Shivani Madan Bose - POSH Trainer | DEI Consultant | HR Subject Matter Expert

Imagine staring into the abyss of uncertainty, grappling with fear and doubt, yet driven by an unwavering determination to defy the odds. This has been my journey – a tapestry woven with threads of risk-taking, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.Originating from a modest middle-class family in Baroda, Gujarat, where the conventional path led to stable government or private sector jobs, the decision to leap into entrepreneurship was met with skepticism and apprehension. Without the safety net of familial connections, the venture seemed like a precarious gamble. Yet, fueled by a fire within, I dared to tread the uncharted territory of business ownership.The tumultuous waves of the Covid-19 pandemic crashed upon my entrepreneurial dreams, threatening to engulf my aspirations in a sea of uncertainty. With revenues plummeting to zero, the shadows of failure loomed large, beckoning me to abandon ship. In the midst of this storm, a voice within whispered words of resilience, compelling me to weather the tempest by investing in newfound skills and navigating the digital realm of online training platforms and social media landscapes.Today, the narrative unfolds into a tale of triumph against adversity, as our company stands adorned with collaborations from esteemed brands nationwide, carving a niche that sets us apart in a crowded market. This journey epitomizes the transformative power of embracing risk, embracing setbacks, and emerging stronger from the crucible of challenges.The echoes of rejection resonate with a haunting clarity, reverberating through the corridors of my professional journey. I vividly recall the day when a prominent HR Head dismissed my entrepreneurial ambitions, branding me as too young to venture into uncharted waters. The sting of those words cut deep, igniting a tempest of doubt and self-criticism within me. Tears of frustration bore witness to a heart heavy with the weight of rejection.Yet, amidst the shadows of despair, a flicker of realization illuminated the path ahead. Could this rejection be a reflection of someone projecting their unfulfilled dreams onto me? A determination blossomed within me, steadfast in its resolve to defy the naysayers and carve a path of my own making.Five years hence, the tides turned, ushering in a new dawn of validation and triumph. The same client, now under different leadership, extended an olive branch of collaboration, recognizing the value I brought to the table as a PoSH consultant. A testament to the adage that every cloud does indeed harbor a silver lining, this moment stands as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.The essence of my professional mission pulsates with a fervent desire to cultivate a culture of inclusion, diversity, and safety within organizations. The scourge of workplace sexual harassment not only inflicts wounds upon individuals but also erodes the very fabric of employee engagement and productivity. To combat this menace, I advocate for stringent compliance with laws against sexual harassment, championing a workplace where every woman feels safe and empowered.Success, to me, transcends mere accolades and achievements; it resides in the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and growth. While the world may gauge success through the lens of competition and comparison, my journey is deeply personal, marked by incremental milestones and a steadfast commitment to continuous advancement.Amidst the cacophony of challenges that life unfurled before me, the decision to embrace entrepreneurship as a single mother stood as a beacon of courage amidst the storm. Juggling financial responsibilities, caring for my children, and navigating the uncharted waters of business ownership painted a picture fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.However, guided by a vision to empower women and driven by an unyielding commitment to my purpose, every mistake morphed into a stepping stone towards success. Each misstep, a lesson learned; each setback, a catalyst for growth. Through the crucible of adversity, I emerged stronger, determined to share my tale of resilience with every woman grappling with the tumult of personal and professional challenges.