BHAVNA BATRA of FORMIDABLE WOMAN US Magazine on Giving Women's Stories a Place to Be Heard
Bhavna Batra is an entrepreneur, publisher and celebrity writer, and the Founder and Publisher of Formidable Woman US Magazine, a platform that shares the stories of women across industries. With nearly three decades of experience in human resources, management consulting, events, public relations, media and publishing, she is also building a wider family of magazines and the Women Lifting Up Women initiative.
In this Q&A, Bhavna shares why she started the magazine, what Women Lifting Up Women has taught her about helping women entrepreneurs get seen and supported, and what is next with her upcoming anthology, Voices of Change.
Her story is a reminder that every woman has a story worth telling, and that real support comes from visibility, genuine introductions and the courage to share your voice.
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Q: After nearly three decades across HR, consulting, events, PR and publishing, what made you start Formidable Woman US Magazine?
Leading beyond borders. After nearly three decades of working across human resources, management consulting, events, public relations, media, and publishing, I have come to understand one important thing: behind every successful business, every professional achievement, and every inspiring journey, there is a human story that deserves to be heard.
My professional journey began with human resources, where I learned about people, their ambitions, their strengths, and the challenges they face while building their careers. Over the years, my work expanded into entrepreneurship, consulting, events, PR, celebrity and speaker management, writing, and publishing. Each of these experiences gave me a different perspective on how people build their identities, establish credibility, overcome difficulties, and create opportunities for themselves and others.
Working in PR and media helped me understand the importance of visibility. I met people who had valuable experience, strong professional achievements, and wonderful ideas, but not everyone had access to the right platforms to share their work. Some people knew how to promote themselves, while others were quietly doing excellent work without receiving much recognition. I began to feel that there was a need for publications that could bring these stories forward in a meaningful way.
This thought became particularly important when I reflected on the journeys of women. Women are building businesses, leading organisations, working in technology, healthcare, education, coaching, beauty, wellness, and many other industries. They are creating jobs, supporting families, developing new ideas, and contributing to their communities. Yet many of their experiences remain unknown beyond their immediate professional or personal circles. We often hear about a woman’s title, award, or business success, but we do not always hear about the decisions, sacrifices, setbacks, and lessons that shaped her journey.
I wanted to create a platform that would go beyond celebrating achievements. I wanted to give women an opportunity to speak about who they are, what they have learned, what they have overcome, and what they hope to accomplish. That was one of the key motivations behind starting Formidable Woman US Magazine.
For me, the word formidable is not about being powerful in a way that intimidates others. It is about having the courage to stand up for your ideas, the determination to pursue your goals, and the confidence to keep moving forward when circumstances become difficult. A formidable woman can be a business leader managing a large organisation, a young entrepreneur starting her first venture, a professional changing careers, or a woman rebuilding her life after a difficult experience. Her journey does not have to look like anyone else’s to be valuable.
I want Formidable Woman US Magazine to be inclusive of women from different industries, cultures, backgrounds, and stages of their careers. Inspiration should not be limited to a small group of well-known personalities. There are women doing meaningful work in their own communities who may never appear on a major stage, but their experiences can still teach us important lessons. Sometimes, the most powerful story is not about achieving extraordinary fame or wealth. It is about finding the courage to begin, learning from failure, supporting a family while pursuing a dream, or building something valuable with limited resources.
My experience in publishing has taught me that a good interview should do more than list qualifications and accomplishments. It should help readers understand the person behind the profile. When a woman talks about the challenges she has faced, the mistakes she has made, and the lessons she has learned, her story becomes relatable. A reader may recognise something of her own life in that experience and realise that she, too, can move forward. That connection is one of the things I want Formidable Woman US Magazine to create.
Another important reason behind the magazine is my belief that women should support one another more actively. We speak a great deal about empowerment, but I believe empowerment becomes meaningful when it is reflected in our actions. It can mean recommending another woman for an opportunity, sharing knowledge, introducing her to a useful contact, mentoring someone who is just starting, or simply encouraging her when she doubts herself.
