A Class of Their Own The Secret to Feeling Lucky and Accepted with Alpesh Patel
Join us for an engaging episode featuring Alpesh Patel, as he shares his unique journey and insights into overcoming societal expectations, cultural challenges, and achieving success on his own terms.
Alpesh is a 50-year-old, Indian, gay man who opens up about his upbringing and the lack of role models who looked like him. He was expected to follow a traditional path of marriage and children, but his life has taken a different turn. His blunt nature, while sometimes off-putting to others, is a key trait that has helped him navigate who he is.
Growing up, Alpesh faced immense pressure to excel academically. His parents drilled into him the importance of studying hard, which eventually led to his mum kicking him out of the house. Did that help or hinder Alpesh? He, found himself in Brighton, studying in a predominantly white environment. Initially feeling out of place, he quickly embraced the diversity and challenges, finding his stride and loving the experience that gave him so many of the skills and confidence he has today to embrace who he is.
Alpesh's career was driven by a relentless pursuit of being the best. Starting as a part-time sales employee while at university, he climbed the ranks to become a top salesperson, manager, and area manage and beyond. His motivation was clear: to be number one and earn as much money to live the life he wanted to. His journey has led him to entrepreneurship, opening a zero-waste shop in Hackney Wick.
Throughout his life, Alpesh has learned the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives. He advises against quick judgments and emphasises listening to others' experiences to create a more inclusive and less polarised world.
Tune in to hear Alpesh Patel's candid reflections on his life, career, and the lessons he's learned along the way. His journey is filled with laughter, challenges, and insights into what it means to stay true to yourself and succeed when you go against the grain of expectation and become yourself.
Alpesh #YouAreAClassOfYourOwn
Guest Alpesh Patel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpesh-patel-4212b031
https://www.instagram.com/alpesh.patel2
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
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Host: Mira Magecha
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha
https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha
Creative Director: Alex Payne
https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne
Editor: Josh Partridge
https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker
Music: Jay Witsey
https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey
Episode bought to you by: play for change
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