Self-Belief Can Change Your Life | Chandni Kapadia | TEDxManSagarLake

Summary

Dr. Chandni Kapadia shares her inspiring journey from a shy, introverted girl to a successful professional. Hailing from a conservative background, she defied family expectations to study in the US, work at JCPenney, and eventually head Calvin Klein. Her story highlights the power of self-belief and determination, overcoming struggles in both personal and professional life, and the importance of empathy and support from loved ones.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Dr. Chandni Kapadia's journey from a shy, introverted girl to a successful woman was fueled by self-belief and determination.
• 🏠 She faced cultural and familial pressures as the 'black sheep' in a traditional Gujarati family that expected her to follow a conventional path.
• 🛫 Dr. Kapadia's ambition was to study in the US, which was an unconventional choice for women in her family, but she pursued it despite the resistance.
• 🎓 At the age of 16, she moved to New York to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), taking on a part-time job in a fashion house to learn the industry.
• 💼 She worked hard to make her presence felt, which led to a significant opportunity to assist in a major event and subsequently a full-time position at JCPenney at 17.
• 💰 Financial struggles in New York taught her to live frugally, walking long distances and surviving on minimal food, which she views as a valuable experience.
• 🎯 Her dream to work for Calvin Klein came true after 11 years and nine months, demonstrating the power of manifestation and self-belief.
• 📚 After proving herself in the US and UK, Dr. Kapadia was given the opportunity to head Debenhams' expansion into India, despite initial skepticism.
• 🤝 She emphasizes the importance of empathy and treating people well, as social connections are crucial for personal and professional growth.
• 🏆 Despite setbacks and failures, Dr. Kapadia has learned from them and used them as stepping stones to come back stronger.
• 📈 Her success story has changed the perceptions of those around her, but she remains grounded and committed to those who supported her through thick and thin.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Chandni Kapadia and what is her main topic of discussion in the transcript?

Dr. Chandni Kapadia is the speaker in the transcript, and her main topic is how self-belief can change one's life, as illustrated by her personal success story.

What was Dr. Chandni Kapadia's family background and how did it influence her early life?

Dr. Chandni Kapadia comes from a traditional, conservative Gujarati background where girls were typically educated only up to graduation and then expected to marry and start a family. This influenced her early life by creating a contrast to her aspirations for a career.

What was the initial job Dr. Chandni Kapadia took up in the fashion house while studying at FIT?

Initially, Dr. Chandni Kapadia worked part-time at a fashion house where she mainly ran errands and made tea or coffee for her seniors.

How did Dr. Chandni Kapadia's first opportunity at the fashion house come about?

Her first opportunity came after she made an effort to learn and make her presence felt in front of her boss, which eventually led to her being given the chance to assist in a significant event for the company.

At what age did Dr. Chandni Kapadia receive a full-time position at JCPenney?

Dr. Chandni Kapadia was offered a full-time position at JCPenney at the age of 17.

What challenges did Dr. Chandni Kapadia face while living in New York City?

Dr. Chandni Kapadia faced financial struggles, living frugally, walking long distances to save money, and eating only what she could afford, like a slice of pizza and Coke.

What was Dr. Chandni Kapadia's dream job before going to the U.S. and did she eventually achieve it?

Her dream job was to work for Calvin Klein, and she achieved it by heading the company after 11 years and nine months.

What was the significant role of Dr. Chandni Kapadia's father in her life?

Dr. Chandni Kapadia's father played a significant role as a constant support throughout her struggles, embodying the saying that behind every successful woman is a supportive man.

How did Dr. Chandni Kapadia's career evolve after her initial success in the U.S.?

After her success in the U.S., Dr. Chandni Kapadia pursued her master's degree in England, worked at Debenhams, and eventually was asked to head the opening of stores in India.

What challenges did Dr. Chandni Kapadia face when she moved to India to head Debenhams' stores?

In India, she faced skepticism from her team and associates who doubted her experience and knowledge of the Indian market, considering her as a foreigner despite her Indian origin.

What personal achievements did Dr. Chandni Kapadia mention in her journey?

Dr. Chandni Kapadia mentioned earning 11 gold medals in her state while pursuing a law degree and becoming a practicing lawyer, in addition to her roles as a brand consultant, management consultant, and educationalist.