We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sandhya Sabapathy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sandhya below.
Sandhya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Embracing My Uniqueness: Turning Being “The Only One” into a Superpower
Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace the fact that I’m often the only person in the room who looks like me—whether that’s as a person of color, a woman, or someone from the LGBTQIA+ community. What may initially feel like a challenge has evolved into my superpower. Here’s how I’ve transformed this uniqueness into an advantage:
Owning the Room Through Preparation
When you’re the only one in the room who looks different, preparation becomes your greatest ally. I’ve found that being the most prepared person in the room not only boosts my confidence but also equips me to be spontaneous. Over-preparation might seem like hard work, but it allows you to respond with agility in the moment. Whether it’s anticipating tough questions or staying adaptable, preparation helps me stay sharp and effective.
Mastering Persuasion and Negotiation
The art of persuasion and negotiation is a skill that requires continuous honing. Being in spaces where I stand out has taught me the value of refining these skills. It’s not just about being heard; it’s about influencing outcomes. By staying focused on my goals and the needs of others, I’m able to build rapport, navigate delicate conversations, and advocate for my ideas effectively.
Balancing Professionalism with Authenticity
Standing out can sometimes feel like a spotlight, and there’s a temptation to be overly serious in an attempt to prove yourself. But I’ve learned that having fun and embracing humanity is essential. No one wants to stand out for the wrong reasons, and everyone—no matter their background—faces challenges, insecurities, or mental blocks. By focusing on connecting with others on a human level, I’ve found that I can be both effective and authentic. We are all human first, and fostering that sense of connection helps me break down barriers.
In conclusion, turning the experience of being “the only one” into a superpower isn’t about diminishing what makes you different; it’s about owning it. Through preparation, persuasion, and embracing my full self, I’ve learned to not just survive, but thrive in spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me. 😊
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I currently serve as the Global Head of Environment & Net Zero at Entain, where I lead global sustainability initiatives aimed at driving our company towards net-zero emissions. Working in this space allows me to influence and implement strategies that make a tangible environmental impact, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a larger movement towards sustainability within the corporate sector.
Beyond my role at Entain, I founded Kaleidoscope to address a critical gap I observed in the market—how knowledge around sustainability and social impact is captured, shared, and made visible. 🌍 I noticed that while there were numerous organizations talking about sustainability and social good, many lacked practical strategies and frameworks for making these concepts a reality within their operations or culture. That’s where Kaleidoscope comes in.
At Kaleidoscope, we specialize in delivering impactful keynotes and workshops on a range of crucial topics, including Diversity & Inclusion, Public-Private Partnerships, Sustainability & ESG, Innovation Management, Design Thinking, and Purpose-Driven Branding. We focus on offering actionable strategies tailored to the specific needs of each organization, whether they’re looking to foster inclusion, drive innovation, or build profitable social and environmental ventures.
What sets us apart is our team of expert speakers, who bring a wealth of real-world experience and insight to each engagement. We believe in engaging storytelling, interactive exercises, and thought-provoking discussions that leave participants not only inspired but equipped to make meaningful changes in their organizations.
Kaleidoscope was born out of a desire to help organizations connect purpose with action. Our keynotes and workshops provide the knowledge, tools, and frameworks that empower businesses to integrate sustainability and social impact into their DNA. Whether you’re looking to forge successful partnerships, integrate ESG strategies, or foster creativity and innovation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Partner with us at Kaleidoscope, and together, we can ignite transformation, drive positive change, and create a sustainable and inclusive future.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three key qualities and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in helping me grow both personally and professionally. For anyone early in their career, developing these skills will not only prepare you for challenges but also position you for success.
Resilience and Persistence
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that things are rarely going to be easy. Challenges are inevitable, but the key is to be prepared for that. Resilience means being able to bounce back when things don’t go as planned, and persistence ensures you keep moving forward despite setbacks. My advice: cultivate a mindset that welcomes challenges as opportunities for growth. When you expect things to be difficult, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the obstacles that come your way.
Take International Roles and Learn from Diverse Work Patterns
Throughout my career, I’ve found immense value in working internationally and immersing myself in different cultures and business practices. Travel opens your mind to new ways of thinking, working, and problem-solving. By learning how different regions operate, you not only become more agile in adapting to change but also more confident and present in your own identity. My advice: seek out opportunities to work abroad or collaborate with global teams. Exposure to different work patterns will build your adaptability and global mindset.
Creating Disciplined Boundaries and Intentional Effort
Success doesn’t come from just doing more—it comes from doing things with intention. I’ve found that establishing clear boundaries and ensuring that every task, no matter how small, receives conscious effort has been a game changer. It’s about putting your best self into everything you do, while also maintaining balance to avoid burnout. My advice: develop the discipline to set boundaries for yourself, and ensure that whatever you take on, you do it with purpose and focus.
Visibility and Personal Branding
Lastly, visibility is incredibly underrated. Too often, people do great work but hesitate to speak up or share their achievements. Building a personal brand and being visible in your field is essential to career growth. Don’t be afraid to speak out and assert your presence in any space. My advice: invest time in developing your personal brand, be vocal about your work, and don’t shy away from opportunities to be seen.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Are We Looking for Partners? Absolutely!
At Kaleidoscope, we’re always excited to partner with individuals and organizations who share our passion for driving meaningful conversations around social impact and sustainability. We’re particularly interested in collaborating with folks who have engaged communities and want to bring thoughtful, impactful content to their audiences. Whether it’s through workshops, facilitations, or keynote speeches, our goal is to help organizations and communities explore, learn, and act on important topics like Diversity & Inclusion, ESG, and sustainable venture building.
Our team of experts travels globally to deliver these experiences, so no matter where you’re located, we’re eager to connect and collaborate. If you’re reading this and want to partner with us, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram! We’d love to explore how we can work together to inspire positive change and spark innovative ideas.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn or follow Kaleidoscope on Instagram to start a conversation. Let’s work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive future! 🌍🤝
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandhya-sabapathy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandhya_sabapathy/?hl=en-gb
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandhya_sabapathy/?hl=en-gb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandhya-sabapathy/
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