From Boardrooms to Bedtime Stories: My Unlikely Journey from Finance Executive to Children's Author

Once in a land far, far away (well, not that far—just the financial services sector), I was responsible for leading complex operations, steering a disruptive FinTech startup and advising investment firms. I spent my days navigating regulations, implementing process efficiencies across intricate financial products, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Unbeknownst to me, my journey was about to veer, like a twist in a children’s book.

During a long scenic coach journey from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, amidst the lush Malaysian peninsula landscapes, the spark of inspiration was ignited. As I gazed out of the window, the rhythm of the road and the allure of unexplored destinations stirred something within me. While I don’t have children myself, the notion of revealing the marvels of the world from the perspective of an inquisitive young girl named Maya formed. Thus, “Maya’s Worldly Wonders” was born—an anthology of children’s books sparked by my solo adventures to under-explored destinations around the globe. Each adventure, each cultural discovery, and each awe-inspiring moment I experienced formed the basis of stories meant to ignite the imagination of 6–11-year-olds everywhere.

Why Maya? Creating Maya’s character was about more than just telling stories. It was important to me that Maya be a spirited Indian girl who pushes boundaries and breaks stigmas. Growing up, I often heard that it was too dangerous or culturally unacceptable for Indian girls to travel solo. With Maya, I wanted to encourage young readers to embrace adventure and self-discovery, no matter where they come from. Maya’s fearless explorations aim to show that the world is full of wonders just waiting to be discovered, and that courage and curiosity can lead to incredible experiences.

Transitioning from the corporate grind to the whimsical world of children’s literature was like stepping into an extra dimension. The learning curve is steep; I have had to master the art of self-publishing, delve into the intricacies of editing, and find the perfect illustrator to bring Maya’s adventures to life. Book promotion strategies have become my new marketing campaign. Each social media post and school visit a strategic play.

2024 so far, has been my year of creative renaissance. Stepping away from the corporate routines has allowed my creative flows to take over. Besides becoming a children’s author, I have embarked on two other original projects which I hope materialise in 2025. This newfound freedom to explore my passions reminded me of why I became an entrepreneur in the first place—to challenge the status quo and create something impactful.

My entrepreneurial mindset, honed through years of navigating the finance and FinTech landscape, has been my secret weapon. It taught me resilience, strategic thinking, and prizing innovation—skills that translated into my new role as an author. Crafting a story isn’t much different from building a startup: both require vision, dedication, and a bit of daring.

My inspiration comes from the world itself—the vibrant cultures, the hidden gems, and the stories waiting to be told. I want “Maya’s Worldly Wonders” to be more than just books; I envision it to be a successful international book series that opens young minds to the beauty and diversity of our planet.

So here I am, from boardrooms to bedtime stories, proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion. If my journey teaches anything, it’s that embracing change and daring to dream can lead to the most rewarding adventures of all. Life is too short for only one chapter; sometimes, you need to pen a brand new book.

Curious about Maya’s adventures? Want to chat about the leap from finance to fiction? Reach out. Who knows? Maybe your next grand adventure is just a story away.

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Sharika Chauhan, Author