Dipti Rawal | LinkedIn Top Voice I Global Corporate Communications Leader I Traveller I Lifestyle Blogging

Childhood Influences and Love for LearningI had a very healthy and loving childhood, shaped by the environment I grew up in. My father, a nuclear scientist, and my mother, a teacher—both now retired—ensured that my sister and I were raised with a strong emphasis on education, discipline, and independent thinking. We grew up in colonies meant for Nuclear Power Corporation employees, located far from cities, where the communities were self-sufficient and filled with scientists, engineers, and technicians from across the country. This meant we had a cosmopolitan upbringing, where we were exposed to diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking.Growing up in these townships also meant growing up surrounded by nature, which nurtured a sense of wonder and appreciation for both science and the environment. Education was about observing the world, asking questions, and making connections between what we learned and what we saw around us. Our upbringing encouraged both structure and exploration, and that balance became a foundation for how I approached learning throughout my life.The strong focus on education, combined with my parents’ emphasis on self-reliance, and adaptability, made me naturally inclined toward academic excellence. My father instilled the importance of perseverance, while my mother nurtured creativity, communications and emotional intelligence. They encouraged us to stay curious, to seek knowledge beyond textbooks, and to develop a habit of lifelong learning.This upbringing shaped me into someone who values both science and art, and I think I have blended these beautifully in my journey—from engineering to management to communications and entrepreneurship. It also taught me that success is not just about being academically strong but about being able to learn, unlearn, and evolve. That mindset has stayed with me through every phase of my career.The Journey from NIT Surat to IIM AhmedabadI have always been a steady, intelligent student—never the topper, but consistent in my performance. Transitioning from high school to engineering was smooth for me. Living on campus, studying with bright peers from across the country, and handling a tough discipline like electrical engineering gave me confidence. I faced challenges, flunked a couple of exams, but always bounced back. By the end of four years, I believed I had figured out how to manage academic pressure.Getting into IIM Ahmedabad was a rigorous process—clearing CAT, acing interviews, and surviving group discussions. When I received my admission letter, I felt ready. But within the first two days, I realized getting in was just the beginning—the real challenge was surviving the course.I was in a batch of 220 students, some of the brightest minds in the country. Many had deep expertise in finance and business, areas I had never formally studied. The relative grading system meant that even when I put in my best effort, I was competing against those with prior knowledge, and my grades reflected that. The first year was incredibly tough—relentless coursework, sleep deprivation, and the constant pressure to keep up took a toll on my confidence.Imposter syndrome crept in, and without much awareness about mental health at the time, I had to find my own ways to cope. Conversations with friends who were also struggling, support from professors, and sheer perseverance helped me get through.But if I could go back, I would remind myself—and anyone facing similar struggles—that health must always come first. Everything else is transient, and sometimes, letting go is also an option. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward sustaining yourself for the long journey ahead.Entering the Corporate World – Challenges and RealizationsWhen I was at IIM Ahmedabad, I never really thought about how the majority of the workforce would not be from IIMs. The real world is a mix of people from different backgrounds, and I quickly realized that once you are out in the open, you have to prove yourself all over again. The premium badge might open doors, but it does not guarantee success. You have to adapt, collaborate, and continuously prove your worth.The second big realization came when I entered the job market. Many of us assumed that an IIM degree would provide stability, but within a few months of joining our first jobs, half of my batch—including me—lost their roles due to economic downturns and restructuring. That was a harsh reality check. Resilience became the most critical skill—not just in bouncing back but in learning how to network, pivot, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing market.Despite that setback, I went on to have an incredibly steady career, spending 15 years at Bank of America. But what made that longevity possible was my ability to reinvent myself. I never stayed stagnant. I actively sought opportunities, asked for roles, built strong relationships, and sought out sponsors who could advocate for me. I stayed engaged with industry trends and made sure I was always learning.I firmly believe that agility and adaptability are the real career superpowers. A great education gives you a strong start, but what truly sustains a long and impactful career is the ability to evolve. The workplace is always changing, and the professionals who stay ahead are the ones willing to step outside their comfort zones and keep growing.The Leap into Entrepreneurship and Founding PeopleIQEntrepreneurship was never part of a grand plan for me—it was something that life nudged me toward. After spending 18 years in corporate leadership roles, I lost my job. That break forced me to slow down and reflect on what I wanted to do next. While I had the option of looking for another corporate role, something in me wanted to try something different.Thankfully, I had a strong network. Some friends who had already started their entrepreneurial journeys shared their best practices, while others who were still in jobs took a chance on me and became my first clients. I started by reaching out to close contacts, offering to help build their thought leadership on LinkedIn—something I had done extensively in my corporate roles. That gave me my first set of projects.I was able to take this leap because I had a financial cushion—severance pay, savings, and a supportive husband. But more importantly, I gained confidence when my business partner joined me. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, and having someone to build with made all the difference.PeopleIQ’s Vision and ImpactFor Individual Leaders - Leadership today is not just about expertise—it is about influence, visibility, and the ability to communicate effectively. At PeopleIQ, we help professionals craft a strong leadership narrative that enhances their executive presence, builds credibility, and positions them as industry thought leaders.For Organizations - For enterprises, PeopleIQ serves as a strategic partner in leadership development, employer branding, and talent engagement. We help Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and large organizations build leadership pipelines, strengthen HR strategies, and position their executives as industry leaders.Balancing Personal and Professional LifeI have not lived a life shaped by traditional societal expectations, but the pressure I experienced was the one I placed on myself. My corporate career was deeply intertwined with my identity. I put so much of myself into my work that when I lost my corporate job, I felt like I had lost a part of who I was. I didn’t know what to do with my time, and for the first time in my life, I felt adrift.That experience taught me a powerful lesson—our careers are just one part of who we are.Even now, with changing market dynamics, economic downturns, AI disruptions, and senior roles being impacted, I see incredibly talented people struggling to find their footing. To them, I would say this—if you have your health and time, you have everything you need to rebuild.Careers are long, and no one is immune to setbacks. The most successful professionals I know are not the ones who have never failed but the ones who have adapted, evolved, and found new paths even when things didn’t go as planned. If I could share one message, it would be this—your journey is yours alone. Do not measure your progress against external expectations. Trust yourself, embrace change, and remember that every challenge is just another step toward growth.