Adi Raval, Head of Communications @ Shield AI

In this episode, Simi welcomed Adi Raval to the pod. Adi currently serves as Head of Communications for Shield AI, a venture-backed AI company that serves the national security industry. Adi's work in comms has spanned some of the best and brightest teams in the world: he served as Head of Communications for TaskRabbit, which was acquired by Ikea. He led global media relations at the Bechtel Corporation, one of the largest engineering and construction firms in the world. What's more, he spent time as a Senior Crisis Communications advisor for Lime Bike. His comms experience extends to public service: Adi served as the Communications Director for President Obama’s “Power Africa” initiative, a unique public-private partnership designed to deliver clean energy to countries throughout Africa. He began his time in government as a U.S. diplomat based in Afghanistan. In a different lifetime, Adi also spent 12 years as a journalist with BBC and ABC News, including as the bureau chief in Iraq for BBC. In the episode, Adi shares how journalism paved his path to comms. He delves into his experiences abroad that shaped his career trajectory -- from covering the war in Iraq to Washington to venture. With serving society at the core of every decision, Adi has built a career around purpose and is a paradigm of passion and versatility. Be sure to check this one out!South Asian Trailblazers is an award-winning media platform, community, and agency dedicated to elevating leading South Asians. Join our community at SouthAsianTrailblazers.com. Subscribe to our newsletter to get new episodes and updates on our latest events in your inbox. Follow us @southasiantrailblazers on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify.