#70: The Outsider's Edge: Turning Differences into Business Strengths – Vimala Thangaveloo
In this week's episode, I sit down with Vimala Thangaveloo, a former Fortune 500 lawyer turned coach, who helps outsiders harness their uniqueness to build successful, fulfilling careers. Vimala shares her personal journey of transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and the realizations that led her to embrace her identity instead of conforming to rigid workplace expectations.
We explore what it means to be an “outsider” and why those who have faced barriers—whether due to race, gender, age, or background—often struggle with visibility and self-advocacy. Vimala explains how to shift from a mindset of trying to fit in to one of leveraging your differences as a competitive advantage. We discuss the importance of personal branding, showing up online with confidence, and using social media as a tool to take control of your professional narrative.
Vimala introduces the concept of the Drama Triangle, a framework that helps entrepreneurs recognize unhelpful thought patterns and move toward a place of empowerment. She also shares insights on emotional regulation, handling rejection, and maintaining confidence even when faced with setbacks.
We also dive into the role of data in decision-making—why shifting your focus from emotional reactions to objective facts can help you make smarter business moves. Vimala offers practical strategies to help freelancers and entrepreneurs develop resilience, advocate for themselves, and create sustainable careers that align with their values.
To be honest, Vimala is THE person to talk about these topics, and I couldn’t be happier that she said yes to being on the show.
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
- Outsiders often face various forms of discrimination, including sexism and racism.
- Emotional regulation is crucial for navigating business challenges.
- Imposter syndrome is often a societal construct rather than an individual flaw.
- Data-driven decisions can empower entrepreneurs to take control of their narratives.
- Language plays a significant role in shaping women's identities in the workplace.
Here's where you can connect with Vimala:
- Newsletter (coming soon) — join the waitlist here!
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- Let's connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/
- You can donate and support this podcast here:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/freelancebusinessunlocked
Thank you and see you next week!
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