At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Ameeta Ramesh for an exclusive interview with us. Ameeta is an Entrepreneur, Educationist and Co-Founder at Association of Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Ameeta:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I come from a corporate background with nearly 8 years of experience in Human Resources. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some well-known organisations like VIP, Karrox Technologies, Tata Docomo, and Technova Imaging. My roles spanned both corporate offices and factory setups, giving me a well-rounded exposure to HR practices in diverse environments.
Like many women, life took a new turn after marriage, and later, motherhood. As priorities naturally shifted, I made a conscious decision to dedicate my time and energy to raising my child. I didn’t want to juggle the pressures of a demanding corporate role alongside household responsibilities, and I wasn’t comfortable handing over parenting to third parties like crèches or caretakers. That choice led me to take a much-needed sabbatical.
During that break, I started reflecting on my next steps. While the thought of returning to the corporate grind didn’t appeal to me anymore, I felt a strong pull towards entrepreneurship. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak, but at the time, I had no clear idea of where to begin or what exactly to pursue. It was both exciting and overwhelming, but it was also the start of a new chapter.
My entrepreneurial journey began with small, uncertain steps. There were falls, there were rises — and each phase came with its own set of lessons that made me wiser and stronger. Every challenge taught me resilience, and every success fueled my belief that I was on the right path.
Long story short, these experiences culminated in the founding of ABLE – Association of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs. What started as an idea has today grown into a thriving platform that supports SMEs and entrepreneurs in their growth journeys. At ABLE, our mission is to create a space where business owners can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with esteemed organisations like the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), World Trade Centre, and many other reputed bodies. Our network has grown steadily and today comprises close to 4,000 to 5,000 business owners from various industries.
One of our proudest milestones was taking ABLE international — this year, we successfully led a business delegation to the UAE, opening doors to global exposure and cross-border collaborations for our members.
What began as a personal shift from corporate life has transformed into a purposeful journey — one that allows me to empower others while continuing to grow myself.
‘ABLE’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
‘ABLE’ isn’t just a name — it’s a powerful acronym that stands for Association of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs. But beyond that, it carries a deeper meaning. It reflects ability, possibility, and the confidence to achieve anything as a business leader.
When I was creating this platform, I wanted the name to inspire. ABLE speaks to the strength, resilience, and potential within every entrepreneur. Whether someone is just starting out or scaling their venture, the belief that they are able to grow, lead, and succeed is what drives us.
At ABLE, we’re facilitating Entrepreneurs by:
> Building a strong, supportive business ecosystem
> Offering connections, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration opportunities
> Facilitating growth through strategic partnerships, both locally and internationally
Going Global – Our International Vision
What began as a homegrown initiative has now expanded beyond borders. I’m proud to share that ABLE has partnered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai World Trade Centre, and Dubai Accelerated Tech. These collaborations mark a significant step in our international journey.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Let’s not be under the false impression of being strong always.” That’s not weakness — that’s being real, and being human. The myth of always being “rock solid” is often what isolates people, especially leaders.
In reality, it’s the courage to feel, to break down when needed, and still keep choosing to move forward — that defines real strength.
Let’s break down some of my insights, that’s how I see and perceive:
1) “Challenges are not optional.” Yes — they’re inevitable. But mindset, conviction, and perseverance are what get you through. It’s about the response, not the event.
2) “Positive people around you… supportive environment.” This is gold. No one wins alone. Having even one person who truly listens, encourages, and holds space during your low moments can be life-changing. It’s not about avoiding the fall, it’s about having people to help you stand again.
3) “Wisdom to make conscious choices.”That inner compass — sharpened through experience, reflection, and even past mistakes — helps us respond better next time. Wisdom helps balance emotion with clarity.
“If one’s intentions are good and ethical, challenges can be managed.”
This is the heart of integrity. When your foundation is honest and ethical, even if the road is rough, you walk it with your head up. And that builds trust, the rarest currency in business and life.
” So Challenges are important… but how you go through them decides the outcome.”
This last part is powerful. Because it’s not just about surviving the storm — it’s about who you become in the process.
Please share with us about your future plans?
We envision ABLE as a trusted ecosystem where entrepreneurs — from early-stage dreamers to seasoned founders — come to learn, connect, grow, and scale.
We aim to expand ABLE’s footprint beyond borders, starting with the UAE and hoping to fully expand to other countries, each bringing unique entrepreneurial energy. Organising international conferences, partnerships with international bodies, etc.
Student Exchange & Entrepreneurial Learning Programs. We believe entrepreneurship should begin young. ABLE will initiate cross-border student exchange programs, exposing students to diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems.
In your opinion, what is more necessary: Idea or a good team for a successful startup?
A great idea often comes from within — insight, passion, experience, or a deep need you want to solve. It’s the seed. But seeds alone don’t grow.
A good idea gives direction. It defines the problem to solve and It sparks the initial energy and belief, but on its own, it has no power unless it’s executed.
“A great idea without a strong team is just potential. A strong team can turn even a decent idea into a success.”
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
It’s difficult to choose just three because Life is a continuous teacher, and lessons often come disguised as challenges, setbacks, or quiet moments of clarity. Still, what comes top of mind is:
1) People Matter More Than Products: At the end of the day, business is about people, relationships, trust, and collaboration. You can have the best idea or product, but without valuing the people behind and around it, it won’t last.“It’s not the product that does the business — it’s the people. So value them.”
2) Integrity in business: In both personal and professional life, trust is your strongest currency. People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel — especially in how you conducted yourself. When your heart is in the right place, even when things don’t go as planned, you can still walk with integrity.
3) Never Give Up – Stay Resilient: Business is a rollercoaster. There will be setbacks, failures, and tough calls. But success often comes to those who simply refuse to quit. Stay committed, stay adaptable, and keep moving forward. “The ones who make it are not the smartest — they’re the ones who don’t stop.”
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
(i) Use Your Time Wisely – Time is your most valuable asset — once it’s gone, you don’t get it back. “Don’t just stay busy — stay purposeful.
(ii) There are No Shortcuts – Real success takes time, effort, and patience. Don’t fall for quick wins or overnight fame. Build something solid, even if it’s slow.“Fast success fades. Earned success lasts.”
(iii) Value People – No matter how skilled or smart you are, you’ll go much further with others. Learn to listen, respect others’ contributions, and build genuine relationships — they’re your strongest assets.
(iv) Focused, but Flexible – Have clear goals, but be open to change. Life rarely follows a straight path, and sometimes detours lead to the best destinations. Adaptability is a superpower in today’s fast-changing world.
(v) Be Open-Minded and Keep Learning – The world is evolving quickly — stay curious, humble, and always willing to learn. Success belongs to those who stay students for life.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
