Anjali Bawa - Founder - Voila Experts | Business and Partnerships Consultant | Startup Mentor | 30 under 30 Indian Achievers

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Crucial Success Skills Forged Through My Journey

In the dynamic landscape of my professional growth, my journey has been a testament to the fusion of leadership, enterprising spirit, unwavering perseverance, and a relentless learner mindset. Building my own business, I donned different hats, from the role of a marketer to operations executive, leader and mentor to my team to build a culture for a budding startup. The work has been multi-fold, but the most satisfying part of the job is to interact and connect with people every day from different walks of life. I believe and religiously abide by the three C’s for a successful career- Commitment. Communication. Connection One needs to communicate well, form connections, and at the most be committed to one goal. These skills can be acquired and learned over time and be perfected with practice.

Crafting Creative Opportunities from Every Challenge

A non-techie female founder in a world of male-dominated tech startups is a road full of challenges. The biggest challenge for me to begin with was building a technical aptitude and executing the concept on paper into an actual App. 

There are many challenges an entrepreneur faces, it is a never-ending phase of negotiations, making decisions, and managing people from different walks of life. However, it is important to listen, adapt, and interact with multiple people to learn, and take time to study and learn about the business. One learns this by getting their hands dirty in the business and learning from mistakes. 

When building a business, there are many moments of self-doubt and external skepticism No one tells you how hard it is to wait and get things in order. However, with strategic networking and mentorship, I built a support system that empowered me to navigate the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship. I also focused on having a diverse team for creativity and innovation. Today, I believe I am more resilient, patient, and strong-willed to navigate in my career, and all this happened because I decided to take a leap of faith and start a business.

My Impact

Born in a business family, I always had an entrepreneurial mindset, a risk taker but always strategic and organized about work. Starting my journey unconventionally, I took a year drop out from college and took up volunteering and teaching personality development program at NGO Neofusion Creative Foundation. To date, I believe it is my proudest moment of my life that has been to teach these special kids who came from no formal background, and no resources to be able to study well, but with willingness to learn and hope to break the vicious cycle of poverty. 

This opened doors for me to volunteer and give back to society through mentorship and teaching. Since then, I have worked with the National Service Scheme (NSS, a Delhi Government program for youth development in India during my college years. Consequently, I enrolled with Akshara Center, based out of Mumbai to mentor young girls based out of slums, to help them with communication skills. 

The Mentorship journey continued with my working in the startup world, where I got the opportunity to build an ecosystem to help 1000+ business owners get access to an industry expert network, and build a community to collaborate, learn, and grow. It felt surreal and truly humbled to receive recognition for the work by the Indian Achiever’s Club for 30 under 30 and the Digital Women 2021 awardee by Google and SheThePeople . 

This is just the beginning, my aim in life is to mentor young women to empower themselves with knowledge, financial literacy and take decisions into their own hands, and ultimately become the torchbearers of the business community of India.

Scaling New Heights in Personal and Professional Triumphs

As an entrepreneur and someone with a dynamic career spanning from theatre to startup, my measurement of success encompasses a multifaceted approach, acknowledging both professional and personal growth. 

In the realm of entrepreneurship, success is not solely defined by financial achievements but also by the positive impact on stakeholders, innovation, and sustainable growth. Metrics such as revenue generation, market share, and customer satisfaction are pivotal benchmarks. However, equally significant is the ability to adapt to changing market landscapes, foster a positive company culture, and contribute to societal progress through ethical business practices. 

On a personal level, success is gauged by continuous learning, adaptability, and the ability to balance professional pursuits with personal well-being. Transitioning to the tech business, success includes the successful implementation of innovative solutions, staying abreast of industry trends, and making a positive impact on the lives of end-users. 

Throughout my career journey, I've set benchmarks centered around skill development, collaboration, and the cultivation of a growth mindset. Whether mastering a new artistic technique or navigating the complexities of the tech landscape, continuous improvement remains a constant. Networking, building meaningful relationships, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment are benchmarks that transcend industries, contributing to both personal and professional success. 

Ultimately, success is a dynamic concept that evolves with each stage of my career. It's not just about reaching a destination but also about embracing the journey, learning from challenges, and contributing meaningfully to the realms of both arts and technology.

The Synergy Between My Path and Recognition Values

Innovation is not just a buzzword for me; it's embedded in my entrepreneurial DNA. My specific achievement in understanding and bridging the gap between industry experts and startup founders showcases a knack for identifying opportunities and creating solutions that resonate with both sides of the spectrum. This aligns perfectly with the recognition's focus on celebrating individuals who drive positive change through groundbreaking ideas. 

Navigating the challenges as a non-tech female founder further underscores the resilience and tenacity required in the startup landscape. From transforming a concept into a functional app-based business to networking with established industry experts, each hurdle became a stepping stone. Overcoming the skepticism and fostering belief among startups in the efficacy of my solution highlights not only my determination but also the tangible impact of my efforts in the startup community.

Understanding the market intricacies and building a diverse team further exemplify the holistic approach that is essential in the startup ecosystem. The ability to navigate the challenges of connecting with older, established professionals while simultaneously building a network of startups showcases a unique skill set. It aligns with the recognition's goals of acknowledging individuals who contribute not only to their immediate ventures but also to the broader entrepreneurial community. 

In essence, my journey as an Innovation Maestro aligns seamlessly with the recognition's values and goals. It is a testament to my dedication to innovation, resilience in the face of challenges, and a holistic approach to creating a lasting impact in the dynamic and competitive startup ecosystem.

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