Hi I'm Krutika and today's conversation is with Hannah. A Chartered Accountant, owner of the Accountancy Hub and a fierce advocate for neurodiversity particularly in the accountancy space.

In her late 20's Hannah was diagnosed dyslexic, like many of us (myself included), you might associate dyslexia primarily with difficulties in reading and spelling. But as I learned, it can manifest in so many ways.

Hannah's journey is fascinating, from working at the BBC to pivoting into professional services and, just last year, launching her own business. She’s living proof that following your passion is always an option and that most decisions are just a two-way door.

This conversation is a powerful reminder to embrace what makes you unique, because that’s your superpower. It’s also a call to challenge stereotypes and rethink the misconceptions that shape how we view neurodivergent individuals.

We need to see beyond the label!

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(00:56) Early Career

(06:05) Career Transition

(07:36) Overcoming exam failures

(09:24) Diagnosis of Dyslexia

(13:39) Strategies for managing Dyslexia

(19:27) Establishing Accountancy Hub

(24:16) Lessons learned in advocating for neurodiversity

(28:39) Advice for career change and neurodivergence

(29:41) Conclusion

Connect with me:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Follow Hannah https://www.instagram.com/accountancy.hub?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MWg2YTExMHplZGludA==

Hi I’m Krutika, and today’s conversation is with Jeremy.

Have you ever stopped to think just how incredible our brains are? They’re the command centre for everything we do and the reason we are who we are.

Each brain is so wonderfully unique, yet society and constructs of everyday life expect us to do things in a way that is, well…neurotypical!

Jeremy, asks a powerful question: ‘What is normal, anyway?’

He was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult in 2021, finally getting the validation that explained so much about how his brain works. Instead of fighting against it, he’s learned to embrace ADHD as his superpower.

I’m so inspired by Jeremy’s acceptance, self-awareness, and resilience. This conversation opened my eyes in so many ways, and I think it just might do the same for you.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(05:12) Understanding ADHD

(12:56) The Journey to diagnosis

(18:53) Challenges and misunderstandings of ADHD

(23:12) Embracing neurodiversity in the Workplace

(25:34) The Connection Between ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression

(28:51) Strategies for managing ADHD

(35:35) Advice for those struggling with ADHD and mental health

(37:13) Future Journey

(41:51) Conclusion

Connect with me:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Hi, I'm Krutika and today's conversation is with Diren.

When we think about the modern man, we envision someone embodying confidence, and charm.

And whilst beauty standards are often thrust upon women. Let's not forget that Men face it too. Maybe just not as overtly.

In this conversation we unpack Diren's journey with accepting appearances. Having battled Topical Steroid Withdrawal over several years, he candidly reveals the struggles and hard work it took to confront his inner demons.

From challenges with dating and intimacy, to breaking up with his ex and recognising that he has to learn to love himself before he can open himself to others.

This conversation is a reminder that often the answers we seek can be found deep within us. We simply have to have the patience to look.

Chapters

(00:00) Introductions

(02:19) The unfolding of a skin condition

(13:47) Support in relationships

(15:21) Impact on relationships

(21:50) Romantic relationship dynamics

(34:32) Advice for others

(37:37) Conclusion

Connect with me:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Diren's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoBrosOneConsciousness/posts

Hi I'm Krutika, and today's conversation is with Miraj.

While he’s only in his 20s, his story starts over a decade ago when he was just 14. After sudden, and severe migraines as well as unexplained vomiting, a scan revealed something no one could’ve expected: a brain tumour.

Within days, he was having surgery. A surgery that could have gone either way.

What he shares reflecting on that time, the diagnosis, the pain, the memories before surgery and the clarity that came afterwards…it's all so raw, and powerful, and incredibly moving. Honestly, I found myself getting emotional just listening.

But what really struck me is how he’s carried that experience into his life today. The wisdom he brings, the peace he’s found, and his approach to the world, it’s something we could all learn from.

If you’ve been needing a reminder to slow down and live with a little more intention, this one’s for you.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Early Symptoms

(01:36) The brain tumour diagnosis

(07:12) Reflecting back on the surgery

(09:52) Symptoms

(12:16) Processing post-surgery

(16:01) Impact on confidence

(19:48) Reactions from friends

(24:30) Support

(26:57) Advice for younger self

(29:56) What's next

(30:55) Conclusion

Connect with me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyswithkrutika/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Hi I'm Krutika and today's conversation is with Anjali, in the words of Alesha Keyes this “girl is on fire!”

A Senior Project Surveyor, fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion in construction, public speaker, newly appointed Chair of the Chartered Institute of Building… oh, and did I mention she’s also got a black belt in Taekwondo?

Talk about a powerhouse. I feel Anjali is the modern women we all aspire to want to be.

Anjali shares her journey into construction, the challenges she’s faced in a male-dominated field, and why she’s so passionate about driving change. From dealing with inappropriate remarks, to the incident that pushed her to take up martial arts for self-defence. This conversation opened my eyes to an industry I knew very little about.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(03:02) Anjali's Journey into construction

(05:49) Challenges in a male-dominated Industry

(08:59) Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion

(12:11) Anjali’s job

(14:59) Impactful projects

(18:09) Education and career pathways in Construction

(20:56) The importance of role models

(24:06) Self-Defence through Taekwondo

(27:04) Future aspirations

(30:11) Closing

Follow Anjali:

Connect with me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyswithkrutika/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Hi I'm Krutika, and this is my podcast Journeys with Krutika. Today's conversation is with Sofia - my youngest guest yet.

At just 16, Her age may be young, but the obstacles she has overcome tell a story of remarkable strength.

Battling Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), Sofia endured not only the physical toll of this debilitating skin condition but also the emotional struggles that come with it, all whilst navigating being a teenager.

And let's be real, our skin is the most visible part of us, and when it doesn’t look or feel ‘normal,’ it can shake our confidence and our sense of self.

Sofia bravely shares her struggles, the setbacks, and the hope she found along the way. Her journey is raw, honest, and deeply moving and I'm sure one that will stay with you long after you've listened.

Chapters

(03:02) Understanding Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)

(06:11) The emotional impact of TSW

(08:59) Navigating diagnosis and treatment challenges

(12:08) Support systems and mental health

(14:47) Lifestyle changes and healing strategies

(17:56) Misunderstandings and awareness of TSW

(20:47) Encouragement for those struggling with TSW

(23:07) Journey towards recovery

Connect with me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyswithkrutika/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Hi I'm Krutika, and this is my podcast Journeys with Krutika. Today’s conversation is with Nikki.

Nikki is a chartered accountant, a chartered tax expert, a qualified fitness instructor, mum to a toddler and now a business owner. Wow, those are quite the achievements!

However, having worked her way up the corporate ladder at one of the big 4 accountancy practices, the decision to leave that all behind to focus on something that truly brings her joy, purpose and flexibility is the journey she's embarking on now.

From keeping a diary since 1998, recognising the power in reflection and introspection, Nikki is embracing curiosity and finding the excitement in starting over.

There's so much to commend here with Nikki's approach to learning and life, and for anyone considering making a change this conversation is for you.

Chapters

(00:00) Introductions

(03:21) Corporate working journey

(06:18) Multiple professional qualifications

(0:11) Leaving behind a corporate career

(20:09) Being a mother and managing a business

(22:03) Nikki's motivation

(27:40) Mentors along the way

(32:36) Additional skills and knowledge of being a business owner

(33:56) Advice for pursuing change

(38:24) Closing

Nikki’s Contact details: https://linktr.ee/nikkirichmond?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c7c821d7-fcda-4d2d-a01e-2ef1e5082419

Connect with me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyswithkrutika/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Hi I'm Krutika and this is my podcast Journeys with Krutika. Today’s conversation is with Kiara. She's a Gen Z, fifth year medical student studying at Imperial College London whose inspiration to enter the profession was in part, influenced by watching Gray's anatomy. I mean you can't deny that TV shows make doctors, surgeons and clinicians look super sexy!

I’ve always had massive admiration for people in the medical field, not just because they literally save lives, but because of the sheer grit, resilience, and perseverance it takes to even get into the profession, let alone thrive in it.

But Kiara isn’t just an aspiring junior doctor, she’s also built a social media following of nearly 10,000 people across Instagram and TikTok, where she shares her insights and advice as a med student.

We explore her journey into medicine, the pressures and the realities of being a medic and how social media has played a role in it all!

There's so much to unpack in this conversation and I can't wait for you to hear it - all from a young Lady who has an exceptionally bright future ahead of her.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(03:30) The medical School application process

(10:58) Social media influences

(15:00) Medics as influencers

(20:27) Real-Life Patient Interactions

(23:12) Emotional Detachment in Medicine

(26:08) Night shifts

(28:20) The Future of Healthcare and AI

(30:19) Current Journey and Future Aspirations

Connect with Kiara

tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiaravarsani

Connect with me

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Hi, I'm Krutika and this is my podcast Journeys with Krutika. Today’s conversation is with my brilliant nieces, Maya and Shreya - two Gen Z sisters who’ve grown up in a world where social media is as natural as breathing.

Did you know that over 60% of the world’s population - that’s a staggering 5 billion people - use social media? On average, we spend over two hours a day scrolling, posting, and engaging. And Gen Z? They’re among the most active users of all.

In this conversation, we dive deep into Maya and Shreya's journey with social media—the good, the bad, and, well, the sometimes ugly that comes with using these applications. From its impact on confidence and self-worth to the ways it shapes their daily lives, they share their unfiltered insights on what it’s really like to grow up in a hyper-connected world.

Their perspectives are both fascinating and eye-opening. This one's a must-listen for anyone who uses social media.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(01:16) Growing up with Social Media

(08:18) Connections on social media

(11:39) The Pressure to Present a Perfect Image

(15:21) Navigating Real Life vs. Online Presence

(17:47) The Impact of Social Media on Confidence

(22:48) The Positive Aspects of Social Media

(29:21) Advice for New Social Media Users

(32:05) Future journey

(33:19) Closing

Connect with me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyswithkrutika/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]

Hi, I'm Krutika and this is my podcast Journeys with Krutika. Today’s conversation is with Bansi.

Imagine meeting someone online, falling head over heels in love, getting married, and then watching it all unravel in just a few years.

Navigating a post-married life abroad and succumbing to the traditional expectations of a daughter-in-law in an Indian household brings with it its own challenges, but to then contend with inappropriate remarks about her appearance coupled with a cheating husband was the final straw that resulted in Bansi's decision to separate and move back home to the UK.

But navigating divorce in the Indian community carries stigma, judgement and a misunderstanding which continue to make it a taboo topic, and in this conversation we unpack all of the above to share Bansi's journey of discovering herself.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(01:14) Growing up in an Indian household

(03:28) The online dating experience

(07:06) Marriage Expectations

(12:29) The Breaking Point: Infidelity

(14:01) Support systems: Family and Friends

(15:50) The grieving process of divorce

(17:29) Changing perspectives on love and relationships

(19:30) Advice for women considering divorce

(21:18) The journey of self-discovery

Connect with me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyswithkrutika/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyswithkrutika

If you have a journey you'd like to share I'd love to hear from you, email me at [email protected]