WORK + Travel diary: Abu dhabi with indiaspora
📍 Abu Dhabi, UAE
A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking at the Indiaspora: Forum For Good, a global convening that brings together changemakers from across the Indian diaspora to explore solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
I was invited to speak about my work as a Social Impact Entrepreneur. From founding Other Box to shifting workplace culture and using creativity as a powerful tool for social and systemic change. It felt especially meaningful to return this way after receiving the Indiaspora Award in 2022.
The forum itself was packed with brilliant conversations. From responsible AI and global infrastructure to the role of philanthropy in social entrepreneurship and the future of diaspora-led trade and investment. But beyond the panel discussions and keynotes, what struck me most was the deep sense of community that wove its way through every room.
I was honoured to be welcomed into the newly formed “New Voices” community. A smaller, intentional space curated for emerging leaders and thinkers. One thing that stood out during the trip was how often I heard people say: I haven’t seen this person in 10, 20 years, etc. Lifelong friendships that had spanned decades, yet picked up effortlessly where they left off. It was beautiful to witness, and among us “New Voices,” there was a quiet sense that we were at the very beginning of forming those kinds of lasting bonds too.
To be recognised by the South Asian community as an entrepreneur is huge and deeply validating. I know we’re told not to seek external validation, but being witnessed and celebrated by a community, I’ve rarely felt understood by…it means a lot. I didn’t take the traditional route. I come from a working-class background and wasn’t privately educated. I chose creativity over law, medicine, accounting or computer science. In most elite South Asian circles, that choice hasn’t always been seen as “legitimate” despite leading a very successful career and having a huge global impact with my company, Other Box.
That’s why the Indiaspora’s support since 2022 has meant so much. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition, the encouragement, and for being seen not despite choosing a different path but because of it.
To say it was a special trip would be an understatement. It was energising, grounding, and heart-opening all at once.
Here are a few highlights from the journey:
Feeling incredibly grateful for the space, the people, the stories, and the energy.
More reflections from this trip coming soon!
