About Beyond Cubicles
📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.
Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers.Â
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✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.
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"Success is about maximizing happiness."
Ranjit Prasad never saw himself thriving in the rigid corporate world.
“The 9-to-5 culture wasn’t for me—I craved freedom,” he says.
With a background in architecture and the exposure he gained in his formative years, he felt ready to leave the corporate world behind and build something of his own.
That decision led him to co-found ZAZA DESIGN in 2022, where he serves as Creative Director, while continuing as principal architect at Raw Interior Design.
The journey to entrepreneurship, however, was far from easy. “Managing financial risks and building a client base from scratch were significant hurdles,” he says.
For him, keeping a steady flow of work was crucial, but mistakes came with the territory. “There was a lot of trial and error, but I never stopped trying,” he says, crediting resilience and networking to help him push through.
Speaking about his craft and design philosophy, he says it is rooted in empathy and observation. “My designs are more than just functional spaces—they tell stories, translating clients’ identities and aspirations into spaces that reflect who they are,” he says.
Over time, Ranjit realized that success wasn’t about maximizing wealth but rather about maximizing happiness. “That shift in mindset gave me more control over my work and allowed me to stay creative,” he says.
By aligning his career with his values, he has not only built a thriving business, but also a life that reflects the freedom and fulfillment he sought from the start.
As a result, his passion for design flourished, and he found time for personal interests like travel. “Travel is the best investment,” he says, reflecting on how it has enriched his life.
For those considering a similar career shift, he encourages planning thoroughly and embracing uncertainty. His advice: Find your blue ocean, carve out your niche, and don’t overwork. Nothing is more important than your well-being.
The most important lesson? “Trust the process, be patient, and believe in your instincts. It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he says.
An Indian expatriate, born and raised in Dubai, Ranjit loves the emirate. “I love Dubai for what it is—a vibrant place that has offered me immense opportunities.”