We were lucky to catch up with Pankti Doshi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pankti, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I genuinely believe love is the most beautiful thing humans can do. As an extremely curious person, I spend a lot of time learning about the world we are in, questioning why things are the way they are, and looking inward to self-reflect on how I can be a better version of myself for not just me, but those around me as well.
I discovered the spreading positivity and love is a quality of mine that I wish to embody in my day to day life, especially when interacting with those around me. As a genetic counselor by day, I carry myself with the empathy and compassion that is needed to facilitate complex health conversations; and as an event creator by night, I share this energy of building meaningful connection and community in a chaotic place like NYC.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Trained as a mathematician and biomedical engineer, I spent years working in the biomedical industry creating health products that can help patients. I wanted to get closer to the patient experience which led to pursue my Master’s in Genetic Counseling. Being in a role where I can empower individuals with their family health history, facilitate difficult medical conversations among families, and be an emotional support through convoluted decisions, is what fuels me in this career. I am excited to start my own genetics company that increases people’s awareness and access to genetic testing – especially within the South Asian community.
As an event creator by night, for the last 10 years, I have been organizing events for my community, always looking for ways to bring my friends together and create an inviting space for others to make new friends as well. I moved to NYC in 2020, and first got involved in promoting for a wide range of clubs, bars, and venues. That led me to establish my event company, which started by organizing elaborate personalized events for people in our community. I started to reflect on what I cared about the most and it was creating a place for South Asians to come together and celebrate their roots. This led to planning Rang Rave, NYC’s day and night holi experience. With the success of the event and the overwhelmingly positive feedback, my co-founders and I knew we had to come back with something bigger and better, that being Masala Mixtape, a south asian music festival. My goal is to uplift South Asian talent and creatives within the community through my platform.
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?
The three qualities that were most impactful include: positivity (by assuming positive intent in others and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt), enthusiasm (by carrying my excitement and passion in my words and actions), and curiosity (by always asking why and digging deeper to continue growing)
In terms of advice, I’d say 2 things: 1) you are not meant to just pursue the career you professional studied, be curious and continue to question what you are drawn to, and don’t be nervous to take a risk 2) spread love, I think it’s such a beautiful thing we can do as humans, so don’t ever hesitate to show love through kindness in words, actions, etc to others.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Last year, I decided to take on the endeavor to start my own events company (averaging 3-4 events every month and supporting other event creators within the nyc and la community). I think it’s nerve wracking to start my own brand – to take the risk, to believe in yourself that it will be successful, and to work through the unexpected hurdles.
I overcome these challenges by having a disciplined schedule, understanding by financial and business model, asking for support and help when needed, and taking time for breaks and self-care.
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