From Corporate Roads to Purpose-driven Superhighways: A Journey of Reinvention

Q&A with Anjali Vaishal

1. What inspired your decision to step down from your corporate position and pursue writing books and further studies?

Picture this: I’m sitting in my corner office, the hum of a bustling team just beyond the glass, a hot cup of coffee steaming on my desk as I scribble notes for yet another growth strategy. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a career filled with opportunities—leading teams, scaling businesses, and achieving milestones I never imagined. But there was this quiet whisper tugging at me.

I’d spent years building and growing ventures, pouring my energy into strategies, teams, and milestones. Yet, that whisper grew louder—a curiosity about the stories I wanted to tell and the questions I wanted to chase. What if I swapped boardroom battles for a cluttered desk piled with books and half-baked ideas? What if I traded growth charts for narratives that could inspire, challenge, and connect?

Stepping away wasn’t some Bollywood climax, all drama and violins. It was more like a slow, gentle realization. One minute I’m cracking some of the biggest deals of my career, the next I’m staring at my reflection in that coffee gone cold, wondering, What if I swapped the corner office for a cluttered desk piled with books and half-baked ideas?

I’ve always been curious and eager to learn—whether it was during my time at IIM Bangalore or in the countless late-night strategy sessions that shaped my career. Leadership has been a passion of mine, but I felt called to dive deeper into its complexities and share those insights in a different way. After doubling the business I was leading and closing some of the most significant deals of my career, I realized how much I still had to learn and explore.

Now, fast forward to today: the Coach and Author journey. My desk is a battlefield—Ph.D. notes on one side, coaching plans on the other, and a half-finished chapter staring back at me from my laptop. Writing Coach?? I Don’t Need One!!! was my first step into this new chapter. It was scary and exciting to put my thoughts and experiences out into the world. Coaching senior leaders to navigate leadership challenges and helping veterans transition into civilian life became my heartbeat. Guiding them to turn their unique strengths—whether from the boardroom or the battlefield—into meaningful wins has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

And then there’s the writing—stories that wake me up at 4 a.m., characters like RoKo and AV from my 2nd book which is fiction—The Broken Leg & the Broken P&L, who feel like old friends, and the joy of seeing readers connect with my words. Now, with a sequel in the works for both my books and a doctorate on the horizon, I’m reminded every day how much I still have to learn. This journey has been humbling, exciting, and deeply fulfilling—a reminder that growth often begins when we step into the unknown.

2. You continue to make an impact, sharing knowledge, experience, and insights through your books and engagement with various audiences—how has the journey been for you?

It’s hard to describe this journey without feeling a mix of gratitude, awe, and everything in between. I’m often in rooms, chai steaming in my hands, surrounded by people from all walks of life—some in sharp suits, others in uniforms, each carrying their own story. This isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about creating connections that spark change. Whether it’s through my books, speaking engagements, or one-on-one coaching sessions, I aim to inspire and challenge people to think differently. And how’s it been? A wild, bumpy, and deeply fulfilling ride.

One day, I’m hunched over my desk, working on the sequel to Coach?? I Don’t Need One!!!, laughing at my younger self who thought I had it all figured out. The next, I’m sitting across from a seasoned professional, helping them piece together their next move. It’s not glamorous, and it’s certainly not easy. There are nights I’m wide awake, wondering if my words even matter. But then someone says, “That hit home,” or “You made me think differently,” and it’s like a warm breeze cutting through the fog of doubt.

What’s surprised me most is how much I’m still learning. Every conversation, every page I write, every idea that spills out—it’s messy, real, and humbling. I’ve been fortunate to lead teams and grow businesses before, but this? This is about sparking something in anyone who’s anyone open to new perspectives—whether it’s through a book, a talk, or a quiet conversation over coffee.

The most rewarding part is seeing the ripple effect of a small idea—watching an insight land and knowing it might change how someone sees themselves or their world. It’s thrilling, humbling, and deeply personal. This journey feels like chasing a sunrise with a crew of people tagging along—challenging, exhilarating, and alive. And in the end, it’s mine, but it’s also ours.

3. What are some key lessons you’ve learned from leading a company like LHH that you now apply in your work with veterans and in your books?

Leading LHH was like conducting an orchestra—a sea of talented individuals, each playing their own tune, and somehow, I had to bring it all together into a symphony. But the real magic wasn’t in the conducting; it was in the listening.

