In this deeply personal episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena sits down with Navraj Dhesi - co-founder of Nekta Drinks and founder of No More Pretending.

Navraj shares his journey from alcohol dependency and suicidal thoughts at the age of 29 to achieving 14 years of sobriety. He opens up about reaching rock bottom, the reality of recovery and the often-overlooked impact addiction has on the entire family.

The conversation also explores the stigma surrounding alcohol harm within Punjabi and wider South Asian communities, and why more honest conversations are desperately needed.

Navraj explains how his lived experience inspired him to co-found Nekta - an alcohol-free drink designed to stand on its own rather than imitate alcohol - and establish No More Pretending, an organisation supporting families and communities affected by alcohol-related harm.

He also discusses the reality of building a purpose-led business alongside a full-time cybersecurity career, recovery and family life - and why no successful founder is ever truly self-made.

In this episode:

Navraj’s journey from alcohol dependency to 14 years sober
The hidden impact of addiction on families
Alcohol stigma within South Asian communities
Turning lived experience into a mission to help others
Creating an alcohol-free drink that doesn’t imitate alcohol
Building a purpose-led brand alongside work and family
Why every founder needs a strong support network

Connect with Nekta

Website: https://www.nektadrinks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nekta.drinks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nekta.drinks

Connect with No More Pretending

Website: https://www.nomorepretending.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-more-pretending
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomore_pretending/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nomore_pretending

Content note: This episode contains discussions of alcohol dependency, addiction and suicidal thoughts.

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