Movers and Shakers Interview with Parul Agrawal

Published by: Dillon Kivo

Tell us your name and a little about yourself.

My name is Parul Agrawal, by education I am an Engineer with two Master’s degrees but by passion, I am an Entrepreneur. I am an International Bestselling Author, TEDx Speaker, and contributor for publications like Forbes & Entrepreneur. I grew up in a small town in India and inherited her business acumen from her father. As an Engineer, I could have pursued a corporate job and enjoyed a stable pay-check. However, my entrepreneurial spirit called me to venture onto the risky path of online business. My passion for family well-being inspired me to write a book Juicing for Healthier Families. In 2015, holding my baby in my arms I published my first book and ranked it as an International Bestseller and Amazon Hot New Release in multiple categories and countries. This success gave a new meaning to my life and career. Today, I am the founder and CEO of ParulAgrawal.com and GrowthMedia.ai—companies built to empower authentic leadership on the planet.

What exactly does your company do?

I have two businesses.

My company ParulAgrawal.com is a cutting-edge business consulting platform, serving professionals who seek to reinvent themselves and leave a legacy. We offer turn-key business solutions – from idea to branding, from concept to success. We publish bestselling authors, we grow your tribe, we help our clients become the expert authority in their field, build their platform, and empower their leadership – with the right mindset, know-how, and technology.

GrowthMedia.ai is the business and publishing platform for the world-renowned book series The Growth Hacking Book. We support young entrepreneurs, influencers, growth hackers by sharing their best tools, tips, and strategies in the form of a published work (bestselling books). This company is more than a project or a book, it’s a movement that unites thought leaders and entrepreneurs from 20 countries to reinvent digital marketing for the next decade. The unique idea behind the company is “collaboration over competition.”

What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

Time management, especially for women with families, can be challenging. With the global aspect of online business, we have to work with clients in different time zones. It is not always to find child care at odd hours. Juggling between professional and personal responsibilities can be a struggle at times.

Women, in general, are more cautious about risks and often question their judgment. Fear of asking for money, undervaluing their own services, hesitation to establish their authority, and trusting their own voice are some of the issues that I have personally faced and also encounter many of my women clients facing on a regular basis. To move forward in business it’s important to take calculated risks, rise above self-doubt, and embrace your expertise.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

Having your own business is full of ups and downs. Knowing your Why is the most important thing. When you are doing things out of joy rather than compulsion then work doesn’t seem like work and every moment is a new learning experience. Collaborating with like-minded people who share your vision right from the start to divide work always helps. If you do not have the funding to hire help then trading services and asking your community for help will take you a long way. Success is not overnight, the key is to stick to your mission and vision.

Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?

The biggest influence in my life is my father. I learned my business acumen from him. He had a flourishing business which he lost due to family politics at the age of 60 years. But he never gave up, started from scratch, build a new business, and took it to new heights single-handedly. Looking at every problem as new innovation and finding a unique solution is something he teaches me everyday.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?

“It takes a village to raise a child,” this old age adage has been the key in my business. My coaches, clients, courses I took to upgrade my learnings, friends, the family have supported me at every stage in my life and business. It’s very difficult to choose one person as everyone I met in my journey so far has been instrumental in my success in ways that I never imagined. I am a big believer in the blessing and power of a higher power, so definitely I would like to give a shout-out to the almighty and if I had to pick one person then it would be my business partner Evita Ramparte who has been with me since day one, guiding me, supporting me and encouraging me to reach new heights.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

On the professional front I am really proud of the community of growth hackers, digital influencers I have had the honor of guiding by publishing The Growth Hacking Books. The second book in the series is already trending as a Bestseller during its pre-order period as well. The book provides the toolset, mindset, and skill set that businesses, as well as individuals, can implement to grow both personally and professionally. The huge support I receive from the community is truly overwhelming and a blessing. However, at the end of the day, the most important factor for success in my opinion is a happy life and a healthy body.