This belief inspired our Women Lifting Up Women initiative. Through it, I want to recognise women not only for their own achievements but also for the difference they make in the lives of others. I want to celebrate the women who open doors, share opportunities, and help other women grow. Success does not become smaller when it is shared. In fact, I believe it becomes more meaningful when we use what we have learned to help someone else succeed.
Building a wider family of magazines
Alongside Formidable Woman US Magazine, I am also building and developing other publications, including feMENA, Empowered Entrepreneur, and Formidable Men US. Each publication has its own identity and audience, but they are connected by my belief that good storytelling can create visibility, share knowledge, and help people learn from one another.
feMENA Magazine focuses on women’s stories, voices, achievements, and experiences across the Middle East and the wider region. The publication offers an opportunity to highlight women from different professional and cultural backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and changemakers. My interest in feMENA comes from recognising the diversity of women’s experiences and the importance of giving them a platform where their work and perspectives can reach a wider audience.
Empowered Entrepreneur Magazine focuses on entrepreneurship, business leadership, innovation, and professional growth. Through this publication, I want to highlight the people behind businesses - their ideas, decisions, challenges, and lessons. Entrepreneurship is often presented through success stories, but I believe there is just as much value in understanding the process of building a business, making difficult decisions, learning from mistakes, and finding ways to keep moving forward. These stories can provide both inspiration and practical learning for aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
Formidable Men US extends this storytelling vision to men who are making a difference in business, leadership, their professions, and their communities. The publication aims to explore their professional journeys, values, experiences, and contributions. I believe that every person has something to teach us, and creating platforms for different voices helps readers discover new perspectives on leadership, responsibility, ambition, and success.
Although these magazines serve different audiences, they share a common purpose: to go beyond names and titles and tell stories that have substance. I want the people featured in these publications to be recognised for their work while also giving readers a better understanding of the experiences behind their achievements.
Building several publications side by side is a significant undertaking. Each requires a clear editorial direction, thoughtful content, reliable communication, and a consistent commitment to quality. My experience across HR, consulting, events, PR, and media helps me approach this work from different angles. My HR background helps me understand people, my consulting experience helps me identify business lessons, my events work has taught me how to bring people together, and my PR experience has shown me how important visibility and credibility are. Writing and publishing allow me to bring these experiences together in a way that can benefit readers and contributors.
Turning professional experience into a lasting contribution
I am also developing an anthology initiative through Formidable Woman US Magazine for women who dream of becoming published authors. Many women have wonderful stories to tell but do not know where to begin. Others believe they need to be famous or have extraordinary achievements before their experiences are worth sharing. I want to encourage them to recognise the value of their journeys and take the first step towards putting their stories into words.
For me, publishing is not simply about producing a magazine or a book. It is about preserving experiences, sharing lessons, creating visibility, and opening doors for people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to reach a wider audience. A story written today may encourage someone years from now. That is one of the reasons I find this work so meaningful.
Of course, building publications with a clear purpose takes time, patience, and consistent effort. My vision is to develop these magazines into trusted platforms that celebrate achievement, encourage learning, and create meaningful connections across industries and borders. I want readers to find stories they can relate to, contributors to feel that their experiences have been presented with care, and businesses and professionals to see the value of sharing their knowledge.
When I look back at my professional journey, I can see how every stage contributed to this vision. HR taught me to understand people. Consulting taught me to look for practical solutions. Events taught me how to bring ideas to life. Working with celebrities and speakers taught me the importance of preparation and professionalism. PR taught me how to communicate value and build credibility. Writing and publishing gave me a way to preserve experiences and bring different voices to a wider audience.
I started Formidable Woman US Magazine because I wanted to bring all these experiences together to create something that could make a difference beyond my own career. At the same time, through feMENA, Empowered Entrepreneur, and Formidable Men US, I am working to build a broader publishing vision that gives different communities and professional groups a meaningful platform.
Ultimately, I want my work to stand for more than publications, interviews, or media visibility. I want it to stand for the belief that every person has a story worth telling, every experience holds a lesson, and every opportunity to help someone else succeed can create an impact beyond our own achievements. If our magazines help someone discover a new opportunity, learn from another person’s experience, or find the confidence to pursue a long-held dream, then the work has served a meaningful purpose.
