As a professional in the Cabinet Office and later as BeyondMe’s Head of Social Leadership and Engagement, her journey has inspired thousands to pledge their commitment to the social sector with generosity of spirit and resources.
As a wise man once said, “people talk about changing the world, but it’s a load of nonsense. You have to first look at yourself and change the way you behave”.
Not many people can say they well and truly live out their values; Ambica does. Above all she has adopted generosity as a way of life. This plays out in how frequently and happily she gives her time to others and how quickly people come to like and trust her.
To count just a few of her accolades, Ambica has designed how we engage professionals, sustained major corporate partnerships, created new products and flagship events, helped set our strategic direction and nurtured a happy and collaborative team culture. BeyondMe’s excellent reputation among professional services employers is largely due to her tireless effort, always exerted with a smile.
At the forefront of the movement, Ambica has inducted us all into her iron-clad principles of leading generously and brought humour, kindness and determination to her role in a way that has shaped our culture and catalysed our growth.
Most of all, we will miss…
- her endless energy and positivity
- her constant tapping on the world’s clunkiest keyboard
- her flexible interpretations of when it’s time for lunch
- her enthusiasm for early morning yoga
- … and her complaints about it afterwards.
She has worked her way into our hearts with bountiful supplies of food, good conversation, ceaseless professionalism and a contagious passion for everything she believes in. Whether you’ve witnessed this in her time as a headline speaker at Escape the City’s events, conjuring the goodwill of hundreds at BeyondMe Bootcamps or got down to the detail in one-to-one calls dedicated to moving the dial on causes that matter, you’ll no doubt agree: her profound commitment to social impact is a shining example to us all.
In the words of those who’ve enjoyed her company closest:
Adam Pike, BeyondMe’s co-founder:
“Ambica was the first BeyondMe leader in the Civil Service. I remember my first meeting with civil servants in the Treasury coffee shop, trying to persuade them to set-up the first BeyondMe team there. Ambica struck me as an incredibly warm and passionate person. From that moment I knew she would be a do-er and not a talk-er. She became a friend and later a colleague at BeyondMe HQ. Ambica is a special person. She cares so deeply about her work and her colleagues. BeyondMe’s movement is so much greater as a result of Ambica’s enormous contribution and she leaves a lasting legacy. I look forward to her next BeyondMe team at Super Being Labs.”
Anisha Patel, Former colleague:
“I remember working with Ambica to prepare for her first public speaking engagement at BeyondMe. Her topic was ‘generous leadership’ and ahead of delivering it, she was full of nerves. But at the Bootcamp, she nailed it! Her confidence and above all, authenticity, radiated on stage. Ambica is an incredibly engaging and genuine presenter, and this is an exceptional combination.”
Jack Follet, Portfolio Associate:
“Ambica resembles everything we’re trying to do here at BeyondMe. She’s devoted, compassionate, super intelligent and a joy to be around. PS: Thanks for introducing me to chicken satay — I am forever changed!”
Joel Cohen, Communications Manager:
“The longer I’ve worked with her, the stronger I realise Ambica’s immense appetite for inspiration springs from a compassion for — and genuine interest in — the world beyond us. She has made a recent convert, committed friend and lifelong fellow traveller out of me.”
Nick Mason, Head of Portfolio and Operations:
“From strategic outlook and tactical delivery to politics and philosophy, Ambica and I disagree so frequently that even when we agree, we arrive there through entirely different logic. I have no doubt that the mix of our differences has been a force for good at BeyondMe, and it’s comforting to know that common ground has always been found over large amounts of food! Knighthoods, Nobel Prizes and public office will have to wait. For now, to Super Being Labs where she is sure to blast high expectations out of the water. I look forward to disagreeing and eating with her always!”
Kawika Solidum, Chief Executive:
“Ambica was my ‘buddy’ during the interview process that eventually landed me my job at BeyondMe. It was her intellect and inspiring manner that locked me into the organisation’s mission. She will have her fingerprints all over many of the partnerships that BeyondMe has launched, but what she may not know is that it was her heart and enthusiasm that made me believe in the potential of BeyondMe’s greater purpose.”
The entire BeyondMe family wishes you all the very best in the next mission you take on!
