Kartikeya Nitin Desai
Impact Investor and Social Entrepreneur
Through the good fortune of being born to my parents, and exposure to incredible friends, colleagues and mentors over the course of my career of 15 years in development finance and social entrepreneurship, I have come to realise the importance of the ‘giving philosophy’; not just from a humanist imperative - to help your fellow humans with your time, money and effort wherever possible - but also for self-development. The more one gives, the more ones gets back. In love, in learning, in luck, in life. The ‘Living My Promise’ commitment is a way to provide structure and discipline to giving back, to support non-profits and enterprising individuals that are doing meaningful and measurable work to create impact in two broad areas: (1) education, skilling, employment, the most critical drivers of human development, the ability to learn and earn for oneself and one’s family; and (2) media, governance and digital technology for inclusion, to overcome the social and cultural barriers that divide. It’s also a fantastic journey of self-discovery with a community of like-minded individuals and families who are committed to using their resources and energies to make this world a better place in their lifetimes and beyond.