Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Rao.
Hi Ash, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a conservative middle-class family in Bangalore, India, at a time when career paths were somewhat limited to few options. You either became a doctor or an engineer, and at that time I did not even question the norm nor explored any other options ! I completed my degree in engineering. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right fit.
Post engineering , for the first time in my life, I made a decision that was entirely my own — I chose not to take a job after graduation and instead pursued an MBA. It may sound very simple and not significant, but for someone who had never taken the reins before, this was a defining moment.
Those two years spent earning my MBA were life-changing. I realized that life is built on the choices we make — and often, the best ones are the most uncomfortable. Shifting my career direction taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone is essential if you want to grow. Letting go of fear and being open to new possibilities changed everything.
That mindset — “Feel the fear and do it anyway” — has stayed with me ever since. I leaned on it heavily when life took another turn. After getting married, I moved to the USA and was suddenly immersed in a new culture. It wasn’t easy. I struggled to find my first job and had to navigate the visa constraints . I hesitated to speak in meetings. I was scared to voice my opinions. But I didn’t let fear define me, and neither should you!
Over the past few years, I’ve faced many of those fears head-on.
From following rules to finding my own voice- it has been an amazing learning journey!
I have had the opportunity to grow my career , work in some of the best companies including start ups , staffing agencies and Fortune 500 companies !
I have spent the last 18 years working in the Global Talent Acquisition and Executive recruiting space and have had the opportunity to hire and coach more than 500 + leaders .
As a global ERG lead , I have led many diversity and inclusion initiatives raising visibility of underrepresented and minority communities.
My career has been fulfilling so far with many twists and turns and my professional growth has not been linear !
I am a strong believer that magic always happens outside of our comfort zone and if we have to grow we should be willing to get uncomfortable and face some uncertainty !
Whether it is hosting my own podcast , publishing in top publications like Thrive Global , Fast company , co-authoring a motivational book – I am positive I would not be able to do all this if I had not pushed myself to get out of my own comfort bubble! 🙂
Most recently, I took a bold leap of faith by stepping away from a thriving corporate career to build my own career and leadership coaching company. Over the past few months, I’ve been embracing the journey of entrepreneurship — enjoying the freedom of being my own boss, navigating the highs and lows of business ownership, and exploring new paths as a Career /Leadership Coach , Professional Speaker and Corporate trainer!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth, but every bump has taught me something invaluable!
Moving to a new country, adapting to a different culture, navigating visa restrictions, and rebuilding my professional identity from scratch — none of it was easy!
There were always moments of deep self-doubt, especially in the early years when I struggled to find my first job. I remember walking into meetings and feeling invisible, holding back my thoughts out of fear that I wasn’t worthy “enough.”
I made an intentional decision to shift my mindset to make bold moves , take calculated risks and was ok to fail ! Failing means you are learning and growing and trying to do something that you suck at and that only means you are brave enough to put yourself out there!
Even as I grew in my career, imposter syndrome showed up often — especially when I found myself in rooms filled with powerful voices and accomplished leaders. I had to learn how to own my story, trust my instincts, and speak with confidence in those big rooms!
There were also logistical and emotional struggles — juggling motherhood and a demanding career, relocating across cities, and starting over in new environments where I had no network.
And now, as a solopreneur , the challenges are different but just as real — uncertainty, learning to sell my own services and being ok when things dont work out as expected!
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth — but it has shaped me into who I am today!
And I’m grateful for every twist, turn, and obstacle that helped me discover my voice and purpose!
We’ve been impressed with Ash Rao Coaching and Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About the organization:
Career/Leadership Coaching and Consulting services helping ambitious tech professionals unlock their executive presence and attract their next level leadership role!
I provide coaching on how to gain visibility at workplace , how to stand out in a crowded job market and how to attract the right leadership opportunities all without self-promotion or bragging!
My Career Coaching Methodology:
1. Personalized Career Development Plans for my clients, focusing on their goals and aspirations.
2. Coaching style is rooted in practical guidance, supported by real-life examples and actionable strategies.
3. Practical strategies within set timelines to track progress to .achieve quantifiable results
Career Coaching services :
🌟Resume Revamp – ATS friendly /keyword -rich /ready to apply
🌟LinkedIn Profile Optimization
🌟Job Search Strategies
🌟Networking Strategies
🌟Interview Prep /Mock Interviews
🌟Offer and Salary Negotiation
🌟Career Transition Coaching/ Career Clarity
🌟Confidence in Communication
🌟Gaining Visibility and becoming promotable in workplace
🌟Leadership and Executive Presence for Tech Professionals
PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING SERVICES :
Keynotes and workshops /Corporate training on –
🎯Lead from Where you Are – Leadership /executive presence for emerging leaders
🎯From Invisible to Influential – How to stand out, gain visibility and fast track your success at workplace!
🎯How to get unstuck – Step out of your comfort zone , fail forward to succeed faster!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding a mentor, I always recommend that before you approach someone, know what you are looking for – is it industry knowledge, leadership guidance, or support through a specific transition? A mentor doesn’t have to be someone with a fancy title; often the best mentors are people who’ve walked the path you’re on just a few steps ahead.
Ask for conversation and not commitment . Sometimes even a 20 minute virtual coffee chat will give you the clarity you need if you come prepared with the right questions!
Respect your mentor’s time and experience and always lead conversation on a positive tone appreciating their work !
As for networking, what’s worked well for me is showing up consistently and adding value without expecting something in return. Whether it’s attending industry events, engaging on LinkedIn, or staying in touch with former colleagues, I focus on building authentic connections.
I enjoy networking and look for smaller groups .
My advice for professionals is never underestimate the power of building your community – Join spaces where you can meet people with similar goals whether it is mastermind , linkedin groups , local meet ups in your community etc
To succeed in any career , you need your circle of mentors, advocates, allies , friends who can vouch for you even when you are not in the room!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashrao.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerconfidence_with_ash/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Passion2ProfessionPodcast
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashraocoach/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareerConfidence_with_Ash
Image Credits
Photographer: Phani Rampalli
Instagram: storiesbyrampalli
