Anju Solanki is the founder of MEA Consulting Group, which helps companies build a diverse and inclusive culture.
Prior to founding MEA, Anju worked in investment banking for 12 years, building a successful track record on the trading floor and creating a network of international clients.
She is a business mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, helping aspiring female entrepreneurs in Africa develop their business strategy.
She was showcased as an inspiring woman for International Women’s Day 2020 at United World College South East Asia and is a regular guest on various media outlets, including the BBC and Guardian.
Born in London, she now live in Essex with her family.
What set you on the road to success?
Having been raised by a single mum as one of four daughters, I saw my mum work hard and stay resilient through the difficult times. She persevered to give me and my sisters a good education and taught us that, with commitment and hard work, we can achieve what we put our minds to.
I took that with me into the working world. I did not have the highest grades, but I persisted and convinced hiring managers to give me a job on a trading floor, despite so many recruiters telling me I would never be considered. I worked super hard, possessed hunger which shone through, and realised this was a recipe which could be adapted to whatever I set my mind to.
I got married in my late twenties, and my husband and I learnt to support each other’s dreams. I had my daughter at 32 and I went through a difficult time in the first couple of years of her life. She was often ill with various hospital stays, and the situation led me to feel like a failure as a mother.
I returned to work part-time, only to feel excluded and overlooked for many opportunities, being a mother wanting to manage family life. It was that feeling of failure that led me to my ultimate success. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on my life, on my values and what was important to me. When I bounced back, I did it from a place of strength and with a sense of purpose on how I want my life to look.
Having experienced the invisible barriers women and ethnic minorities face in today’s society, I am passionate about promoting equality for all.
Did you have a hero when you were younger?
My mother. She was Superwoman in my eyes. I never saw her give up and I found it fascinating given her circumstances.
Do you have one now?
Still my mother, but I have to add Michelle Obama to the pedestal. She is full of grace, integrity, intelligence and purpose.
Do you get bored easily?
Not if I am doing something which excites me and is challenging.
Who do you admire in business and in life generally?
Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. They’ve built successful brands for themselves and align their work with a moral imperative and societal cause. I also have to add Richard Branson to the list, as I admire his risk-taking abilities. The greatest payoffs comes from those who have the appetite for risk.
How would you describe your leadership style?
The apparent term for my style is ‘transformational’ leadership. I believe in inspiring and motivating others to perform with their work. I am a strong believer in empathy and communicating effectively. I very much value teamwork and collaboration.
What are your ambitions?
To develop myself further and push my own boundaries. I want to be a role model to my children and show them that you can do well at what you love.
I would like to continue the success of MEA and scale up the business to create the biggest impact. To raise awareness on the importance of diversity and inclusion through the media.
What qualities do you look for in colleagues?
Good work ethic, being street smart, and integrity.
Micro-manage or big picture?
Macro all the way. If there is clear guidance and strategy, I think freedom and trust combine to allow people to thrive to their best potential.
Do you think business is valued by society?
Increasingly so. I believe the landscape of business will change as we ease out of lockdown and some businesses will be valued more than others.
In the prior rush of life, convenience was at the forefront of consumer spending. I now believe there will be more appreciation for small independent businesses who have struggled over coronavirus, and will be increasingly valued more and supported by society.
As we shift in how we live and work, the businesses which adapt the quickest to our new way of life will also reap the benefits.
Here’s a magic wand – what are you going to do?
Whizz the magic wand around and: ta da! My children grow up in a world full of diverse people who all respect each other’s differences and uniqueness… Where individuals have opportunities irrespective of their backgrounds and differences… Where we don’t even talk about diversity and inclusion because it is a way of life.
Then lock up the wand somewhere safe and bring it out anytime I want the house to clean itself.
What’s your favourite time of day?
After school drop off, usually around 9am. The world feels like my oyster! I am full of energy and usually have great (and overestimated) hopes for the day, such as to do my work, exercise, run household errands and even meditate.
Around late afternoon I start coming to the realisation that the day is too short and hope for tomorrow instead!
Do you believe in luck?
I believe we create our own luck. We have power to create situations in which exciting opportunities can come to light. If a person looked at my CV they might think I am someone who has got lucky or had lucky breaks, when really there is a lot of hard work behind the opportunities which have arisen.
Where next?
Grow MEA to be a globally-recognized brand for promoting diversity and inclusion. Partner with major authorities and powerhouses who influence people and culture at a scalable level. Take my keynote speaking to even wider audiences to motivate and inspire global crowds to push their boundaries and believe in themselves.
Source: Kevin Pratt Interview with Anju Solanki, Forbes, 2nd June 2021