Deepa Rao

Background

About Deepa Rao

Deepa Rao is a sustainability leader with a strong foundation in finance, governance, and risk. As a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Master of Commerce (M.Com), she brings deep expertise in internal audit, internal controls, and risk management—skills that have seamlessly transitioned into her role as a seasoned sustainability practitioner. At Cognizant, Deepa has implemented a robust sustainability governance framework, including a data management system that ensures accurate, audit-ready reporting and performance tracking. She integrates AI into her work to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and enable more strategic decision-making. Alongside her corporate role, she serves as a board member in technology companies and as an audit committee member at educational institutions, where she focuses on sustainability, audit and risk, and the ethical use of AI. We are now living through a ThirdCulture moment — a shift where generations, technologies, and economies are redefining what work means and what currency we value, whether financial, social, or digital. In this new landscape, trust becomes the most important asset. But trust does not happen by accident, it requires governance. To address this, Deepa created the TRUST and AIRS™ frameworks: practical tools that boards and institutions use to build confidence in ESG reporting and AI-driven disclosures. These frameworks translate a broad cultural philosophy into concrete action for leaders who must navigate new risks. As a trusted sustainability tech advisor, board member, and regular contributor at global forums, Deepa shares practical insights on governance, risk, and the role of AI in driving meaningful impact. Her thought leadership spans both the philosophy of ThirdCulture and the practice of governance, helping boards, regulators, and leaders prepare for a reimagined world of work and value. If you are exploring how to build trust in a world shaped by AI, ESG, and generational change, this is the conversation she invites you into.