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Travel and Personal Growth: Sharika Chauhan Of South Node Publishing On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better Human Beings

Authority Magazine Editorial Staff
Authority Magazine
Published in
22 min readSep 29, 2024

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Leave room for spontaneity! Some of the best travel experiences happen when you toss the itinerary aside and let yourself explore without a rigid plan. I’ve had life-changing conversations with locals, made lifelong friends, uncovered hidden gems, and even stumbled upon some of my best business ideas — all because I left a little wiggle room in the schedule. Structure is great, but embracing a bit of chaos adds magic to the journey. In fact, my non-planning approach once even led to two friends meeting on a trip to Mexico… and now they’re getting married! You never know what surprises spontaneity will bring!

Thankfully, the world is open for travel once again. Traveling can broaden our horizons and make space for people to become more open-minded. How can travel give us the opportunity for personal growth? What are some ways that travel can help us become better human beings? As a part of our series about “How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better Human Beings”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sharika Chauhan.

After sixteen years immersed in the fast-paced realm of Financial Services and Fintech start-ups in London, Sharika Chauhan found herself at a crossroads. Yearning for a new purpose, she courageously shed her corporate armour and embarked on a journey of social impact. Venturing into the realm of children’s charities, social enterprises, and mentorship programs, she became a catalyst for change while simultaneously embarking on a thrilling new chapter as a debut children’s book author.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of my story! Growing up in the lively suburbs of Greater London, my childhood was a blend of bustling school days, after-school clubs, and a household where education reigned supreme. My younger sister and I were lovingly steered towards academia, and yes, I proudly wore the badge of the class geek (and still do!). But when I wasn’t buried in books, I was cartwheeling through gymnastic classes, diving into swimming pools, camping with my girl guide gang or learning Indian classical dance. I was that kid who couldn’t decide if I wanted to be an astronaut or a TV presenter, so I figured I’d do both — after I finished my homework, of course.

Family gatherings were a big part of my upbringing, and weekends were a deliciously chaotic affair. Imagine a convoy of cars heading to different relatives’ houses, each home brimming with laughter, the aroma of curry dishes, and competitive Monopoly matches with my cousins. You’d think we were playing for the actual streets of London with how serious things got. And yes, we often shed tears — mostly over missing Monopoly notes and the never-ending argument of “Who really owns Mayfair?”

But my genuine love affair with adventure began in the pages of books. Enid Blyton’s “Famous Five” whisked me away on secret missions, and “The Secret Garden” unlocked a world of mystery. Jacqueline Wilson’s novels were like my childhood companions. My mum often had to pry these books from my hands, forcing me to bed with the promise that the adventures would still be there in the morning.

Then came my first foray into the real world of travel. Picture this: a little girl walking into a travel agent’s office on our local high street, eyes wide at the glossy brochures of exotic places, only to end up staring at the old-school Teletext with my dad to see if we could snag a cheaper holiday deal. And when we did travel, it was an event. My mum would pack our suitcases with spices so we could have an Indian BBQ on the beach. The sight of us grilling fresh curried fish on a Mediterranean coastline — well, let’s just say we knew how to make a splash!

Maya’s Worldly Wonders is really a tribute to that adventurous spirit of my youth. It’s my way of giving back some of the magic that books gave to me as a child, but with a modern twist. And while some relatives may have looked at me sideways when I announced I was traveling solo across some risky parts of the world, I like to think I was just channelling my inner Famous Five heros!

What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.

My journey into the world of finance started less with a burning passion and more with a polite nudge from my career advisor. Armed with a Maths degree from the University of Manchester, my career advisor quickly pushed me toward banking, stating that it was a perfect match for someone with my number-crunching abilities. And they weren’t wrong. I landed a lucrative internship at a top investment bank in London and before I knew it, I firmly entrenched myself in the finance world, scaled the corporate ladder, and eventually co-founded a FinTech startup. Oh, and we launched right as the world went into lockdown in March 2020 — talk about timing!

