About a decade ago, Jayant Rastogi was deeply entrenched in the corporate world, serving as the CEO at Motorola Solutions for South Asia. His career was marked by strategic decisions and corporate successes, but his path took a transformative turn during a field session in Mumbai with the Magic Bus India Foundation. This NGO is dedicated to empowering young people from underprivileged backgrounds by equipping them with life skills and livelihoods. Rastogi was profoundly moved by how the organization used sports to tackle critical issues such as gender equality and the importance of education. This eye-opening experience sparked an immediate and profound connection, inspiring him to consider how his corporate expertise could be leveraged for social good.

Intrigued by the impact of Magic Bus, Rastogi began to explore the development sector in depth. He delved into the challenges and opportunities within this field, seeking to understand how he could make a meaningful difference. Over the next few years, he learned about the obstacles faced by NGOs and the strategies needed to overcome them. This period of exploration and learning prepared him for a significant career shift. In 2016, driven by a desire to contribute to social change, Rastogi made the bold decision to leave his successful corporate career and join Magic Bus as its Global CEO.

Under Rastogi’s leadership, Magic Bus has seen remarkable growth and impact. The organization, which has worked with over 3 million adolescents since its inception in 1999, has expanded its reach and refined its programs. Rastogi introduced a structured approach to program implementation and evaluation, ensuring that interventions are both impactful and scalable. His corporate background facilitated the formation of crucial partnerships with state governments and other stakeholders, significantly enhancing the reach and effectiveness of Magic Bus’s initiatives. Notably, the foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six state governments to implement life skills education in government schools.

One of the significant innovations during Rastogi’s tenure is the development of Future X, an AI-based platform designed to meticulously map the lifecycle management of young individuals enrolled in the Livelihood Programme. This platform ensures personalized support and effectively tracks progress, enhancing the overall impact of the foundation’s efforts. Moreover, the collaboration with the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) aims to empower youth through skilling and livelihood programs, further extending the foundation’s reach.

Looking ahead, Rastogi has ambitious plans for Magic Bus. The foundation aims to reach over 10 million young people annually within the next three years. There is a strong emphasis on increasing the participation of women in education and the workforce, ensuring that girls have equal access to opportunities. By expanding its programs to every corner of the country, Magic Bus seeks to provide every young person from marginalized communities with the tools and opportunities to lead a dignified and impactful life. Rastogi’s journey from the corporate boardroom to the grassroots level of social development highlights the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership, illustrating how blending corporate expertise with a passion for social change can create significant, lasting impact.