We were lucky to catch up with Niyati Desai recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Niyati, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted deeply in my upbringing and life experiences. Raised by hardworking parents, I learned the value of persistence and determination early on. Their relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to our family instilled in me the strength to face challenges head-on.
My journey has been paved with countless “no’s,” each one a stepping stone to greater resilience. From aspiring to be a basketball player and facing the heartbreak of missed opportunities, to navigating the rigorous path of becoming a journalist in a competitive field, I learned to transform rejection into motivation. The journey didn’t stop there. Immigration laws presented yet another formidable barrier, preventing me from working in this country. Yet, instead of succumbing to frustration, I channeled my energy into finding alternative ways to thrive and contribute.
Each obstacle reinforced my resolve and taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the power of hope. These experiences collectively shaped my resilience, making me the person I am today—someone who stands undeterred in the face of adversity, always ready to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My professional journey has been anything but linear, and it’s this very unpredictability that has shaped my current path. I always dreamt of being a journalist, and various obstacles prevented me from pursuing this passion. However, turning 40 reignited a long-dormant spark within me, compelling me to finish what I had always wanted to start. This renewed passion led to the creation of my show, Women in the Making.
Women in the Making is more than just a podcast; it’s a labor of love, dedication, courage, and hard work. The idea was born out of my own lost journey as a journalist, transforming my setbacks into a platform that amplifies the voices of extraordinary women. Initially, I faced skepticism and indifference. When I reached out to potential guests, many ignored my requests or simply didn’t reply. But I persevered, and eventually, I connected with ten remarkable women who agreed to be part of Season 1.
This journey is profoundly important to me because it provides a platform for women to share their stories of carving out their spaces in the world and making a difference. Each episode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the impact of female empowerment. Through these stories, I aim to inspire and empower others, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue your passions.
Looking ahead, my goal is to expand Women in the Making far beyond its current reach. I dream of collaborating with a production company and establishing my own studio, moving from shooting at home to a professional setting and travel the world. This expansion will allow me to continue bringing powerful, transformative stories to a wider audience, solidifying the show’s place as a significant platform for women’s voices.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments, as I’m committed to making Women in the Making an even more influential and inspiring platform in the future.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These have been game-changers for me.
Resilience: Facing countless “no’s,” career obstacles, and even overcoming personal traumas like molestation in my youth, resilience has been my backbone. It’s about bouncing back stronger every time you fall. My advice? Embrace failures and hardships as lessons. Surround yourself with supportive people, and let every setback fuel your determination. “Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising stronger every single time.”
Adaptability: The ability to pivot has been crucial. Whether shifting from basketball to journalism or navigating immigration laws, being adaptable opened new doors. For those starting out, be open to change and step out of your comfort zone. Flexibility can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. “Adaptability is the art of turning obstacles into stepping stones.”
Lifelong Learning: Staying curious and informed has fueled my passion and creativity. My advice? Never stop learning. Read, take courses, and engage with new ideas. The more you know, the better you can navigate your journey.
Advice for Developing These Qualities:
1. Build a support network and practice self-care. Reflect on past challenges and how you overcame them. Your greatest strength lies in your ability to stand tall after every fall.
2. Embrace change and seek out diverse experiences. Be open-minded and flexible. The greatest opportunities often come disguised as challenges.
3. Dedicate time regularly to learning something new. Engage with books, courses, and conversations that challenge you. Every day is a new page in your book of knowledge; never stop writing.
Success isn’t a straight path, but with resilience, adaptability, and a thirst for knowledge, you can navigate it with confidence and grace.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Starting a video production project like “Women in the Making” has been an incredibly challenging journey, especially as a one-woman army. Many questioned why I chose video over audio podcasting, pointing out the hurdles and costs involved. However, I believe in the power of visual connection—people love to engage with stories they can see and feel.
The statistics are sobering: countless new audio podcasts fail to gain traction, but visual content has a unique ability to resonate and create lasting impact. Despite not taking a salary for over a year, I remain committed because I know “Women in the Making” is touching lives. The positive feedback and the growing viewership, now in its second season, confirm that this platform is making a difference.
To overcome this challenge, I am actively seeking sponsors and production companies who can recognize the value of what I’ve created. I am confident that someone will see my worth and invest in this meaningful endeavor. The show has garnered thousands of viewers in just six months, and with the right support, I believe it can reach even greater heights.
“In the face of adversity, creation is an act of defiance.” I’m not just creating a show—I’m building a legacy. And I won’t stop until “Women in the Making” is a household name.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://womeninthemaking.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversationswithniya
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niya-desai-00bb628/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenintheMaking
- Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/women-in-the-making
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