Dr Sharmla Chetty

Dr. Sharmla Chetty is Chair of IWF UK and CEO of Duke Corporate Education, where she partners with organizations and leaders worldwide to drive business and workforce transformation. With more than 30 years of experience across global markets, she advises boards and senior executives on governance, transformation and navigating complexity.

Sharmla is recognized globally for her work at the intersection of human-centered leadership, AI and organizational resilience — helping organizations navigate technological disruption while preserving the trust, inclusion and innovation that sustain long-term performance.

She holds a Doctorate in Leadership Resilience from Middlesex University London, where her research examined how leaders sustain resilience and high performance in complex environments. She is the founder of Women Leading Change, Lead with Her and The AI Club — initiatives advancing courageous leadership, AI fluency and the progression of women into positions of influence globally.

Her board and advisory experience include the board of Women Leading Africa and the Advisory Board of the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at the University of South Africa. She is a former board trustee of the AVI Group black share scheme and former Chairperson of the BCG Development Trust.

In recognition of her contribution to business and workforce transformation, Sharmla was named AWCA's 2025 Woman of Substance. She contributes regularly to global conversations on governance, executive education, AI and the future of work.

Originally from South Africa, Sharmla has built a global career across multiple continents, driven by a commitment to helping leaders and organizations create lasting impact for their communities and society.