Rashmi Bansal: The Girl Who Inspires so Many to Break Boundaries and Create Their Own Path to Success

July 16, 20213 Minutes Read
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An IIM Ahmedabad graduate, Rashmi did not give in to the pressure of following a traditional career path that everyone around her kept suggesting to her. Instead of following traditional career options such as engineering or medicine, Rashmi took a brave decision to become a writer instead.

Today, Rashmi is an inspiration for so many girls who want to do something different and still be successful!

Doing what everyone does is a norm. Choosing an uncharted territory is what separates one from the herd. Makes one stand out. Look at Steve Jobs, for example. He did something different. He combined designing and arts with computers. And successfully launched Apple Computers.

If Steve Jobs had followed the herd, we wouldn't have heard about iPhones.

Very few attempt a field that is out of the blue. Rashmi Bansal is once such a personality.

Rashmi was an intelligent student. At that time, career choices were limited. Today we have many unconventional career options, such as being a content creator for YouTube or travel vlogger or food blogger. And these career options are easily accepted and encouraged by many people around us too. There are many exciting jobs available today. For girls and boys, men and women alike!

When Rashmi started out, that was not the case. Choosing an unconventional, different and out of the box career was not encouraged. Career choices were limited as well. Either people chose to be an engineer or a Doctor or pursue some course from the USA.

Rashmi decided to do something completely different, though. When most of the girls around her were choosing typical careers, Rashmi decided to do something different.

Choosing Arts over Maths and MBA over Medicine

Though young Rashmi was intelligent, like most students, she did not have a liking towards Mathematics. So, she pursued Arts and subsequently did her Bachelors in Economics.

This decision disappointed her acquaintances. An intelligent girl like her should have taken up a safer career option, is what everyone around her felt. But Rashmi was very convinced about her decision. So, she did not give in to the pressure around her and chose a subject she was interested in.

Her decision to take up Arts and Economics proved to be correct when Rashmi got an admission for MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. Till then people believed that only engineers or those with commerce backgrounds were fit to be an MBA.

After finishing her MBA from the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, Rashmi again decided to do something different. Rather than choose a job with a bank or a multinational company, Rashmi chose writing as her profession

Choosing writing as a profession....

Rashmi had a fascination with writing from her college days. After her MBA, she started her own publishing company JAM - Just Another Magazine. The magazine was very successful and popular with the youth.

Soon Rashmi became very popular with the young college students. She understood the thoughts of the youth. She saw their dreams, aspirations, struggles and managed to connect with them through her writing.

Her medium of communication is Hinglish (a combination of Hindi & English) which the current generation understands and relates to easily.

Becoming a successful writer and launching her own books

Rashmi was always fascinated with stories of entrepreneurs -- those who launched their own businesses. So Rashmi decided to write a book on start-ups in India.

Her first book was called -- Stay Hungry and Stay Foolish. It covered the success stories of 25 entrepreneurs, who graduated from IIM Ahmedabad.

The book was hugely successful and has sold more than 5,00,000 copies!

It also started Rashmi's second career -- writing books. Today her books are translated into 12 languages across the globe.

Rashmi's story is an inspiration to many to not follow the herd blindly. Life and career do not have a 'One-size-fits-all' approach. Choosing a career is subjective. If one is convinced about a career, stick to it dedicatedly.

If you are uncertain about the career, you wish to choose, going to a career counsellor for career guidance is a great option to consider. You can also take free psychometric online career guidance tests to get a more scientific approach to choosing your career.

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February 19, 20242 Minutes Read

Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.