This morning, while potential Level 1 investees braved the sweltering sun in the name of teambuilding, the Level 2’s connected with expert
mentors. These experts on legal structures, finance, marketing, and HR offered one-on-one sessions to work through project-based issues

and to develop customized plans. The benefits were mutual, says Biki Duggal, marketing expert from Locus Infotainment – “once I realized the motivation with which these people carry themselves, it was hard not to carry inspiration forward and start to see myself eventually” setting up a venture “to give back to society.”

Just in case anyone hadn’t been floored by inspiration by lunchtime, Ashoka Fellow Vishal Talreja told his story to the group. As a young business professional, Vishal founded Dream a Dream, an empowerment program for street children in Bangalore. Reflecting on the peaks and valleys of his journey, Vishal recalled the words of a mentor during a time of crisis, when Dream a Dream was soaring but internal strife threatened to break up the organization. “All that he said was, ‘stick to your work. Do what you’re doing with the children. Don’t let go.’ God help me, I stuck to those words.” Often, we talk about the need for structures and systems because passion alone can’t sustain an organization – but in this case, re-connecting with their original passion allowed the team to regroup and move forward. Dream a Dream has reached the lives of over 3,000 children, with a core of about 150 who have turned their lives around completely.

Afternoon sessions on creative problem solving and self-reflection culminated in a powerful group sharing process. Several participants brought forward their challenges and issues they face as changemakers – family demands to earn more money and self-doubt, for starters. The group opened up a space for guidance and advice, relating shared experiences and emotions. After just three days together, the trust that is present in this group reveals strong bonds that will be pillars of a long-term ecosystem of peer support.