Meet Ishanee Podder

I found Eat Sleep Ride while studying for my MSc in Behavioural Science at the University of Glasgow, and it felt like an instant fit. Originally from India, I've always been curious about how people connect, make decisions, and grow. As an economist and a committed social volunteer, working for causes I believe in has shaped everything I do — from mentoring students from marginalised backgrounds to carrying out field research in rural India. Those experiences taught me that real change happens through genuine human connection.

That belief is exactly what drew me to ESR: the idea that leadership is rooted in trust, shared responsibility, and connection rather than hierarchy. My research interests in behavioural science, emotional regulation, and non-verbal communication make Herd Dynamics a natural home. I'm working to build a strong evidence base for the Herd Dynamics model — translating what happens between horses and people into insights the wider world can understand, test, and learn from.

Outside my studies I'm a trained dancer, painter, and trekker, and a firm believer that the deepest learning happens outside the classroom — in nature, and in relationship with others. I feel incredibly lucky to be here, surrounded by such good people and such a good cause.