My Story
At 19, I left my small town in Belgium for the UK—a leap into the unknown that changed my life. Growing up as an introverted Indian girl in a close-knit Belgian community, I often felt I was navigating spaces that weren’t built for me. That move wasn't just about independence; it was about discovering who I was and where I belonged.
After putting myself through university, I faced the harsh realities of graduating during the 2008 financial crisis. Like many children of immigrants, stability came first, pushing my passion for HR aside. For years, I felt disconnected from my true aspirations.
A personal loss reminded me life is too short to stay on autopilot. In 2015, I boldly restarted my HR career from scratch, eventually moving to Dubai. Climbing the HR ladder and navigating leadership challenges—including the COVID-19 pandemic—deepened my understanding of team dynamics, leadership resilience, and cultural intelligence. Coaching transformed everything, freeing me from self-doubt, reconnecting me with my values, and empowering me to lead authentically.
Today, I combine this personal journey and extensive professional experience to help ambitious individuals and SMEs. For individuals, especially children of immigrants, I help clarify career goals, build confidence, and take bold action. For SMEs, I leverage my HR expertise and cultural insights to accelerate team performance, strengthen leadership, and build inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
If we haven't met yet—hi, I'm Baljinder Athwal (Bal). You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Let's turn barriers into breakthroughs and build your future, your way.
My Core Values
These values don’t just guide my coaching — they shape how I show up, lead, and build meaningful change with my clients.
Empowered Collaboration
Growth isn’t a solo journey. I don’t give you answers or ‘fix’ you —I work with you, side by side, helping you uncover your own path and take action that feels right for you. Coaching with me is a true partnership, built on honesty, trust, and a shared commitment to your success.
Chardi Kala (Relentless Resilience & Joyful Optimism)
I deeply believe in holding onto hope, even in challenge. The world isn’t always fair, but your energy, perspective, and choices have power. I help you navigate uncertainty while staying grounded in your strengths and open to new posibilities.
Unapologetic Growth & Learning
I don’t believe in waiting until you ‘feel ready’. Growth happens in motions. I challenge myself and my clients to stay curious, take action, and keep evolving — because confidence isn’t built in theory, it’s built in the doing.
Authenticity over Expectation
Success comes from showing up as yourself—not who the world expects you to be. You don’t have to shrink or prove your worth to belong. Whether stepping into leadership or navigating change, your path should honour who you are. My work helps you trust your voice, own your story, and build a future that fits you—without apology.
Rooted & Rising
Growth isn’t about choosing between where you come from and where you're going. It’s about standing strong in your roots while embracing new possibilities. Lasting success comes from knowing who you are— and rising with that strength.
Why I do this work
I know what it’s like to navigate spaces where you don’t quite fit—the weight of expectations, the pressure to prove yourself, and the frustration of knowing you’re capable of more but unsure how to get there. I’ve lived it. I’ve built a career while straddling different cultural and professional worlds, constantly learning how to move forward without losing who I am in the process.
I built Beyond Aspirations because ambitious professionals and businesses deserve more than just a seat at the table—they deserve to lead, innovate, and thrive in a way that aligns with who they truly are. For individuals, that means stepping into leadership, breaking generational patterns, and taking bold, intentional action. For businesses, it means building inclusive, high-performing teams where diversity isn’t just acknowledged but leveraged for success.
My mission is to help ambitious professionals and SMEs break barriers, lead with confidence, and build workplaces where people and businesses grow together. Whether you're an emerging leader navigating career transitions or a business striving to create a high-performing, inclusive team, I provide the clarity, strategy, and support to help you take action.
Because this isn’t just about work—it’s about people. When individuals challenge limiting beliefs and businesses invest in cultural intelligence, the impact goes beyond careers and companies; it transforms entire workplaces and industries. There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap—together, we’ll redefine what’s possible and build a future where you don’t just succeed—you thrive.
My Unique Approach:
I combine structured coaching, deep mindset work, and cultural awareness to help professionals step into leadership — and life — with confidence and clarity. My approach is:
Actionable, not just aspirational – Insight alone isn’t enough. I help you turn awareness into action, ensuring you leave each session with tangible next steps that create real impact.
Rooted in energy leadership – Using the Energy Leadership Index™ (ELI) and COR.E Dynamics™, I help you understand how your mindset shapes your decisions, confidence, and career—so you can lead from a place of strength.
Designed for those navigating spaces as ‘the first’ – Whether you’re the first in your family to step into leadership, the only one in the room who looks like you, or building a career without a blueprint, I get it. I coach from a place of deep understanding, helping you own your voice, challenge limiting beliefs, and create a path that truly fits—without losing yourself in the process.
Empowering, but without the fluff – This isn’t about empty motivation. It’s about practical, sustainable change. I challenge you to take ownership of yoru growth while equipping you with the tools to make it happen.