Lesson one: Listen First. I’d walk the floor, catch the pulse of the team, and only then chart the course. That’s gold with veterans now—sitting across from someone who’s seen more in a deployment than I’ve seen in a lifetime, I don’t assume. I listen. Their grit, their quiet strength—it shapes how I coach them toward purpose. And in my writing? It’s the same. Countless hours are spent sitting with myself, listening to my own voice, just as you’ll see in my next book—The Unfinished Pieces. Writing, like leadership, begins with listening—to yourself, to your characters, to the stories that need to be told.

Lesson two: Small wins build Empires. At LHH, we didn’t double the business with one big bang. It was steady, scrappy victories—one step at a time. I learned that progress isn’t about leaps; it’s about leaning into the grind and celebrating every tiny win. In my books, I weave that into every chapter: Progress isn’t about how fast you go; it’s about how well you grow along the way. It’s like running an ultra-marathon: sometimes you have to slow down to run fast. With veterans, it’s the same—helping them land that first civilian gig or nail an interview feels like a victory lap.

And three: People crave Real. At LHH, I fostered inclusion by being unapologetically me, flaws and all. I learned that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up as you are and creating space for others to do the same. That authenticity spills into my writing and my work now. Veterans don’t need jargon or polished pep talks; they need someone who gets it, who’s been in the trenches—even if mine were corporate. And in my books? Every story, every anecdote, every practical insight is a reflection of my real experiences—squeezed into narratives that resonate because they’re authentic.

4. Can you tell us about any specific projects or initiatives you’ve been involved with to help veterans find purpose and prepare for successful private sector roles? What impact have you seen so far?

Oh, there are so many stories, and each one reminds me how critical it is to prepare veterans for a successful transition. It’s easy for them to undersell themselves, not realizing the immense value they bring, or to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of navigating a completely new world. But one story that stands out is that of a colonel who was transitioning to the corporate world. He was at a crossroads, searching for the next stepping stone in his life’s journey. We started with a behavioural assessment to uncover his core values and identify roles where he could truly thrive. It wasn’t just about finding a job—it was about finding a purpose that aligned with who he was.

The journey wasn’t easy. As a breadwinner, he felt the pressure to take the first opportunity that came his way, even though it was relatively much lower to that of his forces pay grade. But here’s the thing: we didn’t stop. We kept working together, refining his approach, and preparing him for the right opportunity. Six months later, he landed a role that matched his skills, values, and pay grade.

Today, five years on, he’s not just surviving—he’s flourishing. He’s growing in the tech space, leading teams, and making an impact. Stories like his remind me why this work matters. It’s not just about helping veterans find jobs; it’s about helping them find their place in the world, where they can thrive and continue to lead with purpose. It’s humbling to see such impacts and know that, in some small way, I’ve been part of their journey.

5. As someone who’s transitioned from the corporate world to a more humanitarian role, how do you balance your professional past with your new passion projects?

Balance? Ha, it’s less about balance and more like a spirited conversation between my pinstripe past and my coffee-stained present. Here’s what my desk looks like most days: Ph.D. research on one side, veteran coaching plans on the other, and a half-finished chapter glaring at me from my laptop. My corporate years—Wipro, NIIT, LHH—taught me structure, hustle, and how to command a room full of CXOs. I don’t leave that behind; I lean into it. That executive presence! It’s how I rally support for veterans or pitch a book idea without breaking a sweat.

But the heart-centered side of my work—writing, coaching, helping—it’s the breeze that keeps me grounded. One moment, I’m knee-deep in research, and the next, I’m on a call with a veteran, tweaking their resume or brainstorming their next move. Or maybe I’m sneaking in a line about Roshni Koshy aka RoKo’s latest fictional fiasco. It’s messy, sure—some days, the corporate me wants to spreadsheet my emotions—but I’ve learned to let the two sides flow together.

What keeps me grounded in this otherwise chaotic world of writing, studying, and coaching? A mix of health, spirituality, and discipline. I’ve always been particular about my fitness and diet—I work out four times a week, focusing on strength training, and I go for daily walks to clear my mind. Meditation is a non-negotiable part of my routine, and I eat clean and healthy to fuel my body and mind. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, a few minutes of mindfulness, or simply sitting with a cup of chai in silence, these small rituals help me stay centered. They remind me that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding moments of calm amidst the chaos.

