Anjani Amriit
Anjani Amriit is an entrepreneur, leadership and women’s empowerment expert, TEDx speaker, and best selling author. Her passion lies in motivating and inspiring women leaders to tap into their feminine leadership power to achieve remarkable success and make a lasting impact. She helps her clients make the seemingly impossible – possible through the process of ‘inner development’ of their mindset, emotional mastery and energetic awareness.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in a challenging environment. I was the daughter of a Greek Cypriot shepherd father and a half Polish half Yorkshire mother. Coming from a working-class background, we lived in a small two-bedroom terrace house without a bathroom, right next to a railway station. Unfortunately, our family also experienced domestic violence, which made home life difficult. Before embarking on my corporate journey, I had always aspired to help people and make a positive impact. Initially, I wanted to be a doctor but didn’t get the grades at school so I pursued a career as a corporate lawyer. Over time I progressed to working in top law firms in the world. However, after 16 years in a high-pressure environment, I experienced burnout. It was then that I realised I needed personal skills to manage the immense pressure I faced. In terms of role models, my grandmother and mother, both nurses, greatly inspired me with their dedication to caring for others. Additionally, my father, an entrepreneur, showed me the value of taking risks and pursuing one’s passions. These influences shaped my values, which include freedom, adventure, integrity, making a difference, and advocating for the betterment of humanity and the world. Looking back I can see now that my early experiences led me to a path of empowering others and embracing a life of supporting others to better their lives.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
The turning point in my journey came when I reached a breaking point in my corporate career. Despite the outward success and accomplishments, I realised that something crucial was missing. The burnout I experienced served as a wake-up call, urging me to reevaluate my path and seek a more fulfilling and meaningful direction. This pivotal moment led me to embark on a personal quest for wellness and self-discovery. I delved into intensive studies with Eastern experts, immersing myself in holistic psychology, yoga, meditation, natural healing, and Ayurvedic holistic health. Through this profound exploration, I not only reclaimed my physical and mental well-being but also gained deep insights into the human capacity for healing and growth. This turning point marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Armed with a newfound understanding of the importance of inner development, mindset, and holistic well-being, I embraced a different approach to business and leadership. I recognised the significance of integrating self-awareness, mindfulness, and purpose-driven values into the corporate world. From that turning point forward, my journey has been dedicated to empowering individuals and organisations to unleash their full potential, align with their authentic selves, and create positive impact. I found my true calling in guiding others to discover the transformative power of balancing business success with inner growth and holistic well-being. This turning point not only changed my own journey but also became the catalyst for my mission to inspire others to live with purpose, embrace their unique gifts, and create a more conscious and compassionate world.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
The idea that sparked my journey into entrepreneurship and leadership was the deep desire to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in the world by carving out my own path to success. Experiencing and witnessing the challenges and limitations within the corporate world first hand, I felt a strong calling to help others who may be struggling to stay happy, healthy and motivated in the business world. Motivated by the belief that business could be a powerful force for good, I embarked on a mission to redefine success and reshape the narrative of leadership. I was driven by the vision of a world where success is not solely measured by financial achievements, but also by the positive impact we have on people’s lives and the planet. The motivation to say “YES, go for it!” came from a deep knowing that I had a unique perspective and set of skills to offer. I realised that I had the capacity to guide others on their own transformative journeys, to empower women leaders, and to advocate for the integration of values, mindset, and holistic well-being in the business realm. It was the combination of my personal experiences, passion for helping others, and the belief that there was a better way of doing business that fuelled my determination to start my own business/initiative. I embraced the challenge, pushed through self-doubt, and took the leap with the unwavering belief that I could create a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
Like many entrepreneurs, I encountered numerous challenges along my entrepreneurial journey, each presenting an opportunity for growth and learning. One of the initial challenges I faced was transitioning from a successful corporate career to starting my own business. It required a shift in mindset and adjusting to the uncertainty and risks that come with entrepreneurship. A significant challenge was finding the right balance between work and personal life. As a driven individual, I had a tendency to immerse myself fully in my work, often neglecting my well-being and personal relationships. Recognising the importance of self-care and setting boundaries became crucial for maintaining my overall well-being and sustaining long-term success. Another challenge was navigating through the complexities of running a business, from financial management to marketing and team building. As a solopreneur, I had to wear multiple hats and develop a wide range of skills. Seeking guidance from mentors and continuously learning through courses and workshops helped me overcome these challenges. In terms of coping mechanisms, cultivating a resilient mindset was instrumental. Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, practising mindfulness and self-reflection, and surrounding myself with a supportive network were essential in staying focused and motivated. Moreover, implementing effective time management strategies, prioritising tasks, and delegating when necessary allowed me to maintain productivity and avoid burnout. Ultimately, the key to dealing with challenges was having a growth mindset, being adaptable, and embracing a continuous learning approach rather than thinking I was a failure. Each obstacle served as an opportunity to refine my skills, expand my knowledge, and develop the resilience needed to overcome future challenges.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has indeed brought about significant changes and challenges for individuals and businesses worldwide, including myself. On a personal level, initially it brought about feelings of uncertainty and concern for the well-being of my loved ones and myself. I feel lucky though that with the inner development work that I have undertaken and taught others, I was quickly able to adapt to new norms and the restrictions. For me, the pandemic served as a catalyst for self-reflection and reevaluation of priorities. It reinforced the importance of holistic well-being, self-care, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It also highlighted the significance of adaptability and the ability to embrace change in times of uncertainty. Professionally, the pandemic presented unique obstacles and opportunities for my business. As an entrepreneur, I had to pivot and adjust my business strategies to meet the changing needs and demands of the market. For me this process was not as difficult as most because I rely on both my intuition and intellect to run my business. Because of this, I had the foresight to establish an online presence and embrace remote work well before it became the norm. I had set up my business online twelve months prior and was already utilising platforms like Zoom way before the pandemic hit. As a result, I had proactively future-proofed my business, allowing for seamless adaptability and continuity during these challenging times. By staying ahead of the curve and leveraging digital tools, I was able to maintain strong connections with clients and collaborators, ensuring the smooth operation of my business despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic. I took advantage of that time to write my first book and create new programs in my business. I also witnessed the resilience and creativity of the entrepreneurial community. The pandemic sparked a wave of innovation, with many startups emerging to address the new challenges and provide solutions in areas such as remote work tools, health-tech, and e-commerce.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Along my journey, I have had the privilege of achieving several milestones and accomplishments that have shaped my path and reinforced my vision. One of my notable achievements is becoming a TEDx speaker, having the opportunity to share my insights and inspire others with my ideas. Additionally, I am proud to have authored a bestselling book, “Corporate Dropouts,” which has resonated with readers worldwide and encouraged them to pursue their passions and drive meaningful impact. Another significant accomplishment is the privilege of working with renowned global organisations such as Apple, Adobe, and VISA, where I have had the honour of supporting leaders, founders, and teams in unlocking their full potential and achieving remarkable success. These achievements, coupled with the transformative impact I have witnessed in the lives of individuals I mentor and guide, continue to fuel my passion and drive to make a positive difference in the world. My business is also actively involved in philanthropic endeavours that align with my values and commitment to making a positive impact. I have had the privilege of working with and supporting esteemed charitable organisations such as Voiceless, Animals Australia, Oz Harvest, Watering Women’s Tree, A Sound Life, Green Sakthi, Lilla Foundation, Tempus Novo and many more. Through these collaborations, my business has contributed to advocating for change in crucial areas such as the empowerment of disadvantaged women, the fight against animal cruelty, addressing climate change, finding employment for ex offenders and supporting Indigenous communities. By lending my voice and resources to these causes, I strive to contribute to a more just and compassionate world. These charitable initiatives have been deeply fulfilling and have further reinforced my belief in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
The change I would like to see in the world for young budding women entrepreneurs is a shift towards a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering business landscape. I envision a world where women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and support networks to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. I believe in fostering a culture that celebrates diverse voices and perspectives, breaking down societal barriers and gender biases that hinder women’s progress. I encourage a business environment that values collaboration over competition, where mentorship and guidance are readily available to uplift and empower aspiring women entrepreneurs. Moreover, I aspire for a world where success is defined not only by financial gains but also by positive social impact and sustainable practices. By creating a supportive ecosystem and dismantling systemic barriers, we can unleash the full potential of young women entrepreneurs, enabling them to drive innovation, create meaningful change, and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.