Cultivating Cultural Intelligence

Founder and Chairperson, Avid Learning Mrs. Madhu RuiaWife of Mr. Ravi Ruia, the Vice Chairman of the Essar Group, Mrs. Madhu Ruia has always believed in continuous learning programs. She founded Avid Learning in 2009 as a platform that creates opportunities for curious lifelong learners to cross their existing boundaries and interact with experienced masters in arts, culture, and new-age topics like NFTs and cryptocurrency.  The platform also curates and stages performances featuring cross-art collaborations intertwined with technology, such as 3D imaging, offering new and intriguing perspectives to the audience.She began her educational journey began at St. Mary's Convent in Kanpur, where she studied the arts and participated in intercollege debates in Sanskrit. A high-achieving student, she secured second place in the combined universities of Lucknow and Kanpur, earning the title of 'Best Girl.' Growing up in a Marwari household, she was immersed in Shakespearean literature and Sanskrit works like Kalidas’s Meghdoot and Raghuvaṃśa.Her interest in Hindu religious thought led her to complete online and offline courses at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. She was subsequently invited to join their board and now holds an honorary position at the prestigious institution. A firm believer in life-long learning, she pursued several courses at the New School in New York City, culminating in the establishment of the Avid Learning platform. An accomplished sitar exponent, she showcased her musical talent on the program titled "Ubharte Swar" on Lucknow TV. Additionally, she is a self-taught artist and sculptor, winning an award from the Lalit Kala Academy.Mrs. Madhu Ruia is also a founding committee member of the Sahachari Foundation Events, organizing the popular Design One exhibition 4-5 times a year. The foundation aims to empower new talent and raise funds for deserving NGOs. These events celebrate the incredible talent of creative designers, providing a platform for stakeholders to connect with consumers in a growing market.

Professor and Award Winning Author Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess, the first Muslim to be elected the President of Brown University’s Alumni Association in the University’s 258-year-long history and a prominent figure on Brown University Corporation’s Board of Directors, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. She is also an associate professor of practice at Columbia University. Her work, supported by prestigious institutions like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Woodrow Wilson International Center, reflects her commitment to education and international studies. As an author, her award-winning writings, including her memoir The Cat I Never Named and the upcoming Three Summers, capture her profound insights into resilience and human spirit.  

CEO, Barunson E&A Brian Park In 2007, Brian assumed the role of Head of Global Business at Barunson Group. During his tenure, he orchestrated numerous business acquisitions and growth strategies, significantly diversifying the company's revenue streams. His elevation to CEO at Barunson Games Corp. in 2013, later rebranded as Barunson E&A, marked a pivotal moment where he charted a new course for the company's gaming division. Under his guidance, the gaming business witnessed a remarkable transformation, evolving from a $6 million revenue venture in 2012 to a thriving $15 million enterprise by 2015.  Between 2016 and 2019, Brian actively participated in various tech startup ventures and entertainment-related companies, serving as a founder, advisor, and more. Upon his return to the position of Barunson E&A's CEO in 2020, he skillfully led a team to secure a substantial USD 100 million private equity fund. This fund was specifically allocated to foster content creation across films, TV series, and unscripted content, with the aim of supporting production companies in their creative endeavors. Currently at the helm as CEO of Barunson E&A, Brian Park is dedicated to advancing the company's global presence, with a focus on expanding international investments and distribution initiatives.    

BarunsonC&C is a film and TV series production company founded by CEO WOO-SIK SEO who produced a number of global scale works such as DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN and OKJA. Barunson E&A, the producer of the global hit PARASITE, is the company’s major shareholder.