C.K. Prahalad was an influential Indian-American management thinker and author, best known for his work in business strategy and innovation. He gained prominence for his ideas on core competencies and the bottom of the pyramid concept, which emphasizes serving low-income markets as a way to drive economic growth and social change. Prahalad co-authored the widely acclaimed book, The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid, which explores how businesses can create value by addressing the needs of the world's poorest populations. His insights have significantly shaped modern management practices and continue to inspire leaders in various industries.