising research initiatives, capacity building, and implementation projects. Together with a wonderful team and skilled partners at the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics, we built a strong foundation for behavioral science in development in India. This eventually led, with full credit to my successor, to the formation of the first-ever Behavioral Insights Unit with NITI Aayog (the public policy think tank of the Government of India). I built a team of fifteen to manage 25 projects in the area of health and financial inclusion, managed the original grant and secured follow-on and diversified funding, and collaborated on several multi-stakeholder initiatives with the Government of India.

I led the creation of an organization-wide behavioral science capability, partnering with category teams to advance business outcomes. One of our projects won a company-wide Global Insights Award.

Led sales team of 8 across 4 states in India (pop: 63 MM) covering 15 distributors for the ice-creambusiness. Increased volume through through superior asset management.

Managed dessert portfolio with two large brands; exceeded volume andprofitability targets while reducing marketing spend by 50% through innovative consumer promotions. Company acquired by Unilever.

Led sales operations for part of Mumbai (Bombay) across the portfolio. Streamlined the sales forecasting process for the region.