Meet Ria Bhatt

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ria Bhatt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ria, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Building confidence and self-esteem in my professional life has been an ongoing journey that required time and practice, and I think that is common for those of us who are often the “only” in a room. The path to confidence looks different for everyone, but for me, it has certainly grown the longer I’ve been in my field. Now that I’ve been in my sector for 20 years, I feel secure in my strengths and expertise, while also being at peace with not having all the answers.

One major factor in building my confidence has been understanding my personal “why” behind the work I do. Knowing my core values and the reasons I’m passionate about what I do helps keep me grounded. It shields me from being overly influenced by challenging leadership or unnecessary showboating in the workplace. When I remember my purpose and articulate it to others, I’m reminded why I’m here, which gives me a steady foundation to stand on.

Another practice that has helped is keeping a log of sincere, direct appreciation I’ve received from colleagues over years. When I am having a particularly challenging day, I reflect on this log to remind myself of the positive impact I’ve had and the respect I’ve earned. It’s a reminder of my value and the difference I’m making.

Lastly, I’ve learned that valuing collaboration over competition fosters growth and confidence. Insecurity often leads to antagonistic relationships, but when I focus on supporting and uplifting others, it unfailingly leads to stronger relationships and communities. By consciously helping others grow, I have also boosted my own confidence and created a cycle of mutual support and empowerment.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m excited to share that earlier this year, I took a significant step in my professional journey by launching Mandala Strategies, an independent consultancy focused on organizational strategy and public policy research. Through this venture, I’m able to bring my transformative consulting services to help organizations master their strategies, elevate their fundraising efforts, and navigate complex public policy landscapes, all while ensuring a lasting impact on their communities.

Mandala Strategies is the culmination of over 20 years of my experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and policy research, with a core focus on equity and social change. I’m honored to partner with nonprofits, foundations, education institutions, and other groups working toward inclusive progress. My consultancy offers a comprehensive range of services, including capacity building, sector mapping, fundraising strategy, partnership development, and meeting facilitation. Additionally, I lead policy research and landscape analysis projects in critical areas such as education, economic and racial justice, civic engagement, and gender equity.

My approach is deeply rooted in the belief that, much like a mandala—where each individual shape contributes to a greater, harmonious whole—mission-driven organizations thrive when they identify their individual strengths and operate effectively in collaboration. I emphasize an equity-focused and nimble approach to evolving challenges and opportunities in the social sector.

In the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a research group to revamp their research agenda and overall strategy. I’ve also worked with a nonprofit membership association to facilitate a post-election debrief and strategy session to help shape their future policy agenda. These projects have been incredibly rewarding, as they reflect the impact of strategic planning and collaboration in driving meaningful social change. Learn more about Mandala Strategies and my services at www.mandala-strategies.com.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Great question! So many important qualities to think through, but as I launched my own consultancy this year, I focused on staying grounded in my purpose, actively building a professional community, and embracing continuous growth through new challenges.

Staying grounded in my “why” has been central to my journey. It probably took too long to stop and reflect on why I chose this work over other paths, but when I finally did, that purpose has kept me motivated and focused. We all choose our paths for different reasons–inspiration from previous generations, a mentor in the field, or simply curiosity about new discoveries. My advice for those starting their careers is to find your core reason for doing the work and revisit it regularly. It’s easy to become complacent or disillusioned as you face challenges, but staying connected to your “why” gives you the clarity to stay focused and true to your path.

Building a strong community of colleagues has been another key to my success. Recognizing that I can’t be everything to everyone has helped me lean into what I do best—writing, organizing, strategy, and relationship-building. I forgave myself for struggling in areas outside my strengths and started to partner with people who could complement those gaps. I encourage newcomers to independent consulting to identify and embrace their strengths early on and seek out collaborators who bring different skills to the table. A strengths-based approach not only boosts your own motivation but also creates a supportive, dynamic team environment.

Lastly, even with a clear understanding of my strengths, embracing continuous growth has been crucial. Knowing your strengths doesn’t mean avoiding new challenges. In fact, using your strengths to expand your knowledge, explore new areas, or pivot to different sectors helps you grow without burning out. My advice for early-career professionals is to keep pushing your boundaries by exploring new perspectives and acquiring new knowledge. This not only prevents stagnation but ensures you’re always evolving and staying engaged in your work. For me, I’m excited to grow my consultancy beyond my core area of education policy in future years.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

I’ve read a number of books on leadership, and one that has particularly stuck with me is Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, which I often gift to other leaders. Dare to Lead is full of lessons on the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how authenticity is the clear path to a trusting work environment. Beyond that, however, I’m also a big reader of literature and fiction, as I find that stories have a profound impact on how I think and relate to others. Reading about people and places I may not encounter in real life expands my perspective in ways that data and facts alone cannot.

Some of the books I’ve recently read that have expanded my point of view and revealed valuable wisdom include The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka, Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn, Trust by Hernan Diaz, The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, and The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. These stories have opened my eyes to different cultures, struggles, and triumphs, and I believe that engaging with these narratives makes me a better, more empathetic leader. Check them out!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mandala-strategies.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riasbhatt/