Meet Anshu Bahanda, a trailblazing wellness pioneer transforming lives through innovation and compassion. With a rich cultural heritage and a personal journey of resilience, Anshu founded Wellness Curated, a holistic platform revolutionizing the way we approach health and wellness.
Born in New Delhi, India, and now based in London, UK, Anshu’s journey began in the corporate world, with stints at Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, and Andersen Consulting. Additionally, she is the founder of Aabru Art, an African Art company. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Anshu Bahanda as one of the Business Geek: Women Leaders to Watch, 2024.
Anshu’s transformative journey to wellness industry leadership was shaped by her rich cultural heritage and upbringing in India, where ancient wisdom and artistry thrived. This foundational influence later empowered her to navigate life’s challenges in the UK, sparking a passion to share these principles with others. In 2020, Anshu launched Wellness Curated, which rapidly evolved from a humble Instagram page to a renowned podcast with over 150 episodes, inspiring a global community to take ownership of their health and wellness.
“Technology and ancient wisdom combined can create profound innovation and healing in our modern world.” – Anshu Bahanda
Anshu’s transformation from a high-flying corporate executive to a visionary wellness leader is a testament to her courage and determination. Driven by her daughter’s remarkable recovery from illness, Anshu embarked on a mission to share the collective wisdom of healers, therapists, and medical experts with the world. With a steadfast commitment to empowerment, Anshu is revolutionizing the wellness industry by putting the power of healing back into individuals’ hands through quality information and education. Through Wellness Curated, she serves a diverse community, fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness that transcends traditional boundaries.
Anshu’s approach to life is rooted in a profound philosophy: every challenge is a gift, every setback a lesson. She embraces obstacles with curiosity, seeking the wisdom they impart. Collaboration, not competition, is her guiding principle. By focusing on empowering others to achieve wellness, Anshu stays true to her purpose. And when purpose aligns with action, success follows. The impact of her leadership is evident in the lives transformed through Wellness Curated, including a remarkable testimony from a user who overcame anxiety and depression just six months after joining the platform – a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that unfolds when individual efforts merge with a larger force for good.
With over 150 podcasts and counting, Wellness Curated is a testament to Anshu’s unwavering commitment to empowerment and inclusivity. Her platform is a safe haven for individuals seeking holistic approaches to wellness, tackling topics from anxiety and depression to gender equality and marginalized voices. Wellness Curated is also an all-women organization, further demonstrating their commitment to an inclusive and equitable environment. Anshu is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in their community feels seen, heard, and valued.
“In the face of challenges, choose kindness and strength; they are the keys to lasting success.” – Anshu Bahanda
To aspiring women leaders looking to disrupt their markets, Anshu offers sage advice. Having navigated diverse fields such as banking, art, and wellness, she understands the challenges of being a minority in a professional setting. She encourages women not to let their minority status intimidate them but to see it as an advantage. Anshu believes in the power of emotional intelligence, which has often helped her navigate tricky situations. She advises choosing kindness when faced with doubt or isolation, emphasizing that kindness will always pay off in the long run. Anshu’s mantra is to be strong, kind, and excellent at what you do. Balancing professional success with personal well-being comes naturally to Anshu, as her work in wellness seamlessly integrates with her personal life. She feels blessed to do what she loves, merging work and play. Her passion for health and wellness enriches her life and that of her family, making her feel that she is not working but engaging in her favorite activities every day.
Anshu sees significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the wellness industry. She notes the global rise in mental health issues, exacerbated by the aftermath of COVID-19, and believes that returning to the simple ancient wisdom of her upbringing, combined with modern technology and AI, is a promising path. Wellness Curated aims to offer this blend of ancient wisdom and technological advancements to help people navigate modern challenges. Technology is a cornerstone of Anshu’s business strategy. Wellness Curated’s podcasts are recorded online, leveraging technology to connect with guests from multiple continents simultaneously, which would be challenging in person. Technology also plays a crucial role in marketing these podcasts, expanding their reach and impact globally.
Anshu Bahanda recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving the prestigious Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Award (UK) 2024 in the Media category. The award ceremony took place on March 16, 2024, at the House of Lords, UK, in the presence of H.E. Prince Michael of Kent and H.E. Princess Michael of Kent. Hosted by Women in Management (UK) in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a subsidiary of the World Bank, and Australia Aid (Government of Australia), this award highlights Anshu’s impactful work in the media industry through Wellness Curated.
Anshu is passionate about supporting female education and mentorship. She hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment, creating a respectful environment where individuals feel supported and informed about their health journey. She is involved with the Pan Asian Women’s Association (PAWA), which focuses on educating teenage girls across Asia, from Iran to Japan.
Anshu relies on technology and meditation to stay ahead in an ever-changing market landscape. Her company leverages technology to host online podcasts, connecting with speakers from around the world, saving time and costs, and making expertise more accessible. Meditation is a vital part of her life, providing her with the clarity to recognize necessary changes and the strength to implement them. Anshu also advises against neglecting strong foundations while trying to stay agile, noting that Wellness Curated has successfully produced 150 podcasts and is now ready to expand into workshops. She aims to empower people to take charge of their health, ensuring they feel heard and can navigate the complexities of information and technology. Anshu envisions a legacy where every member of the Wellness Curated community feels empowered and equipped to find solutions to life’s challenges at their fingertips.
Anshu’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Empowerment begins with the belief that each individual holds the power to transform their own life.” Through her work, she is reshaping the wellness industry, one podcast at a time.
Join Anshu on her remarkable journey, as she continues to inspire, uplift, and transform lives through the power of wellness.
“Empowerment begins with the belief that each individual holds the power to transform their own life.” – Anshu Bahanda