We recently connected with Ritu Pancholy and have shared our conversation below.
Ritu, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For years, I climbed the corporate ladder—starting in big law, then moving into government, and eventually landing in-house as a litigation, employment, and compliance attorney. Along the way, I realized that what truly lit me up wasn’t just the legal work—it was the opportunity to make workplaces better. I found myself most energized by the work that centered on building healthy, positive cultures and conducting fair, thorough investigations to ensure employees felt heard and respected.
That clarity led me to take the leap six years ago. I left my in-house role and built a company focused entirely on helping businesses and organizations improve their workplace culture. Whether it’s through third-party investigations, conflict resolution training, or leadership development, I’ve found my purpose in creating environments where people can thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Culturupt partners with nonprofits, corporations, and a wide range of organizations to help build healthier, more effective workplaces. We are frequently brought in when a workplace complaint arises and an organization needs a neutral, third-party investigator to conduct an objective and thorough review.
Beyond investigations, we provide workplace training designed to foster a positive, feedback-rich culture. Our programs include manager training on delivering timely, constructive feedback, employee sessions focused on developing a growth mindset, and HR workshops on conducting impartial investigations.
We also offer executive coaching, day-to-day HR consulting, and proactive training on topics like workplace respect and sexual harassment prevention. This year, we’re excited to launch a new virtual sexual harassment training course in partnership with a leading organization.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been especially impactful in my journey are curiosity, connection, and creativity. Being a lifelong learner with a genuine curiosity about people and systems has shaped the way I approach challenges—it’s helped me ask thoughtful questions, dig into research, and think beyond the obvious.
I’ve also always loved talking to people. What some might call “networking,” I see as my natural way of moving through the world. I find deep fulfillment in building connections and bringing others together.
And finally, having a creative mindset—one that looks for innovative solutions and new perspectives—has helped me build a business that’s both people-centered and forward-thinking.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book that has had the most impact on my personal and professional development is Mindset by Carol Dweck. After reading it and diving deeper into the research, I realized I had been carrying a fixed mindset into my work for years. It held me back from asking questions, fully embracing feedback, and confidently moving forward.
Since then, I’ve become passionate about the concept of growth mindset—not just in theory, but in practice. I’ve challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone, even picking up new hobbies like tennis, which constantly remind me that growth is about both working through your weaknesses and celebrating your progress along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://culturupt.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritu-pancholy-7380473/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Culturupt
Image Credits
shutterstock
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
