Cleared the UPSC in her first attempt, Dr. Archana Keerti Chowdhary walked away from the IES not out of defeat, but to forge a quieter revolution.By mentoring 2-3 future civil servants annually, she discovered that true leadership isn’t about wearing the uniform; it’s about multiplying change through those who do.In this talk, she reveals how rejecting a prestigious ‘Plan A’ unlocked a legacy far greater than any bureaucratic role and why nurturing talent can ripple into 100x the impact. A true leader in education, Dr. Archana Keerti Chowdhary, the esteemed Principal of the Institute of Engineering and Science, IPS Academy, Indore. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Chowdhary has been instrumental in shaping the institute’s academic excellence.Since joining IPS Academy in 1999, she has led the institution to remarkable growth, fostering innovation and practical learning. Under her leadership, the institute recently celebrated 25 years of excellence in engineering and science education.Dr. Chowdhary’s dedication to education extends beyond academics—she is a mentor, a visionary, and an inspiration to both students and faculty. Her commitment to excellence continues to elevate IPS Academy as a center of learning and innovation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx