The historic House of Lords, UK, witnessed a momentous event as the Institute of Directors (IOD) Global Convention 2024 convened leaders from across the globe. Among the prominent voices was 2008-batch IAS officer Sonal Goel, who delivered a powerful address on the theme Corporate Governance Meets Public Governance: Partnerships for Social Inclusion, Impact, and Sustainable Development.
Sonal Goel opened her speech by invoking Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—”the world is one family”—underscoring humanity’s shared responsibility to address pressing global issues like climate change, digital inclusion, and economic inequalities. Drawing on India’s achievements under PM Modi’s leadership, she highlighted key initiatives such as the Digital India Mission, PM-Jan Dhan Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, which have transformed millions of lives.
She emphasized India’s renewable energy commitments, including the International Solar Alliance, as a blueprint for public-private collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. Her mention of the Indian diaspora in the UK resonated deeply, recognizing their significant role in fostering bilateral ties and excelling in fields like healthcare and technology.
In her closing remarks, Sonal called for purpose-driven governance that aligns corporate strategies with people and the planet. Her words left an indelible mark, inspiring attendees to reimagine leadership for an inclusive and sustainable future.
After the talk, Sonal engaged with luminaries like Lord Karan Bilimoria and Baroness Verma, known for their remarkable contributions to public service and leadership, and shared a copy of her book, Nation Calling, with a few of them.
For the unversed, earlier this year, motivating countless UPSC aspirants preparing for the upcoming Preliminary examinations, IAS officer Sonal Goel recently shared a glimpse of her UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2007 Mains marksheet on X (formerly Twitter).
In her post, Sonal reminisced about the moment she stumbled upon the marksheet, describing it as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that culminated in her final selection in May 2008.
Sharing her journey, she revealed the hurdles she faced, including initially falling short of securing an interview call due to low scores in the General Studies papers. However, her unwavering determination pushed her to analyze her shortcomings and refine her preparation strategy.
Sonal highlighted the importance of mastering General Studies, consistent note-making, repeated revisions, and honing answer-writing skills—steps that proved instrumental in her eventual success.
What makes her story even more inspiring is her ability to balance multiple responsibilities. She prepared for the exam while pursuing an LLB from Delhi University and working part-time as a Company Secretary (CS). This rigorous schedule, paired with her determination, not only helped her clear the exam but also enabled her to achieve commendable scores in the subjects she prioritized.
Her post resonated with aspirants navigating the pressures of preparation, serving as a testament to resilience and hard work. Sonal’s journey continues to inspire many to chase their dreams, reminding them that perseverance and strategic preparation are the keys to success.