But here’s the twist. My pivot to becoming a children’s book author wasn’t something I’d meticulously planned out on a spreadsheet (though I love a good spreadsheet). It was more of an unexpected creative detour. Over the years, I often toyed with the idea of writing about my travels, but channelling those experiences through a fictional child character? It wasn’t even on my radar. And then, out of nowhere, inspiration struck — not from the usual suspects like literary giants, but from an unlikely source: Hollywood and Bollywood actors who had diversified into writing children’s books. Seeing actors, some of whom I’d admired on-screen, transition into authors made me think, “Well, if they can do it, why can’t I? Even if I am knee-deep in financial services!”

I’ve always loved numbers, but I also have an equal passion for books, art, and music. I realized I wanted more from life than just balancing spreadsheets — I wanted to balance my creativity, too. So, 2024 became the year of my own creative renaissance. Not only did I dive headfirst into the world of children’s literature with Maya’s Worldly Wonders, but I am also co-producing an original documentary and am working on launching a podcast. What started as a career rooted in numbers has developed into one where I can explore and express my creative side. Who knew a finance geek could turn into a storyteller? (Okay, maybe my career advisor didn’t see that one coming!)

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?

There’s a saying that “it takes a village to raise a child” and I’d say the same holds true for achieving success. No one person stands out as the key to my success — it’s been a collective effort, like a mosaic of support from friends, family, and mentors who have nudged me, challenged me, and celebrated my wins along the way. I’ve been lucky to have a network of incredible people who believed in me, even on the days when I wasn’t so sure of myself.

One of the most important lessons I learned early in my finance career was to ask questions — lots of them. I quickly realized that the quality of your life is largely determined by the quality of questions you ask. It sounds simple, but it’s true. From asking the right questions to mentors to getting insights from colleagues, those inquisitive moments shaped my understanding and guided me toward better decisions.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak, so it’s no surprise that my professional network naturally attracted like-minded individuals. When I need advice on a new venture or creative project, I tap into that network. I’ve found that networking — and yes, personal branding — has been pivotal in helping me grow. And let’s not underestimate the power of a little luck!

What surprised me the most, though, is how much easier networking became once I embraced storytelling. There’s an art to connecting with people, and I realized that the more confident I became in sharing my story, the easier it was to build meaningful relationships. It wasn’t just about selling my ideas, but about creating moments of shared understanding. So, while there’s no single person I owe my success to, it’s the collection of experiences, conversations, and advice from many that have helped me become who I am today. Plus, it never hurts to have a little charm (and maybe a well-timed story) up your sleeve!

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?

When I first started working in operations for a hedge fund, my task was to cross-check OTC (over-the-counter) trades with our banking counterparties. Seems straightforward, right? Well, one day, I made a mistake. Let’s just say it cost the firm a pretty penny…eeeek. I genuinely thought my career in finance was over before it had even begun. But to my relief, my bosses saw it as an honest mistake and recognized my potential. I walked away with my job intact but with something to prove. From that point on, I made it my mission to be thorough, confident, and, most importantly, accurate.

That experience was a turning point. As Chris Hadfield says in his brilliant book An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, “Sweat the small stuff.” And that’s exactly what I did. I became known as “Miss Fix-It” — the go-to person for automating processes and making things run smoothly. If there was a problem, it got thrown at me with the confident phrase, “Give it to Sharika, she’ll sort it out.” And I did, every time.

Fast forward to co-founding a FinTech startup during the first lockdown, we were full of optimism, convinced that our SaaS platform was going to disrupt a trillion-dollar industry. We thought, “Build it and the clients will come!” Spoiler alert: they didn’t. We had to hustle! It turns out that revolutionizing a corporate debt industry isn’t as easy as we thought. And don’t even get me started on project managing a tech build — it’s practically an art form!

What’s funny is that self-publishing a children’s book series feels a lot like running a startup — there are exhilarating highs and head-scratching lows. One minute you’re riding a wave of creative joy, the next you’re tearing your hair out over a stubborn formatting issue. Like any founder of any business, being self-published means wearing all the hats: writer, editor, marketer, advertiser, publicist, and let’s not forget, creative genius. Both worlds have taught me resilience and the fine art of sweating the small stuff, whether it’s a tech glitch, a trade error, or that pesky book cover alignment. Every day I’m hustling… (cue the song).

Can you share your favourite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?

