“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” ~ Virginia Woolf. On this International Women’s Day, GlobalSpa recognizes and celebrates the women in the industry as we delve into their success mantra they follow, mistakes that have helped them grow, and of course, their WELLNESS philosophy.

Divanshi Gupta is the pioneer behind Ucanji India’s leading marketplace for helping individuals to reach their true potential with dance fitness classes all over India with the best instructors.

What is your wellness philosophy?

I ensure that I take some time out every day from the however hectic day I have, to focus on not just my physical health but also my mental health. I try to schedule wellness like I would plan my meetings. With a busy work schedule, I book my workouts and self-care appointments a week before and then I do everything I can to protect those times. In this way, I set myself up for success, and I’m reminded that my health and well-being is just as important as anything else on my work schedule.

Another most essential element behind my wellness is getting enough sleep. With the constant urge to do more, we quickly learn to ignore the most vital but easily-forgotten commodity: sleep. And, I tend to take sleep very seriously. Staying hydrated is the key. Also, unplugging for 10 mins from the bombarded texts, emails, tweets, etc. I take 10 mins a day to shut out extra noise to just taste the wind and soak up some sunlight.

Your success mantra?

I read it somewhere, and it has stayed with me. Every day we get: 24 Hours. 1440 Minutes. 86400 Seconds. This is the time that is NONREFUNDABLE or NONRENEWABLE. To succeed in life, we have to be very selective of how we use this time, else we will miss the train we needed to catch despite it being on the platform right in front of our eyes.

A lesson you learned from making a mistake?

Everyone learns from their mistakes. I hired people for their skills and not for their attitude, and it was a mistake I have learned to never make again. In my entrepreneurial journey, I have time and again realized that the right attitude employees are more successful at driving and leading winning teams as they focus on “we” rather than “me.” They appreciate the journey and they make it easier for those around them to give their all, day in and day out. They don’t obsess over titles, visibility, or favour and discourage interoffice politics. In many cases, I have found that their desire and focus to keep moving the bar is contagious, and it has encouraged the team across the floor to do better and achieve what they set their heart to.

Any piece of advice for all the women out there?

Women out there are more passionate about their life than ever before, and this is what we need today. Yes, sometimes it is tough but trust me, you should keep believing in your dreams, believing in yourself. Don’t let society’s rules make you postpone your dreams or be scared of them. If you have the will, then you can achieve even the impossible. Just don’t quit.

What has been your biggest pride as a doyenne?

One of my biggest pride moments is being able to launch my dream project, Ucanji, especially in the times when the world needs it the most. Dance and fitness is something that has always influenced
me, calmed me and helped me grow, and being able to share it with the world through Ucanji is nothing but a dream come true! Besides this, one of the biggest pride moments of my life is that I have been able to inspire women around me to become a better version of themselves across their personal and professional lives. I am a workaholic, but I know how to manage work-life balance, and I believe it is one thing everyone who aspires to become an industry leader must have.