'I consider diligence in my work to be non-negotiable'

Nida Doon Malla

Consultant, NDM Corporate Solutions 

Nida Doon Malla is a legal professional whose journey has been defined by a deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Raised in Chandigarh in India, Malla hails from a family with a rich tradition of public service and legal expertise. From an early age, her ambition was crystal clear; she aspired to be a lawyer. A significant source of inspiration in Malla’s life is her father, a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to service has not only shaped her values but also honed her critical thinking skills. Raised with a conscious emphasis on asking the right questions, she learned from her parents the importance of approaching challenges with a discerning mind. 

In her pursuit of a legal career, she found an anchor and role model in her elder sister, also a lawyer, who constantly reminds her to navigate the male-dominated legal profession with unyielding integrity, consistency, perseverance and diligence. While the conventional wisdom for women in professional roles often suggests the need to distance oneself from emotion, Malla recognises the importance of balance. She emphasises the development of keen observation skills with emotional intelligence as a vital component. Her journey has been enriched by the people she has met along the way, reinforcing the idea that we are the sum total of those we encounter. This philosophy underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who foster growth, both professionally and personally. 

She pursued her legal studies from the National Law University, Delhi, and has also read courses at renowned institutions such as Leiden University in the Netherlands and Harvard University in the United States. Over eight years of dedicated practice in the prestigious Supreme Court of India, Malla’s specialisation lies in legal risk management across various industry sectors. She is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution methods, including arbitration and mediation. 

Her professional journey in Nepal began as a Consultant at Pioneer Law Associates and she has now gone independent with a dedicated team at NDM Corporate Solutions. Not content with her remarkable achievements in the legal field, Malla also actively has been engaging in policy reform as the Communications and Network Chair of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum. 

In this edition of Business 360, Malla talks about the five things that have impacted her life and work. 

A Life of Purpose

A mentor once shared a perspective that has had a profound impact on both my work and my life. He conveyed the idea that the purpose of life is to have a life of purpose, and this notion has resonated strongly with me. However, I don’t believe one should embark on a quest to discover a predetermined purpose; instead, life is a journey and we should keep our eyes open to what strikes us as meaningful. Throughout my life, I have come to realise that economic empowerment serves as the foundational cornerstone for a life of dignity. Economic empowerment, to me, means the ability to take ownership of one’s social security and financial well-being. I firmly believe that this concept applies universally to all individuals, regardless of their gender or background.

When I reflect on my work, I do so from the perspective of how it contributes to the broader economy and, in turn, how that economy provides for the people it should serve. I often find it helpful to simplify this perspective, especially during challenging days. Like doctors are responsible for their patient’s physical well-being; in my case, as a lawyer, I see my responsibility as contributing to people’s social well-being. I have come to understand that an unexpected setback in someone’s business endeavours can have a significant impact on their ability to provide for their family and fulfil the responsibilities they’ve taken upon themselves. 

This could affect something as crucial as their capacity to provide their children with a meaningful education. Therefore, I consider diligence in my work to be non-negotiable. It’s this belief in the interplay between economic empowerment, legal work, and the greater social good that drives me to strive for excellence in my career, ensuring that I play my part in contributing to a society where everyone has the opportunity to lead a life of purpose and dignity.

Integrity means accountability

Before I came to Nepal, I was practicing law at the Supreme Court of India. It was during my time there that I learned the true meaning of integrity, and I can’t stress enough how significant it has been in shaping my work and life. The Supreme Court of India is one of the most competitive platforms for practicing law, and in such an environment, excelling becomes a necessity just to survive. While it might be utopian to claim that only individuals with integrity succeed, it’s not untrue to say that those who combine success with integrity truly stand out. To me, having integrity goes beyond merely holding others accountable; it also involves the crucial task of holding oneself accountable.

When I speak of holding oneself accountable, I mean adhering to the values one articulates and staying true to the goals one sets, all without compromising one for the other. This can often feel like a heavy burden to bear, and it’s essential to find balance in this journey. Jim Morrison’s words, ‘No eternal reward will forgive us now, for wasting the dawn,’ always resonate with me. I firmly believe that there won’t be any ultimate redemption for squandering our opportunities and our potential. In the pursuit of integrity and success, it’s also vital to be selective about whose criticism you heed. 

