We were lucky to catch up with Monisha Navani recently and have shared our conversation below.

Monisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

When I was younger, my mother shared a story with me that profoundly shaped my perspective. She likened apologies to band-aids—temporary fixes over wounds that still linger beneath the surface. She taught me that words, when not chosen carefully, can leave lasting impressions, far longer than we realize as the ones speaking them. That insight became a cornerstone of my life—a cautionary tale that illuminated the immense power of words. From that moment, I resolved to use my words as tools for good, to harness this vessel I’ve been given to create something meaningful.

My journey hasn’t been a simple one, and most people may never know the intricacies of the life I’ve lived. But those experiences instilled in me a deep desire to leave a legacy rooted in kindness and connection—a legacy of leaving people better than I found them. Whether someone enters my life for a lesson or a lifetime, I want them to walk away feeling seen, heard, and valued. I hope that I am remembered as someone who sought to understand rather than be understood.

Long after I’m gone, I hope to be remembered as someone who made people feel less alone—a person who, even in their moments of solitude, ensured they knew they didn’t have to be alone, if they didn’t want to be. If someone needs space, I offer it, but I also made it clear they could find me whenever they needed to, or even when they didn’t. It sounds silly, but life gets so busy that I even put reminders in my phone to check in with friends and family members that are going through a rough time.

I want to be remembered for the way I loved—unwavering and deliberate, even in the face of personal challenges. I want to be known for treating people with care and respect, for bringing others together, for standing for something larger than myself, and for making even the smallest difference in someone’s life.

Above all, I hope my legacy reflects a refusal to let the world’s harshness harden me. I want to be remembered as someone who dared to embody love when it would have been easier to grow cold—someone who left the people and places she touched better than she found them.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

If I’m being honest, my journey into a creative field was an accidental yet serendipitous one. I’ve always been captivated by photography and visual storytelling—enthralled by the way cinematography, creative direction, and art can mirror life. My love for capturing candid moments, much like my grandfather, who always had a camera in hand, was deeply ingrained in me. Yet, for the longest time, I doubted my ability to turn that passion into a career. If I’m being honest, I still do.

Initially, I followed a more traditional path. I wanted to help people, and at the time, a career in medicine seemed the only way to do so. After graduating college, I realized that the path I’d chosen, though stable, left me unfulfilled. However, the thought of stepping away from the security of a healthcare job to pursue something creative felt too risky.

Everything changed when I saw someone in my college sorority take a bold leap and start her own business via social media. Inspired, I reached out to offer my help in any way I could. I simply wanted a glimpse behind the curtain of what it took to run a product-based business. What followed was a whirlwind of hard work: balancing a full-time job, essentially a full-time “internship,” and a master’s program simultaneously. While rigorous, the experience was transformative. It taught me the value of time management and showed me just how far I was willing to go for something I was truly passionate about.

Through that journey, I immersed myself in the world of social media, content creation, and the strategy behind purposeful content. These weren’t just pretty pictures posted to Instagram — they had intention and impact. That intentionality sparked something in me. Over time, I began treating my own page as a creative outlet, blending strategy and artistry. This combination of structure and creativity opened doors to incredible people, projects, and opportunities.

I’ve since explored the dynamic intersections of creativity, business, strategy, and branding. I’ve learned how to align human elements with brand identity, leveraging campaigns, collaborations, and marketing strategies that connect on a deeper level. What fascinates me most is how all these components—strategy, creativity, and storytelling—converge to bring ideas to life. Whether it’s a new campaign, product launch, or brand identity, I thrive in seeing the bigger picture and orchestrating those moving parts into something cohesive, innovative, and deeply resonant. One of my favorite approaches is fostering innovative collaborations between brands that might initially seem like unlikely partners.

What I’m most proud of, beyond the work itself, are the relationships I’ve cultivated in this industry. I’ve refused to choose between business, morality, and kindness—instead, I’ve woven them together. People often say, “Nice people finish last,” but for me, that couldn’t be further from the truth. If I can achieve my goals while maintaining my humanity, values, and meaningful connections, then where I finish doesn’t matter—I’ve already succeeded.

At the heart of my work lies a desire to inspire. I hope that through the stories I tell and the brands I help build, people can see beyond the products or campaigns and discover something more profound—a story, a feeling, or even a reflection of themselves. If even one person feels inspired or understood through my work, then I’ll know I’ve done my job right.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Most people don’t know this, and it’s not something I often talk about—but I believe it illustrates what resilience has meant to me. In 2019, I was unexpectedly hospitalized for an undiagnosed condition that severely affected my body. While I had no control over the symptoms or what was happening physically, I knew I could control how I responded during the moments when my body wasn’t in crisis.

Rather than using those rare windows of calm to rest, as many might, I chose to channel my energy into the work I was doing with a startup and completing my Master’s coursework that semester. For the first few days, I didn’t even tell anyone I was in the hospital, only mentioning it when my condition began interfering with the work. To be honest, I don’t think I even informed my professors, as I managed to submit my assignments on time. Lying in a hospital bed didn’t feel like a valid excuse to stop contributing—excuses simply weren’t part of my nature. The work became my escape, a way to focus my mind and reclaim a sense of purpose in a situation where so much felt out of my control.

There were moments when I was so physically weak that I couldn’t even hold my phone. During those times, my dad would sit by my bedside, holding it up for me so I could finalize an asset, draft a caption, or complete an essay for my program. Looking back, those were some of the most challenging moments I’ve faced. While I don’t revisit them often, they remain a powerful testament to how far I’m willing to go for the things I’m passionate about.

That said, I’ve since come to understand that resilience isn’t just about persevering through hardship—it’s also about knowing when to step back and care for yourself. Back then, immersing myself in work was my way of coping, but I now realize the strength it takes to prioritize balance and rest. I would never suggest or encourage someone to replicate my actions in the name of resilience; in fact, I would likely caution against it. True resilience lies not only in pushing forward but also in giving yourself permission to pause, heal, and prioritize your well-being.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

After my hospitalization, I immersed myself in reading and found several resources that profoundly shaped my entrepreneurial thinking and life philosophy.

For entrepreneurial thinking, Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney by Lee Cockerell was transformative. What resonated most was Cockerell’s approach to leadership—making himself available at every level, listening with an open mind, and valuing the expertise of others. His commitment to understanding deeply before problem-solving reflects a leadership style I admire and strive to emulate. His ability to lead with humility and inclusivity left a lasting impression on my professional mindset.

For philosophy and life, I’ve found immense value in nearly everything published by Shop Catalog. Recently, I’ve been starting my mornings with a passage from The Pivot Year, which inspires me to embrace authenticity and stay true to myself in a world that often encourages conformity.

Additionally, James Clear’s and Sahil Bloom’s newsletters have become indispensable resources. Their concise insights deliver powerful wisdom that might otherwise take countless self-help books to uncover. These small yet impactful pieces of guidance have not only influenced my outlook but also encouraged me to stay intentional and growth-focused in both life and business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monishanavani/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monishaaalavi/