Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
Routine is super important to me – establishing a routine helps me reduce decision fatigue, leaving mental space for more critical decisions. Personally, I adhere to a structured daily routine. I make sure to follow my skincare routine twice daily, which I, of course, track on my app, Clear. I also allocate specific time to cook and eat my lunch and dinner, and I also work out in the evenings – blocking these timings out on my calendar to ensure they happen!
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Interestingly, during my teenage years, my career aspiration was set on becoming an astronaut. I clung to this dream until I was around 19 years old, convinced that my physics degree would pave the way to the European Space Agency’s astronaut program. My journey took a different turn while pursuing a physics degree at Imperial College London. I dabbled in various career paths, from software engineering to investment banking and consulting. It was during this period of self-discovery that I stumbled upon my true passion for entrepreneurship, eventually leading me to found my tech startup, Clear.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I’m definitely a night owl, and I always have been. Given the fully remote nature of my work and our flexible schedule at Clear, I’ve managed to align my work hours with my natural rhythm. While I do try to work somewhat standard working hours to maintain social relationships, there are occasions when I work late into the night. In fact, for a while, my daily team meetings were scheduled for 10:30 pm my time to accommodate my teammates in South Korea and Canada.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Resilience is undeniably a pivotal character trait for anyone aspiring to succeed as an entrepreneur in today’s world. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, especially in the face of rejection, is crucial. I firmly believe that rejection is a part of the entrepreneurial journey, and it’s through these experiences that we grow and adapt.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
Being a woman in the business world has brought both advantages and challenges. I prefer not to label it as strictly positive or negative; it simply is the reality of my entrepreneurial journey. In certain aspects, such as raising venture capital, I’ve encountered additional hurdles due to fundraising dynamics and unconscious biases. On the flip side, being a woman building a beauty tech business primarily focused on women has given me a competitive edge. I can connect more deeply with women about their skincare concerns and empathise with their experiences.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
By 2030, I aspire to look back on the past decade with pride and contentment, confident in the major decisions I’ve made. I also aim to be in good physical health and maintain strong relationships with my family and those closest to me. Avoiding regrets about sacrifices made for career success is also a goal of mine.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
My mum has been my most profound influence. She has taught me the value of self-awareness and prioritizing happiness. Her unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey. In my immediate family, we affectionately refer to her as “Bramha,” a Hindu term signifying her role as the driving force behind our successes.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
I don’t have a single female entrepreneur as my biggest inspiration. I tend to focus more on my own path, as it’s challenging to make informed judgments about someone’s career success without knowing the full context of their life. Every day, I meet female founders who inspire me in various ways, making it difficult to pinpoint just one person who has had the greatest impact.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
The most formative advice I’ve received is to embrace rejection and failure. This advice is closely tied to the importance of resilience. I view rejection as a sign that I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone, which is a conscious choice I make to grow and succeed.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
One of the most memorable questions I’ve been asked is about my definition of success. Over the years, my perspective on success has evolved with experience, and I expect it will continue to evolve. For me, at the moment, success isn’t about obsessing over the end result; it’s about relishing the journey itself.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
No, my siblings are not entrepreneurs. My younger brother is currently studying history and politics at university and appears to be heading toward a career in civil service or diplomacy. My family never pressured us into any particular career path. Instead, our parents provided us with a the best education and opportunities they could while empowering us to make our own career decisions and have a positive impact on the world around us.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
Like many things in life, I believe the drive to become an entrepreneur is influenced by both nature and nurture. Factors such as education, financial privilege, and exposure to other entrepreneurs can increase the likelihood of pursuing entrepreneurship. Some individuals naturally possess qualities like proactivity, a strong work ethic, and ambition, which are conducive to entrepreneurship. Ultimately, it’s a combination of innate tendencies and external influences that shape one’s entrepreneurial drive.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Founder & CEO at Clear website: http://getclearapp.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahanabanana/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahana-banerjee/ Blog: http://youtube.com/@ahanabanerjee Twitter:https://twitter.com/ahanabanana?lang=en