Knowledge without Action is Garbage.

LAJA: Tell us about your journey thus far.

VJ: Born and brought up in Surat, I did my B.Com post marriage and subsequently joined my husband’s IT solution business.

In early career, I was handling our Investment Advisory Business, managing a portfolio of more than 100 crores. Later I shifted to the core of our business – that is accounts, finance and HR.

During last year, I decided to pursue my Passion along with my work. My work has allowed me to spare some time to sharpen those skills and meet many wonderful people across my journey.

LAJA: Tell us something about your family background and education

VJ: I am the eldest among 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Growing up, I had a smooth upbringing, and was the most loved child of my father. But I witnessed the harsh realities of life when I was 16 years old and my father slipped into coma for 3 days. That was a life altering incident and I came out much stronger and clearer about what I wanted to do with my life.

I got married to an handsome, intelligent and self-made man, who has made me proud by building a business empire from scratch. And I have given him my whole hearted support in that journey.

We have a 45000 sqft office in Surat and also offices in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Dubai, Hong Kong and Belgium with a staff of over 300 people.

Both if us have created an extremely happy lives for ourselves, which include our 2 handsome, loving and smart sons.

More importantly I feel that I am living very meaningful life and so I enjoy every moment of my life. Of course, it was tough journey but every event of my life has taught me something new and meaningful and helped me to stay humble.

LAJA: Tell us about your achievements, awards and accolades.

VJ: As a Motivator & Personal Character Trainer; I have delivered sessions in India as well Abroad. Being an empowered woman in the true sense – I want to pass on my wisdom who have immense potential but just need some hand holding along the way. I have come to realise the core challenges of leaders, and so I have prepared special programs to help people face leadership challenges, and cultivate a to transform their lives.

I am also serving the society as Vice president of JITO Ladies Wing, Surat. I am also a Volunteer of Shrimad Rajchandra Love & Care & Divine Touch of Surat. I am blessed to volunteer in one more NGO called “Jumbish” which is into adopting SMC School and helping underprivileged children in their education. I have involved myself especially in awareness of Organ Donation since last 3-4 years.

Apart from the Award from CNBC TV 18 in year 2009, I was also awarded as LAJA Queen in 2018, by LAJA, an organisation that works for women’s empowerment.

I was also awarded as Youth Icon of our Khimat Samaj, Mumbai in year 2019. And the year 2020 has started on a great note with awards such as – “Fastest Rising” International Trainer of the year, “Expert level certified Corporate Trainer”, & “Best Emerging speaker of the Year” from a very well-known training institute called ‘I.M. Possible’. And on account of International Women’s Day – I have recently received the “Naree Gaurav” award from Inner wheel of Surat.

I have conducted few women empowerment sessions called “Recreate Your Life Story” with many women organisations and also with IIT- Bimirad, Surat.

Also during this Lock down due to Covid, I have conducted Webinars on Facebook & Instagram with few influencers as well as Ishrae Group.

My Videos on Life Lessons are published on Khabarchhe.com every morning since 70+ days.

I am in the process of writing a self-help book and if all goes as planned, I should be able to launch it in the year 2020.

LAJA: What are the challenges you faced in your entrepreneurial journey?

VJ: Being a spoilt and carefree girl, when I got married to an ambitious person who had a very focussed vision for his success, I was literally dragged into his journey and found it difficult to cope up with his speed of action.

I started off as his assistant. I learnt everything along the way right from filling up a bank slip to conducted small audits. From being a simple LIC agent to becoming a financial advisor (handling a portfolio of 100+ crores) and then handling core functions of accounts & finance of our company (as we needed a trusted family person to handle these), and now along with this venture, I am learning to be a Business Coach and Life coach and handling those clients. Everything was a challenge. But without challenge, life would be boring. Often, me and my husband disagree on business decisions, and after a lot of brainstorming we come to a mutual decision – these things were tough. So if I mention challenges –selling LIC policy for me was very tough, as it was an EGO melting process! And then to manage teams, client servicing – well, every step one faces new challenge which needs to be addressed with full awareness. But I would say – all those challenges have made me what I am today.

LAJA: What are the most satisfying moments in your career?

VJ: Oh! There are many, by God’s grace.

When our children look up to us and say that we want to be like you, it is most satisfying.

When we shifted to our 45000 sq. ft office in 2014 and when we expanded our business in various countries, it was again an extremely satisfying moment.

 When we shifted into one of the best bungalows in Surat having all amenities and having the look and feel and warmth of a resort, it was exhilarating.

LAJA: What are some of your failures and mistakes and your learnings from them?

VJ: I think I have wasted a lot in my youth watching bogus TV serials. I could have definitely utilised those years more productively. But in the last 5 years, I have caught up a lot.

LAJA: How would you define success?

VJ: I personally feel that Life is like a car – and its 4 wheels are – Health, Wealth(career), Relationships & Spirituality. If we justify these 4 wheels in our life, then we are living a meaningful life -which defines a success to me.

LAJA: What advice would you like to give your fellow woman entrepreneurs?

VJ: Firstly, write down your dreams or your Goals. This will give you clarity wich is very critical to success. So, whatever your dreams and goals – write them down.

Secondly, Dream Big, but if you have fear – start with small steps which lead you to your final destination.

Last but not least, never Compare yourself to others, but if you really want to compare yourself – then compare yourself with your past. As that will remind you that if you have grown up in your age – then you should have grown up in your wisdom, character, and relationships.

LAJA: Do you feel formal education play a role in being successful?

VJ: The number of successful people who have completed a formal education far outnumber those who are successful in spite of being college dropouts. So, yes I feel formal education plays a very important role in success, though it also depends on how and how much you are able to implement it in your career.

LAJA: How do you generate new ideas to keep your family happy and grow your business?

VJ: I read a lot. Almost a book a week. I also note down important points which I learn from that book Also, I usually watch book summary on YouTube so that I get the gist of the book in a very short time and if I like what I hear, I go on to read the full book.