Meet the Champ #6 – Sapna Nenwani

Chasing Dreams Beyond Comfort – An Interview with Sapna Nenwani

“Dreams don’t have an expiration date.” This phrase perfectly describes the inspiring journey of Sapna Nenwani, a 41-year-old professional who took a bold step to leave her stable HR career and pursue a master’s degree from the University of Wolverhampton. After 18 years in the HR industry, she realized the need to upskill and stay competitive in an evolving job market.

In this exclusive interview, Sapna shares her experiences, challenges, and lessons from transitioning from the corporate world to student life, proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

Q&A with Sapna Nenwani

Q: What was the pivotal moment that made you decide to leave your HR job and pursue a master’s degree?

The turning point came when I realized that while I had extensive experience, I needed to strengthen my expertise to make a greater impact at a strategic level. The industry was evolving rapidly, and to remain relevant in an international job market, I knew further education was essential. Pursuing a master’s degree was my way of investing in myself and ensuring long-term career growth.

Q: How did you transition from a professional career to student life? What were the biggest challenges?

The transition was both exciting and challenging. I had to shift my mindset from being an expert in my field to becoming a student again. Here’s what helped me navigate the change:

How I Managed the Transition:

• Embracing a learner’s mindset and being open to new concepts.
• Applying time management skills to balance coursework, part-time work, and personal life.
• Aligning my academic journey with my long-term career goals to stay motivated.

Biggest Challenges:

• Adapting to academic routines after years of structured corporate schedules.
• Overcoming the cultural shift as an international student.
• Learning to use new technology and academic tools.
• Managing financial planning while studying.
• Rebuilding confidence in a new environment after years of leadership experience.

Q: Why did you choose the University of Wolverhampton? Did the experience meet your expectations?

I chose the University of Wolverhampton because of its globally relevant curriculum and emphasis on practical learning. The program connected academic concepts with real-world business challenges, which aligned perfectly with my career goals.

The experience exceeded my expectations! The diverse student body, employability-focused learning, and exposure to international business trends provided a holistic learning environment.

Q: How did you stay motivated during difficult times?

Staying motivated required a combination of mindset, habits, and support. Here’s what worked for me:

• A Positive Mindset – I viewed challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
• Setting Small Goals – Breaking big tasks into manageable steps helped me stay on track.
• My Mantra: “This too shall pass” – It reminded me that struggles are temporary.
• Mindfulness and Self-care – Taking breaks, traveling, and staying physically active helped me maintain focus.
• Being Solution-Oriented – Instead of dwelling on problems, I focused on finding solutions.

Q: How did your family and friends react to your decision?

My family and friends were incredibly supportive. Some had concerns about how I would cope with studies after a 23-year academic break, but they encouraged me nonetheless. Their belief in me was a strong motivating factor throughout this journey.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of going back to school at this stage in your life?

Going back to school has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. Some of the biggest rewards include:

• Personal Growth – I rediscovered my ability to adapt and persevere.
• Expanding Knowledge & Skills – I gained insights into strategic management, business analytics, and organizational behavior.
• Boosting Career Prospects – Upgrading my qualifications has made me more competitive in the job market.
• Reigniting Passion for Learning – Diving into case studies and solving business challenges has rekindled my curiosity.

Q: What key lessons have you learned from this journey?

1. Adaptability is Key – The world is constantly changing, and embracing change leads to growth.
2. Resilience Matters – Facing challenges head-on builds character and strength.
3. Relationships Are Everything – Building strong networks and collaborating with others is essential for success.
4. Continuous Learning is Crucial – Staying open to new knowledge ensures lifelong progress.
5. Empathy is Powerful – Especially in HR, understanding people’s needs fosters a better work environment.
6. Think Strategically – Long-term thinking leads to better decision-making and stability.

Q: What advice would you give to someone hesitant to leave a stable job and start over?

• Clarify Your Purpose – Know why you want the change and let that drive you.
• Assess Risks & Rewards – Weigh the benefits of growth against the fear of uncertainty.
• Prepare & Plan – Financial planning, skill-building, and networking can ease the transition.
• Start Small – If possible, explore new paths through freelancing or part-time opportunities before fully committing.
• Leverage Transferable Skills – Your past experience still holds value in new roles.
• Seek Guidance – Learning from mentors and those who’ve made similar changes can be invaluable.
• Trust Yourself – Believe in your ability to succeed, and don’t let fear hold you back.

Q: How do you plan to combine your HR background with your new knowledge from the master’s program?

My HR expertise, combined with my MBA knowledge, positions me to approach HR with a strategic and global perspective. I now have a deeper understanding of business strategy, leadership, and organizational behavior, which will allow me to:

• Align HR practices with business goals.
• Implement modern HR solutions, like AI-driven recruitment and diversity initiatives.
• Shift from an operational HR role to a strategic business partner.
• Enhance workforce planning and employee engagement in a dynamic corporate environment.

Q: What’s next for you? What are your future aspirations?

Professionally, I plan to transition into roles that combine my HR expertise with my passion for organizational growth. I’m particularly interested in HR management, student recruitment, and employee relations. In the long run, I aspire to lead HR strategies that foster inclusive and high-performing work cultures.

On a personal level, I’m excited to:

• Expand my network and explore different industries.
• Continue lifelong learning to stay ahead in the field.
• Travel and immerse myself in diverse cultures, which enriches my perspective.

The journey ahead is exciting, and I’m looking forward to making meaningful contributions wherever I go!

Final Thoughts

Sapna Nenwani’s journey is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible—regardless of age or career stage. Her decision to return to school, face challenges head-on, and emerge stronger showcases the power of resilience, learning, and adaptability.

Her story inspires anyone who dreams of change but fears uncertainty. Because, as she proves, it’s never too late to chase your dreams and redefine success. Connect with her on her LinkedIn.

You can read more inspiring stories in Meet The Champs section.

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