From international modelling to building a global communications agency, Nikita Sachdev has never been afraid to take an unexpected path. In this conversation with FEMEST, she shares the experiences, lessons, and mindset that have shaped her journey.
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your journey so far?
I’m the Founder and CEO of Luna PR, a global communications agency that specialises in AI, blockchain, fintech and other emerging technologies.
I grew up in the US. I studied Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin and later, moved to Singapore, where I completed a degree in Business and Environmental Science while building my first company.
My career has definitely been unconventional. I modelled internationally for a number of years, started my first business in my final year of university, and then discovered blockchain in 2017. I became completely fascinated by the technology when I stubled into crypto and started questioning monetary policies and inflation, asking questions about finance, ownership, and trust.
Today, I spend my time working with founders, investors and governments, helping some of the world’s most innovative companies build their brands globally. Every day I get to learn something new, and that’s probably my favourite part of the job.
Your career has taken you from international modelling to entrepreneurship and emerging technology. What inspired you to take such an unexpected path?
People often think I went from modelling into technology, but I actually see the common thread as entrepreneurship.
Even while I was modelling, I was building my own modelling agency. I became fascinated by how the industry worked and wanted to create a better experience for both clients and talent. By the time I exited, we represented over 2,000 models, and that experience taught me far more about building and scaling a business than modelling itself ever did.
I’ve always been drawn to industries that are evolving quickly. When I discovered blockchain in 2017, I saw another opportunity to build something in a space that was still in its early days. I immersed myself in learning everything I could, met incredible founders, and eventually founded Luna PR.
Looking back, my career hasn’t really been about changing industries – it’s been about following my curiosity and my passion for entrepreneurship. Whether it was fashion, blockchain or now AI, I’ve always been excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful.
Looking back, was there a point in your journey when you realised you wanted to build something of your own rather than follow a traditional career?
Honestly, entrepreneurship came so naturally to me that I never really stopped to think about it.
A lot of founders say, “I didn’t want to climb the corporate ladder,” but I don’t completely agree with that mindset. Entrepreneurship has become very glorified over the years, but the reality is that it’s incredibly hard. It comes with a huge amount of uncertainty, responsibility and sacrifice.
My advice is always to follow what genuinely excites you, but do it with tremendous discipline. If your passion is building a company, then absolutely go for it. But if you’re entrepreneurial by nature, you don’t necessarily have to start your own business to make an impact. You can be an innovator within an organisation, help build an incredible company alongside great leaders, and be an integral part of someone else’s success story. That’s just as rewarding.
For me, building businesses happened to be the right path, but I don’t believe it’s the only definition of success.
You founded Luna PR and grew it into a global business. What were some of the biggest lessons you learned while building the company from the ground up?
3 things:
That business is really about people.
When I first started, I thought success was about getting more clients or growing revenue. Over time, I’ve realised it’s actually about building a great team, creating the right culture and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to become better.
I’ve also learned that resilience is everything. Every founder has moments where things don’t go to plan. Those moments aren’t what define you, it’s how you respond to them.
And finally, trust your instincts. Experience teaches you to make difficult decisions faster.
You’ve been involved in blockchain since its early days. What first attracted you to the industry, and what keeps you excited about where it’s heading?
To be honest, what first caught my attention was the investment opportunity. Like many people in 2017, I started looking at crypto from a trading perspective. Money gets people’s attention.
But the more I researched it, the more fascinated I became by the technology behind it.
From sending money overseas and paying high fees, to seeing the effects of inflation firsthand in places like Istanbul, to repeating medical tests every time I moved countries because my records couldn’t follow me – I started seeing blockchain as a solution to real-world problems, not just an investment.
Today, what excites me most is how blockchain is converging with AI and other frontier technologies. As AI agents become more autonomous, they’ll need trusted systems to exchange value, verify information and establish ownership. I believe blockchain will become one of the foundational layers that make that future possible.
As someone who works with founders, investors, and global organisations, what qualities do you think every successful leader should have?
Curiosity is number one. The world is changing so quickly that if you’re not constantly learning, you’ll fall behind.
The second is resilience. Every founder gets knocked down, it’s how quickly you get back up that matters.
And finally, integrity. Your reputation compounds over time, just like capital does.
You’ve built businesses, invested in startups, and advised companies across different industries. How do you decide which opportunities are worth pursuing?
I invest in people before I invest in ideas.
Great founders can pivot products, adapt to markets and overcome setbacks. I also ask myself one simple question: Will this still matter in ten years? If the answer is yes, I’m interested.
Alongside your business success, you’ve created the Luna Foundation to support girls’ education. What inspired you to give back, and why is this cause so important to you?
I’ve been lucky enough to study in different parts of the world, and those experiences opened doors I never imagined. Not every young girl gets those opportunities.
I’ve always believed that education is one of the most powerful ways to create independence and confidence. If we can help even a small number of girls access better opportunities, then that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Success becomes much more meaningful when you can use it to help someone else succeed too.
Building a global business doesn’t come without challenges. During difficult times, what has helped you stay focused and keep moving forward?
Perspective.
When you’re building a business, there will always be another challenge. I’ve learned not to get too caught up in the highs or the lows because neither lasts forever.
I focus on what I can control, keep learning, and remind myself that every difficult period has made me a better leader.
You’ve become one of the leading women in blockchain and emerging technology. What changes would you like to see for women in these industries over the next few years?
I’d love for the conversation to move beyond simply getting more women into the room.
I want to see more women founding companies, raising capital, sitting on boards, investing in startups and helping shape the technologies that will define the future.
Most importantly, I’d love for the next generation to grow up seeing those things as completely normal.
The future of technology should be built by everyone.
Life seems incredibly busy for you. When you’re not working, how do you unwind, and what helps you stay balanced?
I’m naturally quite curious, so even outside of work I’m usually reading or listening to podcasts about technology, history or geopolitics.
I also love travelling, spending time with family and friends, and taking my dog Luno for walks.
Finally, if you could leave every woman reading Femest Magazine with one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t wait until you feel ready.
I honestly can’t think of a single opportunity in my career where I felt completely qualified or completely prepared. I just said yes, worked hard and figured it out along the way.
You’ll never know everything before you start – and that’s okay.
Be curious. Stay humble. Keep learning. And don’t underestimate what you can achieve if you’re willing to take that first step.
