How did your journey in the social sector begin?
 
It was a mix of personal experiences and professional aspirations. I grew up in a middle-class family in Mumbai and have witnessed the power of economic mobility firsthand as a first-generation college-goer. This gave me a deep appreciation for opportunity and inculcated a sense of responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society. I was initially drawn to serving the nation by opting for a career in the civil services, but life took a different turn. I started out in business consulting, which was also enriching—it introduced me to diverse industries, talented colleagues, and the structured problem-solving mindset that consulting offers. Yet, something felt amiss. I wanted my work to have a deeper purpose. That led me to pivot to the social sector. I took up a fellowship in urban development and worked with a state government on reforming its education system. Those months were transformative and reinforced my decision to join Bridgespan in 2019. 

Within the sector, which issues are you most passionate about?

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is a cause particularly close to my heart. I firmly believe that children hold the potential for a nation’s future, and the first few years of life—when 85 percent of brain development occurs—are critical in shaping their trajectory. Yet, ECCE often remains underprioritised by both systems and families, and I am passionate about advocating for its integration into development priorities.

Another area I am deeply committed to is equity. Whether it’s systemic barriers related to gender, caste, or economic disparity, equity is a thread that weaves through most of my work. It has been inspiring to witness the courage and resilience of grassroots organisations tackling these challenges, and I feel privileged to contribute to these efforts in whatever capacity I can.

Tell us more about your role as a coach for BNDP. 
 
Working on the Bridgespan Nonprofit Development Program (BNDP) has been a such an incredible experience, collaborating with low- and mid-sized nonprofits not only in India but across South and Southeast Asia. To date, we have partnered with over 130 organisations in sectors ranging from education, health, livelihoods, and more. As a BNDP coach, I help nonprofit leaders reflect on their strategy and talent development through thoughtful questioning and shared examples. Instead of focusing on delivering solutions, the emphasis is on empowering leaders to arrive at the answers themselves, which builds their capacity to think critically and sustainably about their organisations’ goals. I also oversee BNDP’s content development, alumni relations, and communications, which I enjoy very much. 

What do you enjoy the most about working at Bridgespan?

It’s difficult to pick just one thing because Bridgespan truly sets itself apart in so many ways. I deeply appreciate the emphasis on people and culture—it’s a delight to work with thoughtful, empathetic, and passionate colleagues. There’s also innovation, flexibility, and a sense of autonomy, which has been instrumental in fostering my own growth within the organisation. Finally, it’s Bridgespan’s commitment to the social sector—both through the work we do and how we treat our employees—that reflects a deep sense of purpose and empathy. It’s the alignment of mission and culture that makes it such a fulfilling place to work.

You also worked in the Bridgespan Singapore office for a year. How was that experience?

Professionally, it was deeply enriching. The diversity of cases I worked on broadened my perspective, and I got to explore both the similarities and the differences between the nonprofit ecosystems in India and Southeast Asia. It was fascinating to see how cultural contexts, funder priorities, and operational nuances shape the sector across these regions. Adapting to different work styles and expectations was challenging at times, but this also enabled me to grow. A particular highlight was contributing to the growth of the team—I mentored junior team members and drew on my experience working in India to help build a stronger and more collaborative office culture. I’ve brought back some of these learnings to my work in India—especially how I approach strategy and coaching for nonprofits operating in a global context.

On the personal side, living in a new country and setting up a home away from family taught me how to become more resilient and adaptable. I cultivated some deep friendships that I will always cherish, and got the chance to travel to neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia with my husband. 

What do you enjoy doing outside work?