Rini Adhikari is an ICF-certified PCC Coach with over 1,000 coaching hours, specializing in executive and life coaching. With more than 20 years of corporate experience in leadership, marketing, and finance, she holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and an Engineering degree. She has coached mid-level and C-suite executives in finance and IT industries, mentored ICF-certified coaches, and facilitated leadership, DEI, and business storytelling programs. Recognized as a top Indian Women Entrepreneur Leader in Asia, she also volunteers coaching for NGOs. Passionate about heart-centered coaching, she helps clients turn insights into action while balancing her love for pottery, Mahjong, baking, and crosswords.
What Sparked Your Journey as a Coach/Entrepreneur? Was There a Moment, Challenge, or Person That Pushed You to Take This Path?
Throughout my life and professional career, I’ve always followed my instincts, embracing change whenever I felt stagnant—whether I wasn’t learning, wasn’t being challenged, or when my goals evolved. Every transition has been a step toward deeper growth and fulfillment.
In May 2021, life took an unexpected turn. I was freelancing as a Digital & Social Media Strategist, deeply engaged in creative pursuits, when the loss of a loved one shook me to my core. It was a grief I struggled to navigate, and despite seeking therapy, I found no solace. A dear friend introduced me to coaching, and in that moment, I discovered a new sense of direction and hope.
Coaching isn’t about dwelling on the past—it’s about shaping the future. It empowers individuals to unlock their potential, and through my own healing journey, I found my life’s purpose in helping others find their answers. That turning point was more than a career shift; it was a realization that I wanted to dedicate my life to guiding people toward their best selves.
We can’t change the past, but we can choose how we move forward. And that’s where the magic of coaching begins.
Tell Us a Bit About What You Do! What’s the Purpose Behind Your Business, and How Does It Make a Difference in People’s Lives?
I wear multiple hats in my professional journey—an Executive and Life Coach, Business Owner, Facilitator, Trainer, Mentor, and ICF Board Member—each role contributing to my mission of empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential.
At ISCP (International School of Coaching Professionals), I focus on developing business leaders, teams, startups, women leaders, and HR forums through highly customized and research-driven coaching and training approaches. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all strategy, I prioritize understanding each client’s unique challenges, goals, and vision to create meaningful transformation.
As an Executive and Life Coach at FirstCircle.us, I provide one-on-one coaching for executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to enhance their leadership presence, career trajectory, and personal growth. My coaching philosophy is heart-centered—helping individuals connect with their inner strengths, overcome challenges, and take meaningful action toward their aspirations.
With over 20 years of corporate leadership experience across industries like media, banking, and digital strategy, I bring a blend of business acumen, leadership insights, and coaching expertise to my work. My ICF-certified coaching programs support professionals at all levels—from mid-career to C-suite executives—helping them sharpen their decision-making, enhance leadership presence, and navigate challenges with confidence.
As an ICF-certified mentor coach, I train aspiring coaches for ACC certification, guiding them through ICF’s core competencies and ethical framework. In my role as a facilitator and trainer, I lead workshops on leadership development, Diversity & Inclusion, business storytelling, unconscious bias, and EQi—helping organizations build more inclusive, effective, and self-aware leadership teams.
Beyond my professional practice, I’m committed to giving back through pro bono coaching for organizations supporting individuals with diverse needs.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple yet powerful belief: coaching is not just about skill-building—it’s about unlocking human potential, fostering self-awareness, and creating lasting impact in both personal and professional spheres.
Let’s start a conversation about how coaching can transform your leadership, career, or organization!
Thinking Back to the Start of Your Career, What Were Some of the Biggest Challenges You Faced in Establishing Yourself as a Coach/Entrepreneur? How Did You Work Through Them?
Entrepreneurship as a sole proprietor can indeed be a lonely and uncertain path. In the early days of establishing myself as a coach and entrepreneur, one of the biggest challenges was navigating decisions without objective feedback. When you’re accountable only to yourself, it’s easy to second-guess every move, overanalyze opportunities, and delay action.
Clarity of objective and conviction were key in overcoming this. I made it a priority to surround myself with the right people—mentors, peers, and a support network who understood the journey and provided perspective. Building a strong professional network not only helped in business growth but also in maintaining motivation.
On challenging days, I learned to focus on the immediate next steps rather than getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Giving myself grace, accepting that setbacks are part of the journey, and sometimes simply letting go of rigid expectations helped me move forward with resilience.
Is There a Milestone or Achievement You’re Really Proud of That You’d Like to Share?
One of my proudest milestones has been reinventing myself from a career rooted in numbers to becoming a coach—a complete 180-degree transformation. As an early-stage startup partner, I built a digital consultancy from the ground up, hiring and training a team, securing my first client, and successfully running the business. Following my passion, I immersed myself in continuous learning, earning my ICF certification, and launching a coaching career as an Executive and Life Coach. Embracing the profound journey of working with people and emotions has been both a challenge and a deeply fulfilling experience.
As Maya Angelou beautifully said, “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” Reinventing myself was about embracing the unknown, taking risks, and discovering the immense joy of guiding others toward their own transformation.
Women in Leadership Today
“Leadership is not about gender; it’s about impact, vision, and the ability to inspire change.”
Women today are not just stepping into leadership roles—they are redefining them. Across industries, women are leading with resilience, empathy, and strategic vision, proving that diverse leadership creates stronger, more inclusive workplaces. While progress has been made, the journey is far from over. The challenges of unconscious bias, work-life balance, and equitable opportunities still need to be addressed.
As a coach and facilitator, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering women in leadership transforms not only organizations but also the next generation of leaders. It’s not just about breaking barriers—it’s about reshaping leadership itself.
Advice for Future Women Leaders and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott
Confidence, resilience, and continuous learning are key. Trust in your abilities, build a strong network, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Lead with purpose and authenticity, and always uplift others along the way.
Connect with Rini Adhikari
Website: www.thefirstcircle.us
ISCP: www.iscpcoaching.com
LinkedIn: Rini Adhikari
