Hi, I’m Lakshmi!
As an immigrant, early female leader of color in high-tech, and entrepreneur who hit “restart” at 40, I know what it’s like to feel like an Outsider—the one person who doesn’t fit in. Here’s what I’ve learned: The Outsider feeling is universal. We’ve all been there. And when we reframe what makes us different as our strongest assets, we thrive, not just survive: We unlock what I call The Outsider’s Edge™, a level of impact and fulfillment we didn’t think was possible.
My approach to accelerating personal and organizational impact is built on decades of observation, study, trial, and error, with scars and stories to prove it! Armed with my 3-step Outsider’s Edge™ framework, my clients transform their mindset and own their journeys, so what makes them different doesn’t set them back … it sets them apart.
And the best part? They learn to scale their impact, unleashing a ripple effect that fuels performance, forges belonging, and creates cultures that win.
Full Bio
Get to know Lakshmi
Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan ("Luck-sh-mee Goh-paal-krish-nun") is the driving force behind The Outsider's Edge™, a future-focused yet practical framework that enables leaders and teams to unlock the power of "different" to boost performance, profitability, and human connection.
Lakshmi’s decades-long journey in leadership and speaking has touched the lives of thousands across the globe. A former business and people leader at Microsoft and the founder and CEO of The Infinite Impact Group, she brings 30 years of experience navigating high-velocity corporate environments; over 12,000 hours coaching category leaders and teams; and the unique perspective of an immigrant and woman of color who transformed the challenges of The Outsider Syndrome™ into a competitive—and fulfilling—Edge.
Lakshmi knows, firsthand, what it takes to balance the universal human need to feel seen and valued—and do great work—with business imperatives like profitability and positive return. And her simple yet radical Outsider's Edge™ framework shifts concepts like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
from overused buzzwords and aspirational checklists to everyday behaviors and powerful performance drivers.
In addition to working with giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Nissan, Starbucks, the US Military, and YUM! Brands, Lakshmi has partnered extensively with best-selling author Dr. Brené Brown on Dare to Lead™, building Courage at scale through public speaking, community mentorship, and program development and facilitation.
Deeply committed to her clients and partners, Lakshmi delivers thoroughly researched, customized keynotes designed to maximize audience relevance and appeal. They are packed with disruptive insights, actionable tools, and memorable stories, so that every attendee—from senior leaders to new hires—leaves your event feeling empowered and energized.
Built for our rapidly changing world and workplaces, The Outsider's Edge™ empowers leaders and teams to ace the present and shape the future with courage and optimism!
Credentials
Throughout her career as a leader, consultant, executive coach, cultural transformation expert and speaker, Lakshmi has helped leading organizations find their Edge.
