Chasing Passions,Embracing Opportunities
A seasoned marketing professional with a strong background in pharmaceutical studies and management, Anjali Tolani, Vice President, Celebrations at Tamarind Global, leads contracting and procurement across India, overseeing hotels, transport, and luxury services. A hard taskmaster with a knack for turning chaos into celebration, she loves to infuse each day with a perfect blend of fun and challenge. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, she talks about her work philosophy and how she maintains work-life balance
Corporate Citizen: How do you set out your priorities to keep your work and personal life balanced?
Anjali Tolani: : Currently, as I’ve taken on a new project that requires my full attention, work tends to occupy a large portion of my time. My priority now is to find my footing in this new endeavour and ensure it is set up for success. However, I believe in maintaining a balance that nurtures both the professional and personal aspects of life. Some things remain non-negotiable, like my morning hour, which is dedicated to either a brisk walk or a cardio workout, and one day of the weekend spent with my mother when I’m in town. These routines help me reset amid the demands of my job. It's important to carve out personal time, regardless of how hectic life gets.
CC: While on the move, what helps you maintain calm and peace?
Maintaining a consistent routine, even when I’m constantly on the move is crucial for staying centred. My morning cardio session, a walk or a gym workout, serves as a moment of grounding. This habit not only keeps me physically active but also provides a mental break, allowing me to start the day with clarity. Reading a few pages from a physical book before bed, also helps me disconnect from the chaos and enter a more peaceful mindset. These small practices enable me to maintain calm and peace.
CC: What keeps you fit and healthy? What are your secrets to maintaining a calm and cool mind?
Running is my go-to activity—not just for fitness, but also for mental clarity. It gives me the space to think through problems, reflect on decisions and burn off any nervous energy. I usually run with my group of friends, which adds an element of camaraderie and helps ground me before the workday begins. It’s amazing how much a morning run can set the tone for the day, helping me stay calm, focused and mentally prepared for whatever comes my way
CC: Your stress busters—how do you rejuvenate, recharge and de-stress?
Dogs, dogs, dogs! There's just something about their pure joy and goofiness that puts things into perspective. I lost my dog, Puchkaram, last year, but his impact on my life was profound. Through him, I was introduced to a wonderful canine community, and I still visit them often. Their unconditional love and simplicity remind me not to get caught up in the stress and ambitions of everyday life. Spending time with them helps me relax and recharge in a way that nothing else does. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be so complicated.
CC: What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee. It's my way of escaping into another world and unwinding after a long day. Watching a good show also helps me switch off from work and relax. Cooking is another activity I enjoy, especially when I can gather friends around for a meal. I tend to balance the mental exhaustion of work with something tangible and creative.
CC: What works best for you as relaxation therapy?
For me, the ultimate relaxation comes from a good run and spending time with dogs—no spa treatment can match the peace. There’s something so therapeutic about being outdoors, running through the quiet of the morning or having a dog lovingly lick your face. It's simple but effective in helping me decompress.
CC: Five tips for maintaining work-life balance:
- Set clear priorities for both work and personal life, so you don’t lose sight of either.
- Establish non-negotiables in both areas. Don’t compromise.
- Tackle your most challenging tasks first thing in the day. It reduces anxiety and prevents work from spilling over into personal time.
- Learn to let go. Not everything needs to be done immediately or perfectly. Procrastination isn't always the enemy.
- Always keep the bigger picture in mind— life is full of phases, and things that seem overwhelming in the moment will eventually pass.
It’s amazing how much a morning run can set the tone for the day, helping me stay calm, focused and mentally prepared for whatever comes my way
— Anjali Tolani
CC: What is the secret to your success?
I’ve never measured success by traditional benchmarks. I believe that to succeed you need to learn and evolve continuously. I’ve always been willing to make career changes, not because they were necessarily the safest or most lucrative choices, but because they challenged me to grow. Moving from pharmaceuticals to advertising, banking, hospitality and now wedding planning, has given me a unique perspective. The trust and mentorship I’ve received throughout these transitions have been key to my success, and being able to follow my passions without fear has made all the difference.
CC: What is your work philosophy?
My philosophy is simple: if you wake up dreading the idea of going to work, it’s time to move on. You owe it to yourself and your organisation to do something that excites you, something that makes you want to put your best foot forward every day. For me, work should feel like a natural extension of my curiosity and passion. That’s when you know you’re in the right place, both mentally and professionally.
CC: What message would you like to give to youngsters on managing time, hobbies, and their profession?
This generation of youngsters has such incredible clarity about what they want from life. They have a level of self-awareness that’s very different from previous generations, which is admirable. My advice to them would be to stay open to other perspectives along the way. Sometimes, seeing things through someone else’s eyes can add value and richness to your journey. While it's important to chase your own vision, taking along varied viewpoints will ultimately broaden your horizon.
CC: Can you define yourself in one sentence?
I would describe myself as someone who has always sought to live multiple lives within one, constantly chasing passions, exploring new fields and embracing opportunities as they come. It’s been less about chasing conventional ambitions and more about pursuing what sparks joy and growth at each stage of life.
CC: What dreams remain to be fulfilled?
A big part of my unfulfilled dreams revolves around travel. I’ve had the opportunity to visit some incredible places, including Antarctica, but there’s still so much to see. The North Pole is next on my list, along with exploring Africa, which remains largely undiscovered for me. There’s something about learning new cultures and exploring landscapes that keeps me constantly curious and excited for the future.
CC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be retired from my current line of work and fully immersed in animal welfare. I envision myself working at an animal care facility, spending my days making a difference for creatures who can’t speak for themselves. I’ve always been drawn to animals, and I’d love to dedicate more time to causes that are close to my heart.