Aakanksha Tangri stands out as a visionary entrepreneur involved in mental health and well-being. As the founder and CEO of Re:Set, she has dedicated her career to creating accessible resources that address the critical issues of education, parenting, gender inclusivity, and mental health. Her journey reflects a blend of personal experience, professional commitment, and an unwavering belief in the power of community support.
Having grown up in a multicultural environment, Aakanksha’s background is rich with cultural diversity. This upbringing shaped her understanding of the varied mental health needs across different communities. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, she worked as a journalist, which honed her skills in storytelling and communication. Her experiences in journalism highlighted the gaps in mental health resources available to individuals from diverse backgrounds, motivating her to take action.
Founding Re:Set
In 2021, Aakanksha launched Re:Set with a mission to provide an online platform that offers tools and stories related to mental health and well-being. The platform quickly gained traction, attracting over a million visitors within its first year. This significant milestone laid a strong foundation for future growth and development. Aakanksha describes Re:Set as “an online resource of tools and stories around education, parenting, gender, inclusivity, mental health, and well-being” .
The Vision Behind Re:Set
Aakanksha’s vision for Re:Set is rooted in her belief that mental health should be accessible and inclusive for everyone. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health and providing individuals with the resources they need to manage their well-being effectively. Under her leadership, Re:Set has developed various initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing practical tools for individuals to improve their mental well-being.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Re:Set has undertaken several noteworthy projects since its inception:
- Partnerships for Impact: Aakanksha-led Re:Set in partnering with institutions like New York University Abu Dhabi to create tailored mental health resources for their diverse staff. This initiative aimed to support expatriates dealing with the pandemic’s impact on their families back home.
- Focus on Inclusivity: Aakanksha has been vocal about the need for inclusivity in mental health discussions. She believes that everyone deserves access to mental health resources, regardless of their background or circumstances.
- Innovative Tools: Re:Set has developed various do-it-yourself tools designed to empower students and professionals to take charge of their mental health beyond traditional therapy sessions. This approach aligns with Aakanksha’s goal of fostering autonomy among users.
Challenges Faced
Like many entrepreneurs, Aakanksha faced numerous challenges while building Re:Set. As a non-technical founder, she had to quickly learn about product development, design, and audience behavior. She describes this phase as a steep learning curve but acknowledges that it was essential for finding product-market fit. The COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges; however, Aakanksha’s commitment to supporting individuals during these tough times helped her navigate through uncertainty.
Leadership Philosophy
Aakanksha’s leadership philosophy revolves around resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace risks and step out of their comfort zones. She believes that failure is not an endpoint but rather an opportunity for growth. “Being an entrepreneur certainly isn’t easy… but the learnings from the times we stumble offer us perspective,” she states.
Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals who complement one’s strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is crucial for any entrepreneur aiming for success.
Recognition and Impact
Aakanksha’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She was named on the Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list for her contributions towards enhancing workplace wellness through Re:Set. This recognition highlights her commitment to making a positive impact on organizations by boosting employee retention, productivity, and motivation through comprehensive well-being programs.
Looking Ahead
As Aakanksha looks towards the future, her focus remains on expanding Re:Set’s reach and influence in the mental health space. She aims to continue developing innovative solutions that cater to diverse audiences while promoting inclusivity in mental health discussions. “Our North Star remains to make mental health accessible and inclusive to all,” she asserts.
Aakanksha Tangri exemplifies what it means to be a forward-thinking leader in today’s world. Through her work with Re:Set, she addresses pressing issues related to mental health and inspires others to engage in meaningful conversations about well-being.
Aakanksha Tangri is not just a founder; she is a beacon of hope for many seeking guidance in navigating their mental health journeys. As she continues to innovate and lead through Re:Set, her impact on society will undoubtedly grow stronger, paving the way for future generations to prioritize their mental well-being without stigma or barriers.
