From Immigrant to Water Mogul: My Journey to Success and the Lessons Learned Along the Way

The moment I sat down to share this story, I was transported back to the grueling journey that forged me into the force that I am today.

I was an apprehensive immigrant, who touched down on the American soil 3 decades ago with nothing but a pocket full of hope and a burning desire to succeed.

Every step of the way, I knew that the path would be strewn with hurdles that I would have to overcome, and that was exactly what I did.

I began my climb from the bottom, scrubbing dishes in a college dormitory and flipping eggs like a man possessed.

With each sizzle, each scrape, each drop of sweat, I was crafting a better future for myself and creating a legacy that would stand the test of time.

But first, let’s take a trip down memory lane…

My journey has been faced with a plethora of challenges.

Life threw me a curveball during my first year of Engineering when my father suddenly passed away.

The pain was overwhelming, and it seemed like the darkness had swallowed me whole.

But amidst this turmoil, my mother emerged as my beacon of hope. She stepped up to the plate with a steely determination, taking on the mantle of provider for my two sisters and I.

Her unyielding spirit and unwavering dedication kept us afloat during those tough times. I could see the exhaustion etched into her every move, the sleepless nights and endless worries reflected in her eyes.

But she soldiered on, fueled by her love for us. She held our family together with a fierce strength and a selflessness that left me in awe.

Her love and support guided me through the darkness, and I emerged stronger, more resilient, and ready to tackle any obstacle that came my way.

Overcoming Obstacles: How a Revolutionary Procedure Gave Me Hope...

Water has been an integral part of my life, guiding me towards a purposeful and passionate path. Having grown up in Tanzania and India, I witnessed firsthand the struggles many people face in accessing this vital resource. This inspired in me a deep desire to address one of the world's most critical challenges - raising awareness, promoting preservation, and building modern infrastructure to protect and conserve our precious water resources.

Growing up in South Florida, the mesmerizing mysteries of the ocean and the significance of water never failed to captivate me, where the blazing sun and cool ocean breeze coalesced in perfect harmony.

Despite being drawn towards the world of water, my initial ambition was to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Navy. After completing three years of engineering, my dream finally materialized when I was chosen to join the Navy as a Naval Architect. The joy of being selected was indescribable.

Unfortunately, my aspirations were short-lived when I failed the medical examination due to an eyesight issue. However, instead of giving up on my dream, I chose to undergo a revolutionary procedure known as Lasik, which involved operating on both my eyes. Although it was a bold decision at a young age, the successful outcome of the procedure ignited a flame of hope within me.

Regrettably, despite the triumph of my surgery, the Indian Navy did not acknowledge the procedure as it was too new, and its safety could not be guaranteed.

Consequently, I was unable to pursue my dream.

Nonetheless, this experience taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work in attaining one's objectives. I am immensely grateful for the lesson learned, and it has become an integral part of who I am today.

The Water Mogul's American Dream Begins...

From scrubbing dishes in a college dormitory to leading a monumental $7.5B initiative that revolutionized Miami Dade County's water and sewer infrastructure, I have climbed my way to the top with unwavering focus and relentless drive.

Throughout my career, I've been blessed to team up with trailblazing organizations that leave their mark on the world, from the juggernauts of philanthropy like the Rockefeller Foundation and the 100RC.

My journey towards greatness has been a product of relentless dedication and the privilege of working with some of the industry's sharpest minds. Their wisdom has helped shape me into the accomplished, tenacious leader I am today.

But, my pursuit of the American Dream for my family took an unexpected turn when my mother suffered a debilitating stroke.

Watching her once-vibrant spirit fade and struggling to move was a heart-wrenching experience. My family was suddenly thrust into the role of caretakers, navigating a challenging road filled with uncertainty, tears, and moments of frustration.

However, amidst the chaos, we discovered a new kind of strength - the love and resilience of family.

These trying times have taught me the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. I've come to realize that the obstacles I faced were not just hurdles, but opportunities for growth and learning.

These challenges have instilled in me valuable lessons that have made me stronger, wiser, and more determined. I've learned to embrace constant adaptability, agility, and resilience through my personal experiences with my mother's health issues and my father's early passing.

These values also hold true professionally, as I've held various roles from consultant to regulator to Public Works Director to leading a $7.5B program. My curiosity has led me to continuously find new ways to innovate beyond my industry, leading me to explore blockchain, decentralized technologies, big data, water governance, DeFi, and the metaverse.

I was awarded a $230K grant from Algorand Foundation to continue this pursuit and I am also pursuing a PhD at the University of Miami to further my research.

The Anand Family Evolution…

The brilliance of my children never ceases to amaze me. They are the driving force behind my inspiration, personal innovation, and evolution.

My son's entrepreneurial spirit and introduction to blockchain, finance, and real estate acquisition have opened doors to a world of innovative technologies and investment opportunities. His fearless mindset and willingness to take risks have taught me to embrace challenges and pursue my goals with unwavering determination.

My daughter's passion for media, speaking, and podcasting has awakened my inner child and allowed me to explore new avenues of self-expression. Her unwavering confidence and fearless approach to life have taught me to trust in myself and to embrace every opportunity that comes my way.

But most importantly, my kids have taught me a lesson that is both profound and invaluable - the true value of health.

Through their example, I have learned that success is not merely defined by material wealth or external accomplishments.

Rather, they’ve shown me that success encompasses a holistic approach to life, where a sound mind, body, and spirit are necessary for achieving true fulfillment and personal growth.

They've shown me that without investing in our mental, physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual health, all the wealth and materialistic success in the world is meaningless.

It is through their wisdom that I have discovered the true meaning of success and the power of investing in oneself.

This passion has led my family to work on an entrepreneurial venture that will scale these practices to other families worldwide. And we are excited to launch soon and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others (stay tuned!).

Grateful For Your Time…

Dear friends, if you've made it to the end, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for taking the time to read my story.

We all have our own unique stories filled with personal struggles and sacrifices, big or small. It is essential that we take the time to reflect and share them because our stories encompass a powerful source of wisdom and learning for others.

This is how we can create a tribal community that fosters a sense of belonging, growth, innovation, and elevation for each other. It is through our shared experiences that we can uplift each other and make a positive impact in the world.

I want you to know that your story is important. Your life journey has the power to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others. Let my story serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for you to reflect on your own experiences and share them with those in your sphere of influence.

This is how I did it.

This is where I am headed.

And I invite you to join me on this incredible journey.

Together, we can create a world where we all have the courage to share our stories, inspire each other, and make a positive impact in the world.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Onwards and Upwards, Cheers!

Hardeep ??