My Virgin Strive Experience
Sir Richard Branson has famously said, “Screw it, let’s do it.”
That was exactly the energy I channeled when I learned about The Strive Collective just 24 hours before, to join 40 strangers on a bus from Delhi to Agra to embark on a 300 km ride from Agra to Jaipur.
That impulsive decision has now earned me the unofficial record for the most last-minute sign-up in Strive’s history - and turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve said yes to.
Once we were there, it stopped being about who anyone was or what they had achieved. It was not about the scale of the people in the room, but the absence of hierarchy. Titles dissolved quickly. We were all simply in it together - riding, struggling, laughing, learning, and showing up as humans. Conversations about the future of AI happened on the same days we were peeing in bushes because where we were biking was so remote that there were no toilets. And somehow, that contrast made everything feel more real.
I want to acknowledge the intentionality and care with which this community has been built over many years by two cousins Noah Devereux and Sam Branson. Creating a space where ego takes a back seat, where leaders feel safe being beginners, and where generosity replaces judgment cannot be accidental, it is definitely by design.
In Agra, at dinner the night before beginning the ride, Richard asked me about my family and my work - simple questions, asked with genuine presence. What stayed with me was that he remembered everything I shared. To the point that at the final dinner, he asked my husband Dhruv to join us, remembered details about him, and picked up the conversation right where it had left off. That quiet humility really touched me. Over the course of the week, while biking with Richard, we spoke about 'The Elders', his interactions with Trump and Modi, family, business, decaf coffee (a whole story for another time!) and more.
Each and every person on the strive journey showed up with the intention to bring their most authentic selves. Despite having no idea what I had signed up for, I did not regret it for even a minute while I was there.
The one where we took over a local tractor! Somewhere in Rajasthan ;)Strive reinforced something I’ll carry with me: some of the most meaningful experiences in life are the ones we say yes to before fear (or overthinking) catches up.
There is a lot more to share but its hard to put it all in words. Grateful for the experience, the people, and the community that make it what it is.