Meet Raina Gandhi, a leadership and executive coach with a deeply personal mission—to help women rediscover their authentic selves and thrive in the professional world. From a bold career in investment banking to starting over after raising her children, Raina’s journey is one of resilience, reflection, and purpose. Through her coaching, she uplifts women navigating systemic challenges at work, enabling them to speak up, advocate for themselves, and embrace leadership with confidence. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Raina to inspire our 5-million-strong global community working toward a world where She for She and He for She become a powerful movement for equity and support.
What sparked your journey into coaching and leadership development?
I started my career in investment banking and eventually shifted into higher education. After taking 11 years off to raise my children, I found myself back in the workforce—but something felt off. Despite my qualifications, I often felt less confident as a senior leader than I did as a young analyst. Through deep self-reflection and coaching certification, I realized that this wasn’t just my story—it was the story of many women. That inspired me to create a space where women could explore, challenge, and rewrite the limiting narratives they’ve internalized.
What kind of challenges did you face when transitioning into entrepreneurship?
Initially, the biggest challenge was wearing all the hats. I was used to working in teams, but now I had to be the strategist, marketer, coach, and administrator all at once. I tried too many things at once, hoping something would stick. Over time, I’ve learned to narrow my focus, recognize my strengths, and figure out what I need to outsource. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve grown tremendously.
Can you share a proud moment from your journey?
Public speaking used to terrify me—even during business school. But today, I confidently stand in front of audiences, sharing insights on self-advocacy, career management, and women’s empowerment. The fact that I now teach others how to articulate their value and speak their truth is something I’m deeply proud of. This growth—this ability to now empower others—is a huge milestone for me.
Are you currently working solo or with a team?
I’m a solopreneur. I do group and one-on-one coaching, as well as public speaking. It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect directly with the women I work with and witness their transformation firsthand.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
The more women we have in leadership, the faster we’ll build environments where women can truly thrive. But we can’t get there without equipping women to speak up, set boundaries, and push past the systemic barriers they face—like being overlooked for promotions or having their voices diminished. We also need men to act as allies, and women to support one another. It’s a collective effort that will lead to sustainable change.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Learn to set boundaries and get out of your own head. Many of the stories we tell ourselves—often passed down since childhood—no longer serve us. Recognize those narratives, challenge them, and replace them with truths that reflect who you are now. No one else can do that work for you. You have to invest in yourself, reshape your self-concept, and choose progress consciously.
How do you define success—both personally and professionally?
For me, success is about experiencing joy. Life is short and unpredictable, and we often live either in the past or the future. I’ve learned to stay in the present, feel joy in the work I do, and make a real difference—whether that’s in my family or in the lives of women I coach. That sense of contribution and presence defines success for me.
“Success, to me, is feeling joy in the present moment—while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Connect with Raina Gandhi:
You can connect with Raina on LinkedIn.
Want to be featured?
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