Andrea Malam was born in Mumbai- India, and later settled down in London is the Founder & Trustee of Saving Dreams Charity. Andrea is a multi-award-winning Champion, a Crown Medal recipient for her exemplary long service in law enforcement alongside receiving a British Empire Medal for services to Diversity.
As a Leader in Diversity, Andrea delivers to open minded individuals tailored mindset strategies to positively change their perception to enable Inclusion, Diversity & Equality. Her 20 plus years’ experience in the UK Civil Service and evidence-based knowledge has helped Andrea in supporting others understand themselves before understanding others.
She is also the author of Anglo-Indians Abroad: Dreams build on the Clash of Cultures and is currently launching her next book Bias Breakers: An Anthology in April with 12 diverse co-authors, which is a collection of stories by those who have triumphed against the odds.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
"I was born in Mumbai - but United Kingdom made me." So, it has to be London. Such an open minded and a multi-cultural city; it gave me opportunities which I would not have had if I was living elsewhere.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Always learning to be Strong. Everyone deserves a strong one in their lives. You do what you love, you love what you do, you are tough and tender at the same time - you are growing your own path. Never a truer word was spoken that struck the core of my very being.
3) What inspires you?
My belief that life matters and that it is our choice to live it to grow our dreams and complete them. I do what I do because life matters, and we need to start living, taking charge of our own power, control, authenticity, and integrity to fulfil our dreams.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
We live in a diverse society, so biases can affect a wide range of people in different ways. The biggest obstacle was the bullying and gender gap in Inclusion, Diversity and Equality.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Mother Teresa. Her motivation to make a difference to the lives of others. This goes beyond leaving a legacy, and I would like to achieve a similar story of making a difference in the lives of others when I look back on my life.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Acknowledging and Recognising diversity is an opportunity but also a challenge. I believe it's about accepting that everyone is different. This means I will continue to call out behaviours and actions that are unfair.
7) And the worst?
There can be so much more that can be done to improve the lives of others but poor resources.
8) What are your long-term goals?
I have always been a woman of intentions and goals. As a young teenager I wished to travel across the world and visit the seven wonders that have made a home on this planet. My vision aims at serving mankind and inspiring the rest of humanity to live life the way I do and carry out what stands on their vision board.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
As a leader and role model, I have seen many failures, flaws and issues in the system. I would use my position as a thought leader to define and push the boundaries, voice opinions and get opinions voiced, as well as tackle change.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
My very much younger self. Learning from the mistakes made, as I would be able to preach and practice with empathy whatever I know now. Lead the life I now lead!
