Can you tell us a bit about your time at Brunel? What course did you study and what drew you to the university?
I knew nothing about Brunel before I arrived on move in day, I had never visited on an open day nor knew where Uxbridge was. It’s one of those twists to fate but one which has defined my life and career since! I didn’t do so well in my A-levels and had to go through clearing. I remember spending two days on the phone ringing around and trying to find a course I’d enjoy (I love politics) as well as a campus with a warm community vibe. A friend recommended Brunel, and when I was accepted through clearing onto my course, I was really throwing myself into the deep end!
I studied BA Politics and Social Policy (with professional development) between 2001-5. The professional development bit meant I was on a thin sandwich course, so I spent 2002-3 working, at HM Inspectorate of Prisons; and then again in 2004.
I was also very fortunate to have been accepted on to the study abroad programme in the school at the time, which meant I got to spend a semester at SUNY Brockport. Whilst there I rather skilfully lined up my 2004 placement in Washington D.C. Studying and working abroad for a year, in New York and D.C. was one of the most life changing experiences I’ve ever had.
Outside of that, I was very studious in year one. I felt I had to make up for my failed A-levels. And I enjoyed my course and the tutors. I think I was a bit rebellious and cheeky, ever willing to challenge or ask tough questions. It lined me up neatly for a career in journalism!
Are there any standout memories or experiences from your time at Brunel?
Running for SU President in 2003 and losing to John Dangerfield! Making up for it as elected Chairman of the Student Union Congress and representative on the University Council. I was a keen and regular contributor to the campus magazine at the time, called Route 66, and won a NUS/Daily Mirror journalism award. Most of my fondest memories were with friends whom I got to study abroad with, we had an absolute riot!
Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
After graduation I undertook a post-grad in Broadcast Journalism and was then selected for the prestigious ITV News Group Training scheme. I worked as a TV journalist on screen and behind the cameras for four years before leaving to create my own independent filmmaking company. I returned to the newsroom as an Output Producer at Sky News where I took editorial decisions on live and breaking international news. I was there for another 4 years.
I balanced all this with being a British Army Reservist, and in 2015 I was deployed on operations against ISIS in the Middle East. When I returned, I decided to leave the newsroom and change careers. First I worked as a Communications Director for a Westminster think tank then as a consultant to various clients.
I was headhunted because of my expertise to develop a new project at M&C Saatchi World Services, and 8 years later I’m still here! I’ve worked on behaviour change programmes and now lead on business growth for the EMEA market.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
The Brunel experience certainly boosted my confidence and sense of being, which has helped me get to where I am. I grew up in a traditional Sikh household in inner-city Birmingham, I’d never ventured away from home on my own or been independent of my family. I had to grow up quick when I got here, but the academic experience and opportunities to go abroad very much broadened my horizons and shape my world view. Through Brunel, I got to do things I could never have imagined – walk through the corridors of power in Washington D.C, meet legendary figures such as Colin Powell and Donald Rumsfeld. I attended Ronald Reagan’s lying in state on Capitol Hill and met Margaret Thatcher for the first and only time. These aren’t typical experiences, but ones that I was fortunate and blessed to have achieved when the opportunities presented themselves.
What do you consider to be your most impactful achievements to date?
It’s being invited on to various boards, to offer my expertise and helping organisations connect with diverse audiences. I sit on a number of them, including as a trustee of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation. It’s more than work, it’s the privileged opportunity to ensures wider representation and help shape and drive social change, which I feel strongly about. Through these I feel I achieve a number of things, public service being one of them but also helping inspire people from diverse backgrounds to also strive and seek to place their views and beliefs into prestigious settings.
What inspired you to pursue the path that led to your OBE honour?
Mostly it was not being able to say no! I’ve been fortunate but also astute in recognising sliding doors moments, when a yes or no can take you down different paths. And I’ve mostly embraced opportunities, that have led to being recognised. It’s not been one thing though. Seeing the community demand for a Sikh memorial led me to fundraise and create the WW1 Sikh Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. Which then led to a being recommended to join the Commonwealth War Graves as a trustee. Which then enabled me to give those often forgotten a voice in commemoration. That journey has lasted a decade, but I’m still moved to do more – to ensure people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds like mine are inspired to serve our country, and to support our veterans.
What message would you like to share with the Brunel community – students, staff, or fellow alumni – in light of this achievement?
Keep pushing. And ignore the naysayers. If you believe in what you’re doing and it’s doing good, then keep doubling down. Because it’s making a difference, you might not realise it until later, but keep believing and keep representing your values and ideals.