Founder in the Chair

What happens when life forces you to stop, walk away, and truly listen to yourself? In this episode of Founder in the Chair , Veena Nayyar is joined by Sonali, founder of Lilac Rose Designs - a brand identity strategist who blends deep strategy with intuition, alignment, and self-trust. Sonali’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning how to trust herself again - not just in busine...

What makes a home feel calm, timeless, and truly personal? In this episode of Founder in the Chair , host Veena Nayyar sits down with London-based interior designer Shivli Marothia , founder of Shivli Marothia Interiors, to explore what thoughtful design really means beyond trends, Pinterest boards, and quick fixes. Shivli shares her journey into interior design after becoming a mother, why intent...

What if your home could think, adapt, and work around your life - not the other way around? In this episode of Founder in the Chair , host Veena Nayyar sits down with Mandy, founder of Akea Homes , to explore a journey that began over a decade ago in India and evolved into a bold vision for modern living in London. From commercial and residential real estate to smart automation, interior design, a...

What happens when you finally stop running from your feelings? In this powerful and moving conversation, Sukhvinder (“Suky”) Grewal opens up about his journey from emotional disconnection to self-awareness — and how becoming a counsellor helped him heal himself first. After 15 years in the civil service, a single counselling course changed the direction of his life. Today, he’s a qualified therapi...

From postnatal depression to national recognition - Sharifa Begum’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. After facing isolation, anxiety, and a loss of identity as a new mother, Sharifa found strength in connecting women, building confidence, and creating space for shared stories. That spark became the SHE Awards UK - a platform that now celebrates and uplifts thousands of women a...

What happens when a 15-year-old girl refuses to follow tradition and chooses her own destiny? Meet Neelam Challoner - multi-award-winning coach, author, and founder of Designer Life. A woman who walked away from expectation to build a life rooted in faith, purpose, and bold self-belief. Her journey is powerful, honest, and deeply empowering - a masterclass in courage, conviction, and reinvention....

What happens when a woman walks away from a secure career to follow her soul’s calling? After six years of infertility, IVF heartbreak, loss, and silence within her community, Hema found her purpose - helping others rise through the same pain. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply healing. 🎧 Episode Highlights: How Hema transformed from dentist to fertility coach after her own IVF journey...

Most “transformations” fail because they start with food and workouts. Rowan starts with identity. After walking away from accounting, he spent over 20 years coaching at the intersection of mind, body, and life - helping women rebuild their boundaries, bandwidth, and belief so that change actually lasts. 🎧 Episode Highlights: The Meraki Method - 12 emotional pillars that create permanent transfor...

Aman Brar is the definition of real, raw and unstoppable. From raising three children to creating content that makes millions feel seen, she has built an empire on authenticity, chaos and culture - without ever compromising who she is. In this honest and vibrant conversation, Aman opens up about motherhood, Punjabi identity, online judgement, and what it truly takes to stay grounded while growing...

When you stand for something, you’ll be tested. In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, Imran Savas , founder of Tape UK , shares how he built one of the UK’s most values-driven business platforms — without investors, without shortcuts, and without compromising on purpose. From growing up on free school meals to becoming Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 , Imran’s journey is a story of faith, r...

When a parent heals, an entire generation transforms. In this deeply honest and heartfelt conversation, Aman Kaur shares how heartbreak led her to discover her purpose — helping parents heal their own wounds so their children can thrive. Through her work as The Mindful Parenting Coach , Aman guides families to move beyond reaction and toward connection, showing that the most powerful parenting sta...

After years of pushing herself to do it all, Deepa Bhatti hit burnout — physically, mentally, and emotionally. What followed was a journey of rediscovery that led her to build Alpha Camp UK , a space for women to reconnect with their bodies, rebuild confidence, and find strength through community. In this episode, Deepa opens up about the turning point that forced her to slow down, the lessons lea...

Born in Uganda and raised in the UK, Sonal Dave has lived a life defined by resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Diagnosed at birth with congenital hip dysplasia and living with hidden disabilities and chronic pain, she faced barriers at every stage — but refused to let them define her. After a successful career in the civil service, rising to Deputy Director, Sonal reinvented herself at the age...

