Connection Through Storytelling: A Recap of Our Stories Chapter IV

There’s a unique magic that happens when people truly open up, sharing pieces of their lives that have shaped who they are. At SecurityPal AI, one of our core values is “Human-Centered Innovation.” While AI is driving innovation in security assurance, our humanity and vulnerability are the building blocks of trust. "Our Stories Chapter IV” was a testament to this belief. It wasn't just an event; it was a gathering where courage sparked connection, and every shared word wove us closer.

Held on July 25, 2025, at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Our Stories was more than an event; it was a heartfelt gathering of five speakers and 200-plus attendees that leveraged the power of storytelling to spark genuine connection.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Canvas for Connection

Before our storytellers could take to the stage, there were months of intentional effort to design such a special event. Our team didn’t just set up a venue — we designed an environment where people could feel safe, seen, and ready to share openly. Every detail, from the physical layout to the atmosphere in the room, was shaped by the organizing team to support the kind of honest, vulnerable connection that made the event so powerful.

We were honored to have Prashanta Manandhar, founder of Storytellers, join us. He shared his profound expertise in the art of storytelling, mentoring the attendees to nurture and cultivate their narrative skills.

Under Prashanta’s insightful guidance, the group mastered powerful techniques, including:

• Setting compelling themes and scenarios
• Crafting impactful conversations
• Adding rich layers to their narratives
• Understanding the art of the right pause to keep the audience captivated 

Manish Shrestha, one of our incredible storytellers, beautifully captured this sentiment, reflecting on how everyone carries a story within them, and the right mentor can help identify and deliver it with remarkable depth. 

“Being guided by Prashant Dai feels like playing a game of 3D chess with thoughts — where stories are woven from ideas, experiences, emotions, and life itself. They branch out endlessly, limited only by one's imagination, shifting and evolving depending on where you stand. Each piece of the puzzle connects and diverges, creating a web of narratives that intertwine in unexpected ways.”
— Manish Shrestha, Chapter IV SecurityPal AI Storyteller

Key Highlights from Chapter IV

The air was alive with anticipation, a gentle hum of excitement as our team and cherished guests settled in. We knew we were about to witness something special — a deep dive into the human experience, a journey through vulnerability and strength from our speakers. This chapter felt particularly poignant, a beautiful reminder that our collective success isn't just built on innovation and strategy, but on the profound, often unseen, personal journeys of each individual.

Our guest speaker, Hempal Shrestha, a renowned technologist and technopreneur with over 20 years of global experience, shared how easy it is to blur the line between your professional and personal life, leaving us with broken fragments from either side.

“Sharing my story at the Our Stories session was a deeply reflective experience for me. I had doubts about whether my story would resonate with the team, but it allowed me to explore my personal conflicts and professional dilemmas with honesty and vulnerability. I felt a genuine connection with the audience, and their feedback reminded me of the power of storytelling to inspire and unite us.”
— Hempal Shrestha, Chapter IV Guest Storyteller

Each person stepped forward with incredible bravery, inviting us into their world, offering glimpses of their struggles, triumphs, and the quiet moments that changed everything.

“Our Stories: Chapter IV was an unforgettable experience that has continued to raise the bar with each edition. It was an honor to witness such intense stories. By sharing so openly, the speakers have reminded us to move forward with greater empathy and a deeper respect for the complex human stories we all carry.”
— Ajay Basnet, SecurityPal AI

A particularly touching moment was when storyteller Kusum Bista’s parents and sister attended the event. It was a sentimental reminder that our SecurityPal AI family extends far beyond our office walls, encompassing the loved ones who stand by us. 

“The mic was small, but what I carried into it was not. Years of silence, ache, and memories packed into a few minutes. And yet, when I walked away, I didn’t feel drained. I felt lighter — like a chapter had finally exhaled.”  
— Kusum Bista, Chapter IV SecurityPal AI Storyteller

The Echo of Authenticity

The beauty of "Our Stories" lies in its ability to strip away the everyday and reveal the heart of who we are. It’s a space where we learn that while our journeys are unique, the emotions, challenges, and joys we experience are universally human. This year, more than ever, the shared vulnerability forged an unbreakable bond, reinforcing that at SecurityPal AI, we’re not just colleagues. We’re a supportive, people-first community.

“There’s something profoundly beautiful about witnessing people dive into the depths of their personal journeys, sharing not just stories, but a part of themselves. It takes immense courage to bring those stories into the light. And our courageous storytellers have shown up every single time, from the very first registrations through every learning session and to the final stage.”
— Subha D.C, SecurityPal AI

These stories echo the authenticity that shapes our understanding of one another and strengthens the fabric of our culture. They remind us that the most powerful innovations often begin with empathy and a deep appreciation for the human spirit.

“Sometimes, it takes stepping out of the shadows and sharing your story to realize that you’re not alone. In this journey, I learned that we’re all more connected than we think, and when we open up, we give others the courage to do the same.”
— Ganesh Acharya, Chapter IV SecurityPal AI Storyteller

At SecurityPal AI, we're not just building technology. We're nurturing a vibrant community woven from unwavering trust in the potential held within each of us and the boundless strength we find together. Our deepest aspiration is to deliver exceptional work, igniting exponential growth for our customers. Yet, to truly achieve this, we felt a profound need to create "Our Stories." It's a sacred space, born from a desire for genuine connection, where we can bravely lay bare our most personal journeys, free from judgment or shame.

“This part of me had been hidden for the last 7–8 years, tucked away out of fear of being seen differently. I’m deeply grateful for this space — a place where I could finally share a piece of myself that I had kept buried for so long.”
— Shailee Manandhar, Chapter IV SecurityPal AI Storyteller

Moments To Remember