Introduce yourself
I’m Yash Gavali, Business Projects Lead at Mondrem Group. My journey to this role has been anything but ordinary. Just a few years ago, I was a small-town boy who had never even needed a passport. A spontaneous conversation with a friend about studying abroad set me on a path I could never have imagined, from completing an MSc in Investment Management with Distinction at Keele University to now helping shape projects that make a real difference in public services.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is knowing it makes a positive difference to people’s lives. At Mondrem, we partner with councils and public bodies to improve services that communities depend on. Every project is an opportunity to make processes smoother, experiences better, and places more welcoming, and that sense of purpose is what drives me.
How do you like to start and end your day?
I start my day with clarity, setting my priorities and intentions so I can give my best to the people and projects I’m working with. I like to end it with reflection, thinking about what I’ve learned, the progress made, and how I can grow even more tomorrow.
Who inspires you?
My parents are my greatest inspiration. My father, Sanjay, has supported me in every way he could, and my mother’s quiet strength and sacrifices have been the foundation for everything I’ve achieved. I also draw inspiration from the people I work alongside, leaders like Mike Astbury, who believe in giving people opportunities and trusting them to grow.
Why are public services important to you?
Public services are where fairness, opportunity, and community meet. They shape the places we live and the experiences we have every day. Most of our work is with planning departments in councils, helping them create the conditions for places to grow, develop, and thrive. Coming from a background where access and opportunity weren’t always guaranteed, I know how powerful it is when public services truly work for everyone.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about creating opportunities where they don’t seem to exist, whether that’s in education, careers, or community development. I believe in saying “why not?” to ideas that might feel out of reach, because that mindset has completely changed my own life. I’m also deeply interested in start-ups and dream of starting my own business one day.
How would you describe your Mondrem experience in one word and why?
Transformative, because in such a short time, I’ve grown professionally, learned more than I imagined, and contributed to projects that matter. Mondrem has been a place where I’ve been trusted to take ownership, encouraged to try new things, and supported every step of the way.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Graduating with Distinction from Keele University while building my career at Mondrem is something I’ll always be proud of. But more than the certificate, it’s the journey, adapting to a new country, taking risks, and turning opportunities into reality, that means the most to me.
And while it’s not my achievement, I’m deeply proud of my dad. I know he sacrificed a lot for our family and worked tirelessly to get us to where we are today. His determination has been a constant reminder of what hard work and resilience can achieve.
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