From running around her parents’ factory as a child to helping lead the second generation of her family business, Joti Reehal’s story has come full circle. What started with a career in IT — cut short by arthritis and chronic pain — became the spark that led her back to fabrics, furnishings, and the world she grew up in. For the last 22 years, Joti has worked in her family’s manufacturing business...

Growing up in 1970s Britain, Thushara Collins and her family faced racism and even physical attacks simply for being different. Those challenges built her resilience and independence — qualities that would carry her through motherhood, study, and a remarkable legal career. From taking her law exams just six weeks after a C-section, to building an award-winning law firm while navigating an abusive...

✨ What if the struggles you face today aren’t random — but patterns carried from past lives? In this episode of Founder in the Chair , Veena sits down with Gautami , an astrologer, numerologist, and past life regression therapist, to explore how karma, energy, and soul lessons shape our life path. From Bollywood beginnings to guiding people through their karmic cycles, Gautami’s story is one of d...

From redundancy to resilience , Kaneez Nabijee’s story is one of transformation and purpose. After leaving a 13-year career in finance, Kaneez took a leap into the unknown — building Dr. Expat , a medical recruitment and licensing consultancy that’s now a trusted name across the UAE and GCC. In this conversation with host Veena Nayyar , Kaneez opens up about: How her brother’s struggle with Dubai’...

From just two sarees to a thriving fashion and community brand — this is the inspiring story of Sana, the founder of Mona Lisa Sarees and the force behind the Mona Lisa Pop-Up Shops . At just 19, Sana moved to the UK with no business experience. What started as a search for the perfect outfit for her daughter’s first birthday has grown into a legacy brand redefining South Asian fashion and creatin...

From childhood trauma and a life-changing firework accident to battling depression and rejection in Bollywood, Nina’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and self-belief. In this episode of Founder in the Chair , she shares how dance became her healing outlet, the challenges she faced building a business in a new country, and the single act of support that brought 15 new students through her do...

What happens when you hit burnout and realise you’ve been living on autopilot? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Mandeep Bains — financial advisor, father, and truth-seeker — to talk about the moment he lost himself… and how he found purpose again. We explore masculinity, identity, faith, and what it really takes to leave a legacy that lasts. 💬 From the personal to the practical, Mandeep...

Dayalan Mahesan is an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, connector and soon-to-be first-time author. He thrives on helping people on their property journeys as well as encouraging and connecting business owners to help their businesses grow. You can find me here: Website: www.dmkw.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayalanmahesan_property?igsh=MTdvcWIxdXZrYnpo&utm_source=qr Facebook https:/...

Anita Stone is the designer and founder of Peony & Lotus, an Indian fusion wear brand built around the idea of refreshing your wardrobe with versatile separates. In this interview, Anita shares her personal journey—her challenges, achievements, and the inspiration behind launching a fully online, mix-and-match brand offering next-day delivery. Peony & Lotus champions a sustainable, afforda...

Mandeep Kaur Gandham is a mindset coach, master manifestor and founder of The Positive Mindset Company, a movement helping people maintain a happy, aligned balance in their lives, while avoiding burnout. Known for blending soulful spirituality with practical mindset tools, her work is rooted in mindfulness, the Law of Attraction and intentional living. In this episode, Mandeep shares practical min...

At ESQUE, Aisha doesn’t  just create perfumes; she crafts an experience. An experience that speaks to the heart, the mind, and the soul. Every scent she created tells a story—stories of inspiration, memories, and emotions that transcend time and place. Instagram https://instagram.com/esqueparfum?igshid=24c8daa4nu4q Website https://esqueparfum.com/ Email info@esqueparfum.com TikTok  https://www.tik...

Minakumari – a certified body confidence coach, colour consultant, and stylist. I help women and men feel empowered in their bodies and personal style. I also host the Real Talk with Minakumari podcast and run a YouTube channel filled with tips on confidence, colour, and self-expression. Website http://Minakumari.com instagram https://www.instagram.com/minakumari_bodyconfidencecoach/ https://www.i...