Mihir Trivedi on his path from purpose to partnership

I was fortunate to grow up across three continents: Kenya, England, and the United States. No matter where we were, one thing remained constant: the strength of our family bond. My parents valued education, but even more than that, they taught my brother and me that family, integrity, and resilience were the foundation of a meaningful life.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland. Like many young people, I started my career trying to find my place. I worked in accounting and even in the retail industry. Just as I was about to get married, the company I worked for went bankrupt, and at the same time, my father fell seriously ill. It was one of those moments in life that tests you. Looking back, it shaped me more than any professional milestone ever could. I realised how essential it is to remain resilient when life becomes uncertain. In moments like those, you put your head down and do what is needed, even when circumstances are hard. You learn to sacrifice short-term comforts for long-term stability.

One of the most enduring pieces of advice my father left me has stayed close to my heart: every job carries dignity. What matters is that you’re prepared to do what it takes—with honesty and commitment.

From a young age, I had a desire to work in different parts of the world. PwC provided that opportunity. I began my career in the United States, working across various cities and sectors, developing a strong understanding of how different industries operate and a strong grounding in financial discipline.

Combined with the values my parents instilled, those experiences continue to shape how I lead—with resilience, humility, and a belief in the power of family and community to guide you through life’s biggest challenges.

Back in college, as a finance major, the aspiration was clear. At the time, there were eight major accounting firms, and landing a role at one of them was considered both an achievement and a mark of prestige. I set my sights on becoming a partner. Ultimately, success is not about doing everything all at once, but about knowing your long-term goals and setting a pace to move toward them step by step. That goal gave me direction—to grow, network, and prove to myself that the knowledge and experience I had gained could truly make an impact.

I chose PricewatehouseCoopers (PwC) because of its strong reputation, impressive client portfolio across industries, and global reach. The early days were intense and formative. Long hours and steep learning curves, with people from so many different walks of life. As a junior, you did what was asked without hesitation-no shortcuts, no excuses. That environment taught me that adaptability, humility, and a work ethic are non-negotiable if you want to succeed.

Along the way, I earned my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and later pursued an MBA from the University of Chicago—both of which built the foundation I continue to rely on today.

To me, being a Partner at PwC is far more than a title—it signifies stewardship. It’s about carrying forward the values of the firm: trust, ethics, integrity, and quality—not just as ideals, but as lived principles. This is, at its core, both strategic and operational. We must understand our clients’ industries, recognise visible and latent challenges, and offer solutions that are practical and forward-thinking. Sometimes that means pointing out problems others don’t see, or don’t want to see. Those are the moments when leadership demands courage.

Equally, being a partner is about investing in people. I’ve always believed in the integral role partners play in sourcing and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Especially those who bring perspective and skills beyond my own experience.

Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about championing a culture of continual learning and, championing intellectual curiosity. Leaders must cultivate a space where everyone can contribute their best, feel connected to a shared purpose, and ultimately grow.

When I started, leadership felt like it was about delivering results. Over time, I’ve come to see that true leadership is about relationships—how you guide people through uncertainty or navigate change. Building trust is foundational to long-term impact.

One lesson that has never left me is something my father always said: ‘Be ready to work in any environment.’ When I joined PwC, my mentors echoed that sentiment. This mindset allowed me to embrace opportunities beyond my comfort zone, pivot when needed, and continually seek growth. This means each step up the ladder comes with a new baseline. Even now, as a partner, my journey of growth, adaptability, and emotional intelligence hasn’t stopped.

Over 34 years, I’ve worked in Egypt, Thailand, in our global groups involving capital markets, quality management, and now as Chief Risk Officer for PwC’s Southeast Asia Consulting business. Each move pushed me in new ways—whether it was managing client relationships, supporting IPOs around the world, or leading on governance and risk. Leadership, I’ve learned, is not static. It’s a practice of listening, evolving, and helping others rise with you.

PwC has always had to adapt to the world around it. In the early 2000s, corporate malfeasance reshaped how firms like ours thought about governance and accountability, pushing us to strengthen training, oversight, and governance. That period reinforced for me the importance of values as a compass.

Today, technology is the great disruptor. It is central to our work and innovation. We must not only consider AI, but also embrace it. AI, when implemented strategically, will not replace trusted human insight. Rather, those who learn how to collaborate with AI will redefine the future of consulting. For the next generation, the challenge is not choosing between expertise and technology, but combining both with purpose.

Outside of work, I find joy in simple things. Golf teaches me patience and calm. Cooking is another passion—I’m on a personal mission to perfect pizza and pasta, much to my family’s delight.

Spirituality and faith are important to me—they keep me grounded. And mentoring younger talent gives me great fulfillment. But above all, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my family. No matter how busy life gets, it remains my greatest priority.

For me, discipline is everything. I start my mornings early—usually at 5:30 AM—to work out before starting the day. I use my mornings to centre myself before the rush of the day begins. I also work with a dietitian to manage my nutrition—though cheat days are a part of the balance too.

I’ve also learned the importance of managing focus. I aim to clear my emails daily and avoid multitasking. Having clear goals set for your day is essential.

Ultimately, success is not about doing everything all at once, but about knowing your long-term goals and setting a pace to move toward them step by step.

As I enter the next phase of my career, I want to focus on mindfulness and continue learning. I’ve set a goal for myself to read at least ten books a year—I’m open to literary recommendations! I’d like to refine my culinary skills, travel widely, and reconnect with my African roots.

And of course, I remain committed to deepening my understanding of AI and its possibilities—because I’ll never stop on my journey to add strategic skills and value to my work. Through it all, I know this much: perseverance, faith, and family will continue to guide me, just as they always have.