We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Payal Dhanda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Payal below.
Hi Payal , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Growing up, I was the shyest kid in the room. I was raised by a single mom in a small town in India after my father passed away when I was four.
Life was quiet—my mom worked long hours, and I spent most of my time alone at home. Back then, I thought my silence was just who I was, but now I realize I was holding back to avoid burdening my mom, who already had so much on her plate.
As I grew older, this silence followed me. The cultural expectation to stay quiet, avoid disagreements, and not express “too much” pushed me further into my shell. Around adults, authority figures, or even family members, I felt like my voice didn’t matter. It wasn’t that I didn’t have ideas or thoughts—I had so many! But I doubted myself. I doubted whether I was good enough, whether what I had to say was important enough.
That inner conflict grew louder as I entered adulthood. I realized I wasn’t just quiet anymore—I was stuck. The confidence I needed to show up in rooms, contribute, and speak my truth was buried under years of self-doubt.
The turning point came when I asked myself: What would it feel like to finally use my voice? That’s when I decided to start a YouTube channel. It wasn’t an easy decision—I doubted whether I could do it, whether anyone would even care to listen. But deep down, I knew that if I didn’t try, I’d always wonder.
Starting my channel was my leap toward breaking free from imposter syndrome. On camera, I could speak my heart, share my journey, and create a space where others who’ve felt unseen or unheard could find comfort and connection. My first video was terrifying—I was nervous and uncertain, but I showed up anyway.
Now, every video I create reminds me of how far I’ve come. My most recent content touches on everything from social anxiety to big life transitions, but the core of my work remains the same: to help people feel seen, heard, and valued. I often tell my audience, “Your voice matters here,” because it’s a message I needed to hear for so long.
Imposter syndrome is still something I face, but I’ve learned that the best way to overcome it is to act despite the fear. By sharing my story on YouTube, I’m not only healing myself but also reminding others that they’re not alone.
If you’d like to hear more, I dive deeper into this journey on my channel. It’s been a space for growth, reflection, and community—a reminder that none of us have to navigate the messy middle of life alone.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Payal, a content creator and storyteller who’s passionate about having conversations around how to navigate the “messy middle” of life. My work centers on creating safe, relatable spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued—whether that’s through my YouTube channel, my LinkedIn content, or soon-to-be social business projects.
On YouTube, I blend self-development topics with fun, engaging content like travel vlogs and life updates. My mission is to show the in-between stages of growth—the times when life feels uncertain, messy, and full of lessons. It’s easy to see someone’s highlight reel or their “final success,” but I believe in talking about the real struggles and the real victories that happen along the way.
One of the most exciting parts of this journey is the community I’m building. The feedback I receive—people sharing how a video resonated with them or helped them feel less alone—fuels my drive to keep creating. It’s also a personal journey for me: starting this channel was my leap toward overcoming shyness and self-doubt, and every piece of content I make reinforces the power of showing up as your authentic self.
Right now, I’m focusing on expanding my YouTube channel, collaborating with others who share a passion for authentic storytelling! I am also in the initial phase of starting a business which revolves around “founders” and “entrepreneurs” and bringing the community together to build something big while having fun!
Looking ahead, I’m excited to take my brand to new levels. Whether it’s through partnerships, new content series, or engaging with a wider audience, my goal remains the same: to inspire growth, authenticity, and connection.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, self-awareness, and storytelling.
Resilience:
Life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way, from growing up as a shy child in a small town in India to navigating imposter syndrome as an adult. Resilience became my anchor, helping me push forward even when the path felt uncertain. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about being unshaken but about finding ways to stand up each time you’re knocked down. My advice: Start small. Cultivate resilience by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating your progress, no matter how incremental.
Self-Awareness:
Understanding myself—my strengths, my fears, and my triggers—has been a game changer. It’s what allowed me to overcome my shyness and step into spaces that felt intimidating, like creating YouTube videos. Self-awareness isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey of reflection. My advice: Spend time journaling, asking for feedback, and reflecting on what feels aligned with your values and what doesn’t. The more you understand yourself, the more confidently you can navigate challenges.
Storytelling:
Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s a YouTube video, a LinkedIn post, or simply connecting with others. Stories create connection, empathy, and understanding. My advice: Start telling your story, even if it feels small or insignificant. Practice sharing your experiences, whether it’s through writing, conversations, or creative outlets. The more you do it, the more you’ll find your unique voice.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say this: Focus on progress over perfection. Growth happens in the messy middle, so embrace the imperfections and keep showing up.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Collaboration is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, and I’m always excited to connect with like-minded individuals and brands.
I’m looking to partner with:
Content Creators in South Florida area who share a passion for self-development, storytelling, and building authentic connections.
Founders and Entrepreneurs in Their 20s and 30s who are seeking a supportive community to help them strike a balance between work and fun!
Brands and Organizations that align with my mission of fostering growth, authenticity, and community—whether it’s in the self-improvement, lifestyle, or wellness space. I’m particularly excited to collaborate with wellness brands focused on mental health, holistic living, and creating products or services that support personal growth.
If you’re reading this and feel our values align, I’d love to connect! You can reach me via:
Email: [email protected]
Let’s explore how we can create meaningful content and impact together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itspayall/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payaldhanda/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itspayalll
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
