In this Deep Dive episode, Himal Mandalia recounts his journey from a challenging childhood to a successful and unconventional career. He shares his transformative path from depression and hopelessness to finding purpose through coding. Himal emphasizes the need for a non-judgmental space for storytelling and reflects on overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure. Himal grew up in East London with Indian and Ugandan heritage. His early years were marked by extreme hardship, including poverty and neglect. Despite lacking formal education, his curiosity and self-directed learning fueled his passion for technology. In his 20s, he pursued a computer science degree but struggled with personal and academic challenges Himal transitioned from tech jobs to becoming a nomadic traveler, redefining success on his own terms. Key highlights of his story include: Overcoming Adversity: Resilience in the face of poverty and family dysfunction. Self-Discovery: Pursuing passions through self-education and travel. Critique of Conventional Systems: Challenging traditional measures of success. Struggles: Severe depression and financial issues while dealing with a difficult employer. Coping Mechanisms: Distracting himself with World of Warcraft, baking, and befriending neighbourhood cats. Turning Point: A 2012 trip to India with his mother prompted a reassessment of his career and skills. Breakthrough: In 2013, reconnecting with friends and working on a software project led to job offers and a move to content marketing and government roles. Career Progression: Fulfilment in government work with a user-focused approach. Reflection: Overcoming self-doubt and understanding both technical and human aspects of challenges.   Resources: Himal's Blog: Action for Children: