Leading with Self-Trust: The Journey of Kanchan Chanana

Introduction

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes global strategy consultant Kanchan Chanana, whose path spans continents and industries. From growing up in a patriarchal society in India to coaching leaders across the globe, Kanchan shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and defining success on one’s own terms.

Overcoming Cultural and Gender Barriers

Kanchan recounts her formative years, growing up in New Delhi and navigating a male-dominated engineering program. She shares the impact of losing her father early in life and how it sparked her independence—taking up tutoring to fund her own education. These experiences laid the foundation for her belief in resilience as a practice, not a theory.

Breaking Industry Norms

Kanchan’s transition into the automotive industry, particularly procurement at Suzuki, was met with skepticism. She boldly challenged gender assumptions, eventually excelling in her role and inspiring policy changes around gender parity. Her story illustrates the power of advocating for oneself and disrupting systemic bias.

From Corporate Strategy to Startups

After earning her MBA and working with Fortune 500 and 100 companies in India, the U.S., and Switzerland, Kanchan pivoted to advising startups. Her strategic background in innovation and operations fuels her approach to solving complex business problems and empowering founders.

Redefining Leadership and Identity

Kanchan emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven leadership—leading with questions rather than assumptions. She discusses how flexibility in identity, rooted in firm values but adaptable execution, enables success across diverse contexts.

Empowering Emerging Leaders

As a coach, Kanchan helps young professionals and founders overcome internal limitations. She highlights common barriers such as fear of fundraising and rigid role definitions, advocating for collaborative leadership and clear, purpose-aligned communication.

What Success Really Means

For Kanchan, success is no longer about conforming to societal scripts. Instead, it’s about owning one’s decisions, challenging norms, and maintaining inner clarity. She encourages listeners to define success based on deliberate, value-driven choices.

Living a Fantastic Life

To Kanchan, a fantastic life is one of daily ownership—making conscious choices, embracing uncertainty, and learning from every experience. She advocates for workplaces that prioritize people, value alignment, and real leadership, arguing these are key to both business success and employee fulfillment.

Final Takeaway

Kanchan leaves listeners with one powerful word: self-leadership. By taking full responsibility and embracing inner clarity, anyone can chart a path of meaningful impact.

Learn More

Connect with Kanchan on LinkedIn to explore her writings on self-leadership and transformation.

BIO:

Professionally, Kanchan is a global strategy consultant who’s advised Fortune 500 CXOs across India, the US, and Switzerland. Personally, Kanchan has navigated loss, defied gendered expectations, and later complex depression through a series of non-traditional life choices. She now coaches young professionals to lead with resilience, integrity, and self-trust.

Social Media:

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