Building Voices, Shaping Minds, Redefining Leadership
Ryan Joshua Mahindapala
Founder
Thinking Movement Education & Publishing
Building Voices, Shaping Minds, Redefining Leadership
Ryan Joshua Mahindapala
Founder
Thinking Movement Education & Publishing
Ryan Joshua Mahindapala- Asia's 40 Under 40 2025
Every chapter of Ryan Joshua Mahindapala’s career reads like a story of reinvention—lawyer, writer, educator, entrepreneur. What began as a legal journey, culminating in valuable lessons learnt and experiences gained, catalysed the evolution of his career into something much larger: a pursuit of ideas, creativity, and impact. Today, as founder of Thinking Movement Education & Publishing (TMEP), Ryan leads a multi awardwinning venture that secured the Singapore SME500 in 2024, recognised for reshaping how knowledge and creativity intersect. Ryan’s influence extends far beyond classrooms and boardrooms. His works have appeared in Channel News Asia TODAY, The Straits Times, Tamil Murasu, and the Quarterly Literary Review of Singapore, while his books, Spottisbrough and Of Pen & Paper, establish him as a leading storyteller and thinker. In 2023, his growing impact was marked by two milestones: election as a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (UK) and an invitation to speak at the Singapore Writers Festival. Equally committed to lifelong learning, Ryan earned a law degree from Liverpool and an MBA with merit from Strathclyde and is now pursuing doctoral studies in education. Beyond academia and publishing, he voluntarily serves across sports, cultural associations, and trade bodies to help these organisations create lasting and sustainable impact, proving that leadership is measured not by titles, but by the communities and ideas one shapes. Speaking with TradeFlock, Ryan reflected on his journey and the defining moments that shaped him.
What defining moment led you to create Thinking Movement Education & Publishing?
In 2021, I published my first book, Spottisbrough, a work of fiction that received widespread recognition and positive reviews. Writing it made me realise the need for more voices in Singapore’s literary and creative landscape. The encouragement and support I received inspired me to explore how I could use my skills to make a broader impact. In 2023, being invited to speak at the Singapore Writers Festival was a pivotal moment—I understood that my writing gave me a voice. This inspired me to start Thinking Movement Education & Publishing (TMEP), with the goal of helping others develop their creativity, express themselves through educational materials, and find their own unique voices in writing and learning.
What has been your toughest obstacle, and what kept you going?
Self-doubt. Facing it required the steadfast support of my peers across writing, education, law, and business. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have been invaluable, helping me persevere and reach the place I am today.
Which unconventional insight from them continues to influence how you lead?
The most impactful lesson has been the importance of leading by example without relying on authority. Leadership, I’ve learnt, isn’t about titles or control—it’s about humility, vulnerability, and authenticity. True influence comes from showing up as someone willing to learn, to admit gaps, and to trust the expertise of others. By demonstrating that leadership is not about always having the answers but about enabling collaboration, I’ve seen people feel more empowered to share ideas, take ownership, and grow. This approach shifts the dynamic from hierarchy to partnership, making leadership less about directing and more about guiding—a principle that continues to shape how I build teams and communities today.
If failure taught you one lasting lesson, what would it be?
Failure forces clarity. When things fall apart, it removes the noise and exposes what truly matters. It reveals flawed assumptions, moments where ego interfered, or times you ignored your instincts. Though humbling – and often brutal-failure sharpens perspective. It transforms setbacks into lessons, strengthens resilience, and equips you with the focus and determination to tackle the next challenge with greater wisdom and resolve.
How has it shaped your approach to your field and entrepreneurship?
Failure replaced ego with evidence. What I thought would work often didn’t, forcing me to reevaluate based on outcomes rather than assumptions. This shift toward evidence-based thinking enabled smarter, leaner decisions. It also sharpened my strategic focus. I became more deliberate about where and when I invested time, money, and energy. Most importantly, failure deepened my empathy. It humbled me, reminded me I didn’t have all the answers, and taught me to listen more closely to others.
Who has been your most impactful mentor?
I wouldn’t say I have just one mentor. I’ve been fortunate to learn from many—friends, family, colleagues, and classmates. Every interaction offers a new perspective or insight. For me, it’s the collective influence of this community that shapes identity, mindset, and vision. In that sense, the community itself has been my most impactful mentor, guiding me, challenging me, and helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Outside of work, what passions keep you inspired and creative?
Sports keep me disciplined, music fuels reflection, and theatre enriches my imagination.
