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Drishti Basi, a Laidlaw Scholar at Oxford University's Saïd Business School, on Using Cross-Sector Collaboration to Drive Systems Change.

I am a systems change advocate, who believes in the power of responsible investing to shift the status quo. I started out in the impact space as a young entrepreneur working in the urban slums of Delhi, which taught me very early on the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to build effective public systems. The willingness to work at a systems level led me to join Dasra, a venture philanthropy organization in India, where I spent 4 years working to build resilient and inclusive city systems through partnerships and synergies among governments, enterprises, and philanthropic foundations, --highlighting the impact of strategic investments. This experience convinced me of the need to deepen my understanding of investment strategies to support social ventures more effectively which led me to see the MBA as a stepping stone into that role. I chose Oxford for its focus on the intersection of business and impact, and Laidlaw scholarship became an anchor to my Oxford experience with its focus on nurturing leaders who care about making ethical and impactful decisions.

What is the biggest life challenge you have overcome and what did you learn from it?

Stepping away from a lucrative corporate position right after college to dive into the nonprofit world was, without a doubt, my most challenging decision. The transition wasn’t just about shifting career paths; it was a profound personal and financial commitment, involving a 40% reduction in salary and a move to India’s most expensive city. Despite these considerable changes, my dedication to making a tangible impact in urban sanitation drove me forward. This leap of faith not only aligned my professional journey with my core values but also led to unexpected professional growth. Within three years, my contributions were recognized with three promotions, making me the youngest manager in the organization. This experience solidified my belief that true fulfilment comes from pursuing work that resonates deeply with one’s values and aspirations, even when it entails stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

What is the most useful/impactful piece of advice you have been given in your life?

The most impactful advice I've ever received came from a former manager, who was also a mentor and role model to me. She taught me the power of never self-eliminating — to "Never assume a door is closed; it's not your job to reject yourself”. This wisdom has encouraged me to pursue chances I might have otherwise overlooked, fundamentally changing how I approach my career and personal growth.

Conversely, what is the WORST piece of advice you have been given?

The worst advice I've had to unlearn was the notion that the loudest voices in the room are the most representative. I have been fortunate to be around groups that seek out quieter opinions, teaching me the significance of holding space and active listening.

What are your top 3 leadership tips?

I have gathered these tips from my personal experience of working in teams and with leaders who have inspired me, and shown me how to build effective teams in the future:

1. Embracing Inclusive Leadership: Cultivating an environment where diversity of thought and background is valued as a key to success. Encouraging diverse perspectives fosters innovation and creativity.
2. Encourage Participative Decision-Making: Involving team members in decisions to leverage collective wisdom and enhance commitment. This approach not only improves decision quality but also strengthens team morale.
3. Focus on Building a Culture of Trust: Trust is fundamental. By being transparent, showing vulnerability, and acting with integrity, you create a culture where open communication and risk-taking are encouraged, leading to high performance and a cohesive team.

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?

The Laidlaw scholarship is life-altering, to say the least. It opens doors to a world-class institution, that I thought was never possible for me before. It is also humbling to be part of a legacy and a group of scholars with a clear intention to pay it forward by developing a generation of women who are unafraid to take the lead in the business world or otherwise. I have found a sisterhood in the Laidlaw scholars!

Which leaders inspire you the most and why?

I am inspired by leaders who boldly challenge systemic norms and past practices, especially those that may have been exclusionary. In the philanthropic investing space, MacKenzie Scott has changed the way philanthropists view giving to NGOs. Her ‘Ripple Effect Philanthropy’ as it is being termed is reshaping the broader philanthropic landscape. By prioritizing unrestricted, trust-based giving, Scott challenges the conventional grant-making paradigms. This encourages other funders to reconsider the overly regulated and restrictive nature of funding, paving the way for more flexible and impactful philanthropic strategies.

Describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.

In future, as a leader with experience ranging from venture philanthropy to government advocacy, I seek to continue my efforts toward differentially investing in women’s leadership. I see a world where impact-focused and women-led businesses are not just seen as viable investments but are recognized for their exceptional benefits, extending beyond financial returns to create significant societal impact. My goal is to shift mental models and perceptions, making this vision a reality.

Quick-fire Questions

📺 Currently binging: 

I'm always binging Killing Eve and Fleabag re-runs. 

📚 My top book recommendation: 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi

🎶 My anthem: 

Sweet Symphony, by Joy Oladokun

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently:

Finding time to explore the quiet nature spots in Oxford!