Who told you that you have to win to be worthy?
In this conversation, we unpack how competition silently shapes our identities, workplaces, and communities – and what it really means to uncompete in a world obsessed with hustle and “survival of the fittest.”

My guest today, Ruchika (author of Inclusion on Purpose and Uncompete), shares how growing up between a hyper-competitive father and an abundantly kind mother shaped her lens on success, scarcity, and belonging. We talk about Singapore’s nation-building story, Darwinism myths, “diversity hire” narratives, burnout, hustle culture, and why so many of us still operate from scarcity even when our basic needs are met.

Ruchika Malhotra- Diversity Inc…

We also explore what younger generations are already doing differently – saying “I’m not opting into this” – and how we can redefine ambition, build more spacious lives, and champion each other without feeling like someone else’s win means our loss.

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

• Why we are taught to compete before we learn how to belong
• Scarcity vs. abundance when you’re worried about rent or your next meal
• The myth of “there’s only space for a few” and the “diversity hire” story
• How competition often rewards conformity, not true talent
• Generational shifts: Gen Z, mental health, and opting out of hustle culture
• Redefining ambition and success beyond 24/7 grind
• Envy as a signal, not a shame – and how to use it wisely
• What it looks like to build careers, companies, and communities around collaboration

Our Guest

Ruchika — Author, Inclusion & Equity Strategist
Ruchika is the author of Inclusion on Purpose and Uncompete, and a leading voice on equity, inclusion, and reimagining success beyond competition and hustle culture. Her work has been featured in outlets like Harvard Business Review, and she advises leaders and organizations around the world on how to build workplaces rooted in belonging and abundance.

Ruchika Malhotra- Diversity Inc

Key Takeaways

• “Survival of the fittest” is not a life rule – it’s a story we’ve been sold
• Scarcity is often systemic, but many of us still live with a scarcity mindset
• Competition, as it’s set up today, often rewards those who conform to narrow norms
• Younger generations are pushing back on grind culture and always-on work
• Redefining ambition means choosing aligned opportunities, not all opportunities
• Collaboration can bring out more of our potential than competition ever did

💬 If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly behind, constantly competing, or constantly comparing yourself online, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Ruchika Malhotra:

• Website – https://www.ruchika.co/
  
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchikatm/
  
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtulshyan/

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

• Instagram – Dr. Payal: https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi
  
  
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@payalberi?sub_confirmation=1
  
  
• RK Empathy: https://www.rkempathy.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi
• Speaking & Media: https://www.payalberi.com