Ash Varma’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From international tax law to running a media company, and from global corporate leadership to becoming a full-time executive coach, Ash has embraced five distinct careers — each adding layers of wisdom and perspective to his work today. A passionate advocate for women leaders and entrepreneurs, he has dedicated much of his career to breaking barriers, fostering confidence, and guiding professionals through life-changing transitions. His story is one of courage, reinvention, and purpose, and it continues to inspire our 5M+ strong Humans of Fuzia community.
Q: Ash, your career path is unique — five different careers across law, business, and coaching. What inspired you to make these shifts?
A: I started as an international tax lawyer and later joined a client in the media industry as CFO, which was a huge leap of faith. That role opened the door to 15 years in global media, after which I moved into talent management, diversity, and inclusion. Coaching began as a hobby but quickly became my calling. I’ve now been coaching full-time for over 14 years, helping people through career transitions and leadership development. To me, it feels like the culmination of everything I’ve done before.
Q: What were some challenges you faced in building your coaching practice?
A: Coaching isn’t just about helping people — it’s also about running a business. One of the biggest challenges is sustaining a strong client pipeline. For me, the joy lies in one-on-one coaching — seeing someone’s eyes light up when they make a breakthrough. That said, it’s labor-intensive, so I’ve had to think about balancing coaching with speaking engagements. For my clients, especially women, challenges often revolve around confidence, communication, and understanding how “currency” changes as they rise through organizations.
Q: Looking back, what milestones are you most proud of?
A: Early in my career, pulling off a major media deal was a huge milestone. I also take pride in the fact that I’ve worn many hats — lawyer, CFO, and coach. But what gives me the most pride is seeing my clients succeed — whether it’s an introvert stepping into leadership, someone launching a business after corporate life, or professionals overcoming ageism to find new opportunities. Each success story feels personal.
Q: You’ve been a strong advocate for women in leadership. What drives that passion?
A: It’s my sense of fairness. I’ve seen so many women as qualified, if not more, than their male peers, yet they’re left out of boardrooms simply because they didn’t know the rules of the game at higher levels. In fact, over 30 years ago, I appointed the first woman to the C-suite at a media company I was running. Since then, it’s been my mission to help women leaders find their voice, build confidence, and navigate both cultural and professional barriers.
Q: What is your message for future women leaders and entrepreneurs?
A: Confidence is key. Too often, women hesitate to go after opportunities unless they meet every qualification. My advice: take the leap. Build relationships, understand the rules of leadership, and lean into your strengths — especially qualities like empathy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, which are in high demand today. The world needs more women in leadership, and now is the time.
Q: How do you personally define success?
A: Success, for me, is when I can look into someone’s eyes and know I’ve made a positive difference in their life — in their career or personally. Beyond that, kindness is central to my philosophy. People sometimes mistake kindness for weakness, but I believe it makes leaders stronger. My mantra is simple: never underestimate the healing power of kindness.
“In the end, success is not about titles or wealth. It’s about helping others grow, leading with kindness, and making a difference in someone’s life.” – Ash Varma
Connect with Ash Varma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashvarmanyc/
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