Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Puneet Singh Singhal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Puneet Singh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

From the confines of a cramped Delhi slum to the structured corridors of an international bank, my journey has been anything but ordinary. Growing up amidst extreme poverty, my teenage years were a relentless battle against not just financial constraints but also the relentless shadows of dyslexia, dyspraxia, and a stammer. These challenges, coupled with ableism and bullying, sculpted a resilience in me that I didn’t recognize at first.

Landing a job at an international bank was like a ray of hope, a validation that I could transcend my circumstances. For 11 months, I immersed myself in this new world, grateful yet restless. Deep down, I felt a stirring, a call towards something more profound, more aligned with my core – advocating for disability inclusion.

Taking the leap was daunting. Leaving a stable, well-paying job to venture into the unknown territories of non-profit and advocacy was a gamble. The decision was an accumulation of years of silent battles against discrimination and a desire to make a meaningful change. It was about honoring my lived experiences and using them to empower others.

Starting my non-profit was both a dream and a challenge. Every step was uncharted, every decision a learning curve. But the journey has been transformative. It has allowed me to channel my struggles into a force for good, to advocate for those who’ve faced similar battles, and to strive for a world more inclusive and understanding of disabilities.

This risk, undeniably big and life-changing, has unfolded into a journey of growth, purpose, and impact. It has shown me the power of resilience and the importance of following one’s calling, even when it means stepping into the unknown.

Puneet Singh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a tenacious advocate for Disability Inclusion and Accessibility, I’ve woven my journey through adversity into a tapestry of social change and empowerment. Born into the challenging environment of a Delhi slum, I’ve faced extreme poverty, domestic violence, and the complexities of living with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and a stammer. These experiences shaped my resolve and led me to establish “ssstart.org,” a beacon for individuals grappling with speech and communication disabilities, especially stammering.

My work with ssstart.org is multifaceted, serving as a resource hub and a collaborative platform for sharing experiences and advocating rights. We focus on normalizing speech and communication disabilities, challenging societal stigmas, and promoting a more nuanced understanding of these issues. Our initiatives extend to fostering inclusive communities, bridging gaps between marginalized groups, and advocating for inclusive public spaces, educational institutions, and workplaces.

At Billion Strong, where I serve as the Chief Discovery Officer, my role is to enhance the “Discoverability” of persons with disabilities, particularly from the Global South. We aim to elevate voices often unheard and bring to light the intricate stories of individuals living with disabilities. This mission is rooted in a belief in the power of shared experiences and the necessity of inclusive representation.

My approach has been recognized and celebrated, leading to features in notable publications like Forbes and accolades including the Kindness & Leadership, 50 Leading Lights Asia Pacific 2023 by Kindnessrules, the Rising Star Award from Genius Within CIC, and inclusion in the Diversability D-30 Social Impact list.

What sets my work apart is the blend of lived experience with a strategic, intersectional approach to advocacy. I believe in empowering individuals and communities by providing resources, support, and platforms for dialogue and change. My journey, marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of equity, embodies the essence of social change and the transformative power of advocacy and empathy.

Additionally, as the Community Manager at the Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities (GNYPWD), I manage and nurture a community of over 600 young persons with disabilities. This role involves organizing networking events, capacity-building workshops, and connecting members to relevant organizations and opportunities. It’s a platform where young individuals with disabilities can access resources, education, and support, fostering their personal and professional growth.

For more insights into my journey and mission, visit my Forbes feature- https://www.forbes.com/sites/drnancydoyle/2022/07/27/disability-pride-month-focus-on-stammering/?sh=36c44975347f

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What has been pivotal in building my reputation within the disability inclusion and accessibility market is my active presence and engagement on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora. Documenting my journey, including the challenges and learnings, has allowed me to connect authentically with a wider audience. I have combined followership of more than 30k.

I’ve always prioritized genuine engagement. By showing a real interest in the perspectives of other social changemakers globally, I’ve fostered meaningful connections and learned from diverse experiences. This approach has helped broaden my understanding and enhanced the relevance of my advocacy work.

A key aspect of my approach has been the willingness to be vulnerable. Acknowledging that we are all on a learning curve, I have never hesitated to ask questions, seek clarity, or even admit when I am wrong. This openness has not only facilitated my personal growth but has also resonated with others, fostering a sense of trust and reliability.

Moreover, I’ve never shied away from asking for support when needed, whether that be in terms of funding, resources, or seeking connections with individuals who could further the cause. This level of honesty and directness in communication has been crucial in establishing my credibility and reinforcing my commitment to the cause of disability inclusion and accessibility.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Certainly, one of the most telling stories of resilience in my journey as a disability inclusion advocate and social change leader is how I sustained my initiatives without significant funding. This part of my journey is deeply intertwined with my past experiences of enduring poverty, which taught me invaluable lessons about resourcefulness and resilience.

Growing up in a slum, facing extreme poverty, I learned early on the art of making the most out of very little. This understanding of resource management translated seamlessly into my work with ssstart and other advocacy projects. I recognized the power of lean teams and the importance of maximizing output with limited resources.

This approach led me to harness the spirit of volunteerism among passionate youngsters who were eager to contribute to social change. I tapped into this energy, mobilizing a force of volunteers who were as dedicated to the cause as I was. Their enthusiasm and commitment filled the gap that lack of funding could have created. Together, we managed to create impactful programs, reach out to communities, and build networks, all with minimal financial input.

This period of my journey is a testament to the fact that while financial resources are important, they are not the sole determinants of success in social change initiatives. Passion, dedication, and a willingness to innovate in the face of challenges can drive a mission forward. My ability to navigate these challenges without losing sight of my goals demonstrates the resilience I’ve developed over the years, shaped by my personal struggles and triumphs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ssstart.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puneetsiinghal/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/puneet-singhal/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/notifications
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@puneetsinghsinghal7870
• Other: Medium- https://medium.com/@puneet2021 Quora Space- https://puneetsiinghalsspace.quora.com/