I know what it’s like to be an outsider, and what it means to hustle. One of my best memories is watching cricket in the corridor on a neighbor’s TV – the only set in the building.

Neighborhoods like this are full of people with interesting stories. I learned to play competitive chess from this “uncle” who used to be a champion. The newsboy sold me used books and out-of-date magazines for a few rupees. I was good at school and decided to pursue a CPA in India simply because it was the most affordable post-secondary course I could find.

Growing up like this, you become focused and determined. And, if you choose, optimistic. I always see the upside and the opportunity, even in adversity. I spent time in finance at Colgate-Palmolive and later joined E&Y. In 2010, PwC India went through a crisis, and I made the contrarian decision to apply to the firm amid a mass exodus. I joined the team that rebuilt the entire financial services practice.

One of the lessons I learned early on is the importance of building relationships. If you treat each other with empathy and have a “we, not I” mindset, you can achieve almost anything.