Home: Washington, DC. Birthplace: India. Profession: Lawyer. Alma mater: University of Cambridge; University of Oxford; University of California at Berkeley; Columbia University.
Current project: Expertise in trade, investment, law, foreign policy/diplomacy, AI. Latest accomplishment: Political head, Millennium Challenge Corporation. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Joining the government in order to serve our nation and our people. Last book read: Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius. Recently viewed and recommended: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939); Saving Private Ryan (1998). Recent unique acquisition: Ved Mehta’s book Up at Oxford.
Personality profile: Authentic, dependable, thoughtful, constructive. Moral compass: Integrity, fairness, and a sense of duty to everyone. How do you define a perfect friendship? One that is based on trust, honor, and dedication. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. What is your greatest joy? Seeing the joy of my family and friends. What is your greatest fear? Disappointing those who have put their faith in me. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Anything that involves sacrifice, diligence, and dedication. Who is a character you have been told you resemble? Cincinnatus. How do you relieve stress? I focus on a different activity.
What book have you repeatedly read? Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The King’s Speech. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My college diploma. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My late grandfather. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Treat everyone with dignity and kindness. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Accept reality rapidly. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Coming to America as an adolescent.
What is your big idea?
Small, consistent efforts compound into meaningful long-term results.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Spreading the message and reaching hearts and minds. What message do you want to send out into the world? Show up consistently, do the work with integrity, and treat others with empathy. What mega-trend most excites you? Artificial intelligence. What mega-trend most concerns you? Division and discord in society that otherizes those with whom we disagree.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My late grandmother. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A lawyer. I could obtain justice for people that way. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A small box of handwritten letters and cards I have kept over the years—from family, mentors, and friends. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family. What advice would you give your younger self? Prioritize relationships, mentorship and kindness compound like interest. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Calling my grandfather one day before he went into coma and eventually passed away.
Personal mission: Doing my duty and serving others. Personal motto: Honor and respect everyone, through humility and dignity. That is where strength lies. Desired epitaph: In respecting others’ dignity lies our own.
