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 Nidhi Bandaru for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Nidhi is a Life Coach & Trainer and Founder at Dishi Consultants. 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 Nidhi:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey? How did you discover your passion?
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. – Zig Ziglar
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2006, however the foundation was laid earlier. As an MBA graduate from ICFAI Business School (2003 batch), with additional courses from IGNOU, I started my career in banking, selling financial products. During my internship, we underwent two types of training—product training and behavioural training. While product knowledge was essential, it was behavioural training that fascinated me.
I soon realized that success was not about the products I sold but the trust I built—clients connected with me, not just my offerings. By mastering the art of listening and understanding, I discovered that people buy into trust, relationships, and confidence more than just solutions. I found joy not in closing deals but in meaningful conversations that enriched my perspective.
This realization led me to establish Dishi Consultants in 2006—with a mission to move beyond transactions and empower individuals with stronger relationships, reduced stress, and leadership skills. We started with corporate training and soon expanded into schools and colleges, offering finishing school programs, teacher training, and life coaching. The objective was clear—regardless of background, every individual needs guidance to excel.
To further enhance my expertise, I pursued several certifications:
> Certified Soft Skills Trainer – Scottish Qualification Academy
>Train the Trainer – NABET
> International Certified Trainer – Brian Tracy
> Excellence in Corporate Communication – Dale Carnegie Institute
> Image Consultant – ICBI
> Law of Attraction(LOA), Certified Trainer from iii (infinite intelligence information)
I am the author of ‘Reasons or Results’ and co-author of ‘Belief Busters.’
At Dishi Consultants, we believe in inclusivity. We collaborate with the right professionals if a specific group requires expertise beyond our scope. The goal is simple: to ensure everyone receives the proper support to grow, evolve, and succeed.
Anything is possible if you can connect with people, and people connect with you.” This belief continues to drive us forward, making a lasting impact on individuals and organizations alike.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My parents have always been my greatest inspiration. Their unique blend of entrepreneurial qualities has profoundly shaped who I am today. My father’s determination, discipline, and innovative spirit, combined with my mother’s empathy, resilience, and nurturing approach, have instilled in me a balanced vision of being a leader. They exemplify how both masculine and feminine strengths can come together to create an environment ripe for success.
My brother too has played a significant role in my entrepreneurial journey. I remember a time during our studies when I felt overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. In my moment of vulnerability, I confided in him about the weight on my plate, and he replied, “If it has come your way, it means you have the strength to handle it.” Those words have since become a mantra that helps me push through moments of stress, especially when I sometimes take on more than I can chew.
I also owe an outstanding gratitude to my in-laws, husband, and twin boys, whose unwavering support and understanding allow me to be fully myself. Their constant encouragement in every facet of my professional life has been a pillar of strength, enabling me to pursue my dreams confidently and passionately.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
My journey toward personal growth has been a rich tapestry woven with learning, reflection, and bold choices. Early in my career, I realized continuous learning is the cornerstone of development. I embraced every opportunity to expand my horizons, enrolling in specialized courses or reading widely.
Along the way, I discovered the power of self-reflection. Every evening, I journaled about my day’s challenges and triumphs, a practice that deepened my self-awareness and highlighted areas for improvement. This habit became my compass, guiding me through both smooth and turbulent times.
I also recognized that wisdom often comes from those who have walked a similar path. That’s why I actively sought feedback and mentorship. I reached out to seasoned professionals, listened intently to their advice, and used their insights as stepping stones toward my success.
There were moments when the familiar felt safe, yet I knew that growth lay beyond my comfort zone. By stepping out of my comfort zone—taking on challenging projects and venturing into unknown territories—I discovered strengths I never knew I had. Each risk I took reaffirmed my belief that growth happens when you dare to embrace the unknown.
Finally, I learned that personal growth isn’t just about professional achievements—it’s also about nurturing my soul. This realization came in a little late, and I am glad it did. By prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I ensured that my well-being always supported my ambition.
This blend of strategies has shaped me into the resilient, forward-thinking individual I am today and continues to inspire me daily as I navigate the path of lifelong growth.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The keys to success are multi-faceted, and they keep evolving as I grow.
It starts with being in action—I believe in moving forward and seizing every opportunity rather than waiting for the perfect moment. There is no perfect moment. How does one know if it works until you are not in action?
Coupled with this is perseverance; when challenges arise, I view them as opportunities to learn and grow, pushing through setbacks with unwavering determination.
Gratitude plays a crucial role, too. I make it a point to appreciate every lesson, every small win, and every bit of support that comes my way. This gratitude fuels my motivation and keeps me grounded, even amid uncertainty.
Beyond these core principles, I’ve learned several other valuable lessons along my journey:
a) Continuous Learning: I stay curious and embrace lifelong learning, knowing that every new skill or knowledge empowers me to innovate and adapt.
b) Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and the ability to adjust my approach when circumstances change has been essential in navigating both professional and personal challenges.
c) Building a Strong Network: I invest in relationships with mentors, peers, and collaborators. Surrounding myself with positive influences creates an environment that nurtures growth and inspires success.
d) Embracing Failure: I’ve come to understand that Failure isn’t a setback but a stepping stone. Each challenge or misstep has taught me lessons that guide my future decisions.
What advice would you give to our readers?
Embrace your journey with an open heart and a proactive spirit. I encourage you to:
> Embrace Uncertainty: I’ve learned that life is unpredictable and okay. Embracing Uncertainty with an open mind allows me to adapt and discover new opportunities, even when the future isn’t clear.
> Be True to Yourself: Authenticity is key. I strive to honour my values and beliefs in every decision, knowing that genuine self-expression builds lasting trust and fulfilment. However, there are times when I miss them too. So what? It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to go wrong. Own it up and feel okay about it. Simple!
> Cultivate Patience: Growth takes time, and not every outcome is immediate. I remind myself to be patient—trusting the process, and understanding that each small step is progress.
> Practice Empathy: Whether in professional relationships or personal interactions, empathy helps me connect on a deeper level. It’s a powerful way to build understanding and foster mutual respect.
> Give Back: I find great satisfaction in contributing to my community. Volunteering, mentoring, or simply offering support can create a ripple effect of positive change for others and myself.
These principles have helped me navigate through life’s ups and downs. By embracing them, I continuously find new ways to thrive and create a fulfilling journey.
I believe success isn’t a destination but a journey of constant growth and self-discovery. Trust yourself, keep moving forward, and know that every challenge you overcome makes you stronger and wiser.
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.
