India is home to a vibrant and rapidly evolving consulting landscape, with experts across various fields helping drive the country’s economic and social transformation. With the rapid pace of change and challenges facing individuals and organizations alike, the need for guidance in areas like empowerment, resilience, and personal growth has never been greater. In this new era, consultants are not just experts in their fields; they are the catalysts for change, helping clients navigate obstacles, build inner strength, and embrace opportunities with confidence. Whether it`s personal image consulting, edwellness coaching, or leadership development, these forward-thinking consultants are championing their respective fields and empowering people to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Here are some consultants and thought leaders to watch out for in 2025 across different fields in India:
Lifestyle and Strategy Consulting – Vineeta Singh (Co-founder and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics)
A serial entrepreneur with expertise in venture funding, Singh`s work advising startups and navigating financial markets offers valuable insights into scaling businesses in India. Vineeta Singh is the co-founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics, a popular Indian beauty brand. She started the company in 2015 with the goal of creating high-quality, cruelty-free, and affordable makeup products for Indian women. The brand quickly became known for its bold, edgy products and inclusive range of shades suitable for various skin tones. Vineeta Singh`s journey is incredibly inspiring and has resonated with so many people, especially entrepreneurs. Before founding Sugar Cosmetics, Vineeta worked in investment banking and later as a consultant, but her passion for beauty led her to switch careers. She`s also known for appearing on the Indian business reality show Shark Tank India, where she gained further recognition for her investment expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
Turning down a Rs 1 crore job offer to pursue her passion for building Sugar Cosmetics shows her immense belief in her vision and her long-term goals. It’s a bold decision that reflects her confidence in herself and the potential of the beauty industry in India. The growth of Sugar Cosmetics to a Rs 300 crore business is a testament to her hard work, leadership, and innovative approach to beauty. Vineeta`s presence on Shark Tank India has also been a game-changer, offering valuable guidance to budding entrepreneurs while simultaneously showcasing her business acumen.Sugar Cosmetics has expanded rapidly, becoming a household name in the Indian beauty market, offering a variety of products from lipsticks and foundations to eye makeup and skincare.
Nutrition and WellBeing Consultant – Shonali Sabherwal (Independent Chef Nutritionist) –
Sabherwal is a leader in holistic nutrition, focusing on personalized nutrition plans that support mental, emotional, and physical health. Her work combines Ayurveda with modern science to create balanced living. Shonali Sabherwal is a well-known nutritionist and wellness expert based in India. She’s famous for her holistic approach to health, focusing on personalized nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness. Shonali works with clients to create customized nutrition plans that are tailored to their specific needs, whether it’s for weight loss, managing health conditions, or simply leading a healthier lifestyle.
She’s also known for her expertise in detoxification and digestive health, and has authored a book called The Beauty Diet, where she emphasizes how food impacts not just our physical health but also our appearance, energy levels, and mental well-being. Her approach blends science with practical advice and aims to empower people to make informed choices about their health.
In addition to her private practice, Shonali has been a part of various wellness initiatives and often appears in media, where she shares tips and insights on nutrition and healthy living.
Pageant Consultant – Barkha Nangia (Founder – Glamour Gurgaon)
Barkha Nangia, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, founded Glamour Gurgaon to provide married women with a platform to showcase their talents and make a name for themselves. Recognizing the challenges faced by women in balancing family life and career, she created Glamour Gurgaon as a space where women can thrive professionally and personally.
The company has quickly become one of India`s leading event management firms, specializing in fashion and beauty events such as beauty pageants, fashion shows, award ceremonies, and product launches. Barkha’s vision goes beyond event organizing; she is committed to empowering women by providing them opportunities to shine and network within the industry.
Through Glamour Gurgaon, Barkha is helping transform the narrative around women’s roles, demonstrating that women can excel in both their personal and professional lives. Her efforts are a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and dedication to uplifting women.
Glamour Gurgaon has launched a series of successful beauty pageants that have gained significant attention, including Mrs. World International, Mrs. India – Pride of Nation, Mrs. Delhi NCR, Mrs. Punjab Pride of Nation, and Ms. India Curvy – The Plus Size Show. These pageants have not only celebrated women’s beauty but also empowered them by providing a platform to showcase their diverse talents, backgrounds, and personalities.
