Humble Beginnings
The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.
Humble Beginnings
From Apartheid South Africa to Stateside CEO: Aarish Gokaldas' Unpredictable Path to Leading with Purpose
In this episode of Humble Beginnings, we speak with Highlight CEO Aarish Gokaldas about his family history and upbringing in South Africa during the apartheid. We hear how Gokaldas' family immigrated to North Africa from India and eventually made their way south, and what it was like growing up in a racially segregated country. Eventually, Gokaldas and his family would move to the States, starting a new life in a new country ⏤ but without its minor setbacks, restarts and transformations. Together, we discuss the resiliency and adaptability of immigrant families.
Gokaldas would also grow to love international affairs, have impactful work experiences during college and get offered his dream job with the Defense Intelligence Agency before graduation ⏤ only for it to be put on hold right before it started. This doesn't crush his spirits, but rather, offers Gokaldas the opportunity to make even more unique, influential experiences.
Tune in to hear how Gokaldas' career unfolds, how serendipitous moments led him to become a CEO, and how his values overlap with the values and mission of Highlight.