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 Miral Patel for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Miral is an ICF Certified Coach, Trainer and Consultant. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Miral:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I come from Vadodara, a vibrant town in Gujarat, India—where growing up in the 80s meant two things were certain: cricket on the streets and career choices limited to “doctor or engineer.” Naturally, I chose Option C: misfit in the classroom. Sports were my escape, and I was far more at home on the school grounds than within four walls and chalk dust.
My entire family, both maternal and paternal, had science in their vein and ran their businesses. So, like a good Gujarati kid with dreams of rebellion, I took science in high school. Let’s just say physics and I were never on speaking terms. Somehow, I scraped through with respectable grades and a newfound clarity—I was never going to be a scientist, unless emotional chemistry counted.
I switched gears and pursued a BBA from M.S. University of Baroda, then packed my bags for FLAME University, Pune, for a PGDBM. And that, my friends, is where the real journey began.
At FLAME, we had this fascinating course called ELRI (Exploring Life Roles and Identity). It was five days of outbound, deep-dive self-exploration with mentors, silence, sharing, a few tears, and a lot of breakthroughs. I vividly remember sketching a phoenix rising from the ashes. That wasn’t just a drawing—it was me, reborn with purpose.
Human Resources didn’t just happen to me—it found me. Turns out, being a good listener and observer was more than just a personality trait; it was my superpower. With the support of Prof. Indira J. Parikh, former dean of IIM-A, I took my first steps as a freelance HR consultant. From there, I built my own little universe of people, possibilities, and growth.
In 2024, I took a leap and completed the ICF coach training program. Now, as a Level 2 certified coach, I don’t just guide others—I coach myself too (yes, even during those existential kitchen debates about eating that extra slice of cake). Coaching has helped me peel back the layers, understand what drives me, and connect deeply with those around me.
Today, I show up in the world with one clear mission: to support people in their journeys, help them unlock their potential, and nudge them toward a life filled with purpose and joy. That’s not just my work—it’s my reason for being. And if I can make you laugh along the way, even better.
On the home front, life is just as rewarding. I’ve been happily married for 11 years, blessed with two beautiful daughters, and surrounded by the unwavering support and love of my husband and in-laws. They’re my personal cheer squad, comic relief, and daily reminder that joy truly begins at home.
And at the root of it all are my parents—two wonderfully grounded humans who taught me resilience, discipline, and the art of picking yourself up no matter how hard the fall. Their wisdom and values continue to shape the person I am today, and for that, I’ll always be grateful (even if I still can’t fold a fitted bedsheet to save my life).
How did you discover your passion?
It wasn’t a lightning bolt moment—it was more like a trail of breadcrumbs. Each twist in the road, each stumble, each unexpected turn led me closer to it. It began with the realisation during my science years that I was chasing someone else’s dream.
FLAME University gave me the space to pause, reflect, and look inward. That ELRI course? It cracked something open. I saw how much I loved understanding people—their stories, their struggles, their triumphs. It felt like home.
From there, working in Human Resources came naturally. Conversations lit me up. People’s growth excited me. And when I stepped into the world of coaching, it was like everything clicked into place.
It wasn’t just a profession—it felt like a calling. Helping others grow became the very thing that helped me grow, too. That’s when I knew: this isn’t just what I do. This is who I am.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Of course, no journey comes without its rough patches. Especially as a woman striving to make her mark, there are challenges that often go unseen—missing out on golden career opportunities, juggling home and work, and feeling like you’re constantly short-changing one side or the other. There have been days when my potential felt caged by responsibilities, or when I felt invisible beyond my roles.
But coaching taught me to be in sync with reality and, more importantly, to be kind to myself. That has made all the difference. You can only change yourself, work on yourself—because let’s face it, most people don’t know what you’re going through (except maybe your family, on a good day).
The truth is, no one can do what women do. From managing homes and families (including the in-laws!), planning social events, to stealing five precious minutes for themselves—it’s a full-time superhero gig. I find so much strength in listening to leaders like Indra Nooyi, who remind us of the incredible power women hold.
She says it best: we must stand for ourselves, because no one else will. So here’s to doing what you love, being who you truly are, and trusting that the world will eventually catch up.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
1) Ask for help when you need it – This one took time to learn—and unlearn. I used to believe that asking for help was a sign of weakness. Now I know it’s actually a sign of strength. Whether it’s asking your partner to pitch in at home, reaching out to mentors, or just admitting you’re overwhelmed, help only comes when you ask. And asking doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you more human.
2) Be kind to yourself – We are so quick to give others compassion, yet so stingy with ourselves. I’ve learnt that self-kindness is not just bubble baths and journaling (though those help!); it’s about not beating yourself up for a bad day, a missed deadline, or the extra screen time your kids got while you took a breather. Being kind to yourself is being your own ally in this noisy, demanding world.
3) You have to walk the path to reach your goals – There’s no hack, no shortcut, no magic wand. The dreams you have, the life you envision—it all requires you to show up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. It’s one thing to visualise your goals, but it’s the daily steps, the discipline, the determination that make them real. You can’t outsource the journey—you have to walk it yourself.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
I will say it straight that there are many factors, but if you really have to have the key elements, then to me these are the ones:
(a) Clarity of purpose
(b) Being Authentic
(c) Positive Attitude
(d) Taking actions to achieve success
(e) Keep learning
(f) Accepting & loving myself. – very important. This is what will keep you alive and happy.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
The definition of success has certainly evolved. It’s no longer just about climbing the corporate ladder or padding a paycheck. Today, success includes fulfilment, personal satisfaction, balance, and yes—happiness. It’s a broader, more meaningful paradigm. And with that perspective, here are a few truths I’ve come to embrace:
(i) Success isn’t a sprint—it’s more like a long hike – Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out at 21. Most of us don’t. (Spoiler alert: even at 40, some of us are still figuring it out!) What matters more is curiosity, consistency, and being open to evolving. The view from the top is great, but so are the wildflowers along the way.
(ii) Say yes to learning—and no to things that drain you – Be a sponge. Learn from books, people, mistakes, rejections, and the chai breaks at work. But also protect your energy. Not every opportunity is meant for you, and that’s okay. Saying no is a skill—and sometimes, a lifesaver
(iii) Ask questions. Ask for help. Ask ‘why not me?’ – The world isn’t waiting to hand you a seat at the table. Sometimes you have to pull up your own chair—and sometimes, just ask someone to scoot over a little. Own your space.
(iv) Be kind. Especially to yourself – Perfection is a myth. Progress is real. Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to your best friend on a rough day. Cheer yourself on. You’re doing better than you think. Self-kindness isn’t indulgence—it’s strategy
(v) And finally: build your own definition of success – Is it the corner office, or the freedom to log off at 5 and go for a walk? Is it impact, income, or inner peace? Only you can decide. Just make sure it aligns with your values, not someone else’s expectations. The most important promotion you’ll ever get is the one you give yourself when you choose authenticity over approval.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
Choosing purpose over pressure (even when pressure came in the form of well-meaning aunties at family functions). Turning challenges into clarity, because rock bottoms make great foundations.
Drawing a phoenix and actually living it—because who says you can’t rise dramatically, feathers and all? Discovering that listening—really listening—is not just powerful, but life-changing.
My path has never been a straight line; in fact, it’s more like a hand-drawn doodle with arrows, coffee stains, and lots of footnotes. But it’s mine. And every chapter just gets a little more interesting.
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.
