Reena Ranger, Chair of Women Empowered, is In Conversation with Mandy Sanghera for her regular series for ‘iGlobal’ to explore some inspirational facets from the life and achievements of prominent Global Indians.
Mandy is an award-winning philanthropist, consultant and global campaigner often referred to as a global catalyst. As well as being an international human rights activist and motivational TedX speaker from the UK, Mandy has travelled all over the world empowering and motivating others. She has been driving innovation, building strategic partnerships, promoting advocacy and programming in the areas of human rights, gender equality, accountability and social justice globally.
What is a day in Mandy’s life like?
I never have the same day as every day is so different; the only thing that is the same is my routine. I wake up around 6am, shower, grab a vegan breakfast, usually oats and fruit, go for a walk – I never worry about the weather – then I look at emails etc and attend to meetings.
I’ve travelled all over the world on a mission to empower and motivate others. With over three decades of experience, I am an expert in various development related fields. I work towards driving innovation and building strategic partnerships in the areas of human rights, gender equality, accountability and social justice globally. I spend a lot of time on Zoom currently as I’m not travelling as much.
I cook from scratch and go for a second walk to clear my head. And, before bedtime I complete a gratitude journal.
What is the one lesson or words of wisdom that you try to live your life by that you would recommend to the next generation?
Also listen to your intuition and heart and not the crowd. It’s so important we live our most authentic self every day and find something that stirs your passion. I’m lucky enough to have found my dharma a.k.a. a life purpose.
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What has been the lesson you have learned during lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic?
I certainly don’t need as much as I thought. The pandemic has made me appreciate the little things in life.
It’s been sad to see inequalities come to the surface like never before. We may all be in the same storm but we are certainly in different boats. As we look forward, it’s important we look at levelling the playing field.
What do you think has been the most profound realisation or discovery about yourself over last few years?
That when you smash the glass ceiling it’s important to send the elevator back down. We can’t just sit on the sidelines and wait to be asked to join the game called life; we have to let go of fear and be prepared to challenge ourselves as well as others. Become the change you want to see.
If you could go back and give your teenage self one bit of advice, what would it be?
Live your life your way; you get one shot at life, make an impact.
I wasn’t able to have children due to poor health but I realised that God had bigger plans for me. He needed me to support victims of abuse to thrive and not just survive.
Reena Ranger is the Chair and Co-Founder of Women Empowered. In this exclusive “In Conversation” series for ‘iGlobal’, the dynamic entrepreneur-philanthropist catches up with high-achieving Global Indians across different fields to spotlight some insightful life lessons.
*The views expressed in the answers are of the interviewees.