Confident, inspirational and motivated are three adjectives that come to mind when describing the personality traits of Rani Dabrai. This turbo-charged business woman, (43) is a dynamic entrepreneur, a devoted mother of two and something of a wellness guru too. She has a string of outstanding achievements and qualifications to her credit from running the World Trade Centre’s Dublin office to launching her own cosmetic and fashion brands.
Go Wild! Magazine caught up with her this January as she was heading off to an early morning business meeting in her key role as a strategic business facilitator who assists companies to realise targets and grow exponentially.
“I am a facilitator of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). We use a proven method for success to help entrepreneurs to scale their businesses by implementing the EOS model. As a business coach I can show them how they will increase their revenue and discover effective ways to achieve their goals.” Rani is the only EOS implementer in Ireland and one of 380 worldwide.
What would her advice to emerging start-ups be?
“It’s vitally important to run a business with a clear vision and direction so be clear on your business plan, the company’s values, your core focus and your long term goals. That’s the only way to attract the right people to make dreams come true.”
Rani probably first came to prominence after she set up the well-known company called “Miss Moneypenny” – named after the famously, efficient secretary in the James Bond movies. The business launched in 2007 and provided a virtual assistant model that served entrepreneurs with call-answering, live chats, messaging and remote concierge services. “It was way ahead of its time as now these services are essential for large corporations. Many people in Ireland didn’t even have broadband then. The pandemic made it crystal clear that this was the future as employees had to work remotely and nobody wants to waste two hours on unnecessary commutes.”
Rani is acutely aware of the number of hours in a day and she uses her time as efficiently as possible to gain traction.
“That’s probably why I try get to bed early and get up around 5am every morning. I use this time for the more meaningful business and personal items in my life. It also gives me space to do my workouts – I love yoga and have recently begun bellydancing but I’m a long way off being good at either!
There are plenty of classes on line so that cuts out my need to travel to a gym every day. I think you need to run your calendar like clockwork and then you will see results.”
Along with two co-founders, Rani also set up a sustainable fashion company called “Heirloom” a few years ago, which was targeted at supporting female garment workers in Bangladesh. The plan was to maximise the local fashion output using sustainable methods and connect with ethical buyers abroad. Her interest in Asia is undoubtedly down to the fact that her father is from Mumbai and she spends a lot of time travelling there for both business and family reasons to keep in touch with her relations. She is passionate about the Indian culture and the fabulous ethnic style and dignity of the women there.
“I grew up in a fairly multicultural way – as a child I was raised by my grandfather in India, then schooled in the UK while spending my summers in Ireland.”
“I’m passionate about the balearic islands in Spain and try and spend as much time as possible there. The whole family adores this part of Spain too as it’s so unspoilt and warm and sunny.”
Rani is also a cousin of Noeline Blackwell, the acclaimed civil rights lawyer and CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
“I grew up in England and went to Sheffield University after completing my GCSE’s in Maths, Physics and Computing. I started my degree in Computers and Management Science but my interest in Business attracted me into Media Studies.
When I graduated I was lucky to join the Publicity department of Channel 4 TV – and it was a very exciting time for this station.”
“I loved the pace of it initially but ultimately I preferred to move to Ireland to be with my extended family
When she gets a chance to take a break – where is her favourite spot in Ireland?
“I love Banna Strand in Kerry – it is a beautiful place for a holiday as the beach is so wide and boasts amazing scenery. The children adore the water and next summer they might learn to surf.”
Rani looks full of vitality and energy – has she a secret formula?
“I drink a lot of water every day as I think it’s wonderful for your skin and although I get up very early, I really believe that sleep is the key to energy and feeling good. Plus I never go to bed without cleansing my skin and removing any make up. Also I don’t have caffeine after 11am in the morning as it can affect your sleep. I love a cup of Barry’s tea and I tend to have a bowl of porridge for breakfast. During the day I steer clear of processed food as much as possible and am trying to eat my share of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Rani says that beauty really comes from inside especially as we get older – and it’s important to find energy boosting foods. She has a few tasty treats though…
“Yes, I admit I love a tasty ham and cheese jambon – they are my favourite indulgence. I’m not a sugar fiend though but I think we all need a treat.”
So what message has she for aspiring hardworking women out there?
“Listen to your inner voice and believe in yourself. You can’t pay your bills with someone else’s opinion! Believe in yourself as many women have imposter syndrome and don’t think they really deserve success, even though they work incredibly hard. ”
Rani also has another adventure up her sleeve. In a couple of months she is launching her very own business related Podcast.
“Yes I am so excited with this new media journey and I am partnering up with another personality whose name I won’t mention as yet as all will be revealed shortly… We are just signing off on the programme content, and going into recording. So the first few episodes should will be broadcast on the airwaves in a few weeks’ time.”
So what’s her Brand Vision for 2023?
“My major emphasis is on the EOS and I will be working hard to serve more entrepreneurial businesses both in Ireland and abroad. It’s how I get to be exponential in the world”
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