One of my favourite life lesson quotes is from Keanu Reeves: “I’m at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you’re right — have fun.” It really resonates with me because it reflects a state of mental peace and maturity that I’ve worked hard to reach. With everything happening in the world, maintaining that sense of calm has become more important than ever.

For me, the key to staying grounded while juggling multiple creative projects is being mentally fit and present. You can’t operate at your best if you’re stuck dwelling on the past or fretting about the future. I’ve learned that clarity comes from focusing on the now, and that’s become my personal mantra. It’s helped me focus on self-publishing my books and multiple other creative projects in the last 9 months.

In a world dominated by social media, where everyone has an opinion and sometimes those opinions can be extreme or polarizing, this quote serves as a reminder that I don’t need to engage in every argument or debate. Social media is powerful, no doubt, but it can also fuel unnecessary anxiety or pressure to conform to others’ views. I’ve come to a place where I’m comfortable knowing what’s right for me, and I don’t feel the need to convince anyone else. If someone thinks 1+1=5, well, that’s their journey, not mine! Staying in my lane, mentally and emotionally, has been a tremendous step toward maintaining peace and keeping my creative focus.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

Right now, I’ve got a few exciting projects in the works that I’m thrilled about. First up, I’m already knee deep in writing the next instalments of Maya’s Worldly Wonders! My upcoming books will take readers on my adventures and stories through Sri Lanka and Thailand, with launches planned for March and July 2025 — I can’t wait to share those with fans!

Beyond that, I’m diving into some new creative waters. I’m co-producing an original documentary that focuses on a specific personality disorder, aiming to raise awareness and offer support to victims and survivors. It’s a project that’s close to my heart and one I hope will spark important conversations.

And because I like to keep busy, I’m also planning to launch a podcast! It’ll be a thorough analysis into life as an Indian woman — tackling everything from societal pressures to personal life, and, of course, the wild ride that is navigating a squiggly career path. its early days, but I’m excited to get these conversations going and connect with people on a deeper level!

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about travel and personal growth. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to personal growth? Can you share a story?

Travel is one of the best teachers for personal growth. It stretches you in ways you didn’t even know were possible — bravery, confidence, adaptability, open-mindedness. From learning how other cultures cook and understanding their beliefs to see firsthand how different political systems and economies work, travel constantly opens your mind. You get to confront obstacles, overcome fears, and sometimes even surprise yourself.

Before I turned 30, I set myself a challenge: hike a part of the Himalayas. Sounds ambitious, right? Especially since I had never hiked a day in my life! I remember the looks I got from the seasoned hikers — let’s just say no one had me pegged as someone who’d make it to the top. There were actual bets being placed on whether I could summit to Annapurna Thorong-la Pass. And honestly, even I wasn’t so sure I’d make it. But just like in my book, Maya’s Yeti-licious Himalayan Hike, where Maya faces doubt and judgment from those around her, I pushed through. It took bravery, some good old-fashioned naivety, and a lot of support from my trekking team, guide, and Sherpa to get to the top. But I did it.

That experience gave me a new level of confidence, not just in my physical ability, but in my capacity to take on challenges in all areas of my life. After that, I didn’t just seek more solo adventures in unexplored destinations; I also viewed my career differently. I left my hedge fund job of eight years with no safety net and no new role lined up — just the belief that I was ready for a new challenge. It was risky, but it paid off.

Travel does that — it teaches you to take risks, to be brave even when you’re unsure. It’s like a mirror showing you what you’re truly capable of when you step outside your comfort zone. And, hey, if you can survive the Himalayas with no hiking experience, there’s not much else that can stop you, right?

A recent survey from Psychology Today showed that over 80% of participants found that travel helped them with problem-solving or decision-making. Why do you think this is true for so many people?

Travel is basically a masterclass in problem-solving — you just don’t realize you’ve signed up for it until you’re immersed in a tricky situation. I’ve faced my fair share of travel challenges, both on solo trips and with others. From flight delays, cancellations, lost passports, and cameras breaking, to leaking boats mid-ocean (yes, that really happened), or a phone disappearing into the abyss of the sea, travel has thrown me curveballs that require some quick thinking. When you’re far away from home and things go off the rails, you’ve got no choice but to decide on the fly. It’s like a survival game where your only tools are creativity and sheer determination!

