From Backpack to Boardroom: How Moving to England Taught Me True Leadership

Two years ago today, I stepped off a plane in Birmingham from India with:

• A Global Talent Visa

• A suitcase

• And a vision

  
  

No job.No safety net.Just belief, hunger — and a few bookmarked job boards.

For three months, I lived out of an Airbnb and applied relentlessly.Every rejection taught me something.Every silence brought clarity.

Then came a breakthrough: a consulting role with Birmingham Tech Week.It wasn’t the dream job — but it was the door.

That opened up something bigger ➡️ A full-time role as Head of Marketing at TechWM, where I now work to grow the West Midlands’ tech ecosystem and drive national and international visibility for the region.

From Suitcase to Strategy

This moment still feels surreal.From a single suitcase to shaping the narrative of a region’s tech sector.From seeking opportunity to creating it.

But here’s the leadership lesson no degree could teach:

Bravery and vulnerability are not opposites — they’re partners.

As Brené Brown says, “You can’t be brave without being vulnerable.”

Speaking at The ScaleUp Summit - Birmingham Tech Week 2024

What I’ve Learned About Leadership:

Vulnerability is the foundation of growth.You grow fastest when you're honest with yourself about where you’re starting from.

You don’t need a title to lead.Just clarity, conviction — and the courage to move forward.

Strategic risk beats blind certainty.Bet on yourself — but have a plan.

Growth thrives under constraint.When you have less, you learn to create more — faster.

From Personal Bet to Public Impact

Today, I help shape opportunities for others in tech.

But it all started the moment I chose to build one for myself.

If you’re early in your journey — unsure, overwhelmed, or starting from scratch:

Start by showing up. To your vision. Your process. Your next brave step.

Because when you do — everything begins to shift.