“All meaningful impact - social, political, economic - is created by the compounding of small actions of individuals striving to do their best. The drive to always do better yields remarkable results long-term.”

When I was 10 years old, I used to take the local train in Mumbai to play in various chess tournaments held across the city. The compartments were always packed, people hanging off doors and squeezing into impossible spaces. Yet when they saw a small kid traveling alone, they would smile and “adjust” to make room. In those moments I would have this  indelible feeling that I’ve never been able to forget. A collective fight of hundreds and thousands, all striving for more; the feeling of  hope despite one’s circumstances – and that together we can create change and make a better tomorrow. I wake up driven by the belief that our collective actions can change billions of lives, fueled by that same sense of possibility I first felt on those trains.

I love sports because they are microcosms of life. The passion and grit to succeed despite a fatigued mind and body. The fight against all odds. The fortitude and courage under extreme pressure. I find it impossible not to fall in love with the Rahul Dravids, Wayne Rooneys, and Rafa Nadals as they give their all to eke out success. Founders face many of the same challenges – difficult environments, challenging situations and conditions and strong incumbents. It is a privilege to work alongside the founders who fight these challenges head-on with passion, tenacity and determination to create a lasting legacy.

My school house motto was “Per ardua ad astra” or “through adversity to the stars” a sign that still hangs by my bed. If you want to reach for the stars, I’m all ears.