Whenever a child experiences the joy of writing their first letter, an adult observing it will surely be transported to their own first memory of enjoying the art of creative writing, which is exclusive to humans. However, as the child grows up, due to external pressures, they might give up on imagining and creative explorations outside the confines of their educational boundaries.
“It is why I founded Beyond The Box (BTB),” says Anupama Dalmia, who is today recognized by her peers, students, their parents, others, and Women World India magazine as India’s Most Iconic Business Woman Leader 2025.
Anupama gave a fascinating interview, regaling us with her enriching journey among her beloved students and admirers. Let’s witness it firsthand.
Ma’am, as a trailblazer in the entrepreneurial world, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into your field?
My entrepreneurial journey began as a casual exploration in May 2017 that unexpectedly became life-changing. After being urged by friends, I conducted a 3-day creative thinking and writing summer workshop for 25 kids. During those three days, I witnessed how children are often constrained by adult expectations, forcing their imagination into predefined moulds. The joy and connection I experienced with the kids during that workshop made me realize the need for a space where children could express themselves freely, without judgement, and explore their potential at their own pace.
This realization inspired me to start regular classes, which soon expanded into workshops for schools, communities, and corporations. By January 2019, it was clear that this passion needed structure, and that’s how “Beyond the Box” was born.
At Beyond the Box, we believe in making learning fun and fostering a love for writing through unconventional methods. Our mission is to empower children to own their thoughts and expressions, nurturing them into thoughtful, observant individuals. For me, it’s always been about creating magic through words, helping young minds look beyond limits and focus within. What started as a workshop has now grown into a movement of empowering creativity and individuality.
Beyond the Box has emerged as one of India’s best enterprises. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?
The guiding philosophy behind our success is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and innovation. At Beyond the Box, we have always believed in creating meaningful impact by staying true to our vision of empowering individuals to express themselves freely and think independently. Our approach focuses on nurturing creativity, not just as a skill but as a way of life, which has resonated deeply with children, parents, and organizations alike.
We are driven by the idea that learning should be joyful and transformative. This belief has led us to embrace unconventional methodologies that inspire individuality and allow every participant to thrive at their own pace. From fostering a love for the written word to encouraging critical thinking and empathy, we aim to create spaces where ideas flourish, and connections are meaningful.
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and personal touch. Each session, program, or initiative is designed to leave a lasting impact, aligning with our mission to look beyond boundaries and focus on what lies within.
Beyond The Box’s success isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the lives we have touched, the creativity we have sparked, and the change we have inspired. That’s what fuels us to keep innovating and growing.
The entrepreneurial landscape is continually evolving. How do you ensure that your company remains adaptable and ahead of industry trends, providing innovative solutions to your clients?
Adaptability and innovation are the cornerstones of our journey at Beyond the Box. We ensure this by staying deeply connected to our audience’s needs and embracing a mindset of continuous learning and reinvention. For us, every challenge is an opportunity to think creatively and push boundaries.
We actively seek feedback from our community, participants, and collaborators to refine and evolve our offerings. By staying attuned to emerging trends and embracing technology as an enabler, we have been able to design innovative solutions that resonate with today’s learners. However, our approach goes beyond merely following trends as we strive to set them by offering unique methodologies that align with our philosophy of fostering creativity and individuality.
Our team constantly experiments with fresh ideas, formats, and programs to ensure that our content, offerings, and initiatives remain relevant and engaging.
Your iconic leadership style is often recognized as an inspirational force behind your company’s achievements. Could you shed light on your approach to leadership and team building within the organization?
My leadership approach is rooted in the belief that a leader should walk with their team, not run ahead. At Beyond the Box, I focus on creating an environment where collaboration, creativity, and mutual respect thrive. Leadership, to me, is about inspiring the team through actions, being present in the journey, and empowering everyone to bring their unique strengths to the table. I believe in taking responsibility for the misses and giving credit for the wins.
What sets our team apart is its youthful energy and enthusiasm. With teens and young adults actively involved in our events and initiatives, we are not just creating opportunities for learning but also nurturing future leaders. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas keep us dynamic, while the experience they gain motivates them to grow and excel.
