AJAY MEHTA

                                                             AJAY MEHTA, FOUNDER AND CEO - KI-RIN

Tell us about your life and passion
My passion, vocation and purpose in life is to help transform communities and tackle disadvantage. I believe that everyone has the power of philanthropy and ability to spark social change. The key is willingness, self belief and determination. Didn't Mahatma Gandhi say, "be the change you wish to see in the world"?

What is Ki-Rin and how does it help make organisations more efficient and ethical?
Ki-Rin was established in 2003 to help charities be more efficient and sustainable in their impact. Through consultancy and people development processes, we now also work with public sector organisations in the area of cultural competence and diversity, and with philanthropists who wish to connect with high impact causes.

How has your culture influenced your work?
I was brought up in a Hindu household, with values based on ‘giving is living'. When I arrived in the UK over 30 years ago, optimistic about being educated "in the West" and secure a brighter future to support my family, I soon fell into working within the Charity sector.

Do organisations you work with respect your identity and passion?
I am normally the first point of contact for organisations we engage with. I am a strong believer in the ‘walk the talk' philosophy, needing to reassure our clients that contracting with us won't just be another business deal, but that there will be a strong emotional and empathetic connection. I dont think they always understand my culture and values, sadly. They could be more sensitive.

How can British charities be more diverse, inclusive and embrace the strengths of diversity?
British charities are poor at managing and monitoring cultural diversity. Often enough, this comes to bite them back in the form of tribunal cases and loss of wider public support. Abandoning tokenism, actually implementing equality & diversity policy measures, a genuine duty of care, and authentic leadership, are the key. Britian is a huge multi-cultural society, and charities are losing out by not engaging with this richness and diversity.

Article added on 21st December 2009 at 4:13pm