In a recent LinkedIn post, Devi Sahny shares a personal anecdote that highlights a significant challenge within the education sector: the gap between dialogue and tangible action. Sahny recounts an unexpected encounter at a spa that led to an invitation to a high-level lunch in Abu Dhabi, underscoring how crucial conversations can arise from the most serendipitous circumstances.
The Unexpected Catalyst for Connection
Sahny’s journey to a significant lunch with His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, NYU Provost Arlie Petters, and ASU GSV founder Michael T. Moe, began not in a boardroom, but in a spa seeking relief for a migraine. It was there Sahny met Dr. Sultan Hussain Karmostaji, Deputy Director of Education & Training at the MOI. This chance meeting sparked a conversation about the pressing needs of education in a complex world.
“Education is hard because it has so many stakeholders: policymakers, educators, parents, students. Everyone holds a different perspective, and when incentives don’t align, dialogue alone won’t move anything.”
Sahny reflects on recent experiences in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, expressing gratitude for the welcome received but also a sense of overwhelm regarding the remaining work in education. According to Sahny, the sheer number of stakeholders, each with a unique viewpoint, creates friction, especially when their incentives are not aligned. This complexity means that mere discussion is insufficient to drive progress.
From Conversation to Creation
The pivotal moment, as described by Sahny, came when voicing this frustration directly. “So I said it plainly: conversations are great, but where’s the action?” This directness, Sahny suggests, was not met with a simple answer but with an immediate invitation to a lunch hosted by His Excellency. This gathering brought together a diverse group of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.
“What they shared was a bias toward building, not just discussing. Creation.”
Sahny emphasizes that the attendees at this lunch demonstrated a shared inclination towards practical application and innovation. This focus on ‘building’ and ‘creation,’ as opposed to prolonged discussion, resonated deeply with Sahny’s call for action. The experience served as a powerful illustration of how aligning diverse perspectives can foster a bias towards tangible outcomes.
The Path Forward: Action Over Talk
The encounter and subsequent lunch reinforced Sahny’s belief that while dialogue is essential, it must be coupled with a strong impetus for action. The post concludes with Sahny expressing profound gratitude for the invitation and excitement for future work, reiterating the commitment to not just discussing change but actively implementing it.
“Beyond grateful for the invite, and excited for the work ahead. Not just talk about. But making it happen. ❤️🔥”
Sahny concludes by posing questions to the reader, seeking to understand their own experiences with transformative conversations and their views on the most critical changes needed in education. This interactive element encourages further engagement and collective reflection on how to move the education sector forward effectively.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Devi Sahny on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →