Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jayati Arora. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jayati, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I was never the loudest voice in the room. In fact, there was a time when I hesitated to raise my hand, even when I knew the answer. But confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, moment by moment, challenge by challenge. And for me, that journey began when I stepped into the world of leadership and public speaking.
In my school, I took on responsibilities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. As Vice Cultural Captain, I wasn’t just organizing events—I was managing performances, leading assemblies, and handling last-minute chaos with a calm face. The first time I had to command a group of younger students, my hands shook. But I did it anyway. And when I saw them look up to me for guidance, something shifted—I realized that confidence isn’t about being fearless; it’s about showing up despite the fear.
Then came Model United Nations. Standing in front of a room full of debaters, defending a country’s stance, and handling rebuttals—these weren’t things I thought I could do. But I did. Winning my first High Commendation was proof that I belonged in that space. And then I won again. And again. Each debate, each speech, each moment of self-doubt that I overcame built the foundation of my self-esteem.
But confidence isn’t just about achievements—it’s about resilience. I once managed an entire Teacher’s Day performance, coordinating between dozens of students. When things went wrong, I learned to problem-solve under pressure. When my YouTube channel, which had 10.5k subscribers, was taken down due to copyright issues, I didn’t let it define me. Instead, I channeled my skills into new opportunities—internships, content creation, and leadership roles.
Today, I walk into a room knowing that I have something to offer. My confidence isn’t loud or overbearing—it’s steady, built from every challenge I faced, every time I spoke up, every time I believed in myself even when it was hard. And that’s the story of how I found my voice.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved researching, debating, and understanding the world from different perspectives. That passion led me straight to the world of Model United Nations (MUNs), where I found a place to challenge myself, sharpen my diplomacy skills, and engage in real-world problem-solving.
Over the years, I’ve participated in numerous MUNs, winning multiple High Commendation awards, representing countries like Syria, Belgium, and the UAE in committees such as UNHRC and UNGA (DISEC). But what I love most about MUNs isn’t just the competition—it’s the thrill of deep research, the excitement of speaking in front of a room full of delegates, and the challenge of defending a country’s stance, even if it’s different from my own beliefs.
Wanting to create a meaningful platform for others to experience this, I co-founded Sapphire Accord MUN, a space where young minds can engage in powerful discussions on global issues. As the Secretary-General of Global Alliance MUN, I’ve had the opportunity to lead conferences, mentor delegates, and see firsthand how MUNs shape future leaders.
But my aspirations go beyond diplomacy. I believe that financial education is just as important as global awareness. No matter how rich or poor someone is, understanding how to manage, save, and grow money is essential. After my 12th board exams, I plan to launch a non-profit organization focused on financial literacy for underprivileged children. I want to go into slum areas, hold interactive sessions, and teach kids the basics of managing their finances. Because at the end of the day, earning money is one thing—but knowing how to keep it and grow it is another.
Aside from MUNs and my non-profit plans, I’m also currently the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Dotstreams Lab and the Outreach Coordinator at Unsway . I love taking on leadership roles where I can connect with people, strategize, and bring ideas to life.
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I don’t like standing still. Whether it’s through debating, researching, leading, or teaching, I’m always looking for ways to create something new and make an impact. The journey ahead is still unfolding, but I know one thing for sure—I’ll always be chasing the next challenge.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1.
One of the most powerful skills I developed through MUNs is persuasive communication. It’s not just about stating facts—it’s about structuring arguments strategically, reading the room, and adapting your speech to influence others. Diplomacy isn’t about proving others wrong; it’s about making them see why your perspective makes sense.
Advice: Practice structuring your arguments logically (Problem → Cause → Solution) and work on tone modulation, body language, and audience engagement. The way you say something matters just as much as what you say.
2.
Financial literacy is not just for businesspeople—it’s a life skill. Knowing how to budget, save, and invest smartly can change the course of one’s future. Many people earn money, but only a few know how to grow it and sustain it.
Advice: Start small—track your expenses, learn about budgeting methods, and explore the basics of investing. Books, podcasts, and free online courses can help, but real learning happens when you apply what you know.
3.
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build every time you step outside your comfort zone. For me, confidence grew through facing challenges head-on—whether it was speaking in front of a large audience, managing leadership roles, or taking risks in new opportunities. Every challenge tackled became a stepping stone.
Advice: Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. The more you step up, the more confidence becomes second nature.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The people who have been the most helpful in shaping me and pushing me forward have undoubtedly been my parents. When I first got into MUNs, they didn’t really know what it was. In India, especially a few years ago, MUNs weren’t something most parents were familiar with. But instead of questioning me or doubting my choices, they trusted me.
They didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but they believed that I was doing something meaningful. Every time a participation fee had to be paid, they never hesitated. They saw my dedication, and they let me chase this passion without ever holding me back. And when I started winning awards, they celebrated with me—not just because I won, but because they had always known I could. Their trust in me wasn’t just supportive; it became my driving force. If they believed in me that much, how could I not believe in myself?
When it comes to financial literacy, my parents have been my first and best teachers. Both of them are chartered accountants, and from a young age, I grew up hearing conversations about money, savings, investments, and financial responsibility. It wasn’t something they sat me down and taught like a school lesson—it was just part of life. It was in the way they managed things, the way they made decisions, and the way they always emphasized not just earning money, but knowing how to manage it. Without even realizing it, I was learning valuable lessons that shaped my perspective on finance.
And confidence? That came from all of this—their trust, their belief, their lessons. They never forced me into anything, but they always stood beside me, cheering me on. And somewhere along the way, I started to believe in myself the way they believed in me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayatiarora_26?igsh=dngxMGZyNXlxdnI5
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayati-arora-59596b318/
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