The Architecture of Transformation: How Dr. Anchal Andrews is Redefining Strategic Growth in India’s Consulting Sector
4 min read
As the Indian economy continues its trajectory toward becoming a global powerhouse, the domestic management consulting and Learning & Development (L&D) sectors are undergoing a radical metamorphosis. No longer is “transformation” a mere buzzword for the boardroom; it has become a survival imperative. At the center of this shift is a new breed of strategists who blend high-level financial metrics with deep-rooted psychological insights.
Leading this charge is Dr. Anchal Andrews, Founder and CEO of SkillMaker Consultancy. With a career spanning over two decades across the UAE and India, Dr. Andrews has emerged as a formidable voice in business strategy, known for her ability to bridge the gap between “frontline excellence” and “bottom-line profitability.”
The New Paradigm of Business Transformation
The consulting landscape in 2026 is vastly different from the post-pandemic recovery years. Today, firms are prioritizing sustainable growth over rapid, uncalculated expansion. Recent industry data suggests that businesses focusing on “human-centric” operations see a significantly higher retention rate-a metric that Dr. Andrews has championed throughout her tenure.
At SkillMaker Consultancy, the focus remains on three pillars: Learning & Development, Management Consulting, and Business Transformation. The results speak for themselves. Under her leadership, the consultancy has consistently delivered a 16% increase in bottom-lines and a 10% boost in customer retention for high-value clients.
“Business is often viewed as a series of transactions,” Dr. Andrews noted during a recent roundtable. “But true transformation occurs at the intersection of psychology and strategy. When you align a team’s internal motivation with the organization’s vision, the financial results follow naturally.”
A Firsthand Look: The India Prime Times Exclusive Conversation
Our editorial team recently had the opportunity to visit SkillMaker Consultancy in Gurgaon and sit down with Dr. Andrews. What strikes one immediately is not just the list of accolades-which range from being a published Penguin author to a fellowship with the Chartered Management Institute (UK)-but her pragmatic, “no-nonsense” approach to problem-solving.
During our conversation, the IPT team observed a leader who operates with the precision of a strategist and the empathy of a psychologist. It is this unique duality that likely fueled her success in the high-stakes UAE market, where she previously managed business operations for luxury powerhouses like Bentley, Bugatti, and Mitsubishi under the Al Habtoor Group. Generating AED 95 million in revenue in just three months from one shop floor is a feat few can claim, yet she discusses it with the clinical detachment of a seasoned executive analyzing a case study.
“We noticed a distinct pattern in Dr. Andrews’ methodology: she doesn’t just provide a roadmap; she builds the engine. Her ability to synthesize complex geopolitical trends with localized business needs is what sets her apart in a crowded consulting market.” – Editorial Note, India Prime Times.
From Luxury Assets to Social Impact
Dr. Andrews’ influence extends far beyond the corporate glass towers. Her tenure as the Director of HR & Operations for Sakshi, the NGO that played a pivotal role in the social impact of POCSO Act 2012, highlights a commitment to systemic social change.
This background in social advocacy informs her corporate strategy. In her book, ‘Beyond Frontline Excellence’, published by Partridge (a Penguin Random House company), she argues that customer service and spirituality are symbiotic. She posits that a “WOW” customer experience is not just a protocol but a manifestation of an organization’s internal health.
The Global Pedigree: Bridging UAE and India
One cannot discuss the rise of SkillMaker Consultancy without acknowledging the “Global Game Changer” perspective Dr. Andrews brings from the Middle East. Having served as the Owner of SkillMaker in the UAE, she was instrumental in designing and implementing customer charters that saw profits jump from 15% to 26% within a single quarter.
Her educational background provides the academic rigour to support these practical achievements. With a Doctorate in Management Studies and an MSc in Strategic Human Resources Management from the University of Roehampton, her approach is rooted in evidence-based management.
Key Career Milestones at a Glance
| Year | Achievement | Organization / Impact |
| 2025 | Director & CEO | IBU Advisory LLP (Strategic Growth alignment) |
| 2024 | Featured Author | ‘Eves Against the Odds’ (Inspiring Indian Women) |
| 2022 | Chief of Strategy | ONE (Spearheaded 10,000 SqFt Factory operations) |
| 2019 | Director HR/Ops | Sakshi (Pivotal in POCSO Act 2012 L&D delivery framework) |
| 2015 | Published Author | ‘Beyond Frontline Excellence’ (Penguin/Partridge) |
| 2011 | Business Manager | Bentley UAE (Luxury Brand Strategy) |
The Future of Strategic Consulting: SkillMaker and Beyond
As we look toward the remainder of 2026, Dr. Andrews is pivoting toward even more complex financial and growth landscapes. Her role as Founder of SkillMaker Consultancy signals a move into the high-value relationship space. The objective is clear: to create a bridge for Indian enterprises seeking strategic scaling.
A Multidimensional Visionary
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of our meeting was the discovery of Dr. Andrews’ creative side. Between strategizing for 10,000 sq. ft. factories and managing global partnerships, she finds time for Abstract Art. Her work-utilizing techniques like Impasto, Sgraffito, and Aerial perspective-is a testament to her belief that creativity and logic are not mutually exclusive.
“The canvas is like a business plan,” she told us, gesturing to one of her acrylic works. “You start with a vision, you apply layers of effort, and sometimes the most beautiful results come from improvising when the medium doesn’t behave as expected.”
Conclusion
In an era where consultancy is often reduced to slide decks and data points, Dr. Anchal Andrews reminds the industry that business is, at its core, a human endeavor. Whether it is her work in strengthening Indo-Bangladesh ties or her leadership in the luxury automotive sector, the common thread is a relentless drive for excellence that goes “beyond the frontline.”
As India Prime Times continues to monitor the leaders shaping our economic future, Dr. Andrews stands out not just for her past achievements, but for her vision of a more strategic, empathetic, and high-performing corporate India.