I think this constant need to problem-solve while traveling is why so many people, including myself, find it helps with decision-making. Back home, in my career managing operations and infrastructure for private investment firms, and later co-founding a FinTech startup, I spent my entire workday putting out fires — figuratively, thankfully! I noticed that the higher up you go in corporate life, the more people seem hesitant to make executive decisions. That’s where I had to step in, be decisive, and find solutions. In my mind, it was always about asking, “How can we do this better, faster, and more efficiently?” I take the same approach when I travel. If I’m stuck with obstacles X, Y and Z, how do I get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible?

And take my Himalayan trek, for example. It was just six months after Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake, and most people would have cancelled their trip. But I made the personal decision that I wanted to help the country in any way I could. I knew my time, money, and tourism would contribute to their recovery, so I volunteered in Kathmandu to help rebuild a school. I figured, if I can problem-solve in finance, I can certainly do it here too.

Travel also brings out the best in people when things go wrong. I met some backpackers in Thailand whose boat literally sank between islands. They lost everything — their passports, phones, clothes, all to the bottom of the sea. But what stood out wasn’t just the disaster; it was how everyone around them rallied to help. Hostels offered them free clothes, toiletries, and even swimwear, just to help them get back on their feet. It was a real-life lesson in how crisis can bring out our shared humanity.

And trust me, I’ve had my fair share of logistical nightmares too — like having my passport stolen in Las Vegas 8 hours before my flight back home! But instead of trekking to the embassy in LA, I worked it out with the airline. Crisis management at its finest!

That’s the thing about travel — it teaches you resilience. Things rarely go as planned, but it’s how you adapt to those mishaps that define the experience. That’s why my books have a powerful message for kids: adventures don’t always go smoothly, and that’s okay. You just have to adapt to unexpected situations, think quickly, and sometimes find humour in the chaos.

Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?

Absolutely, travel has a profound way of enhancing mindfulness, optimism, and gratitude. It’s like stepping into a different world and realizing that, despite all the cultural and geographical differences, we’re all connected by the same basic human experiences. As the saying goes, “Same Same, But Different.” No matter if you’re in the heart of a shantytown, a quaint beach town, a cosmopolitan city, or a rural village, people everywhere are navigating similar life challenges — raising kids, hustling to make a living, checking their social media, or dreaming of success.

I remember one trip that really brought this home for me. I was staying in a small town in Kerela, India and I could see that the local families were dealing with the same everyday dilemmas we all do — what’s for dinner, how to make ends meet, how to raise children in a changing world. And yet, they approached everything with such warmth and optimism, despite having far fewer resources than many of us in the West. Their sense of community, their ability to smile through hardships, made me reflect deeply on my life. It was a powerful reminder that gratitude isn’t about what you have, but how you appreciate what’s around you.

Travel forces you to slow down and really be present. Traveling causes you to become more mindful because everything is new and your senses are heightened. You stop taking things for granted, whether it’s the simple luxury of clean water or the joy of a shared meal with strangers who welcome you like family. That’s when you realise just how much you have to be grateful for.

This kind of experience can also increase your emotional intelligence. By understanding people from different backgrounds and walks of life, you learn to connect with them on a deeper level. It opens your heart and mind, making you more compassionate. And as Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “Be useful.” I truly believe that travel teaches you how to be more useful in the world — how to contribute, help others, and make a positive impact, whether in your personal life or your career. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself.

And let’s not forget, travel also brings a sense of humour into the mix. Like the time I ordered what I thought was a simple chicken dish in Cambodia, only to be served a plate of deep-fried ants. “Same Same, But Very Different!”

Surely not everyone who travels automatically becomes an exemplar of human decency. What are a few reasons why some people completely miss out on the growth opportunities that travel can offer?

You’re absolutely right — just because someone travels does not mean they’ll automatically unlock a deeper sense of human decency or personal growth. Some people completely miss out on those opportunities, and I think a big reason is mindset. If you’re constantly stuck in the past, worrying about things that went wrong, or anxious about the future, you’re not giving yourself the mental space to absorb what’s happening around you. It’s hard to grow when your mind is somewhere else. Even sitting on a beach can feel like a wasted moment if you’re too stressed to enjoy it — sometimes you just need to let go of the fears and let yourself be.

