Founder of Ishkama Ltd., Ishkama Global Change CIC, IGC Magazine, Ishkama Radio, and other global initiatives, Prof. Abhnash K. Bains has built a worldwide movement rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and compassion, reaching over 900,000 readers across 50 countries.
Not many people can say they have spent more than two decades in civil service, founded multiple award-winning organisations, served as District Governor of Lions Club International, and built a global media platform that reaches over 900,000 readers across 50 countries. Prof. Amb (Dr) Abhnash K Bains can say all of this, and more.
Based in London, she is the Founder and CEO of Ishkama Ltd, Ishkama Global Change CIC, IGC Magazine, Ishkama Radio, Kia Beauty Salon, and Bhi Homes. She is also a qualified counsellor holding MBSCH and Diploma in Counselling credentials, a Reiki Master, Stress Management Expert, and Hypnotherapist. Her career began at the age of 16 as an accounts clerk at a company called Impex, moved through more than two decades in civil service including the Department for Work and Pensions, and has since grown into an international movement for community empowerment, mental health advocacy, social change, and a business network of qualified, experienced professionals.
What connects every chapter of her journey is a philosophy she has carried from her Sikh upbringing: that we are here to give back, to serve, and to lift others as we rise. That belief has never wavered, and today it sits at the heart of everything she builds.
A Journey That Started Early and Never Stopped
Abhnash K Bains did not wait for the right moment to begin. She started working at 16, joining Impex as an accounts clerk, and that early experience of showing up and contributing set the tone for everything that followed.
She later joined the civil service, where she worked extensively in education, employment services, and the Department for Work and Pensions. Those roles gave her something that no title could: a deep, firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the gaps in the system, and the real human cost of those gaps.
Over time, she realized that true transformation required more than policy. It required bridging the world of public service with practical, on-the-ground empowerment. That realization led to the founding of Ishkama Ltd, a venture that combined everything she had learned in civil service with an entrepreneurial vision for change.
“This shift allowed me to create platforms that not only addressed systemic issues but also empowered individuals to achieve personal, professional, and financial success.”
That founding moment was not just the start of a business. It was the beginning of a movement.
Building Ishkama Global Change: A Community Like No Other
When Abhnash K Bains founded Ishkama Global Change CIC, she had a very clear picture of what she wanted to create: a platform where expertise, compassion, and collaboration could come together under one roof.
What has followed has exceeded even that vision. IGC has grown into one of the fastest-expanding networking communities in the world, with over 450 chairs worldwide and more joining every day. These chairs are leaders in their own fields, people who are driving personal growth, professional excellence, and social transformation in their own communities.
What makes IGC stand apart from other networking organisations is its dual commitment. It is not just about business. It is equally about social impact. From fundraising for children with deadly diseases to the IGC for Autism initiative, the platform has become a genuine hub for projects that change lives.
“What makes IGC unique is its dual commitment to business and social work, empowering individuals while raising awareness for causes that matter.”
For Bains, the greatest pride is not a number or a milestone. It is seeing communities unite through IGC, proving that when people connect with real purpose, they can create lasting global change.
Mental Health as a Foundation, Not an Afterthought
Long before mental health became a mainstream conversation, Abhnash K Bains was already working in that space. As a qualified counsellor, Reiki Master, and hypnotherapist, she has spent years helping individuals reconnect with their own well-being.
Her perspective on mental health is straightforward: it is the cornerstone of human potential. Readers interested in the future of healthcare and workplace wellness can also explore our guide on Future of Healthcare: AI, Precision Medicine, and Innovation with Dr. George Syrmalis, and yet it is consistently one of the most overlooked aspects of both personal and professional life.
For individuals, she believes the path forward involves mindfulness, self-care, and building genuine resilience practices. For organisations, the work is different but equally important. It means embedding wellness into the culture itself, not as a perk or a programme, but as a value that shapes how people are treated and how conversations are allowed to happen.
“By normalizing conversations around anxiety, depression, and burnout, we dismantle stigma and create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.”
This is not abstract thinking for Bains. It is the work she does every day, with real people navigating real challenges.
Giving People a Voice: IGC Magazine and Ishkama Radio
One of the most powerful things Abhnash K Bains has built through Ishkama is a media presence that genuinely gives people a platform. IGC Magazine and Ishkama Radio are not just content channels. They are spaces where entrepreneurs, changemakers, and community leaders can share their real stories, in their own words, without filters.
She has seen firsthand what happens when people feel heard. Authentic storytelling creates empathy. It builds connection. It inspires others who are walking similar paths but have never seen their own experience reflected back at them.
“Storytelling is the heartbeat of community building. Entrepreneurs and changemakers use these platforms to highlight struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned, creating a ripple effect of inspiration.”
Through regular workshops held both online and in person, and through the yearly IGC Global Convention, these conversations keep growing. And with over 900,000 readers across more than 50 countries, the reach of that storytelling continues to expand.
Giving people a voice, she says, is not just about communication. For another inspiring entrepreneurial journey, read our exclusive interview with Hadil Al Khatib. It is about creating a shared vision for stronger, more resilient communities.
