Career's True North: The Power of Purpose

In the vast expanse of our professional journey, understanding our 'why' is like navigating with a map. Simon Sinek, Michael Bungay Stanier, and Seth Godin emphasize the importance of a clear vision. For me, purpose goes beyond goals; it's the North Star guiding me through challenges and uncertainty.

Crafting a vision involves asking ourselves crucial questions, unlocking the drive to pursue audacious goals. My childhood experiences deeply influenced my motivation. The profound impact of Gandhi's Talisman guided my purpose, centered on addressing challenges faced by the vulnerable. Gandhi's test resonates with me, it says, "When in doubt or overwhelmed, remember the face of the poorest and weakest person you've seen. Ask if your actions will benefit them, restore control over their life. Your doubts will dissolve."

Currently immersed in researching maternal and child undernutrition and equitable vaccine access, I delve into understanding how structural imbalances disproportionately affect certain segments of society. By offering scientific insights, I aim to contribute to reducing these disparities. Working closely with policymakers amplifies the potential impact of my analyses, although it means confronting challenges up close. Meaningful work is not always easy; it involves stretching limits and navigating discomfort. In those moments, my guiding mantra is that 'a truly challenging problem extends beyond a single lifetime for resolution'. This perspective allows me to acknowledge incremental progress and embrace the satisfaction of making a small difference, rather than waiting for the world to change.

Yet, despite challenges, I find my flow in deep scientific work and insightful conversations which feed my vision above. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's concept of 'flow' comes alive in these moments.

Lastly, Steve Jobs' 'Stay Hungry Stay Foolish' speech—comes to mind, as it captures beautifully that the pursuit of 'why' is a journey. Those who have discovered it comprehend its power; for those still on the quest, it is worth continuing the search. With every passing year, I continue to define and refine my purpose. And I encourage you too to embark on your journey, discover your 'north star,' and let it illuminate your path forward! ?