At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Anjali Singh for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Anjali is a Certified Career Counsellor, Parenting Coach, Counsellor, Therapist and Founder ofParamarsh by AS. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Anjali:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I grew up in a middle-class family. My father (now retired) was a public servant, my mother was a homemaker. My father was frequently transferred owing to job requirements, so me and my siblings were sent to boarding schools.
I can say now, that studying in Boarding School helped us develop the ability to adapt, made us resilient, and instilled in us a strong sense of community and teamwork.
As a student, I actively engaged in academics and co-curriculars and was often referred to as an all-rounder. I opted for Humanities for graduation, defying conventional norms, with the support of my parents.
I then went on to complete a master’s from the Delhi School of Economics, followed by another post-graduation in Human Resources Management. I worked as an HR professional for almost a decade before stepping back to focus on my family life.
Balancing work and family in a nuclear setup, with two energetic little kids was challenging as well as rewarding. To align with kids’ requirements, I transitioned into teaching at their early childhood school, which became a turning point in my personal and professional growth.
That phase deepened my understanding of parenting and sparked a passion for lifelong learning. I even pursued a fine arts degree alongside my children, which helped me cultivate calm and mindfulness.
COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant shift in my life. Managing teenagers at home, online classes and uncertainties of the period highlighted growing mental well-being challenges faced by families.
In that period, I completed my third post-graduation in Counselling and Family Therapy, along with several other certifications, gaining hands-on experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and teachers.
Witnessing the struggles of teachers, parents and students inspired me to launch Paramarsh by AS, a platform dedicated to holistic development that offers workshops for parents, teachers and students. At Paramarsh by AS we also offer personalized one-on-one sessions for children, adolescents, and young adults helping them with career, soft skills and mental well-being.
Through my journey as an employee, parent, educator, and counsellor, I’ve gained valuable insights that I now strive to share, helping others build resilience and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
How did you discover your passion?
My passion for counselling, coaching and mentoring stems from my innate desire to help others and the trust people have placed in me as a compassionate listener and reliable guide. During my parenting journey, I often received compliments for my parenting skills, which further encouraged me.
COVID pandemic was a turning point. Raising two teenagers at home made me realize the challenges adolescents face in managing emotions and the dearth of guidance in this area. At the same time, I noticed parents struggling to balance work, regulate their emotions, and support their children in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.
These experiences, combined with my varied roles as a mother, teacher, and professional, solidified my decision to focus on career counselling, mental well-being, parenting and providing preventive mental health support for families.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What drives me is my belief in the power of the right guidance to shape future generations. I am passionate about helping others help themselves and ensuring every child feels happy, accepted, and capable of becoming their best self.
I’ve seen how parents, teachers, and children struggle to navigate challenges, and I feel a strong responsibility to support them. I believe in addressing mental well-being proactively, and building resilience before problems arise.
My purpose, passion, and commitment to making a difference keep me motivated, and ready to show up, even when the journey gets tough.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The most important lessons I’ve learned in life are:
Stay Curious and Keep Learning: Being curious and constantly learning helps me grow, adapt, and stay connected to the ever-changing world, making life more interesting and rewarding.
Prioritize Self-Care: I’ve learned that our mind and body are our most important companions. Taking care of both is not just a choice, but a responsibility. Neglecting them can lead to challenges, and prioritizing self-care ensures that we are able to live life to the fullest, both physically and mentally.
Value Financial Independence: Achieving financial independence is important for everyone, irrespective of gender. It gives you freedom, allowing you to make decisions and pursue your goals without external constraints, which I believe is empowering for anyone seeking to take charge of their future.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
1) In my view, the keys to success are honesty and integrity, which build trust and help you stay aligned with your values and principles.
2) Patience and persistence are equally important, as it helps one to remain committed and resilient through challenges and setbacks.
3) Self-belief and maintaining a positive mindset are also essential for staying motivated and focused, during challenging times.
4) Time management and self-discipline are important for prioritising and making gradual progress toward your goals.
5) Lastly, effective communication is crucial, as it helps you express your thoughts and feelings clearly, building strong and meaningful personal and professional relationships.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Success is subjective and means different things for different people. My advice would be to always be ready to show up. Set your goals, work towards them, and remember to be mindful and grateful along the way.
For a successful career, follow what you love, take informed career decisions, put in your best effort, manage your time well and always keep learning.
Stay focused on self-regulation. Never hesitate to seek help from experts for emotional well-being. It does not make you weak, it’s a proactive step. You are the driver and guidance is like a GPS helping you navigate towards your destination.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
My journey is both satisfying and exciting because it aligns with my passion for empowering future generations and helping others help themselves.
I guide individuals in making informed career choices while prioritising their mental well-being, helping them find a path to happiness and success.
True reward comes when I get feedback that my work has made a meaningful impact—whether it’s a smile on someone’s face or a life truly transformed. That is what fuels my motivation and passion every day.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