Equality, Inclusion, and the Work That Is Still to Be Done
Abhnash K Bains has been a consistent advocate for equality and inclusion throughout her career, and she is honest about the fact that, despite real progress, significant challenges remain.
Systemic bias, unequal access to opportunity, and underrepresentation in leadership are not relics of the past. They are present-day realities that require present-day solutions. She is specific about what she believes each part of society needs to do.
Governments must invest in inclusive policies. You may also enjoy our feature on Top Women Business Leaders in the UAE, highlighting executives driving innovation and inclusion across the region, that genuinely prioritize education, employment, and healthcare for marginalized groups. Businesses need to move beyond diversity statements and create real representation in leadership with equitable workplace cultures to match. And individuals have a role too: challenging stereotypes and advocating for fairness in the everyday interactions that shape the culture around us.
“Inclusion is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment.”
Practical steps like mentorship programmes, community outreach, and equitable hiring practices are not optional extras. They are the building blocks of a society where everyone has a genuine chance to succeed.
Leadership Through Service: The Lions Club and a Life of Giving
For Abhnash K Bains, community service is not something she does alongside her work. It is the foundation her entire leadership philosophy is built on.
As a Sikh, she was taught from birth through the teachings of the Gurus that giving back to society is not a choice but a responsibility. That belief has shaped everything, including her years of service with Lions Club International, where she served as District Governor and became the first Zone Chairperson to receive the Zone Medal.
Through Lions Club and many other charitable initiatives, she has raised funds for children with serious illnesses, supported mental health projects, and contributed to cancer awareness campaigns. Each of those efforts has reinforced the same conviction.
“True influence comes not from authority but from the ability to uplift others. It instilled values of empathy, resilience, and humility, reminding me that collective action can transform lives.”
She has also worked with Time to Change, Place2Be, and the Mulberry Centre, raising both awareness and funds for health and social causes. Every initiative, she says, has deepened her belief that leadership is about serving humanity with integrity and purpose.
What Makes an Entrepreneur Succeed: Lessons from Mentoring Leaders Worldwide
With years of experience mentoring business leaders across the world, Abhnash K Bains has a clear sense of what separates the entrepreneurs who sustain their success from those who do not.
It is not always the ones with the best ideas or the biggest funding. It is the ones who can stay resilient when things go wrong, adapt quickly when the ground shifts, and remain genuinely connected to the human beings their work is meant to serve.
“Successful entrepreneurs are those who embrace challenges as opportunities. Similar leadership principles are shared in our exclusive interview with Dr. Khadija Bano, where purpose-driven growth and resilience take center stage, pivot quickly in changing markets, and remain grounded in human connection. They balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring their ventures create both profit and social impact.”
She also points to mentorship and collaboration as qualities that set the best entrepreneurs apart. Not just receiving mentorship, but being willing to mentor others and build networks that lift everyone along the journey.
In her experience, the entrepreneurs who endure are not just visionaries. They are empathetic listeners who understand that their success is always connected to the people around them.
Technology, AI, and Keeping the Human at the Centre
Abhnash K Bains welcomes the possibilities that technology and artificial intelligence bring. She sees them clearly: unprecedented efficiency, global collaboration, and creative problem-solving at a scale that simply was not possible before.
But she is equally clear about where the responsibility lies. Progress must be balanced. Innovations need to be designed with ethics, empathy, and inclusivity. This aligns with our analysis of Things AI Cannot Do in Leadership, which explores why human qualities remain irreplaceable.
“Preserving human connection in a digital age means integrating technology in ways that enhance, rather than replace, relationships.”
Her vision for AI is not one where it takes over human interaction. It is one where AI amplifies voices that have not always been heard, supports communities that have historically been underserved, and drives social responsibility rather than just commercial gain.
Technology, in her view, should serve humanity. It should maintain trust and compassion at its core, or it risks becoming another system that leaves the most vulnerable behind.
The Next Decade: A Legacy of Empowerment
Looking ahead, Abhnash K Bains has a clear and ambitious vision for what Ishkama Global Change will become over the next ten years.
She wants to expand IGC’s global footprint. Readers interested in leadership and education can also explore our Professor Ona C. Miller Interview, building collaborations that take on some of the most pressing issues the world is facing, including mental health, climate change, and equality. The platform will continue to grow as a hub for changemakers, offering spaces for storytelling, networking, and the kind of project development that creates real, lasting impact.
“My broader vision is to inspire a global movement of compassion and collaboration, ensuring that future generations inherit a world shaped by empathy, resilience, and shared responsibility.”
And she has a direct message for anyone reading who shares that vision: join the IGC mission. The table is wide, and there is room for everyone who wants to build something that genuinely matters.
Advice for the Next Generation
When Abhnash K Bains speaks to aspiring entrepreneurs, community leaders, and young professionals, her advice is not about tactics or trends. It comes from a much deeper place.
“Lead with empathy, embrace resilience, and commit to lifelong learning. Success is not defined by titles or accolades but by the difference you make in people’s lives.”
She encourages young people to build networks that genuinely uplift others, to stay adaptable when challenges come, and to remain rooted in values that can actually inspire change in others.
