At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Katherine Ernst Mehta for an exclusive interview with us. Katherine is an Entrepreneur and Founder & CEO at Edvanta Consulting. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Katherine:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey has been anything but linear, filled with learning, successes, and failures—all of which have shaped who I am today. I’m the founder of Edvanta Consulting, a company dedicated to supporting and mentoring students as they navigate high school and the college admissions process across different global destinations.
I’ve always been interested in teaching, mentorship and education. Having lived and worked across India and the U.S., and working with students from across the globe, I developed a global perspective on the importance of global education as a transformative tool. This realization fueled my passion for guiding students and bridging gaps that enable students to unlock their true potential.
The entrepreneurial journey has been one of constant learning, with its fair share of challenges and triumphs, but the excitement of building something meaningful keeps me going every single day.
‘Edvanta Consulting’ 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 ‘Edvanta’ combines education and advantage, reflecting our commitment to equipping students not just for college admissions but for lifelong success.
Our goal is to give every student an edge through personalized mentorship, holistic support, and a focus on building skills that transcend academics.
At Edvanta Consulting, we believe that education should empower individuals to thrive in every aspect of life. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of college admissions or preparing for future challenges, we focus on providing students with the tools and support they need to succeed—not just in achieving their immediate goals but in building a foundation for a fulfilling and impactful life.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
There are some days when I need to be up at 4 a.m., just to make sure I complete everything I need to during the day. But on those taxing days and during other challenging periods, I remind myself of why I started in the first place: to create something meaningful and make a difference in students’ lives. The entrepreneurial journey is addictive in the best possible way—it’s dynamic, vivid, and full of opportunities to grow.
What keeps me going is the impact I see—whether it’s a student who found their voice in their essays, or who is now thriving at a university that is the perfect great fit for them. Knowing that I’m contributing to shaping their future keeps me motivated to push through even the most challenging moments.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
1) Know your audience: Whether you’re building a product or forming a connection, understanding the psyche of your audience is essential. It’s the foundation of building trust and creating lasting value.
2) Value your time: As an entrepreneur and leader, I’ve learned to prioritize relentlessly. It’s important to say “no” to distractions so you can focus on what truly matters.
3) Stay true to your vision: There will always be critics, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. But the key to success is remembering why you started and persevering, no matter the obstacles.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The keys to success, in my opinion, are a combination of self-awareness, perseverance, and adaptability.
> Self-awareness helps you identify your strengths, values, and goals.
> Perseverance is what allows you to navigate through challenges and failures.
> Adaptability ensures you’re able to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Beyond these, building strong relationships, maintaining a curious mindset, and staying authentic to your core values are critical elements of success.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Don’t fear failure: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Embrace failure as part of the growth process.
Invest in storytelling skills: Whether you’re presenting an idea, pitching a product, or making a case for yourself, your ability to tell your story effectively can set you apart.
Find your purpose: Understand what drives you, and use that as your North Star to navigate your career.
Finally, remember that success is not just about achieving milestones—it’s about enjoying the journey and staying curious along the way.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey truly fulfilling is the ability to connect with so many young people, and the potential to create a real impact in their lives. I’ve been fortunate to experience and witness the power of education and want to continue to share that with others.
Entrepreneurship offers a unique sense of freedom and creativity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, which makes the journey exhilarating. Most of all, I’m excited by the possibility of what’s yet to come—the endless potential to innovate, inspire, and grow.
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.