With its focus on both professional growth and self-confidence, Glamour Gurgaon continues to inspire and uplift women across India.
Image Consultant – Tina Singh Walia (Independent Image Consultant)
Tina Singh Walia’s journey is a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of self-love. Raised in a supportive family, Tina faced significant challenges growing up, often being teased for her tall, skinny frame, unibrow, cystic acne, and hirsutism due to PCOS. These struggles deeply affected her self-esteem and confidence, shaping her early years. During her 12th-grade exams, comfort eating led to a weight gain of 14 kilos, further complicating her emotional well-being. However, Tina’s determination to change her life would prove unstoppable.
Tina pursued a degree in Economics Honours, excelling academically by topping both her first and final years. This achievement highlighted her resilience, but the desire for self-improvement led her to adopt extreme measures. Her journey of self-discovery led Tina to realize her true passion for design, styling, and makeup. She launched her own retail stores, offering unique designs for women. Her creations quickly gained recognition, with celebrities embracing her work and magazines featuring her designs. Tina’s career in the fashion industry flourished, but she chose to take a sabbatical to raise her two children after marrying her college sweetheart.
As her children grew older, Tina found a renewed sense of purpose. At 39, she enrolled in a course to further her career and, by 40, became an internationally certified Image Consultant and Soft Skills Trainer. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Today, Tina is a leading figure in image consulting and corporate training, with expertise in image management, grooming, and soft skills. She has worked with top organizations like HCL Healthcare, Indigo Airways, Kotak Life Insurance, and more, transforming the professional lives of countless individuals.
Now an ICF Certified Life and Wellness Coach, as well as a Certified Master NLP Practitioner, Tina shares her knowledge with a massive Instagram following. She empowers women through her insights on wellness, image management, behavior, communication, and etiquette. Tina is also working on her first book, further cementing her role as a thought leader in her field.
Her journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, proving that with determination, passion, and a commitment to growth, anyone can transform their life and inspire others along the way. Tina’s work has made her a sought-after expert, and she has built a reputation for her practical and empathetic approach.
Education Consultant – Meenal Damani (Independent Education Consultant) –
Meenal Damani is the founder of a highly successful education consulting firm, with a career that bridges global financial expertise and academic mentoring. After completing a Master of Finance at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management in the U.S.A., and a Bachelor of Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Meenal built an impressive career in Private Equity and Investment Banking, working at renowned firms like Morgan Stanley and the Royal Bank of Scotland. She gained experience in several international markets, including Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A., giving her a well-rounded understanding of diverse industries and financial landscapes. However, her career took a turn when she decided to pursue a passion for education, channeling her extensive knowledge and global experiences into helping students succeed in their academic pursuits.
Over the years, Meenal has mentored more than 500 students aiming to apply for various Master’s programs abroad, spanning fields such as engineering, data science, design, management, finance, economics, public policy, and more. She has guided students applying to top-tier universities across the globe, including the U.S.A., U.K., Canada, Spain, France, Ireland, Singapore, Australia, and others. Her approach has led to a remarkable track record, with a 100% acceptance rate among the shortlisted universities for all her applicants. Additionally, many of her students have earned substantial scholarships, with some receiving full coverage of their tuition fees. Universities like Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Oxford, LSE, and INSEAD are just a few of the esteemed institutions where her students have been accepted.
Meenal’s strategy focuses on tailoring each application to highlight individual strengths, ensuring that each student’s unique potential is showcased in a way that aligns with the expectations of top universities. She also emphasizes the importance of global perspectives, drawing on her own international experiences to provide valuable insights into various education systems and career paths. The transition from finance to education consulting was inspired by her desire to create a meaningful impact on students` lives, and it has been the most rewarding part of her career. By sharing her expertise, Meenal not only helps students secure spots at prestigious institutions but also equips them with the knowledge and guidance needed for a successful future.
Conclusion
These consultants and thought leaders in India are driving change in various sectors, from Education to Technology to Sustainability to Healthcare and much more. As the country continues to evolve and face new challenges, these individuals will be key players in shaping the future of business, innovation, and social progress in 2025. If you’re looking for insights and guidance in any of these domains, keeping an eye on their work would be a smart move!
