‘Women entrepreneurs should start small, but think big’

Rashmi Bansal is an author, entrepreneur. Her two books on entrepreneurship, ‘Stay Hungry Stay Foolish’ and ‘Connect the Dots’, have sold over 400,000 copies and been translated into eight languages. Her new book, ‘I have a dream’, is currently the number one non-fiction book in the country as per AC Nielsen BookScan retail audit.

Forty-year-old Rashmi is a motivational speaker and a mentor to students and young entrepreneurs. She is an economics graduate from Sophia College, Mumbai, and an MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad. Currently based in Mumbai, Rashmi speaks to DNA about women, their education and their future.

What kind of challenges do women entrepreneurs face and what would be your advice to them?
Women have the potential and ability to do anything and achieve the goals they are aiming for. But often they compromise and cut short their own dreams and ambitions for the sake of their families. I believe one can have both a career and a family, if one has mental strength.

It is a question of setting one’s priorities and moulding the family environment to make it possible. My advice to women entrepreneurs is to start small and think big. Find something you are passionate about and never give up midway.

Success comes through hard work and commitment. There is no shortcut.

There are many women who are postgraduates, but are not seen in the industry. What is the reason and how to fight this problem?
If you wish to have a career, you should make it clear to your spouse and his family before marriage. If your mother-in-law was a working woman, she will be inclined to support your career as well.

Get good domestic help, train them, pay a little extra and treat them like family. They will be your backbone if you are a working woman. Give your best to your job, spend quality time with your family, but also make sure you take out time for yourself. Devote 15-30  minutes for physical exercise. Pranayama or yoga will give you the mental clarity and strength to handle all the stress.

How do you plan to contribute to women empowerment through your work?
My next book is on women entrepreneurs. I hope it will motivate many women to create a unique and fulfilling path for themselves. My message for women is: ‘Believe in yourself and the power of your dreams’.