Lalitaa Suglani is on a mission to take us all from burnout to balance.

She believes that the key to achieving real lasting success and happiness in all areas of your life lies within your own mind.

Her book ‘High Functioning Anxiety’ is the wake-up call that all founders need, and in this interview, we get to find out more about the award-winning psychologist.

It goes without saying that you are *quite* the woman! Tell us a bit about your business journey so far… 

My business journey has been both deeply personal and incredibly fulfilling. I started my career as a psychologist with a passion for helping individuals overcome their internal barriers. Over time, I realised how many high-achieving people – leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals – struggle silently with things like anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt.

This insight inspired me to build my business around the mission of empowering people to break free from limiting beliefs and step into their full potential. It’s been a journey of growth, not just for my clients but for myself, too.

From working with global organisations to publishing my book (and writing my next one), I’ve learned to navigate my own challenges while creating a platform for others to do the same.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my business has been designing workshops and keynotes that shift perspectives and provide tangible tools. Seeing someone realise they can achieve success without sacrificing their well-being is the ultimate win for me. My journey so far has taught me that every setback is a lesson, and every success is a celebration of resilience and authenticity.

This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s to come!

What inspired you to set up your business and what have been the most significant steps in growing it to where you have to date?

I was inspired to start my business after noticing how many high-performing individuals silently struggled with invisible challenges like anxiety and self-doubt, often unaware there was another way to live and thrive. It felt deeply sad to see so many people dimming themselves to stay safe, stuck in old patterns that kept them from lighting up as they are truly meant to – simply because they didn’t know how. Growing my business has been about staying true to my mission, building meaningful connections, and sharing tools to help people break free and create lasting impact.

Did you dive straight into entrepreneurial life, or did you take your time planning?

I tried to follow the traditional path and got a job, but I only lasted six months. Deep down, I always knew I had ideas and creativity waiting to be unleashed – I just needed the courage to start. That courage came when someone believed in me, and it gave me the push I needed to step into entrepreneurial life and create something meaningful.

Business support comes in so many forms – accelerators, mentors, finance, and networking, to name a few. What support have you found the most significant in helping you to start and scale?

The most significant support for me has been surrounding myself with people who speak the same language and truly understand where I’m trying to go with my vision. Having that shared mindset and connection has been invaluable in both starting and scaling my business.

What’s on your vision board for next year?

For next year, my vision board is filled with the big ideas I’ve been nurturing. As a Manifestor in Human Design, I know that when inspiration strikes, I move forward with full force. I have a collection of ideas written down, and I trust that when the time is right, they will come to life and flourish.

Apparently, a founder’s morning routine says a lot about them. Talk us through yours…

My morning routine is grounded in gratitude and mindfulness. I begin each day by centering myself, focusing on my breath, and checking in with both my mind and body. This helps me connect with my energy and set a clear intention for the day. I incorporate sun salutations to get the body moving and energised, and then I enjoy a refreshing cup of lemon and ginger tea to kickstart my morning.

What are your non-negotiables, in both business and life?

My non-negotiables in both business and life are integrity, authenticity, balance, and self-care, ensuring that I stay true to my values, maintain meaningful relationships, and prioritise personal well-being alongside professional success because we are here and life is short so we need to remember to look after ourselves along the way.

As a successful founder, how easy do you actually find it trying to have work/ life balance… or as we like to say, work/life blend?

Achieving work/life blend hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve definitely hit burnout and experienced high levels of anxiety in the past – something I’m determined not to revisit. I’ve learned that the stronger and more grounded I become, the easier it is to say no without guilt. The blend often comes from how we feel, and it’s easy to keep taking things on, but I’ve had to teach myself how to navigate my mind and body, since they’re the vehicles that carry me through life.

Are there any go-to resources you’d recommend to fellow founders – be that books, podcasts, memberships, or something else entirely?

High Functioning Anxiety by Dr Lalitaa Suglani.

On the subject of advice, what’s the most BS advice you’ve ever received? Did you ignore it straight away or learn the hard way?

“That is too big, you can’t do it” – it was their fear and not mine!

Finally, we believe in the power of celebrating your wins. What are you most proud of?

The messages I get after someone has read my book and they relate to it all – it fills my heart.

To find out more about Lalitaa’s services, visit her website: www.drlalitaa.com

WHAT. A. WOMAN!

Do you know a founder that will inspire The 51% Club community?
Get in touch with us and tell us a bit about her story: girlpower@the51percent.club