For me, travel has been a breeding ground for creativity. Some of my best business ideas have come when I’ve been miles away from my usual surroundings. Once, while frolicking in the sea against the waves, the idea for our new FinTech business model popped into my head. I mean, who knew jumping over tides could lead to a business breakthrough? Then there were those long, scenic coach journeys in the Malaysian peninsula — it was where the idea sparked for writing Maya’s Worldly Wonders and brainstorming children’s book ideas. My mind just gets into this flow state when I’m away from the usual day-to-day grind, and I think that’s where some people miss out. They haven’t completely disconnected from the stress of home or work, so they’re not giving themselves the opportunity to recharge or think creatively.

Everyone has a creative outlet, but not everyone gives themselves the chance to tap into it while travelling. I think it comes down to being open — open to the experience, the culture, the people, and most importantly, open to what your mind can do when it’s free from distractions. If you let go and let your brain wander, travel can spark ideas you’d never come up with sitting in your office. But if you’re too caught up in the same worries you left behind, the growth opportunities just pass you by, like that flight you almost missed!

Inspiring children to understand the power of travel in their own growth from a young age, I think is transformative.

What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Personal Growth?”

Here are my “5 Habits You Should Develop to Turn Travel into an Opportunity for Personal Growth” — with a few personal stories and lessons thrown in for good measure:

1. Travel solo at least once a year.
Nothing boosts personal growth quite like solo travel. It pushes you to be independent, make your own decisions, and learn more about yourself. Plus, it’s liberating to eat breakfast without having to debate anyone over the itinerary! Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a trek across the globe, you’ll come back with a new perspective. Trekking the Annapurna Himalayan range for 21 days was definitely one of those “what was I thinking?” moments — especially at 4 a.m. on the final ascent, shivering in the freezing cold. But it also turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life, proving that sometimes your greatest challenges lead to your most unforgettable victories.

2. Dine at a fancy restaurant alone.
This is a confidence-boosting game-changer. At first, it might feel weird or even awkward (cue all eyes on your table for one), but it teaches you to enjoy your own company — and the food! I’ve had some of my most introspective moments over a solo Michelin-star meal. Trust me, when you stop caring about what other diners think, the food tastes so much better. Particularly in Italy — my favourite destination for food!

3. Try a local dish you wouldn’t normally touch.
Adventure starts on your plate! Pushing yourself to try something unfamiliar opens you up to new experiences — though not all are wins. I’ll never forget the time I tried Durian fruit in Malaysia with plastic gloves on; let’s just say it wasn’t ‘love at first bite’ and it smelt like cheesy feet. And the boiled duck feet in Hong Kong? Also, a “no” for me. But hey, now I know my limits, and that’s growth too, right?

4. Spend time near water.
There’s something deeply calming about being near water, whether it’s the ocean, a river, or a quiet lake. Science says it helps align our bodies with calming frequencies (432 Hz, to be exact), which explains why billionaires are always lounging on yachts — they’re practically floating in the world’s most luxurious meditation space or it’s the closest link to a mother’s womb they say! For me, a few hours by the sea has the same effect, minus the yacht. It’s a reset button for the soul.

5. Plan, but don’t over plan.
Leave room for spontaneity! Some of the best travel experiences happen when you toss the itinerary aside and let yourself explore without a rigid plan. I’ve had life-changing conversations with locals, made lifelong friends, uncovered hidden gems, and even stumbled upon some of my best business ideas — all because I left a little wiggle room in the schedule. Structure is great, but embracing a bit of chaos adds magic to the journey. In fact, my non-planning approach once even led to two friends meeting on a trip to Mexico… and now they’re getting married! You never know what surprises spontaneity will bring!

So, there you have it — five habits to transform travel into a personal growth journey, with a side of adventure, reflection, and, of course, food you may (or may not) regret!

From your experience, does travel have a negative impact on personal growth too? Is there a downside to travel?

