At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Kirti Mehta for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Kirti is a Certified Career Coach, Counsellor and Founder of Target Your Success. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Kirti:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I began my career in the retail banking sector, where I worked for over 15 years with leading institutions like HDFC Bank and DBS Bank. During this time, I held various leadership roles, gaining deep insights into customer engagement, financial planning, and team development.
However, my passion for mentoring and guiding people—especially the youth—led me to make a meaningful shift in 2022. I transitioned into the field of career coaching, earning certifications including the ICCC Master Trainer, CCSP from the National Career Development Association (NCDA), USA, and a certification from Mindler. Recently, I also completed the Certified Career Analyst (CCA) program from Edumilestones.
In 2023, I founded Target Your Success, a platform dedicated to guiding high school students in identifying their right career paths. We focus especially on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that students from humble to middle-income backgrounds have access to structured, affordable, and aspirational guidance.
Alongside this, I’ve worked with organizations like High School Moms and Freedom Employability Academy, and currently serve as the Joint Secretary of the Association of Professional Career Counsellors of India (APCCI). My journey so far has been one of transformation—from managing financial portfolios to shaping young futures—and it continues to be deeply fulfilling.
How did you discover your passion?
My passion for career guidance emerged organically during my corporate years. While working in leadership roles at HDFC and DBS Bank, I often found myself mentoring younger colleagues—not just on performance, but on their career decisions, growth mindset, and long-term goals. Those conversations left a lasting impact on me.
The turning point came when I started volunteering for student mentoring sessions and noticed how fulfilling it felt to help someone gain clarity and confidence about their future. That’s when I realised I wanted to move from guiding financial portfolios to guiding human potential.
I began investing in professional training, earning globally recognised certifications in career counselling, and working closely with students across age groups. Over time, this passion evolved into a mission—to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to informed, compassionate, and structured career guidance.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going is the impact I’m able to create. When a student gains clarity or a family expresses gratitude for helping their child make informed choices, it reminds me why I chose this path.
I also draw strength from the belief that meaningful work takes time, and the mission I’m working toward—making career guidance accessible and aspirational for all—is worth every challenge. My personal discipline, support from my network, and the ability to stay grounded in my purpose help me stay resilient.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
a) Clarity comes from action, not just reflection. Taking that first step—whether it was changing careers or launching my own venture—helped me discover my true calling.
b) Your network is your strength. The right people around you—mentors, collaborators, and well-wishers—can accelerate growth and offer perspective during low phases.
c) Adaptability is power. Being open to unlearning and evolving is key in a world where careers, industries, and technologies change rapidly.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success, in my view, is a combination of self-awareness, continuous learning, and consistency. If you know your strengths and values, invest in learning every step of the way, and show up with intent and discipline, success becomes a byproduct.
Also, having a service mindset—thinking about how your work adds value to others—makes success more meaningful and sustainable.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice would be: Don’t chase trends—pursue what aligns with your interests, strengths, and values. Build skills, not just resumes. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid of starting small.
Also, find mentors early. Guidance at the right time can save you years of confusion. And finally, remember that your first job doesn’t define your future—it’s just a beginning.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes this journey truly satisfying is the transformation I witness in the lives of students, in their self-belief, and in the confidence of families that once felt directionless.
It’s exciting to be part of an ecosystem that’s evolving, where awareness around career counselling is growing, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Knowing that I’m contributing to a much-needed change in how India views career decisions keeps me energised and committed every single day.
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.
