What I'm #grateful for this year! ??

2018 has been a year of contradictions - a year of big highs AND lows. It has also been a year of contemplation & reflection. As I think about the rollercoaster ride, I would like to share 3 things that I am grateful for (professionally):

• Working in New York City  ??

Apart from the US, I have lived in incredible places like Kathmandu (Nepal), Vancouver (Canada) and Singapore. I have loved each one of those special places. However, NYC is in a league of its own. I feel ALIVE when I’m in the city - I want to work harder and achieve more in life. There is so much energy, drive and so many things to do. It doesn’t matter what your interests are, you will find your tribe in NYC. It doesn't matter where you're from, you will fit in here. The diversity - not just in ethnicity but in terms of lifestyle, personality & life experiences - is unique to the big apple.

• Building my network (online & offline)

Working in the city for the last two years has helped me explore interesting events and know amazing people from various industries. I have met thought leaders, students, and professionals from all walks of life. Organizing & hosting the Democratize AI meetup and other events for Fusemachines has led to interesting dialogue and connections. Although most of my LinkedIn network are people that I have met in person, some are professionals that I share something in common with - Forbes Communication Council membership, interest in branding, entrepreneurship, belonging to the same company, etc. Each person has helped me grow and expedited my learning. I love going through my newsfeed and reading insightful articles, industry news and clever analysis. I hope the year ahead brings more opportunities to engage, collaborate and continue the conversations!

• Meeting incredible women ???????

This is such a monumental item that it deserves a separate section. I have always been passionate about women empowerment, but 2018 became the year I became more aware, vocal and involved. Attending conferences such as the Female Founders Conference hosted by Y Combinator in Silicon Valley & Navigate 2018 hosted by Work-bench in NYC enabled me to meet women leaders that are breaking ceilings and barriers all around. I met/talked to innumerable smart, driven, empathetic women from various industries - the things they have achieved leave me in awe and I can’t wait for bigger & better things to come for all of them.