Deepak Swaroop’s journey from the prestigious halls of finance to the classrooms of high school mathematics epitomizes a profound shift in career trajectory driven by a quest for purpose and fulfillment.
Having dedicated nearly two decades to a distinguished career at EY in London, with a decade-long tenure as a partner commanding a lucrative salary, Swaroop’s decision to transition to the realm of education represented a significant departure from his previous professional trajectory. Armed with an MBA and enriched by executive management courses at esteemed institutions like Harvard and AI training at MIT, Swaroop possessed a formidable skill set honed in the high-stakes world of global finance.
However, his roots in Delhi and Mumbai during the formative years of the 1970s and 80s instilled in him a deep sense of ambition and resilience. Hailing from a family of accomplished engineers, Swaroop’s journey into the finance realm was marked by steady ascent, culminating in his pivotal role at Arthur Andersen & Co.
The collapse of Arthur Andersen & Co. following its entanglement in the Enron scandal posed a formidable challenge for Swaroop, leaving him among the 85,000 employees abruptly displaced. Faced with the dilemma of returning to India or navigating an uncertain future in the UK, Swaroop and his wife prioritized their children’s education, opting to remain in London despite the loss of corporate benefits.
Transitioning to EY, Swaroop continued to excel, playing a pivotal role in pioneering the firm’s adoption of automation and AI. Yet, as the corporate landscape evolved, Swaroop found himself at a crossroads, ultimately opting for early retirement to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
However, disillusioned by the fleeting allure of entrepreneurship, Swaroop embarked on a soul-searching journey that led him to the realm of education. Inspired by the transformative journey of Lucy Kellaway and fueled by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society, Swaroop made the bold decision to retrain as a high school math teacher.
Navigating the challenges of transitioning into a new career in his 50s, Swaroop encountered hurdles typical of novice educators, from adjusting to the rigors of classroom teaching to acclimating to the dynamics of interacting with adolescents. However, the genuine enthusiasm and affection of his students served as a source of inspiration, reaffirming his conviction in the profound impact of education.
Despite the significant disparity in remuneration compared to his former corporate role, Swaroop finds solace in the sense of purpose derived from his newfound vocation. Embracing the opportunity to empower and motivate young minds, Swaroop’s journey epitomizes the transformative power of reinvention and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond monetary pursuits.
