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 Dr. Aditi Kaushal Bhardwaj for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Dr. Aditi is a Lawyer, Certified POSH Trainer, Labour Law Consultant, Trainer and Founder of Dr. POSH. 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 Dr. Aditi:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey has been both diverse and deeply fulfilling. I began my career with a foundation in law, holding degrees such as B.A. LLB, LLM, and a Ph.D. specializing in the socio-legal aspects of sexual harassment at the workplace.
Over the past 18 years, I have worked across various sectors, focusing on industrial relations, human resource management, and labour law compliance, particularly in factory settings.
I have always been passionate about employee rights as well as organizational growth, which led me to immerse myself in areas like PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) compliances, HR policies, and statutory regulations. My work involves not just ensuring legal compliance but also fostering a conducive work environment where both the employer and employees can work in harmony.
Throughout my career, I’ve held roles in training, consultation, and as a corporate compliance auditor. I am privileged to have contributed to various organizations, schools, NGOs, and even pan-India compliance projects.
I’ve also been honoured with multiple awards for my work in labour law and employee welfare, including the ‘Best Female Entrepreneur’ and ‘LEX FALCON Global Awards’ for labour compliance and women’s empowerment. It’s been a journey of continuous learning, growth, and the drive to make workplaces more inclusive and equitable.
‘Dr. PoSH’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The name ‘Dr. PoSH’ is a reflection of my dedication to a cause that I believe in deeply i.e., ‘POSH’ stands for Prevention of Sexual Harassment, which is a crucial aspect of workplace safety today. The idea behind the name was to symbolize my commitment as well as the learning journey from first days of law school to holding a PhD on the subject.
Through my initiative, I work to educate organizations, especially those in industries where awareness may not be as high, about their responsibilities under the PoSH Act.
My focus is on providing comprehensive training, conducting in-depth inquiries, and ensuring that companies have robust policies in place. We help organizations build systems that not only comply with legal mandates but also harbour a culture where employees can speak up without fear of retaliation.
The problem we are solving is not just about compliance; it’s about changing mindsets. Sexual harassment at the workplace is still a pervasive issue, and many companies either lack the awareness or the systems to address it effectively.
With Dr. POSH, we are tackling this problem head-on by providing training, consultations, and compliance audits to create workplaces that are truly inclusive and safe.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
That’s a great question. Honestly, it’s the impact of the work that I do that keeps me going. Knowing that I am contributing to making workplaces safer, especially for women, is incredibly fulfilling.
Every time I hear feedback from a company that they’ve successfully handled a difficult situation thanks to our training, or when an employee feels safe enough to come forward, it’s a reminder of why I do what I do.
The journey has its fair share of challenges, especially when dealing with deeply ingrained biases or resistance to change. But I believe that every small step forward is a victory. My passion for helping organizations build a culture of fairness, and respect is what drives me.
Additionally, my team and the support from the professional community keep me motivated. At the end of the day, it’s about the belief that we are building something that matters, something that can change lives and careers. That belief is my anchor during tough times.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The three most important lessons I’ve learned in my journey so far are:
1) Resilience is Everything: Life and career will always present challenges, some expected and others completely What defines us is how we respond to them. I’ve faced numerous hurdles, especially in a field that requires challenging the status quo and advocating for uncomfortable changes. Resilience has helped me not just survive but thrive.
2) NeverStop Learning: The world is constantly evolving, especially in the fields of law and The moment we stop learning, we stop growing. Whether it’s taking up new certifications, attending seminars, or simply being curious, continuous learning is essential. It’s this mindset that has allowed me to stay ahead in my career.
3) Empathy and Integrity Go a Long Way: As someone who works closely with people on sensitive issues, I’ve realized that empathy is powerful Understanding the struggles and perspectives of others, especially in delicate matters like sexual harassment, has helped me build trust. At the same time, integrity is non-negotiable. When people know they can trust you, they are more willing to be open and receptive to change.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success, to me, is not just about reaching a destination but about the journey and the impact you create along the way.
Here are the keys I believe in:
> Clarity of Purpose: You need to have a clear vision of what you want to For me, it was about creating safer workplaces and ensuring compliance, which shaped the direction of my career. When you know your ‘why,’ it becomes easier to navigate challenges.
> Persistence and Consistency: There will always be setbacks, but persistence is what separates those who succeed from those who give Being consistent in your efforts, even when progress seems slow, is crucial. Remember, overnight successes are often years in the making.
> Building Strong Relationships: Success is never a solo Whether it’s your team, clients, or mentors, the people you surround yourself with play a vital role. Fostering meaningful connections and maintaining a strong support system can accelerate your growth and help you through difficult times.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
To students and young professionals just starting out, here’s what I would say:
Invest in Self-Development: The most valuable asset you have is Focus on developing skills that are relevant to your field, but also work on soft skills like communication, empathy, and critical thinking. These are the skills that will set you apart.
Embrace challenges and Take Risks: Don’t shy away from stepping out of your comfort The early years of your career are the best time to experiment, learn, and even fail. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow, so embrace them with an open mind.
Network and Find Mentors: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and are where you want to Seek guidance from mentors who can help you avoid common pitfalls and provide you with the perspective you might lack. Networking is not just about finding opportunities but also about learning from others’ experiences.
StayTrue to Your Values: As you grow in your career, there will be moments where you might be tempted to compromise on your values for the short term my advice is to always stay true to your principles. Success is not just about achieving your goals but doing so with integrity and purpose.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey truly satisfying and exciting is knowing that I am making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The most rewarding part is hearing from employees, especially women, who feel empowered to speak up and take action after our training sessions.
When companies reach out to say that they have successfully handled sensitive situations or created a safer environment thanks to our guidance, it reaffirms why I do what I do.
The excitement also comes from the diversity of my work—whether it’s conducting a PoSH compliance audit, training HR teams, or helping organizations build better policies. Every day presents a new challenge, which keeps me on my toes and constantly learning. I’m privileged to work at the intersection of law, human behaviour, and organizational growth. The dynamic nature of this field ensures that no two days are the same.
Moreover, the journey is deeply fulfilling because I’m not just helping companies comply with regulations; I’m helping them change their culture. Creating workplaces where people feel valued, respected, and safe is a mission that fuels me with purpose. It’s exciting to be part of a movement that’s transforming workplaces and, in some small way, contributing to a better society.
At the end of the day, knowing that my work helps create environments where people can bring their best selves to work without fear—that’s the ultimate reward and the reason I’m passionate about what I do.
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.
