Meet Vaani Sai

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vaani Sai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vaani , 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.

In one of my previous workplaces, I was unexpectedly promoted to a managerial position. I hadn’t applied for it—it was simply thrust upon me—and at first, I questioned whether my directors had made the right choice. I doubted myself, wondering if I was truly the best candidate for the role. Up until that point, I had always seen leadership as something reserved for those with an innate sense of authority and self-assurance, and I didn’t think I fit that mold.

In the beginning, I hesitated. I second-guessed my decisions and worried about whether I was meeting expectations. I felt the weight of responsibility in a way I never had before, and imposter syndrome crept in. But as time went on, I noticed something interesting—people weren’t just following my instructions out of obligation; they were actively seeking my guidance. Colleagues came to me with their questions, their problems, and their concerns, trusting me to help them find the best solutions.

That shift in perspective was eye-opening. I realized that leadership isn’t about knowing everything or never making mistakes—it’s about being someone others trust to navigate challenges with clarity and fairness. Even though I didn’t recognize it at the time, in hindsight, that trust was a huge compliment. It showed me that confidence isn’t something you have to be born with; it’s something you develop through experience, through showing up. Understanding that others believed in me helped me believe in myself. And while that confidence initially came from external validation, over time, it transformed into something internal—something I now carry forward in everything I do, knowing that I have valuable skills and insights to offer.

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?

At my core, my work revolves around helping others bring their ideas to life.

I run dosas and diamonds, where I provide writing and editing services to businesses, nonprofits, and publications. I work across a range of industries—from healthcare and neuroscience to travel and personal development—helping clients communicate their message to their audiences with clarity, precision, and impact.

Beyond that, I’m also a creativity coach and the founder of neurowrite, a platform dedicated to helping writers and artists unlock their creative potential. I guide creatives through the mental blocks that often hold them back, helping them build confidence, discipline, and a sustainable creative practice so they can share their work with the world. Right now, I’m focused on expanding the neurowrite Insights Library, a resource hub offering practical, evidence-based tools to enhance creativity and productivity. I’m also always on the lookout for creative minds who want to share their own processes and journeys.

Whether through writing, editing, or coaching, my goal is to empower others to tell their stories with confidence and creativity—because everyone has an idea that deserves to be heard and every voice has something valuable to offer.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

A skill that has been incredibly important for me—perhaps now more than ever, for anyone, regardless of what field you’re in—is media literacy. Whether it’s reading books, analyzing the news, or understanding scientific research, the ability to navigate jargon and recognize bias is essential. So much of my work as a writer and editor is shaped by society, trends, and storytelling, and thinking critically about the information I consume helps me create meaningful, informed content that resonates with audiences.

Empathy has also been a guiding force. As a writer, editor, and creativity coach, my role is to help others express their ideas in ways that feel authentic to them and their brands. Creativity is deeply personal, and truly understanding my clients’ needs, challenges, and visions allows me to bring their ideas to life in a way that connects. Even on a logistical level, empathy makes a difference—whether it’s being patient when a client takes longer than expected to respond or navigating unexpected challenges with understanding. It goes a long way in reducing stress and maintaining positive relationships.

Interpersonal skills have played a huge role as well. Knowing how to engage with people, make them feel heard, and create positive energy in a space is invaluable. Unfortunately, we’ve all met someone who shifts the energy in a room—but not in a good way. Don’t be that person. Being warm, open, and approachable costs nothing, but it fosters better connections and increases opportunities for collaboration and growth. Even on my worst days, I’ve found that when I approach work with a smile, it’s usually reciprocated.

If I had to offer one piece of advice to those just starting out, it would be to stay curious. Curiosity makes you a better conversationalist—people love to talk about themselves, and asking thoughtful questions is one of the easiest ways to build meaningful connections. Curiosity also fuels learning, creativity, and innovation. Ask questions, explore perspectives outside your own, and never assume you have all the answers. The more you seek to understand—whether through reading, conversation, or personal experience—the more depth and richness you’ll bring to your work and your interactions with others.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One of the biggest challenges I continue to face is the cultural resistance to a creative career path within the Brown community. There’s often an expectation to pursue fields that are seen as more stable or prestigious—medicine, engineering, law—while writing, art, and other creative pursuits are dismissed as hobbies rather than viable careers. That mindset doesn’t just come from older generations; it’s reinforced by peers who internalize these ideas and pass them along, making it even harder to break away from the norm without feeling like you’re making the wrong choice.

This isn’t a challenge with a simple fix because as long as cultural stereotypes around success persist, the resistance will remain. But what I’ve learned is that silence only makes it worse. The more we speak up about our journeys and choices, the more we normalize the idea that creative careers are just as valid, valuable, and meaningful. Finding like-minded people—whether in person or online—has also been key. There’s immense comfort in knowing you’re not alone, in surrounding yourself with people who get it, and in having a space where your work is not only understood but celebrated.

For me, part of overcoming this challenge is continuing to push forward despite the doubts and external noise, but also making sure I uplift others who are trying to do the same. The more we own our paths with confidence, the more we chip away at the barriers holding us back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/vaanisai
• Instagram: neurowriteofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaani-sai/

Image Credits

Avalon Mohns