Writing a blog has been reminding me of the importance of bringing together the personal and professional in my work.
Sometimes things hit us unexpectedly and knock us for six. How do we manage these and maintain that balance? How do we manage these with our colleagues, – how do we feel vulnerable in the workplace and maintain authority. How do we ensure we don’t feel these undermine our authority or reduce others confidence in us as leaders. And, – can these big life events be used as opportunities, – can we learn during them and use them to inform how we manage / lead? Can we balance leading whilst looking after ourselves and others?
Whilst writing this blog, hence its lateness I have been hit by a shocking bit of news from our friends and colleagues in Bangalore, – that Akash Singh, Head of Resource Mobilisation Team for the Parikrma Humanity Foundation has died. He was one of these truly incredible people that so many of our organisations depend upon, – simply an amazing human being.
Like so many of the best beginnings to friendships, I first met Akash when he took Adam and I, just after arrival for some food to Ambur Star Briyani in Bangalore;
A great meal of mutton byriani, eaten with fingers, served on banana leaves. (sorry about the photo)
Akash embodied the very essence of their mission, – of providing deeply caring school communities for children aged 5 – 18, from the Bangalore slums and their families. They are an inspirational charity transforming lives of some of the most deprived and troubled in our world. His voice narrates this video on their website: Parikrma Humanity Foundation
Akash was a powerhouse behind all that they do. He was kind, generous, compassionate and seemed to know everyone and all that was going on, all the time.
When we visited, he was always there but never front and centre, – behind the scenes, organising, smoothing, arranging, sorting – caring. Nothing was too much trouble. As a visitor, I felt held in mind, – contained, – looked after.
Members of the Mulberry Bush team said:
“Nothing was ever too much for Akash — not even organising a safari! He gave generously, helped without hesitation, and listened with genuine warmth. Always just a call away, day or night, Akash was there for anyone in need (including when being lost on an Auto). He shared countless meals, often diving into conversations about his love for nature and his passion for motorbikes. Akash’s presence was a gift to all who knew him, and his absence is deeply felt.”
When we went into their schools, he was known by all, respected, listened to and always busy! It is a huge shock to everyone who knew him and a loss to the world. We send them love and support at this most difficult time.
We have been reaching out to offer support in Bangalore and to our staff in the UK who knew Akash.
In addition to the personal experience of loss, I am sure Parikrma will be feeling the hole his loss has left in the organisation and experiencing the absence of all that he did, – all those things they knew he did and all those things they didn’t realise he did.
In the wake of this loss, I am reminded again how deeply interconnected the personal and professional can be. Leadership is not about leaving emotion at the door—it’s about learning to lead with empathy, clarity, and conscious intention. If we are to continue supporting others through their pain, we must also care for our own.
