We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rashmi Dixit. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rashmi below.

Rashmi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

In 2007, I made a bold decision to leave my corporate job at Colgate-Palmolive in search of more flexibility and control over my career. I ventured into the organizational development space, but like many entrepreneurs starting out, I had no clients and no clear roadmap. I knew I had to create something valuable, so I began designing a Leadership Development Program that could help businesses thrive.

Back then, business development wasn’t about digital marketing or social media outreach—it was old-school cold calling. I remember making 20 to 30 calls every day to nearby businesses, asking about their challenges, and securing meetings with decision-makers. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was what I needed to do to get my foot in the door.

One day, after an in-person meeting got canceled, I was feeling a bit disappointed as I drove back home. But then something caught my eye—a building that housed a mid-size company. I decided to take a chance. I walked into the reception area and asked about meeting someone from the leadership team. As fate would have it, the CEO had just returned from a meeting, and his secretary mentioned he had 10 minutes to spare.

That was my moment. In those 10 minutes, I made my pitch and connected with him on a deeper level. The meeting turned into my first organizational development assignment, which not only yielded great results for the company but also helped them navigate successfully before being acquired by a larger organization.

That day taught me the power of persistence, being ready for opportunities, and taking chances—even when things don’t go according to plan. It was the start of my journey as an entrepreneur and a meaningful career in organizational development.

Rashmi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began my career in the Research and Supply Chain function at Colgate Palmolive in Powai, India. Working with teams across different factory locations allowed me to recognize my strength in people management and how energized I felt by helping others reach their full potential. During my time at Colgate, I became a certified internal trainer for both technical and behavioral programs, which fueled my passion for the people side of business—something that wasn’t a major focus for many organizations at the time.

After 9 years in the corporate world, I realized that my calling was in Learning and Development, and in 2007, I decided to start my own company. Today, I run The Hive Consultants, based in Portland, Oregon, where we work with government sectors, corporations, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations. Our mission is to foster inclusive, dynamic, and high-performing workplaces. We provide services in group facilitation, coaching, DEIB training, and leadership development, all aimed at unlocking the full potential of teams and driving sustainable success for organizations.

What sets me apart are three things: First, my extensive experience working in a reputable corporate environment gives me a clear understanding of what it takes to elevate human potential and remove barriers to employees performing at their best. Second, I bring genuine personal passion to this work. It’s incredibly energizing for me to help individuals and teams grow. Finally, the breadth of my experience across multiple locations, countries, and cultures offers me a unique perspective on how to bring out the best in diverse teams.
I am most proud of the impact The Hive Consultants has made in helping organizations create environments that are not only inclusive but also drive performance. Our work is about more than just training or coaching, it is about empowering people, creating spaces where everyone can contribute their best, and helping leaders unlock the potential of their teams. The main thing I want potential clients to know is that our approach is highly customized to address their unique challenges and goals. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether we are facilitating a DEIB training, providing leadership coaching, or developing a strategic plan, we always aim to create an inclusive and innovative environment that leads to lasting success for our clients.

Lastly, The Hive Consultants brand is deeply personal to me. It is about Hope. It reflects my belief in the power of human potential- its ability to create positive shifts, the importance of inclusive leadership, and my commitment to creating positive, transformative change in organizations. After over 17 years of experience, what I cherish most is seeing the people I work with grow, thrive, and achieve success beyond what we could imagine. I decided to call my company The Hive Consultants because I wanted the name to reflect the values of collaboration, connection, and collective growth. A hive symbolizes a thriving community where every individual contributes to a greater purpose, which aligns perfectly with our mission to foster inclusive, dynamic, and high-performing workplaces. Just like a hive functions through the efforts of many working together toward a common goal, my vision for The Hive Consultants is to create spaces where individuals and teams can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve collective success.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

One of my most effective strategies for building clientele has been the combination of genuine relationship-building and understanding the unique challenges that organizations face. Early in my career, I focused on making cold calls to connect with businesses, listening to their needs, and offering solutions tailored to their specific problems. This approach helped me establish trust and credibility. I also leveraged word-of-mouth referrals and built strong relationships by delivering value through my work.

Another key aspect of my strategy has been offering highly customized services. I take time to understand each client’s unique context, challenges, and goals, ensuring that the solutions I provide are specifically designed for them. This personalized approach has helped me build long-term relationships with clients who value tailored services over generic offerings.

Additionally, staying active in my industry and speaking at conferences, participating in panel discussions, and publishing content has helped me increase my visibility and credibility. By combining networking with thought leadership, I’ve been able to attract clients who resonate with my values and approach.

Any advice for managing a team?

Lead by Example: As a leader, your actions set the standard for your team. Demonstrate the behaviors, values, and work ethic you expect from others. Whether it’s showing accountability, staying resilient during challenges, or communicating with transparency, your team will mirror these traits. Leading by example builds trust, respect, and a sense of shared responsibility, all of which are key to maintaining high morale.

Create Role Clarity and Set Clear Goals: Ensuring each team member understands their role and how it contributes to the larger team goals is essential for success. Clearly define responsibilities, expectations, and objectives, so everyone knows what they are working toward. When roles and goals are clear, it reduces confusion, increases efficiency, and empowers individuals to take ownership of their tasks. This clarity also boosts confidence, as people feel set up for success. Being Generous in sharing resources is important. Our Organisational model at the Hive is based on cooperation and collaboration, where our team members are business owners and leaders in their own right. They have strong entrepreneurial abilities and run their own businesses besides being also part of The Hive Team. This model allows for cross pollination of ideas and approaches that help each of the members to also grow their own business.

We recognize each other’s Contributions and Support Growth: Celebrating wins, even small ones, helps people feel valued and motivated. When people feel recognized and see a path for growth, they are more engaged and committed to the team’s success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thehiveconsultants.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashmidixit/

Image Credits

Pictures by Kelly Mooney and Sharon Thomas