Interview Spotlight With Rita Parmar

Rita Parmar, a wife, mum of two beautiful children and someone who aspires to empower women in leadership to stand out and get the recognition they deserve!

As an accredited Business Coach and L&D professional, she has dedicated her time and energy to coach senior professionals and deliver organisational development programmes. When coaching clients, Rita thrives on helping to unlock individual potential which leads to growth mindset, transformational change professionally and personally.

With her authentic style Rita has an almost uncanny way of understanding people’s feelings, drawing out the individuality of each person and instinctively caring for people’s professional and emotional needs. She exhibits personal warmth, insight, originality and a broad organisational ability. Rita recently took the plunge by turning her thoughts into action… She made the decision to start her own coaching and consultancy business.

Thank you for interviewing with us today, can you introduce yourself to us?

It’s my pleasure. I’m Rita Parmar, a Learning & Development Professional and a qualified Business Coach. When I am ’off duty’ I am a proud mother to my 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, who constantly keep me on my toes. I am super passionate to help, and support women to believe they are capable of being more, doing more and impacting more. It’s about them taking a step back, reflecting on who they are, what they want and how do they plan to get it.  

Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?

Gosh it’s been a long journey! I fell into the world of HR and have been there for the last 20 years (showing my age now). A few years ago, I moved into Organisational Development and it has positively changed me and my approach to work.  I completed my ILM L5 accreditation in Coaching & Mentoring. This shift was a game changer for me as it took me out of my comfort zone.

From 80% of my work being done from behind a desk, to regularly standing In front of a room full of people, presenting, has really given me the confidence to keep growing personally and professionally. With this change came the positive client feedback, the impact that I made has given me the determination to continue helping others but now it’s about helping myself too.

The pandemic was a ‘cloud with a silver lining’ for me as I had constant thoughts of wanting to do something for myself, wanting to help others, but those thoughts were pushed to the back of my head and I continued with my 9-5 job.

It was time for change, time to say bye to comfort zones and hello to new beginning’s! The only person that was standing in the way of achieving my goals was myself. So here I am, starting up my own business and I am super excited!

Since starting, have you made any changes to your business model?

Yes – At first, I wanted to help and coach everyone as it’s what I enjoy. Life and work experiences have given me great opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. Its only when that trust builds, that relationships form and that’s the magic of coaching.

I have gone to wanting to coach everyone to having a niche: ‘Women in Leadership’, as I believe there is a gap here. As women, we can sometimes forget our worth, hold ourselves back even though we have more to offer. 

Have you ever had a mentor? If so how has this benefitted you either personally or professionally?

I can’t say I have. I do have amazing friends and family around me, which in a way, have always been my mentors. 

What outlets do use for marketing?

At present, its LinkedIn. I will be using Instagram and my own website is soon to follow. Also, word of mouth – For me, having that face to face interaction is extremely powerful and truly highlights what I am offering, it’s also that authenticity piece.  

What or Who has inspired you most recently?

Recently, I will say my daughter. She is a part of her school choir and recently did a solo performance at her assembly where she sang on stage In front of the school and parents. 

The song was called ‘Higher and Higher’ and this verse has stuck with me:

‘Reach for the sky, 

When you’re learning to fly, 

Or you will never soar, 

You will never soar.

Just take my hand 

And we’ll lift from this land, let us fly, 

Let us fly away’.

What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?

Great things never came from comfort zones – If things don’t challenge you, they won’t change you.

How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?

Is that even possible?

Working full-time and having two young children who constantly need attention is challenging – trying to balance it all out. For me, the key to balance work and personal life is to plan, prioritise and have consistency. I apply this to work, family and me time. I don’t over complicate it – I keep it simple and stick to my daily routine.

Time is so precious and should be used wisely, it’s down to us when and how we use it. I plan my weekly diary in advance. This contains work and non-work events, which if I stick to – I know I can create that balance. Consistency and discipline work for me and it’s also about working smarter, not necessarily harder.

Name a seminal point in your career so far?

Making the decision to take a leap of faith and set up my own coaching and consulting business. That realisation that I can do this for myself! It was a huge decision that I pondered over for a while, but after resigning I felt relieved and super excited – I just knew that this was the right decision – One that will lead me to new beginnings.

What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?

Being able to do what I love and being successful at it: Developing and growing whilst being able to help others reach their goals.

Are there any leading entrepreneurs or SME leaders that you admire and if so why?

There are so many that I can resonate with.Tony Robbins – Known for his motivational speaking among many other things. I feel he tells it how it is; his quotes are so powerful. 

How do you define your own success?

Growing a business that is linked to my values and beliefs. Creating success by creating impact.

I love this quote by #Maya Angelo:

‘Success is…

Liking yourself, 

Liking what you do,

And liking

How you do it!

Finally, what can we expect from you next?

For me, this year is about growth, gratitude and collaborating with likeminded people. It’s all about the journey, exploring opportunities and taking calculated risks – The sky is the limit – reach for the stars!

linkedin.com/in/rita-parmar-178827141