My name is Niraj, and I work as an actuary in the city. I’ve always loved maths from a young age, and that translated seamlessly to an actuarial career. However, beyond the numbers, I’m deeply passionate about the power of lived experience.

Since 2022, I have been actively involved in public speaking, sharing my lived experiences across topics including neurodiversity, the actuarial profession, and my personal unmasking journey. What began as a way to make sense of my own experiences has grown into one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my work, using my voice to create understanding, challenge assumptions, and help others feel seen.

My public speaking engagements have taken me across the UK, including schools, universities, and conferences, where I aim to inspire others to embrace who they truly are.

To date, I have delivered over 20 public speaking engagements, including individual talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. I have had the privilege of speaking at a wide range of events, from universities and schools to professional conferences and industry forums. These opportunities have allowed me to engage with diverse audiences, spark honest conversations, and contribute to more inclusive thinking around neurodiversity and lived experience in professional spaces.

Public speaking has become my most impactful way of giving back. Whether I’m speaking to students at the start of their journeys or professionals navigating their own challenges, my goal is always the same, to offer authenticity, insight, and reassurance that there is more than one way to succeed.

In 2023, I started on an unmasking journey to show my authentic self to the world. This journey has proven to be incredibly challenging, yet it has also been the most rewarding experience I have encountered to date. Through this process of self-discovery, I have gained valuable lessons that I hope to share with others.

Today, I continue to speak openly about my lived experiences of neurodiversity, authenticity, and the actuarial profession, and inspire others in the process.