About Chitra Ragavan

My Journey Here

As a nationally recognized journalist, I investigated and broke national security stories, developing an instinct and willingness to separate from the pack and cutting through noise to reveal what matters. After 9/11, I was driven by a deep desire to help the country become safer, and I pivoted into technology and startups, going from writing about national security to helping companies that build technologies that make our nation more secure. I joined Palantir as a senior strategic advisor to CEO and co-founder, Alex Karp and helped the company strategically position itself as the driving force in the national security technology space. Since then, like at Palantir, I have been helping companies build value while creating social impact. I teach CEOs and founders how to lead with purpose and gently challenge companies and leaders to become their best selves, grow exponentially, build defining products, and craft unforgettable brands. Today, I bring that hybrid lens as an investigative journalist, strategic advisor, executive coach, and leadership coach to help leaders navigate uncertainty, build momentum, and reimagine the essence of how they lead.

Coaching Philosophy

At the heart of my work is a simple idea: the best leaders don’t just muddle along and adapt to change when forced to do so. They instigate it, on purpose, with purpose. Built on deep listening, sharp insights, and narrative strategy, this work is guided by my proprietary Positive Instigation Method, helping bold thinkers become bold leaders by rewiring your internal architecture.

Core Values

Integrity

I value trust, transparency, and discretion.

Craftsmanship

I hold myself to the highest standards of execution, compassion, and effort.

Exponential Impact

I coach for transformation, not the status quo, and strive for meaningful dialogue and change.

I look forward to working with you,

Professional Biography

Chitra Ragavan is a journalist, executive advisor, and leadership coach to CEOs, founders, and C-suite leaders operating in high-risk, high-stakes environments.

A national correspondent at NPR, U.S. News & World Report, and Chicago Public Television, Chitra was a senior strategic advisor to Palantir CEO Alex Karp. Karp hand-picked Chitra in 2007 to help build the company’s early-stage brand, social impact mission, and foster U.S. government partnerships. The first female executive to join Palantir’s leadership ranks, she later served in the C-suite of tech startups Gem and Elementus.

Chitra is also the host of two acclaimed podcasts — “When It Mattered” and “Techtopia” — where she explores turning points in the lives of leaders and the future of technology.

Her opinion columns and thought leadership pieces have been published in more than a dozen national media outlets, bridging journalism, strategy, and leadership.

Chitra has drawn on her deep cross-functional skills and insights from two high-pressure, high-visibility careers in journalism and startups to create the Positive Instigation Coaching Program, a transformative leadership experience designed to help visionary leaders sharpen decision-making, lead with authority, and communicate their message with power and ease.