More about Pilar Orti
Pilar’s journey in leadership training and team development started at the beginning of the century. Having worked as a theatre practitioner and director of an independent theatre company, she discovered that many of the exercises used to build theatre ensembles were perfect for helping teams and managers reflect on their current practices and identify new ways of working together. Pilar set up Virtual not Distant in 2016, in order to facilitate the journey for managers, teams and organisations towards “office optional”. She has worked with small teams helping them set up their online ecosystems, delivered training both online and off, and piloted new ways of working.
Pilar is the host of the podcast “21st Century Work Life”, and co-host of “My Pocket Psych”. She is an Affiliate Member of the CIPD, a member of the International Association of Facilitators, and and alumnus of London’s Imperial College. She is also the voice of the Vroomster pilot Xuli in the BBC’s GoJetters.
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Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
"After moving back from the USA, eChai became my go-to space to learn how the Indian startup ecosystem works. It offered direct exposure to startup thinking and a community that openly shares business insights. What stood out was how easy it was to connect, learn, and grow through real conversations. As we built our IT hardware rentals business, eChai helped us find our niche and refine our path. Proud and grateful to be part of this amazing community."
Heet Sheth
Growth and Tech, Sheth Info
“eChai has been that turning point in my journey. It gave me a platform when I wasn’t looking for visibility but needed direction. Over the years, it became more than just a network. It became my tribe; a place where conversations sparked collaborations, and strangers became trusted sounding boards. What I value most is how effortlessly eChai brings people together - no airs, no filters, just genuine people with shared dreams. I owe a lot to this community and to Jatin, whose consistency and belief in people have shaped journeys like mine. Forever grateful to be part of something so real.”
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
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Harsha Bhurani
Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
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