At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We sat down with Sarika Bansal, editor of Tread Brightly: Notes on Ethical Travel to discuss her career journey. Sarika is a multi-talented individual with a passion for travel who we at PepTalkHer are super excited to get to learn from. Without further ado, let’s dive into our conversation with Sarika!
Meggie: Sarika, thank you so much for joining us here at PepTalkHer today. We are big fans of your work, especially your book! To kick things off, let’s get started with a quick intro - how would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Sarika: I am a writer, editor, and lover of travel.
Meggie: Wonderful! Relating to how you would describe yourself, What's your job title & how did you get where you are today?
Sarika: I am a writer, editor, and podcast host. Since entering college, I knew I wanted to work in "development" in some way -- I became involved with HIV/AIDS activism, and I wanted to do something to make the world a more just place. I started my career in management consulting at McKinsey & Co, based in Mumbai, India, because I didn't feel like I had any real skills to offer an NGO. I then worked in microfinance, which took me to small towns and villages across India. I realized then that my contribution to working in "development" would be to help people see each other as human beings. I decided to become a journalist in 2010, which has led me down many different paths. I have done freelance writing, I have been a journalist trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network, I led two social impact publications at Medium, and I started and ran a digital magazine called BRIGHT Magazine (from 2017-2019). BRIGHT told fresh and creative stories about health, education, and gender. After closing the magazine, I began working on a book called Tread Brightly: Notes on Ethical Travel (treadbrightlybook.com) and also started a podcast series called Driving Change: Made in Africa.
“Since entering college, I knew I wanted to work in ‘development’ in some way”
Meggie: That’s quite the career! Looks like you’ve done a lot to get to where you are today. Even with all of these amazing accomplishments, have you ever felt like an imposter in your career? If so, How'd you move past this?
Sarika: Many times! I do not have a "traditional" background in journalism, which has often made me feel inferior. Whenever that feeling creeps in, I remember what my nontraditional background offers me that others may not possess.
“I remember what my nontraditional background offers me that others may not possess”
Meggie: Sounds like a great strategy - nothing like knowing your worth to ward off Imposter Syndrome. We would love to know who is in your cheer squad? Your ride or die crew, your allies who get you through, lift you up and cheer you on? Love to know how important they've been in your journey.
Sarika: I have a wonderful crew of friends from college who are such big supporters. I also developed a cheer squad when I decided to move into journalism, and asked a few professors and prominent journalists to be my mentors. Finally, I feel incredibly lucky that I have a loving and supportive family.
Meggie: That’s awesome! Glad to hear that you have such a strong support system. Shifting gears a bit here for the next question, how do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received.
Sarika: Someone once told me that negotiations are all about trust, and I try to remember that when going into conversations like that. I try to make sure people see my humanity, and vice versa.
“Someone once told me that negotiations are all about trust, and I try to remember that when going into conversations like that”
Meggie: That’s quite the insight and a great point. On a slightly different note, have you ever agreed to something in your career that you now regret doing?
Sarika: Of course, I'm sure everyone has! One thing I can point to is that when I started BRIGHT Magazine, I had gotten a large check from a donor to do so. I thus didn't spend any time looking for more money when I started, when I should have been in fundraising mode from the beginning.
Meggie: Very insightful! Thank you so much, Sarika, for taking the time to sit and chat with us here at PepTalkHer. We appreciate you!
Remember to go check out Sarika and her work on Instagram @sarika008, and to visit her website for more amazing content!