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Featured Alum: Devi Sahny

Current city/state: Past: Belgium, Washington DC, NYC. Present: Singapore

Profession: I head Ascend Now, an online platform with 1-on-1 coaching (across academic and personal development subjects) and video content.

I’ve been doing this for 2 years now, and can’t imagine doing anything else. I firmly believe that students learn beautifully online.

TIP courses and years: Field Studies, Leadership Institute: Leading Strategically in the 21st Century, 2010

The Leadership course was unforgettable. I was invited the next year to present my learnings to the next cohort at the Leadership Institute. Both experiences were unique and impactful.

Funniest TIP memory: It was a long time ago, but I recall my friends and I eating someone else’s lunch by accident at Loop. We only realized midway through the meal. I wish I could say that sort of situation hasn’t happened again…

Most impactful thing you learned at TIP: My professor Mehdi Moutahir taught me to think for myself and have a line of reasoning to support any thought. He taught me that instead of competing with competitors, find a way to work with them across any situation. I still do that today.

Song you’d perform at TIPSync today, or dance to at a TIP dance: I’m a terrible dancer so I’d likely avoid hurting your eyes. Probably “Just Dance”, “Capsize” or “C’est la Vie”

Book recommendation: Shoedog by Phil Knight or Principles by Ray Dalio

Hidden talent: I’d say I’m a decent “pranker” – I’ll do a lot for a laugh. My most recent prank was confusing my aunt and brother who had just landed after a 15+ hour flight. I told them that a certain person (who does not exist) was going to pick them up. They spent about 15 minutes trying to search for that person. I was giggling in the background before admitting to my crime.

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