We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Murari Ambati. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Murari below.
Murari , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from my ability to stay focused on what is at the end of the tunnel, my long-term goals and the person I want to become. I have learned that challenges and setbacks are temporary, while the vision I am working toward is lasting. When things become difficult, I remind myself why I started and what success will look and feel like. That perspective keeps me motivated and positive.
Instead of feeling discouraged by short-term obstacles, I view them as part of the process that will eventually make reaching my goals more meaningful. That mindset helps me show up every day with energy and determination, because I know each step, no matter how small, pushes me closer to where I want to be.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Of course, thank you for having me!
I want to start by highlighting my co-founder, Ishan Pendyala, whose vision and commitment have been central to building the NOVA Policy Network. From early organizational structure to securing partnerships with groups like Amazon, Novartis, and the UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab, his leadership set the foundation for our growth.
NOVA Policy Network focuses on one pressing question: how should we govern rapidly emerging neurotechnologies such as cognitive enhancement tools, neuropharmaceuticals, and brain-computer interfaces. Policy efforts in these areas have lagged behind the technology, which is why we felt a dedicated initiative was essential.
To address that gap, we created a free, open curriculum on neurotechnology policy that has reached over 20,000 students globally. We have built a community of more than 1,500 volunteers, raised around $80,000 in support, and helped students publish over 70 policy briefs with institutions including the OECD and European Commission. This ensures young voices influence real policymaking.
Our goal now is to scale this impact by expanding our curriculum, increasing global partnerships, and opening more pathways for students to contribute to responsible and ethical neurotechnology governance. We want the next generation not just to witness this future, but to help shape it.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been especially important in my journey: being open to feedback, staying determined, and leading with passion.
First, being open to feedback and criticism has allowed me to grow much faster than I would have on my own. I have learned that listening to others does not diminish your vision. Instead, it sharpens it. My advice is to actively seek out guidance from people who challenge you, not just those who agree with you.
Second, determination has pushed me through every obstacle. There are moments when progress is slow, or the outcome feels uncertain. Commitment to the bigger goal is what keeps me moving. For anyone starting out, I recommend setting clear long-term objectives and reminding yourself why they matter when things get tough.
Third, passion has given my work purpose. It is the source of my motivation and the reason I show up with energy each day. The best way to strengthen passion is to stay connected to the impact of your work and surround yourself with others who believe in the same mission.
These three qualities support one another. Feedback helps you improve, determination keeps you consistent, and passion fuels both the learning and the effort required to build something meaningful.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to meditation as a way to reset and regain clarity. Even a few minutes of focused breathing helps me pause the noise in my mind and separate what is urgent from what simply feels urgent. Meditation reminds me to return to the present moment instead of getting stuck in worry about the future or frustration over the past.
My strategy is simple. I step away from what I am doing, close my eyes, and take slow, intentional breaths. I let each inhale ground me and each exhale release tension. After that short break, I can approach the situation with a calmer mindset and a more organized plan.
My biggest advice is to build meditation or mindfulness into your routine before stress reaches its peak. Training your mind to slow down makes it much easier to handle difficult or busy moments when they arise. It is a small habit that can have a powerful impact on emotional balance and resilience.
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