Preeti Duggal

Blast from the Past

With an MBA qualification, I have more than 15 years of experience in Textiles, Jewellery and Chemicals sectors in sales, human resources, manufacturing as well as service departments. I have also been an entrepreneur for more than 8 years when I felt the need to do something more. Something that would satisfy my inner urge to make a difference and be recognized for the same.

Then it all Changed

One day, I was on Facebook and while going through some posts I came across the ICBI promotion. I decided then and there – to do the course. But the course was in Baroda and I was in Surat. But I was not be deterred- I was very determined. I went all the way to Baroda with my 6 month old baby and tried convincing the centre head there to start a new batch in Surat. She had no such plans….. till then. But in 3 months there was a batch that started in Surat and I was the first to enrol.

Conquering New Horizons

It’s been a year since I got certified by ICBI. have now completely quit my earlier business and am enjoying the flexibility, creativity and the positivity that I am spreading through my work.

I have worked with SME as well as companies, students as well as teachers, parents as well as couples, NGOs as well as business and medical associations. Every day is a new experience, new learning, a new challenge and a new day for me.

I feel excited, enthralled and elated every moment of being an Image Management Professional. I have designed my own sessions like “Tools for Supercools”, “The speaking Project” and soon to be launched “Hello Awareness”. I am also the president of Surat Chapter of Image Management Professionals’ Association.

My #MoreThanAPayCheque moment

I had conducted one on one consulting for a male client a year back and then one day I got a call from him saying that he wanted to meet me with his son. When he came to meet me, I realized that he wanted me to counsel his son. I do not do Image counselling for kids till they are 16 so I declined but the client was adamant. So I told him that I will just talk with his son for some time and I will not charge him. His son was getting bullied at schools for the way he looked and because of his disabilities. I talked with him about appearance management and gave him some advice on self-esteem and self-respect.

3 days later the client’s wife called me crying and thanking me on phone that – not only had their son had stood up to the bully but also had gained admiration from the teacher about the way he handles everything now.

I never thought I could help someone to this extent, but it was not only an emotional high for me but also taught me that I have great responsibility towards this profession that I have taken up. As Spiderman says, “With great power comes great responsibilities”.