And she reminds them of something that is easy to forget in a world that celebrates big achievements: every small act of service contributes to a larger impact. The work does not have to be grand to be meaningful.
By combining ambition with compassion, she says, you can build a career that is both successful and truly worth having.
Message to Our Readers
My guiding philosophy has always been to heal the mind, body, and soul, creating empowered individuals who uplift society. Over the years, I have learned that resilience, compassion, service, and unity are the keys to lasting success. Promoting unity has been central to my journey, because when communities stand together, they unlock the strength to overcome challenges and build sustainable change. To the next generation of leaders and changemakers, I say: embrace diversity, lead with integrity, and never underestimate the power of service and solidarity. The world needs leaders who not only innovate but also inspire, creating a legacy of hope, unity, and transformation for all.
Key Takeaways
Service Before Self
Rooted in her Sikh upbringing and more than two decades of civil service, Bains believes that true leadership is about uplifting others rather than seeking authority over them.
Storytelling Builds Strong Communities
Through IGC Magazine and Ishkama Radio, she demonstrates that giving people a genuine voice fosters empathy, trust, and meaningful connections that strengthen communities.
Mental Health Is a Foundation for Success
As a counsellor, Reiki Master, and hypnotherapist, Bains believes mental well-being is fundamental to both personal and professional growth. Open conversations are essential to reducing stigma and encouraging support.
Inclusion Requires Continuous Commitment
Systemic bias and unequal access remain ongoing challenges. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in creating more inclusive opportunities and driving lasting change.
Technology Must Be Human-Centered
Artificial intelligence and digital innovation have the power to transform society, but they must be guided by ethics, empathy, and inclusivity to ensure they benefit everyone.
Empathy Is a Leadership Strength
The most successful entrepreneurs are not only visionary thinkers but also empathetic leaders who listen, inspire, and empower others to succeed.
Small Actions Create Lasting Impact
Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to something greater. When ambition is combined with compassion, it creates meaningful careers, stronger businesses, and more resilient communities.
Closing Thoughts
Prof. Amb (Dr) Abhnash K Bains is not someone who waited for permission to make a difference. She started at 16, kept going through more than two decades of civil service, private sector, voluntary sector, and then built something of her own that now reaches communities across the world.
Her story is proof that purpose-driven work does not have a single shape. It can look like policy, like therapy, like media, like charity, like mentorship, or like the quiet work of sitting with someone and helping them find their way. She has done all of it, and she is still going.
Through Ishkama Global Change, IGC Magazine, Ishkama Radio, and the many other platforms she has built, her mission remains what it has always been: to unite, inspire, and transform. And to anyone who shares that vision, her invitation is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Prof. Amb (Dr) Abhnash K Bains?
Prof. Amb (Dr) Abhnash K Bains is a London-based international community and business strategist, counsellor, Reiki Master, hypnotherapist, and philanthropist. She is the Founder and CEO of Ishkama Ltd, Ishkama Global Change CIC, IGC Magazine, Ishkama Radio, Kia Beauty Salon, and Bhi Homes. She is also a former civil service executive and Past District Governor of Lions Club International.
Q: What is Ishkama Global Change (IGC)?
Ishkama Global Change CIC is one of the fastest-expanding networking communities in the world, with over 450 chairs worldwide. It is built around a dual mission: empowering individuals professionally and personally while driving meaningful social impact. From fundraising for children with serious illnesses to autism awareness initiatives, IGC brings together leaders and changemakers united by purpose.
Q: What is IGC Magazine and Ishkama Radio?
IGC Magazine and Ishkama Radio are global media platforms founded by Abhnash K Bains to give entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers a genuine voice. Together they reach over 900,000 readers and listeners across more than 50 countries, spotlighting real stories of struggle, success, and transformation.
Q: What qualifications does Abhnash K Bains hold in mental health and wellness?
She is a qualified counsellor holding MBSCH credentials and a Diploma in Counselling, as well as a certified Reiki Master and hypnotherapist. Her work in these areas is grounded in both formal training and decades of practical experience supporting individuals through personal and professional challenges.
Q: How can someone get involved with IGC?
Anyone who shares IGC’s values of empowerment, inclusion, and service is welcome to join. The platform welcomes individuals and organisations looking to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a global community of changemakers. More information is available at www.ishkama.co.uk.
Q: What is the IGC Global Convention?
The IGC Global Convention is an annual event that brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders from around the world for networking, collaboration, and project development. It is one of the flagship events of Ishkama Global Change and reflects the community’s commitment to creating sustained global impact.
Q: Where can I follow Abhnash K Bains and stay connected with her work?
You can connect with her and the IGC community through the following channels: Website: www.ishkama.co.uk, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishkama_01/, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profambdrabhnashkbains, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentalwellbeingservicesuk, Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ishkama1
Follow Prof. Amb (Dr) Abhnash K Bains
- https://www.ishkama.co.uk
- https://www.instagram.com/ishkama_01/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/profambdrabhnashkbains
- https://www.facebook.com/mentalwellbeingservicesuk
- https://twitter.com/Ishkama1
