DevDive

In conversation with Abhilash Puljal, a trained social scientist, a trade strategy and private sector development specialist and a certified management consultant. He has close to two decades of experience advising public and private sectors, multilaterals and industry associations in conceptualising and implementing sustainable ventures, developing business strategies, interpreting and advising on policy and regulatory matters across agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare and education verticals. He is passionate about developmental issues affecting the Global South. 

In this episode, he speaks to us about his growing up years, interest in numismatics and history, and his academic and professional experiences. About studying in the US, Australia, Russia, and the UK, and the takeaways during in the course of this journey. Also about how working in the development sector enables interactions with diverse peoples and communities, and the one skill that comes handy. 

In the first episode of the new year and our new series on careers in development, we are in conversation with Nauraiz Rana. Nauraiz is a development economist who works with the World Bank Group. He currently works on gender and economic inclusion for under-served groups in emerging markets. In addition to the world bank he has also worked for the United Nations Development Program, for the Government of Punjab (Pakistan) and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development undertaking development-oriented roles. His focus areas include private sector development, gender mainstreaming, and financial inclusion. Nauraiz holds a dual Master’s degree in Economic Development and Policy for the London School of Economics and Political Science and Columbia University. 

In this episode, he speaks to us about his intent to work in the development space early on, how he made the most of the opportunities of studying in two of the world's best educational institutions, and how he carved a niche in the wide world that development is. He speaks about the importance of field exposure and having an understanding of ground realities, and how evidence-based policies are the need of the hour. He also shares his views on gender inclusion and equality and why it is critical to all development goals. 

In conversation with Mr. Hashmatullah Hayat, Assistant Director at Aschiana based in Afghanistan. Aschiana (“nest” in Dari Farsi) was founded in 1995 to help war affected children and children working on the streets in Kabul, Afghanistan. Mr. Hayat has worked in the sector for more than 13 years. Since the outbreak of covid-19, he has been responsible for distribution of ration, food and sanitisation materials and masks which has benefited more than 15,000 families.

In this episode, he speaks to us about his organisation’s initial response to covid, how they started relief work, the trajectory of the pandemic and their response mechanism, and why social distancing would be more prudent than complete lockdown.

In conversation with Rogier Jansen, a private equity investment analyst based in London. His organisation focuses on care quality and care outcomes to service users. Rogier holds a Masters degree in Health Economics from The London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelors degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Amsterdam.

In this episode, he speaks to us about his journey in the healthcare sector, what private equity in healthcare means, and how the healthcare market interact with health policies, and how the public and private sectors partner to provide healthcare services. He also shared some insights on the impact of the pandemic on opportunities of PPPs in healthcare.

In conversation with Deidre Sully, a Public Health Advocate and Director of NYC Smoke-Free at Public Health Solutions, leading the program's mission to end the devastating tobacco epidemic and protect the health of all New Yorkers by expanding smoke-free protections for New York City. She also woks with Red Wrap, a community service initiative providing feminine hygiene supplies to homeless women, and liaises with NYC area shelters to host events to distribute donations. She aims to continue to work towards ensuring that people have equal and equitable opportunities in health and wellness. 

In this episode, she speaks to us about NYC Smoke-Free, how they convince stakeholders to contribute to the cause, bringing in regulatory changes, and the impact it has had on the residents and the city. She also speaks about her work in the menstrual health and hygiene space.  She shares the effect of the pandemic on her work as a public health advocate, how the ways of interacting and educating have changed, and how she aims to keep working for the cause of public health. 

In conversation with Giulia Elizabeth Presti, a mental health frontline worker. She studied Sociology & Psychology at University of Bangor in Wales- worked with Syrian refugees. She holds an MSc in Social & Cultural Psychology from The London School of Economics and Political Science. She has volunteered for mental health helplines for students and now works as a mental health support worker with people with one or several mental health conditions or drug/alcohol dependencies. She also works as a part-time horticultural therapy assistant, helping people with mental health conditions through gardening. 

In this episode, she speaks to us about her personal journey that drew her to work in the mental health space, her insights on how individual mental health is located in a social and economic context, and her work with various groups- migrants, refugees, women, and students. She shares her ideas about how institutions should support student wellbeing and why connectedness with nature can aid therapy.

In conversation with Farheen Rashid, Founder of With Love, We Care- an organisation working towards raising awareness about mental health and creating safe spaces for conversations on the subject. Farheen is a mental health social worker trained at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. Her aim is to create positive changes in the area of mental health and well-being. The vision of her organisation is to build a stigma-free society, where each individual is loved, accepted and valued. In this episode, she speaks to us about the idea behind With Love, We Care, the activities she conducts, and how she plans to help build a stigma free society. 

In conversation with Jaskiran Gill, Founder of Listening Inn, an initiative looking to create a sustainable model to cultivate listening skills in people, create the biggest network of active listeners and educate people on mental health. She speaks to us about what led to Listening Inn, the critical role of listening, and the importance of creating non-judgmental, safe spaces.