Q: What has “Women Lifting Up Women” taught you about what helps women entrepreneurs get seen and supported?
The Women Lifting Up Women initiative has strengthened my belief that talented women do not always need more talent, more qualifications, or more hard work to succeed. Sometimes, what they need is visibility, access to the right people, a platform to share their work, and someone who is willing to support them. After nearly three decades of working across human resources, consulting, events, public relations, media, and publishing, I have come to understand that ability alone does not always guarantee opportunity. People also need to know what you do, understand the value you bring, and have a reason to trust you.
One of the most important lessons this initiative has taught me is that being good at your work and being recognised for your work are two different things. Many women entrepreneurs spend years building their businesses, serving customers, managing teams, and solving problems. They are so busy doing the work that they have little time to talk about it. Others feel uncomfortable promoting themselves because they do not want to appear boastful. Some believe that if they work hard enough, people will eventually notice them. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Good work deserves recognition, but it also needs to be communicated effectively.
This is where visibility becomes important. Through Formidable Woman US Magazine, I want to give women an opportunity to share their professional journeys, explain what their businesses do, and talk about the lessons they have learned. A feature or interview is not simply about publishing someone’s photograph and achievements. It is an opportunity to help readers understand the person behind the business, the problem she is solving, and the reason her work matters. When a woman communicates her story clearly, she gives potential customers, partners, and collaborators a better understanding of what she brings to the table.
Another important lesson is that women often grow faster when other people actively support them. We talk about networking, but meaningful support goes beyond exchanging business cards or adding contacts on social media. It means making an introduction when you know two people could benefit from meeting. It means recommending a woman’s services when someone needs them. It means sharing her work with your network, inviting her to speak at an event, or offering guidance when she is facing a difficult business decision.
I believe these small actions can have a significant effect. Imagine a woman who has built a consulting business and has the experience to serve larger clients, but most of her work comes through a small personal network. Someone who understands her expertise introduces her to a business leader looking for exactly those services. That introduction could lead to a new client, a partnership, or a completely new direction for her business. The person making the introduction may have spent only a few minutes helping, but the opportunity created could have a lasting impact. This is the kind of practical support I want to encourage through Women Lifting Up Women.
The initiative has also reinforced my belief that women need to see different versions of success. We often celebrate entrepreneurs who have built large companies, secured major investments, or received international recognition. Those achievements deserve appreciation, but there are many other forms of success that are equally meaningful. A woman who starts a small business after years away from work, a professional who changes careers, or an entrepreneur who keeps her business running through a difficult period has valuable experiences to share. Their stories can help other women understand that success does not have to follow one fixed path.
This is particularly important because comparison can discourage women from recognising their own progress. When a new entrepreneur compares herself with someone who has been in business for twenty years, she may feel that she has not achieved enough. But when she hears the other woman’s real story, including the uncertainty and mistakes that came before success, she may begin to see her own journey differently. I want Formidable Woman US Magazine to create more opportunities for these honest conversations, where women can learn from one another rather than simply compare achievements.
I have also learned that support must be built on genuine relationships and trust. Giving a woman visibility is valuable, but it should not be the end of the conversation. We should also ask what she is trying to achieve, what challenges she is facing, and what kind of support would actually help her. One woman may need access to customers, another may need a mentor, while someone else may need help communicating her expertise or building confidence in public speaking. There is no single solution for every entrepreneur. The most meaningful support begins with listening.
Through my experience in PR and media, I understand that visibility can open doors, but it must be connected to a clear message and a credible professional presence. Women entrepreneurs need to be able to explain what they do, whom they serve, and why their work is valuable. They also need opportunities to demonstrate their expertise through interviews, articles, speaking engagements, professional networks, and useful content. A strong personal brand is not about appearing perfect. It is about communicating your experience, values, and abilities consistently so that people understand what they can expect from you.
Another lesson is that women should not have to wait until they feel completely ready before sharing their work. Many talented professionals delay speaking publicly, publishing their ideas, or approaching potential partners because they believe they need more experience or greater achievements. Of course, preparation matters, but confidence often develops through action. Sometimes, taking the first opportunity to speak, share a story, or introduce a business is what helps a woman discover what she is capable of doing next.