I have learned that you should only be open to criticism from individuals from whom you would genuinely accept advice. Opening yourself up to be a punching bag for someone, be it in your professional or personal life, is a surefire way to hinder your own progress. Constructive criticism is invaluable, but not all criticism is constructive. My time at the Supreme Court of India has instilled in me a deep appreciation for integrity, a commitment to holding myself accountable to my values and goals, and the discernment to choose whose input I value. These lessons have had a profound impact on both my work and my life, and I carry them with me on my journey here in Nepal.

Knowledge is power

Having a purpose, a goal and integrity are essential, but in my view, they are not enough. Continuously seeking knowledge has been a cornerstone of both my work and my life. I might not consider myself a tech-savvy person, but I firmly believe in the importance of staying informed about the latest developments in artificial intelligence and technology. Even if I’m not a sports enthusiast, I recognise the value in understanding how someone like Lionel Messi navigates his career. Knowledge is power, and it’s vital to gather information from diverse sources because it’s only through this that you can effectively analyse and learn.

Moreover, one should never stop desiring to learn from people, irrespective of their age or background. There’s a unique wisdom that can be found in the most unexpected places, and the opportunity to be amazed can arise when you least expect it. The world is an ever-evolving place, and it consistently has more to offer than one can initially fathom. I’ve also found that reading non-fiction regularly has been an excellent way to broaden my horizons and stay informed. It’s through this practice that I’ve been able to absorb insights and knowledge from various disciplines and perspectives.

The written word is also a gateway to the wisdom and experiences of others, and I’ve found immense value in turning to books as a source of continuous learning. So, in a nutshell, while having a sense of purpose, setting goals and maintaining integrity are crucial, the journey of personal and professional growth doesn’t stop there. To truly make an impact in your work and life, you must remain curious, be open to learning from people of all walks of life, and never underestimate the value of knowledge. The world is a vast treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be explored, and I encourage everyone to read non-fiction and read often to unlock its hidden treasures.

Belief in institutions

I have always held a strong belief in the power of institutions. For me, institution building and being a part of something greater than oneself is not just a matter of professional or personal choice, but a deep-seated conviction. I find great significance in the idea that the impact we make should extend far beyond our individual lifetimes. We are, from a logical standpoint, carbon-based lifeforms with cognitive abilities, and our existence is fleeting in the grand scheme of the universe. However, when we come together as a collective consciousness, we have the remarkable capacity to create institutions that transcend our organic forms and endure for generations to come.

The concept that our collective efforts can lead to the creation of enduring institutions that serve a purpose greater than ourselves is profoundly beautiful to me. These institutions become a legacy, a testament to our ability to collaborate and contribute to the advancement of society and knowledge. In my work and life, I strive to be a part of such legacies, to contribute to institution building and leave a positive mark on the world. I see it as a way to ensure that the work I do, and the institutions I help create, will continue to serve a greater purpose, even when I am no longer here.

This belief in the enduring power of institutions guides my actions and decisions, and it motivates me to work towards something that will outlast my own existence. It’s a perspective that reminds me of the profound beauty that emerges when people come together with a shared purpose, transcending the limitations of individuality to create something that lives on and continues to make a difference in the world.

Progress and growth are ongoing processes

Life, in my experience, is undeniably challenging, and I firmly believe it’s designed to be that way. It’s a fundamental truth that I have come to accept and embrace. In the face of life’s challenges, one thing I’ve learned is that you can’t afford to stop moving forward. Progress and growth are ongoing processes. Nothing of true value is built overnight. It’s a gradual and often arduous journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to weather the storms that life throws our way. Another important aspect I’ve come to appreciate is the necessity of building on oneself continually. 

Just as we invest in and maintain our physical possessions to ensure their longevity and functionality, we must invest in ourselves to sustain and improve our own well-being. The reality is that everything, including our own abilities, knowledge, and even our physical and mental health, depreciates over time. It’s a natural process. To keep up with the challenges that life presents, we must not only strive to maintain our current state but also aim to enhance it. This means seeking opportunities for personal growth, acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, and nurturing our physical and emotional health. 

By doing so, we equip ourselves to not only sustain ourselves but to thrive in the face of life’s difficulties. Life’s challenges are a given, but our ability to adapt and grow is what sets us on a path towards success and fulfillment. The ongoing journey of self-improvement and resilience is what helps us navigate the ever-changing landscape of life. It’s a reminder that in this dynamic world, nothing, not even ourselves, remains static, and we must continually build and rebuild to thrive and make a lasting impact in our work and life.