BEYOND THE SKIES – The Story of Nitu Walia Kanwar
Pune, 11th August 2023: In a world often constrained by tradition and gender norms, Nitu Walia Kanwar’s story is a remarkable testament to the power of self-belief, resilience and determination. From humble beginnings to becoming a revered Image consultant and empowerment advocate, her story is a beacon for those who dare to dream and break free from societal constraints.
Nitu’s journey started in Dehradun, where the birth of a third daughter was met with disappointment in a traditional family. Her parents defied conventions, and encouraged her to reach for the sky and unleash her full potential right from an early age. Her father’s unwavering belief in education and her mother’s emphasis on having a strong voice became the pillars upon which Nitu would develop her values.
“My parents taught me that my gender should never limit my aspirations. They instilled in me the values of independence and education and set the stage for my journey,” Nitu shares.
Her trajectory took an unexpected turn when the family was faced with the trauma of her father being dragonised with Parkinson. Nitu made the courageous decision to leave her CA studies and join Jet Airways as cabin crew. “It was a calculated risk. Life presented a crossroads, and I chose the path that allowed me to contribute to my family while embracing new opportunities,” Nitu reflects. “Sometimes, practical decisions lead us to the most transformative experiences.”
Nitu’s ascent within Jet Airways’ management was marked by an unforgettable moment during a high-stakes meeting, when the Chairman asked “What is it that makes Jet Airways?” Nitu’s spontaneous response struck a chord with the chairman and all in the room.
“I spoke from the heart, defining Jet Airways as an experience that travellers carry right from booking a ticket, through check-in & in-flight to making cherished memories. That moment bolstered my self-confidence and taught me that authenticity and simplicity hold great power,” she recalls.
As Nitu climbed the corporate ladder, her father’s values continued to guide her. His emphasis on hard work, dedication, and honesty became her compass, propelling her into management roles where she handled various portfolios.
The journey, however, took a transformative turn when Nitu decided to harness her passion and start Empower Image, her own image consultancy company. She invested in her growth by becoming an internationally certified Image Consultant and Personal branding coach from USA. This leap of faith marked a turning point where Nitu’s commitment to empowering individuals took centre stage.
“Empower Image is not just about appearances; it’s about unleashing the potential within individuals,” Nitu states passionately. “It’s about shaping their confidence, communication, self-awareness and self-belief.”
As a coach, Nitu has worked with many MNC`s, PSU`s, Hotels and Start-Ups such as Aditya Birla, Sunlife Financial, Bank of America, Indian Oil, Galderma, Pullman, JW Marriott, SMC Global and others. She contributed to the Executive Presence, Persona branding, and Image-building of their employees. Her influence extended beyond boardrooms when she became a consultant for VISTARA Airlines, playing a pivotal role in crew training and staff branding.
“The satisfaction of witnessing individuals transform into confident, self-aware personalities is indescribable. My focus extends beyond the physical, delving into the psyche to unlock hidden potential and communication skills,” Nitu emphasizes.
The pandemic-induced upheaval brought fresh challenges, but Nitu adapted rapidly, as she embraced online learning and expanded her horizons by consulting and coaching Individuals in India and Abroad. “Challenges can either define us or refine us. I chose the latter. The pandemic became an opportunity to upskill and innovate, leading to new avenues for growth,” Nitu asserts.
All this paid off. In 2022, she was appointed as the Image Consultant for Air India and became part of the team contributing to the transformation journey of the national carrier after the Tata group took it over. Now she deftly navigates the demanding roles of a being an Image consultant to the top two Airlines of India, an Executive Coach to a diverse group of corporates, individuals coaching sessions, and super mom to her twins. Balancing these roles is demanding, but it fuels the adrenal that keeps her going on and on.
Nitu embodies the strong, confident, self-made woman of India. And she has transmitted this confidence and sense of empowerment to countless other women and men. Her talks in different forums help share her message of self-belief and empowerment. Her story serves as a reminder that true strength lies in embracing change, nurturing one’s potential, and becoming the best version of oneself.
As Nitu aptly puts it, “nothing can dim the light that shines from within and that when things change inside you, things change around you”. And she is the best brand ambassador for this message. Keep flying high, Nitu Walia Kanwar and may you continue to help many others find the best inner and outer image of themselves.