For this reason, I am also interested in creating opportunities for women to become published authors through the upcoming anthology associated with Formidable Woman US Magazine. Writing a chapter can encourage a woman to reflect on her experiences, communicate her lessons, and recognise the value of her own journey. It can also help her build confidence in sharing her voice. I see this as another way to support women in becoming more visible while preserving their stories for others to learn from.
Ultimately, Women Lifting Up Women has taught me that supporting women entrepreneurs requires more than celebrating them on special occasions. It requires consistent action. We need to recognise their work, share their stories, recommend their businesses, create opportunities for collaboration, and help them reach people who can benefit from what they offer. We also need to make these efforts part of our everyday professional lives.
For me, the purpose of this initiative is not to suggest that every woman must help every other woman in every situation. It is to encourage a culture in which success does not prevent us from supporting others and where competition does not stop us from recognising someone else’s value. There is room for many women to succeed, and each of us has something different to contribute.
If there is one lesson I would share, it is this: women do not just need to be encouraged to dream bigger; they need real opportunities to turn those dreams into action. A recommendation, a genuine introduction, a platform to share their work, or a conversation with someone who understands their challenges can make a real difference. Through Formidable Woman US Magazine and Women Lifting Up Women, I want to help create more of those opportunities, because I believe that when women are seen, heard, and supported, the benefits extend far beyond one individual. They reach families, businesses, communities, and the next generation of women who are watching and learning from their example.
Q: What's next with your upcoming anthology, and what would you tell women who want to share their story?
My upcoming anthology, “Voices of Change,” is a very special project for me because it represents a new chapter in my journey as a publisher, celebrity writer, author, and storyteller. Through Formidable Woman US Magazine, I have spent considerable time creating opportunities for women to share their experiences, achievements, and professional journeys. Now, I want to take that vision a step further by bringing women’s voices together in a book that can inspire readers, preserve personal stories, and remind women that their experiences have value.
As a celebrity writer and author myself, I understand the power of words and the responsibility that comes with telling a story. A story can introduce us to a person we have never met, help us understand an experience we have never lived through, and give us the courage to see our own lives differently. Sometimes, a few honest words can stay with a reader for years. They can offer comfort during a difficult period, encourage someone to take a risk, or help a person realise that they are not alone in what they are going through. This is the kind of impact I want Voices of Change to create.
For me, this anthology is not simply about putting several authors into one book. It is about bringing together women whose experiences, lessons, dreams, and perspectives can make a difference to others. Every woman has a story, but not every woman has been given the opportunity to tell it. Some have built businesses from nothing. Some have overcome personal and professional challenges. Some have had to start again after disappointment, loss, or unexpected changes in life. Others have quietly supported their families, communities, and colleagues while working towards dreams of their own. Their experiences may be different, but each story can carry a message that someone else needs to hear.
I want Voices of Change to create space for these stories. A contributor does not have to be a celebrity, a well-known entrepreneur, or someone who has received numerous awards. She does not need to have built a large company or achieved international recognition. What matters is that she has something meaningful to share. Her story might be about finding her confidence, learning to lead, building a business, overcoming self-doubt, changing careers, discovering her purpose, or making a difference in the lives of others. The value of a story is not determined only by the size of the achievement. It is often found in the lesson that another person can take away from it.
My vision is to create an anthology that women can feel proud to be part of. I want every contributor to understand that she is not merely adding a chapter to a book; she is contributing a piece of her experience to a larger conversation about courage, growth, leadership, and change. When different women share their journeys in one publication, readers have the opportunity to see the world through different eyes. One chapter may offer practical business advice, another may provide encouragement during a difficult time, and another may inspire a reader to pursue a dream she has kept hidden for years.
The title Voices of Change reflects what I hope the book will represent. Change often begins when someone finds the courage to speak, share an experience, challenge an old belief, or show another person that a different future is possible. We cannot always predict who will read our words or how they might influence someone. A woman may write about a challenge she overcame years ago, never realising that her experience could help another woman facing the same situation today. That is the beauty of storytelling. We may write from our own experiences, but the impact of our words can reach far beyond us.
