When Purpose Meets Possibility: A Student Ambassador’s Journey
Being a Purpose Lab Student Ambassador has been a truly formative experience, giving me the chance to explore how ideas of purpose, leadership, and innovation are being redefined in today’s world. What has stood out to me most is how consistently the sessions have shown that purpose is not just an abstract ideal but something that must be actively embedded into the everyday practices of organisations.
The conversations on hybrid and flexible working, for instance, shifted my perspective in a lasting way. I came to see that these models are not simply about convenience or logistics; they represent a wider cultural shift in how we imagine the workplace. When organisations design work around people’s needs, rather than requiring people to mould themselves to rigid structures, they create environments that are more inclusive, creative, and supportive of individual wellbeing. This alignment of strategy with human values is both ethically significant and practically effective.
Equally enriching was the opportunity to learn from my peers. Their insights frequently surfaced perspectives I had not previously considered, reminding me that intellectual growth is often catalysed by dialogue across disciplines and experiences. This exchange underscored the collective dimension of purpose: it is not discovered in isolation, but forged through conversation, challenge, and shared reflection.
Equally eye-opening were the presentations delivered by companies. They offered a rare glimpse into the immense thought and effort that goes into shaping organisational policies and initiatives. Hearing about the innovative approaches being taken to embed inclusion, sustainability, and opportunity within the workplace made me appreciate how deliberate and purposeful these strategies are. It also showed me that meaningful change is possible when organisations place people at the heart of their decisions.
Beyond the sessions themselves, I was honoured on two occasions to be invited to the House of Commons, where the Purpose Coalition convened MPs, Ministers, and senior leaders from across business, education, health, and government. These invitations were a powerful testament not only to the Coalition’s influence and vision but also to its commitment to ensuring that students are active participants in discussions about leadership, policy, and societal impact.
For me, these moments were profoundly moving. I found myself reflecting on the 12-year-old Ashna, who would have scarcely imagined such opportunities, and on my grandmother, whose steadfast encouragement and belief in my potential have always been a quiet, guiding presence. I felt a deep sense of gratitude, both to the Purpose Coalition, for recognising and nurturing my ambitions, and to my family, whose support has made this journey possible. In that moment, I understood more vividly how far I had come, and how transformative it can be when an organisation genuinely believes in the promise of young people.
Looking back, the Purpose Lab has been both intellectually enriching and personally inspiring. It has given me a clearer vision of how purpose can connect individual ambition with collective progress, and why embedding it in practice is so vital for the future.
This is a guest blog by Ashna Dhaliwal, Purpose Lab Student Ambassador and University of Greenwich Law student.