The past fuels the passion; the passion rewrites the past. Every lesson from my corporate years finds its way into my coaching and writing, creating a bridge between who I was and who I’m becoming. And honestly!! A good laugh and a strong cuppa are all I need to keep it all from tipping over.

6. What topics or themes do you explore in your books, and what do you hope readers take away from your work?

My books are like conversations over coffee—raw, honest, and sprinkled with humor. The Broken Leg & The Broken P&L is a story that isn’t just told; it’s felt. It’s about RoKo and AV, two souls who couldn’t be more different—one a free spirit with boundless energy, the other a quiet thinker with untold stories. When their worlds collide, their connection is immediate and powerful, but it’s also tested by the very differences that drew them together. Through their journey, I explore the fragile, tangled emotions that make us human—togetherness, vulnerability, and the quiet moments where doubt whispers louder than love. It’s a story that asks: Can two people so different truly thrive together? And what happens when the walls we build around ourselves threaten to tear us apart? I hope readers see echoes of their own lives in RoKo and AV’s story—moments of joy, missed chances, and the bittersweet recognition that life rarely gives us tidy endings.

Then there’s Coach?? I Don’t Need One!!!, a no-nonsense journey into the world of executive coaching. This one’s for the skeptics, the self-made, and anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at the idea of coaching. We tackle the tough stuff—Executive Isolation, Imposter Syndrome, and that little voice that says, ‘I already know it all.’ With humor and real talk, I debunk myths, share transformative stories, and show how even the best can get better. By the end, I hope readers walk away with fresh perspectives, practical self-coaching techniques, and maybe even a newfound appreciation for Mondays.

Themes? I dive into the messy heart of leadership, the unpredictable rhythm of growth, and the raw sting of vulnerability. I paint scenes—crisp boardroom air, the weight of a cracked ledger—a symbol of the silent burdens we carry, the quiet moments where words go unsaid—so readers feel it. I hope they walk away with a grin, maybe a tear, and a nudge: Hey, it’s okay to stumble—just keep moving. If they see a bit of themselves in the pages and feel a little less alone, I’ve done my job.

7. In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing challenges that veterans face when they return to civilian life, and how can society better support them?

Picture this: A soldier steps off the battlefield—dust still clinging to their boots, the echo of orders ringing in their ears—and into a world that feels like it’s speaking a foreign language. That’s the crux of it: Purpose. In uniform, every move had meaning; in civilian life, they’re left asking, Who am I now? Then there’s the skills gap—leading under fire doesn’t exactly translate to LinkedIn buzzwords. And the quiet struggles—trauma, isolation—linger like shadows they can’t outrun.

But here’s the thing: veterans bring incredible strengths to the table—discipline, resilience, and the ability to lead under pressure. These are assets that can transform any team or organization. What they need is a bridge—a way to blend these strengths into the corporate world and society at large.

So, what can society do? We’ve got to move beyond clapping at parades and start showing up. Companies can look beyond resumes and hire for grit—train them, trust their resilience, and give them a chance to shine. Communities can do more than nod politely; they can truly listen. I’ve seen veterans light up when someone says, “Your story matters.”

Through my coaching programs and books, I help veterans translate their battlefield leadership into boardroom wins. But it’s on all of us. A job, a mentor, a simple “you’ve got this”—these small acts create ripples that can change lives. Together, we can help them find their footing in this new world.

8. Looking ahead, do you have any plans to return to the corporate world after your Ph.D., or do you see yourself continuing down this new path of writing and helping veterans?

Oh, the million-dollar question! I’m mid-Ph.D., knee-deep in leadership’s mysteries, and loving this path—the ink-stained hands, the veteran breakthroughs, the stories that wake me up at 4 a.m. Could I go back to corporate? Sure, the suits still fit, and I haven’t forgotten how to lead in a boardroom—or on Zoom. But here’s the thing: this feels like home. Writing’s my oxygen, helping veterans my heartbeat. Post-Ph.D., I see more books—many more adventures of and for RoKo and AV—more workshops, more impact.

I’m all about the present moment—because, let’s be honest, that’s where life happens! I hadn’t exactly planned for this path, but here it is, unfolding in ways I never expected. And you know what? I’m here for it.

That said, I’m not one for absolutes. If a corporate gig called—one that let me blend my past hustle with this new fire—I’d listen. For now, though, I’m riding this wave, coffee in hand, curiosity wide open. The future’s a sunset I can’t quite see yet, and I’m okay with that.