Travel, like anything, has its downsides. First off, it’s no secret that travel has become more expensive, which can feel discouraging, especially when you’re scrolling through social media. The endless parade of influencers living their “best lives” on exotic beaches can create a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out). It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else is living in a constant state of vacation bliss while you’re stuck in the grind of day-to-day life. And let’s be honest, we’ve all had that moment where we see someone’s beach photo — complete with those infamous “sausage legs” — and feel a twinge of jealousy. But constantly comparing your life to these curated images can actually have a negative impact on your mental health. It’s important to remember that what you see on Instagram is often just a highlight reel, not the full story.

On a larger scale, there’s the undeniable environmental impact of travel. Tourism can cause serious harm to natural wonders and ecosystems if it’s not managed responsibly. Take places like Machu Picchu or Maya Bay in Thailand — both had to limit or stop tourist visits altogether to protect the environment. These beautiful locations were literally being loved to death. David Attenborough and other activists have done an amazing job of highlighting how human activity, including tourism, is affecting climate change and fragile ecosystems.

That’s why sustainable travel is so important. We need to find ways to explore the world that don’t leave a lasting scar on the planet. Whether it’s opting for eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, or even just being mindful of our carbon footprint, there are ways to travel responsibly. So yes, travel can have its downsides, but if we’re mindful about how we do it, we can reduce the negative affects — both on ourselves and the planet.

I do my best to offset my carbon footprint by opting for public transport and choosing local homestays or independent guesthouses over big hotel chains. And even though the infamous Maya Bay (The Beach) has reopened to tourists, I’ve made a personal vow not to visit — although it shares a name with my books! Some things are better left untouched, right?

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

That’s such a tough question! Can I cheat a little and pick two — one for breakfast and one for lunch? Different meals, different vibes, right?

For breakfast, I’d love to sit down with Roger Federer, the tennis legend and the first billionaire in the sport. Not only is he an absolute powerhouse on the court, boasting an impressive 81% match win rate, but he’s also built an empire off the court with a level of class that few can match. From his partnership with Uniqlo to investing in On Running, and of course, his incredible work with his RF Foundation supporting education in Africa, I think Federer embodies the perfect blend of success, humility, and philanthropy. Plus, who wouldn’t want to know how he juggles it all? Does the guy ever take a break, or does he just keep winning at life non-stop? Over breakfast, I’d love to pick his brain on brand-building and maybe see if I could get a few tips on turning Maya’s Worldly Wonders into the next Disney-esque phenomenon! Also, I can’t help but wonder, what’s next for someone who’s already achieved so much? After all, if life is a game of tennis, who better to learn from than the ultimate grand slam champion of both sport and business?

Now, for lunch, I’d absolutely love to sit down with Mira Murati, the CTO of OpenAI and one of the most innovative minds of our time. She has utilised the potential of AI to develop revolutionary tools like ChatGPT that are shaping our work, education, and daily lives. I’d be fascinated to hear about Murati’s journey from humble beginnings to spearheading some of the most exciting developments in AI with Sam Altman. How does she navigate the daily challenges of such a fast-evolving industry? And beyond that, what’s next for AI? Could AI help solve the world’s biggest problems like climate change, the future of farming, or water shortages?

Mira’s also an incredible advocate for diversity in tech, which is so important for pushing boundaries and driving innovation. I’d love to know how we can expand on that and get more diverse voices involved in shaping the future of AI. Imagine the achievements that could be made with a broader spectrum of perspectives feeding into these powerful technologies! Lunch with her would definitely leave me inspired!

So, Federer for breakfast, Murati for lunch — two different altruistic worlds, but both equally fascinating!

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Maya’s Yeti-licious Himalayan Hike, Maya’s Whimsical Japanese Journey, Maya’s Marvellous Malaysian Quest, Maya’s Soulful Brazilian Bonanza available to purchase on Amazon or directly off my website: www.mayasworldlywonders.com. Paperbacks RRP at £8.99 and Hardcovers RRP at £11.99.

I keep my followers updated through my blogs and socials (Instagram @mayas.worldly.wonders, @sharika_chauhan Tik Tok — @mayas.worldly.wonders, Facebook and LinkedIn)

Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.

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