At BTB, we pride ourselves on being more than just a team. We are a happy, creative family. Everyone here shares a sense of purpose and ownership, which drives us to achieve more together. Celebrating individuality, fostering open communication, and supporting one another unconditionally is central to our culture.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial aspects of modern entrepreneurship. How does your company integrate these principles into its operations and contribute to a sustainable future?
At Beyond the Box, sustainability and environmental responsibility are not just buzzwords; they are values we consciously integrate into our operations and initiatives. As a creative enterprise, we understand the impact of even small actions and strive to make thoughtful choices that contribute to a sustainable future.
One way we actively promote environmental responsibility is through our annual BTB Awards. For this event, we collaborate with GreenMic, a wonderful eco-friendly brand, to ensure that sustainability remains at the forefront.
From the trophies to the packaging, every element of the awards is thoughtfully designed with the environment in mind. The trophies are crafted using sustainable materials, and the packaging is entirely eco-friendly, reflecting our commitment to reducing waste and promoting green alternatives. This partnership is not just about creating a sustainable event but also about inspiring our community to embrace eco-conscious choices in their own lives.
Beyond the Box has achieved remarkable success. Could you highlight a transformative project or initiative that showcases your company’s commitment to excellence and innovation?
One of the most transformative aspects of Beyond the Box has been our ability to pioneer innovative projects that celebrate creativity and empower young minds. From launching BTB Talkies, the world’s first audiobook series project by kids, for kids, to mentoring young writers at the prestigious Himalayan Writing Retreat, our journey has been filled with milestones that reflect our commitment to excellence.
Our BTB Annual Awards is another initiative close to our hearts, recognizing and celebrating creative brilliance while promoting sustainability through our collaboration with GreenMic. The Box of Tales book series, a collection of anthologies written entirely by children, showcases how young voices can tell powerful stories when given the right platform.
Through initiatives like the Write-A-Thon, we challenge budding writers to push their creative boundaries. The success of these programs reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of writing. These projects aren’t just about honing skills but about creating experiences that inspire and leave a lasting impact.
What makes these endeavours truly special is the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity that drives them. Whether it’s mentoring at retreats, publishing anthologies, or organizing workshops, each initiative reflects our dedication to empowering creativity and making a meaningful difference.
In the realm of entrepreneurship, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. How does your company leverage technology to optimize its services and stay ahead in a digital age?
At Beyond the Box, technology is a powerful enabler of creativity and efficiency. In today’s digital age, we leverage technology to enhance our services and ensure that we stay ahead of the curve. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in the way we integrate digital tools to streamline operations, deliver high-quality content, and engage with our community.
One way we have embraced technology is by conducting virtual workshops and sessions, ensuring that our creative writing programs reach a wider audience irrespective of geographic limitations. These online platforms allow for seamless interaction, real-time feedback, and the flexibility to cater to different learning styles. We also use advanced tools for content creation, ensuring that our material is not only engaging but also aligned with modern trends and expectations.
Moreover, technology plays a crucial role in the BTB Talkies audiobook series. We use digital platforms to produce, edit, and distribute the series, giving children a unique opportunity to experience storytelling in a new format. Our use of social media and digital marketing tools also enables us to maintain a strong, interactive presence, allowing us to engage with our audience and share our initiatives in real-time.
Ultimately, technology allows us to amplify our mission, streamline operations, and remain adaptable to our community’s evolving needs. It empowers us to continue creating magic with the written word across different formats and mediums.
The workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. How does your company foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among its employees?
At Beyond the Box, we see our workforce as more than just employees; they are collaborators and creators who are integral to our success. Fostering a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment is at the heart of our organization, as we believe that when our team thrives, so does the company.
We prioritize continuous learning by providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Whether it’s through mentoring programs, attending workshops, or participating in creative retreats, we ensure that our team has access to resources that allow them to expand their skills and knowledge. For instance, our mentorship at the Himalayan Writing Retreat not only benefits young writers but also provides our team members with the chance to grow alongside them, gaining fresh perspectives, building course content and material, and refining their research skills and creative thinking.
We provide extensive training and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that our employees have the tools they need to succeed. For instance, we conducted an in-depth training program for our editors, helping them hone their craft and stay updated on the latest editing techniques and trends. This commitment to skill development is not limited to editing but extends across various functions within the organization.
