Manisha Thakor

Manisha Thakor (MBA, CFA, CFP) is the founder of the financial wellbeing consultancy, MoneyZen, and the Women’s Financial Literacy Initiative. With over 25 years of experience in finance, Thakor offers keynote speaking, brand ambassadorship, and corporate consulting. She is a recognized expert in personal finance, particularly focusing on women's financial empowerment.

Thakor's approach, known as “MoneyZen,” promotes a joy-based method to help individuals gain a calm, confident, and clear understanding of the role money plays in their lives, aligning financial strategies with their deepest values. As an author, she has co-written two critically acclaimed books, "ON MY OWN TWO FEET: a modern girl’s guide to personal finance" and "GET FINANCIALLY NAKED: how to talk money with your honey," which guide young women in managing their finances.

Currently based in Santa Fe, NM, Thakor is a renowned speaker and media commentator, frequently appearing on platforms such as CNN, CNBC, PBS’ Nightly Business Report, NPR, and The Rachael Ray Show. Her financial literacy advocacy has been highlighted in The New York Times, Reuters, and other prominent publications. Additionally, Thakor teaches an online personal finance class titled “Money Rules” at Sympoz.com and serves as a Financial Fellow at Wellesley College.

Thakor earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and her BA from Wellesley College. She holds the distinction of being a CFA charterholder and a CFP® practitioner. Her extensive background includes managing a $6 billion money management business and spending 15 years in various roles within the financial services industry, including as an analyst, portfolio manager, and client relations executive. Thakor's speaking topics often cover finance and women’s roles in business, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing financial literacy and empowerment.