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Can ambition and idealism go hand-in-hand?

Can ambition and idealism go hand-in-hand?

Hard Problems
June 19, 2025

For a long time now, I’ve struggled to find a way for my ambition to coexist with my values. But what is ambition, and who gets to define it?

I come from the tech world, where ambition often means a fast-moving career, powerful titles, wealth, and influence. Success is defined by how quickly and visibly someone climbs. The terms are so narrow, it’s hard to separate ambition from careerism.

But isn't real ambition about taking on hard problems that could actually change the world? Work that reaches people most often left out, and pushes the world closer to equity?

I see this more clearly now through my work in public health. I work alongside people improving how India prevents deaths from heart disease, diabetes, and cancers. These are system-level problems, shaped by constraints that leave no easy answers. Change here is slow but lasting. It’s ambitious to believe you can shift something this complex.

In our recent fireside chat with senior epidemiologists Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur and Dr. Ganeshkumar, I was reminded again of how truly bold and long-sighted our goals are. You can listen to our conversation below.

Working with tech teams in this space, my ideals and ambition no longer feel at odds. My idealism tells me things should be better. My ambition gives me the courage to act. If you’re looking for similar work in tech, we’ve got 5 great roles for you.

– Mahima Chandak, Co-founder

Standout Tech Roles

Technology Lead, Artpark (Bangalore, India)

Artpark is an incubator at the Indian Institute of Science that works on AI and Robotics innovation for the public sector. They’re looking for a technology lead to own and drive the projects under Data & AI platforms.

UX Lead, Artpark (Bangalore, India)

Artpark is also looking for a UX lead to join as its first design hire. The designer will be responsible for owning and evolving the user experience across their digital products as well as building out their design team.

Head of Product, Noora Health (Bangalore, India)

Noora Health is a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers caregivers with skills they need to care for their loved ones post hospitalisation. They’re seeking someone to lead product strategy & roadmap across all product lines.

Senior Software Engineer, Our Future Health (London, UK)

Our Future Health focuses on leveraging large-scale health data and research to improve disease prevention, detection, and treatment. They are hiring a Senior Software Engineer to join their core data services squad.

Senior Data Center Solutions and Operations Engineer, Gates Foundation (Seattle, US)

Gates Foundation is offering a unique opportunity to lead the design and optimisation of their data centers. Join to play a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructure that powers global operations.