REBOUND AND RISE

Kalwyna Rathod speaks to professionals who braved career setbacks and emerged successful

- Kalwyna Rathod

Life has its ups and downs and, if you fancy being able to have a good story to tell when you’re old, you’ll be thankful for the thrill ride. Remember, failures don’t define us; what matters most is getting back up, dusting ourselves off, and working towards our goals. These professionals teach us how to rise from their experiences.

SHILPA KHANNA THAKKAR

CEO And Co-Founder – Chicnutrix, Mumbai

“I started my career at JP Morgan in Operations Management, and, then, very quickly, moved to become the Training and Development Head of the company – the youngest manager at that time to be given this position and responsibility. However, I always had an entrepreneurial hunger within me; I wanted to ‘have it all’ and to keep moving forward. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I experienced the various phases of life we women face, and how it takes a toll on our health, and I knew that it was important to create a brand that focuses exclusively on women’s needs.

This is when I recognised the gap in the Indian beauty industry and decided to seize the opportunity, establishing Chicnutrix, a beauty and wellness nutrition brand. But this also meant taking a leap of faith and putting my all into this brand. “It took me a while to realise that entrepreneurship and running your own business is all about taking risks, and accepting that not every decision you take is going to turn out in your favour. Many people in this situation start spiralling, and focusing on what is lost, rather than focusing on what to do next. Identifying the problem and implementing a solution is crucial, as is having a growth mindset.”

PRERNA GUPTA & JAGMANI SINGH