Introducing The Ripple Collective, Empowering Free Thinkers
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Currently working in Loyalty and Partnerships, Prat came about the idea of Ripple Collective with a friend. While working on an MBA (part-time) at the Schulich School of Business, he was fortunate enough to engage with students from different backgrounds. What become evident was that the international student experience was really tough and there was no proper framework in place to help a student understand the job market, how to network etc.
As a result of this, Prat started to participate in info sessions at the Schulich School of Business (after graduation) but realized it wasn’t enough to help. Through one of those info sessions, he met someone (who became a good friend) and together they started to think of how to make this experience better. Ripple Collective is a content platform to empower free thinkers through raining, open dialogue and collaboration. It's an environment where people are comfortable to build their skills and learn from our collective. We sat down with Prat to get to know him better. |
What about your work brings you true joy?
For me it’s the ability to give back and able to help people achieve their dreams. International students are paying a significant amount of money to complete education here and they do not have the normal support system (i.e. being miles away from family).
We wanted to develop something that can act as the support system and be part of their journey.
We wanted to develop something that can act as the support system and be part of their journey.
What has been your most valuable learnings?
Patience. Personally, I like to get things done and pounce on an opportunity. However, by moving quickly you can miss out on key insights and opportunities.
If you could learn to do anything, what would that be?
Be able to cook like my parents (I’m starting to learn from them and observe when they make curries). It’s an art!
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
It’s a cheesy answer but I grew up reading Marvel and DC comics. I loved Wolverine, for his ability to heal himself. I am a tad bit clumsy and end up with unnecessary bruises.
Can you describe an experience/incident that happened that made you a stronger person?
I grew up in poverty for most of my early childhood. I vividly remember, eating toast, peanut butter and jam for lunch and dinner everyday. That would be the only thing my parents could afford for us to eat. Both my parents work multiple jobs (dad had 3, mom had 2) and I would have to take care of myself because they were rarely home (can’t imagine a 4 yr old being alone in a basement apartment).
Despite all that my parents never complained and they would always tell me that they were grateful because we still had something to eat. My parents would always tell me, doesn’t matter what happens in the future, never forget your past. My experience in my early childhood taught me the importance of resilience and always find the good in any situation. If you aim for the gutter, you’re going to hit it 100% of the time.
If you could give your past self any advice, what would it be?
Never question if you deserve to have a seat at the table. If you don’t believe in yourself and give yourself the chance, no one will.
Be able to cook like my parents (I’m starting to learn from them and observe when they make curries). It’s an art!
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
It’s a cheesy answer but I grew up reading Marvel and DC comics. I loved Wolverine, for his ability to heal himself. I am a tad bit clumsy and end up with unnecessary bruises.
Can you describe an experience/incident that happened that made you a stronger person?
I grew up in poverty for most of my early childhood. I vividly remember, eating toast, peanut butter and jam for lunch and dinner everyday. That would be the only thing my parents could afford for us to eat. Both my parents work multiple jobs (dad had 3, mom had 2) and I would have to take care of myself because they were rarely home (can’t imagine a 4 yr old being alone in a basement apartment).
Despite all that my parents never complained and they would always tell me that they were grateful because we still had something to eat. My parents would always tell me, doesn’t matter what happens in the future, never forget your past. My experience in my early childhood taught me the importance of resilience and always find the good in any situation. If you aim for the gutter, you’re going to hit it 100% of the time.
If you could give your past self any advice, what would it be?
Never question if you deserve to have a seat at the table. If you don’t believe in yourself and give yourself the chance, no one will.
Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash