In this Parenthoot Spotlight episode, we sit down with Parul Sharma — mother of two, first-generation entrepreneur, and co-founder of Gladful, a proudly Indian, protein-first food brand that’s reshaping how families snack.

What began as a mother’s concern for her child’s health turned into a mission to bridge India’s hidden protein gap. Parul shares how a personal diagnosis — her son’s protein deficiency — sparked late-night kitchen experiments that evolved into a national movement for nutritious, guilt-free eating.

Across this candid and heartfelt conversation, Parul reflects on:

• balancing motherhood with a high-pressure corporate career at Mondelez (formerly Cadbury)
• unlearning assumptions about “healthy eating”
• developing kid-approved snacks that blend taste with real nutrition
• breaking into India’s competitive startup scene as a mother and founder
• redefining how Indian families think about breakfast, snacks, and shared responsibility in the kitchen

Parul’s story isn’t just about food — it’s about courage, curiosity, and the quiet determination that turns maternal instinct into innovation.

“If you’re 100% perfect but late, versus 90% perfect and on time — go for 90%. You’ll improve along the way.” – Parul Sharma

💡 Why You Should ListenWhether you’re a parent, a startup dreamer, or simply someone trying to eat better, this episode offers rich takeaways:

• For parents: Learn how Parul navigated picky eating, nutrition myths, and the realities of modern motherhood.
• For entrepreneurs: A front-row look at what it means to build a food brand from scratch — from disastrous early experiments to scaling a trusted product line.
• For changemakers: Hear how one woman’s personal need grew into a purpose-driven enterprise touching over 2.5 million Indian households.
• For anyone seeking inspiration: Parul’s story reminds us that sometimes the biggest revolutions start in our kitchens — with love, persistence, and a dash of science.

If you’ve ever stood in front of the pantry wondering what your kids should really be eating, this episode will make you think — and smile.

💬 Favorite Quotes from the Episode:

• “Kids are cruel when it comes to feedback.”
• “No matter how progressive we are, 90% of breakfast decisions are still made by a woman.”
• “Normalize failure — because you’ll get that a lot more in life.”

👩‍🍳 About the Guest

Parul Sharma is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gladful, a health-first Indian food brand focused on making protein accessible and tasty for families. After spending over 15 years in leadership roles at Cadbury/Mondelez, Parul left the corporate world to solve a deeply personal challenge — her son’s nutritional deficiency.

Today, Gladful has reached over 2.5 million households, offering snacks and breakfast mixes that combine science-backed nutrition with flavors that kids actually love. Parul is also part of a growing wave of women entrepreneurs reshaping India’s food and wellness landscape.

Connect with Parul on LinkedIn and follow Gladful’s journey on Instagram.

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