Csilla Ilkei

Csilla Ilkei is an international thought leader and collaboration strategist whose career spans decades at the intersection of research, business strategy, and organizational transformation. Ilkei is recognized for translating science-backed research into pragmatic business plans and spent more than 20 years at McKinsey & Company, where she contributed to identifying global economic, business, and industry trends. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Corvinus University of Budapest. Ilkei’s expertise in global business intelligence supports her work in helping organizations enhance cross-functional collaboration and organizational performance.

Ilkei serves as Insights Director at Gardner & Co., a research and advisory firm founded by Dr. Heidi K. Gardner, Distinguished Fellow at Harvard Law School. Having lived on three continents and worked in more than 40 countries, Ilkei applies diverse insights to address complex challenges for clients in professional services, law, manufacturing, and banking. She has led more than 80 smarter collaboration diagnostics and participated in over 300 senior executive conversations, aligning collaboration strategies with organizational goals. Her work is informed by the research framework behind Gardner & Co.'s flagship publications, including "Smart Collaboration: How Professionals and Their Firms Succeed by Breaking Down Silos" and "Smarter Collaboration: A New Approach to Breaking Down Barriers and Transforming Work."

Ilkei is an author and speaker who delivers data-driven insights to audiences of senior leaders and HR professionals. At the Richmond SHRM Annual Strategic Leadership Conference, Ilkei presented research-based approaches to smarter collaboration for HR leaders. She has co-authored work for International Legal Technology Association, providing data-backed perspectives on knowledge sharing and collaboration barriers. Her writing and speaking bridge academic research and real-world organizational practice, offering actionable strategies for executives in today’s evolving business landscape.

Throughout her career, Ilkei has operated at the highest levels of global business, focusing on practical outcomes in collaboration, organizational transformation, and business strategy. Her global perspective, developed through work across more than 40 countries and engagements with leaders worldwide, positions her as a credible voice on the future of work, smarter collaboration, and organizational effectiveness.