Mira Swarup’s heartfelt talk reframes the idea of giving, shifting it from sacrifice to strength. She begins by admitting she once saw giving as a drain—time, energy, and pieces of herself disappearing with each act. But through seva in her Sikh upbringing, leadership volunteering, and her work as a healer, she discovered that giving is not a tank that empties but a river that flows. Rather than depleting her, giving clarified her mind, built courage, and gave her a voice. She shares how research supports this truth: giving without boundaries leads to burnout, but giving with balance—what psychologist Adam Grant calls “otherish giving”—creates resilience, trust, and even joy. Drawing on science, spirituality, and her own journey, Mira redefines giving as a current that nourishes both giver and receiver. Her central lesson—that we thrive not by guarding but by flowing—offers an empowering invitation: to give without keeping score, and in doing so, discover that contribution is not depletion but fulfillment.
Mira Swarup is a Communication Coach and Speaker who helps professionals transform presence into influence. Over the past decade, she has designed and led workshops on executive presence, difficult conversations, and business storytelling for leaders across consulting, IT, FMCG, and banking industries.
Her work is rooted in a belief she grew up with in her Sikh household, that service (seva) and giving strengthen both individuals and communities. For Mira, giving is not depletion, but a state of flow.
Her journey reflects a simple truth. When we give of ourselves: our time, voice, and presence, we create ripples of change far beyond us. That possibility rests in every one of us, if we choose to give. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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