"Ad Astra Per Aspera" means "To the stars through adversity." The saying inspires hard work and dedication to reach for the stars. This saying has been a touchstone throughout my formative years, pushing me to pursue my goals relentlessly and reminding me that, with unwavering devotion, all obstacles can be overcome.

I'm Ashwin Navin, a technology enthusiast, entrepreneur, investor, and a believer in the transformative power of devotion (geekiness) and culture (people coming together as one to bring about change).

As a founder and as a CEO, I've always pursued my passions, which has allowed me to create an environment where work can be intense but often feels like play. This all started in elementary school, when I got my hands on an Apple II – a Christmas gift from my parents in the early 80s. My fascination with computing grew throughout my youth, leading me to dream of a career in the tech industry which was not so accessible to us at that time.

Core values have been deeply ingrained in me since childhood, shaped by my family experience and the lessons we've learned along the way. I believe we should always strive to, "Get Geeky," and go deep on something. Pursuing your geekiest passions is important, and if you are an expert about something before it becomes popular, that can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life.

"Destiny = Effort." Growing up, my brother and I were taught that destiny is defined by effort, and that hard work always pays off. As children of immigrants, we were taught to take nothing for granted — a guiding principle throughout my academic and professional journey, pushing me to take everything I do seriously. ‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well’ as they say.

"In Dog We Trust." To maintain perspective and stay grounded, time with family has always been important to me. By living in the present and cherishing moments with loved ones, aim to ‘Be the person your dog thinks you are.’ I heard that saying once, and it really stuck with me – anyone who has a dog knows what it means. I strive to embody the loyalty, selflessness, and love of a puppy for his pack.

”The journey or the destination?” No matter how ambitious and intense your goals are, I believe life permits us to always smile and enjoy the journey (as well as the destination). I believe that a positive attitude and choosing the right travel partners can make all the difference in one's likelihood of success. Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to surround myself with supportive and like-minded individuals, making the highs and lows of the journey all the more memorable.

"Namaste." Lastly, I strive to recognize the dignity in every person and being that walks the planet. The thing that matters most (within us and all around us) transcends race, caste, creed, age, and gender. With purpose in life, I wake up grateful, meditate daily, and go all-in on my life's work, staying true to who I am and the values that shape me.

As the CEO of Samba TV, an investor, advisor, and friend to numerous early-stage ventures, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to turn my geeky passions into a career that has changed the landscape of industries we serve. With values that guide and the support of loved ones, I hope to innovate, inspire, and make a difference in the world.