My Journey & Story

Below are snippets of my journey and story that I would love to share with you. This journey has enrichened me with immense cultural diversity. I use this gift of diversity and turn it into unique thoughts, ideas and creativity to help people find their own story!

Born in India

I was born in a small town near Mumbai called Karjat where my grandfather had a farm. Karjat is famous for vada pav, chikki and its lush scenery. I lived in Mumbai till the age of 3.

Some interesting events till the age of 3:

Thumbtacks in my feet
Nearly fell from a third floor balcony
Hot pan burn on my face by the domestic help
Fell and cut my chin - ended up with 12 stitches

Grew up in Singapore

At the age of 3, I immigrated to Singapore with my parents. My childhood was spent in Singapore where I completed my primary education. My friends were a melting pot of cultures including Chinese, Malay, Indian, European and other South East Asian nationalities!

Fun Fact 1: I trained in Taekwondo (Korean martial art) for several years and was one of the youngest Poom belt holders to compete in tournaments.

Fun Fact 2: I learnt the art of canvas, water colour and arylic painting from a young age. Yes, I could actually paint!

High School in India

After having lived in Singapore for a decade, I moved back to India where I lived in Pune. I completed my secondary and high school education in India.

This is the period of my life I formed my closest friendships. My friends are spread across the world and we still maintain a strong bond.

Moved to Hamilton, NZ

In 2013, I moved to Hamilton, New Zealand with two bags in the pursuit to study engineering. I could not afford a degree at the time so I took a loan and enrolled at the Waikato Institute of Technology to study a NZ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

My first job was a door-to-door salesman selling DVDs. This experience took me far and wide across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland where I learnt the art of selling.

Travelled across NZ

In over a decade living in NZ, I travelled across North and South Islands of NZ.

Fun Fact 3: I was a member of the NZ Deer Stalkers Association and used to hunt red deer and wild goat (stopped because its too much work!)

Fun Fact 4: I have climbed Mount Taranaki (which is 1/3rd the size of Mount Everest)

Fun Fact 5: I have met John Key (ex-PM of NZ) and took a picture with him!

MIT-Harvard (USA) Calling

I was 1 out of 2 New Zealanders to be chosen to attend the prestigious MIT-Harvard Medical School Healthcare Innovation Bootcamp in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2020. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 this was postponed and then cancelled.

I continue to keep a close connection with MIT and Harvard - particularly via material from Harvard Business Review (HBR), Harvardx, MITx, and my global network associated with those institutions that I can tap into when I need to.

European Partners

Across my professional engineering and technical leadership career, I have worked very closely with partners and suppliers across Europe such as Germany, Italy, UK and Switzerland to name a few.

Fun Fact 6: I have sat in front of Governments and been audited (interrogated maybe) on my engineering design and process inputs of pharmaceutical facilities.

Moved to Auckland, NZ

After many years of living the Waikato, I decided to move to Auckland due to work opportunities, my executive MBA and to experience the life in the big smoke.

Since my move to Auckland, I have progressed two roles in my professional career, completed my Executive MBA, received three scholarships amounting to NZD $25K, travelled extensively for work, taken part in community initiatives and continually mentor people who are on their own journey.

APAC/ASEAN Connection

I work very closely with the APAC (Asia Pacific) region and in particular the ASEAN region which comprises Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

I also work closely with NZTE (NZ Trade and Enterprise), ASEAN NZ Business Council and other ASEAN-NZ organisations to strengthen business opportunities between both regions.

Middle East Love

I met my wife in Dubai, United Arab Emirates while on holiday. I have visited UAE a number of times and enjoy the food, the activities and the cultural heritage the place offers.

I has also visited Iraq (Karbala and Najaf) to pay respects to the Holy Shrines of Imam Hussain and Imam Ali.

Global Network

As part of my Executive MBA international tour, I visited Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam. I had the opportunity to pitch at two dragon's den events including one on the 40th floor of the HSBC building in HK!

I have developed a robust global network that I can tap into to leverage the skills, ideas and experience of my contacts. I use this network to give my clients a global perspective and solution.

Dawoodi Bohra Community

Last but certainly not the least, I am a very proud Muslim and am part of the Dawoodi Bohra community which is a denomination within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam.

I actively take part in community events and continually educate people and my clients about what my community does and how it benefits society and countries globally.