Meet Rajnarind Kaur

We were lucky to catch up with Rajnarind Kaur recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rajnarind, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

A woman. A South Asian woman. A Sikh South Asian woman. A Sikh South Asian woman who wears a dastaar and has an American accent.

The famous Dr. Seuss quote about blending in screams Sikhi to me as we cannot hide our identity. “Why fit in, when you are born to stand out?” This line encourages non-conformance, individualism, uniqueness and in Sikhi, we are usually always the only ones in the room that look different.

Being the only one in the room, whether it was as the only female, the only brown person, the youngest on the team, the only Sikh, I had to nail that first impression. To be effective and successful, I needed to contribute, communicate, and collaborate. From the Jersey Shore to Wall Street to now teaching both inside and outside of the classroom, I have not held back my voice, my opinions, or my experiences. I have realized that you never know who you are inspiring in the moment, so stay true to yourself, be yourself, as there is only one you.

So, what do you see when you look at me? What judgements, stereotypes, opinions, assumptions come to mind? Remember that what you see on the surface, on the iceberg, above the water line, is only a glimpse of who a person is – Don’t judge a book by its cover!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

With a focus on strategy, leadership, and finance, I graduated with an Executive MBA from Stern Business School at New York University. I began my professional career in investment banking on Wall Street in J.P. Morgan’s prestigious management leadership program focusing on Equity Derivatives and leveraged internal consulting to begin my program management and corporate development journey. I have managed global programs creating internal governance structures/frameworks and led internal training on specific methodologies. I have successfully progressed and travelled extensively with Credit Suisse, JPMorgan Chase, and Deutsche Bank. I am currently a professor in the business school making a difference, having an impact, giving back and following my passion and zeal for education.

I, also, provide my expertise to teach the youth, adults, entrepreneurs, small business owners plus veterans and mothers who are transitioning back into the workforce, newly immigrated individuals to whom English is not their native language as well as those who are looking to improve themselves. Through the ‘Art of Speaking’ where I am the founding principal, I empower individuals to confidently develop their leadership, analytical, and public speaking skills.

I am quite busy outside of work as well as I do voiceover work for documentaries, films, and animations. I serve on the board of several non-profit organizations and am involved in a variety of different community aspects.

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 advice I give to all my students is that nothing is set in stone. Your skills are transferable and it’s up to you on how you spin your story, confidently tell your narrative, and communicate your strengths. I believe my ability to pivot, openness to diverse opportunities, and networking/communication skills has been the most impactful in my career as well as in life.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Always looking to network with folks – find me on LinkedIn (I am the only Rajnarind!) and let’s connect! Who knows what the future holds…..

Contact Info:

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