As a publisher and the Founder of Formidable Woman US Magazine, I also see this anthology as an extension of my commitment to women’s visibility and recognition. Through our Women Lifting Up Women initiative, I want to celebrate women who encourage, mentor, and create opportunities for others. With Voices of Change, I want to help women take ownership of their own stories and become part of a collective effort to inspire and support others. I believe that when one woman speaks honestly about her journey, she can give another woman the courage to speak as well.
I know that many women dream of becoming authors but hesitate to take the first step. Some believe their writing is not good enough. Others feel that their lives are too ordinary to be interesting. Some worry that they have not achieved enough, while others are afraid of being judged by people who know them. I want to tell these women that they should not dismiss their stories before giving themselves the opportunity to share them.
You do not have to be a perfect writer to begin. You do not need to have all the answers. You simply need to be willing to reflect on your experiences and communicate what they have taught you. Writing is a process. You can organise your thoughts, improve your language, and learn how to express your message more clearly. The important thing is to begin with honesty and understand why your story matters to you.
I would encourage every woman who is considering contributing to Voices of Change to ask herself three questions: What experience has shaped the person I am today? What lesson have I learned that could help someone else? And what do I want readers to remember after they have finished reading my story? These questions can help turn a collection of life experiences into a meaningful chapter with a clear message.
I would also tell women not to wait for permission to believe that their voices matter. Too often, we wait for someone to recognise us before we recognise ourselves. We wait for an award, a promotion, a successful business, or public approval before we feel entitled to speak about what we have learned. But your experiences have value even while you are still growing. You can share a lesson without claiming to know everything. You can inspire someone without having a perfect life. You can write about a difficult experience and still be a work in progress.
At the same time, sharing your story requires thought and courage. You should decide what you feel comfortable sharing, what lessons you want to communicate, and how you want readers to understand your journey. Your story belongs to you, and you should feel confident about the way it is presented. The purpose is not to expose every detail of your life or make your experiences sound more dramatic than they were. It is to share something genuine that can offer understanding, encouragement, or learning to another person.
As someone who has worked across entrepreneurship, human resources, public relations, events, media, writing, and publishing for nearly three decades, I have learned that the most meaningful work often begins with a simple idea and the willingness to act on it. Voices of Change is an opportunity to turn that belief into something tangible: a book that brings women’s experiences together and gives them a lasting place in a shared story.
I want contributors to look back at their published chapters with pride, knowing that they took a step towards sharing their voices. I want them to feel that they have done more than write about their lives. They have documented their experiences, shared their lessons, and created something that can be passed on to future readers. For some women, this may be their first publication and the beginning of a longer writing journey. For others, it may be an opportunity to reflect on their achievements and communicate the lessons they want to leave behind.
My message to every woman who dreams of becoming an author is this: do not underestimate the power of your story. The experience you think is ordinary may be extraordinary to someone who has never seen the world from your perspective. The challenge you overcame may give another person hope. The mistake you learned from may help someone make a better decision. And the dream you pursued may encourage another woman to believe that she can pursue hers, too.
Through Voices of Change, I want to help women move from saying, “One day, I would love to write a book,” to taking the first step towards becoming a published author. I want them to understand that their voices deserve space, their experiences deserve to be valued, and their stories can become part of something much larger than themselves.
For me, the true success of this anthology will not be measured only by the number of contributors or copies published. It will be measured by the conversations it starts, the confidence it builds, and the people it inspires. If one chapter helps a woman find the courage to start her business, rebuild her confidence, pursue an education, or speak up for herself, then the book will have achieved something meaningful.
I am excited about this first anthology because I see it as the beginning of a wider vision: creating opportunities for women to become authors, share knowledge, and build a legacy through their words.
Your story does not have to be perfect to be powerful. It simply has to be yours. And sometimes, the words you are most hesitant to share are the very words someone else needs to hear. That is the spirit in which I am building Voices of Change, and I hope it encourages women everywhere to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start believing in the value of their own voices.
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