Empowerment is at the core of our approach. We actively encourage team members to take ownership of projects, share ideas, and contribute to decisions. Their involvement in our events, workshops, and other initiatives gives them real-world experience in creative direction, content management, and collaboration.
As a leader in India’s corporate sector, Beyond the Box has likely faced its share of challenges. Could you share an instance where your team’s resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity?
Navigating the literary space in India has presented its own set of unique challenges, especially when it comes to balancing profitability and impact. When we first started, there was a clear understanding within our team that success in this field wouldn’t come overnight. The struggle to establish credibility and create a lasting impact in a market often focused on quick gains could have easily derailed us, but it was our resilience and determination that helped us thrive.
We made a conscious decision not to fall into the typical traps that many entrepreneurs in our space face—chasing short-term profits at the cost of long-term vision. Instead, we focused on building a strong foundation based on quality, impact, and trust with our community. We stayed true to our essence, always prioritizing creativity, empowerment, and sustainability over quick returns.
It was a slow but steady journey, and there were times when profitability seemed distant, but we knew that the right kind of success would come if we remained patient and steadfast. Today, Beyond the Box stands as a thriving enterprise, proof that staying true to your core vision pays off. In entrepreneurship, success may take time, but if you hold your ground and remain authentic, you will shine brighter in the long run.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped industries globally. How has your company navigated these unprecedented times and adapted its strategies to ensure business continuity?
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly reshaped industries across the globe, and for us at Beyond the Box, it was a time of reinvention. Before the pandemic, our operations were entirely offline, and our workshops and initiatives were conducted in person. However, with the sudden shift to remote interactions, we quickly recognized that to ensure business continuity, we needed to pivot and adapt to the changing landscape.
Rather than viewing the situation as a setback, we saw it as an opportunity to innovate. We embraced the digital world, transitioning our workshops, classes, and events online. This shift not only allowed us to continue our work but also broadened our reach, enabling us to engage with children and young writers from across the country.
Alongside this, we brainstormed and introduced various pioneering initiatives, like an annual Write-A-Thon, Poetry Slams, BTB Talkies, our audiobook series by kids, for kids, and many more, which became instant hits and added a fresh dimension to our creative offerings. We also launched virtual events and writing challenges, creating a platform for young voices to be heard and nurtured even in the midst of adversity.
Business is a way for the Indian economy to pace up its knowledge potential and capacity. What would be your advice to other budding entrepreneurs, especially women, who aspire to venture into your space?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to always be open to reinvention. The world is constantly changing, and staying flexible and adaptable is key to not just surviving but thriving as an entrepreneur. The ability to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace new challenges can transform obstacles into opportunities.
For women, the entrepreneurial journey can be doubly tough. We often face societal biases and additional challenges, but that shouldn’t discourage you. Instead, use it as fuel to push even harder. Form a community and find your tribe — people who understand you, support your vision and help you grow. There’s immense power in sisterhood. When you surround yourself with like-minded, driven women, there’s no limit to what you can achieve together. Trust me, nothing will elevate you more than the strength, solidarity, and wisdom that come from true sisterhood. It’s a network that lifts you up, provides guidance, and celebrates your successes.
My advice is to stay open, stay adaptable, and lean into the power of community. In the end, it’s this support system and the ability to evolve that will lead you to lasting success.
Looking to the future, what is your vision for Beyond the Box? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on India’s entrepreneurial landscape?
My vision for Beyond the Box is to continue nurturing creativity, fostering innovation, and making a lasting impact on the educational and literary landscape of India. As we move forward, I aim to expand our reach, not just within the creative writing space but into a broader ecosystem that empowers young minds and budding writers across the country. I envision creating more platforms that encourage self-expression, critical thinking, and storytelling, allowing children and young adults to explore their potential in ways that were not possible before.
We are particularly excited about upcoming projects like BTB On The Go, India’s first interactive format travel activity book designed to boost creative thinking, vocabulary building, and self-expression. This project will offer children an engaging way to learn while exploring the world around them, encouraging curiosity and imagination at every turn.
Additionally, we are thrilled to be working on a Green Book Project, where we’ll feature inspiring stories of sustainability champions from across India written by kids. This project aims to promote environmental awareness and empower children to think critically about sustainability and take action in their communities.
As we continue to grow, our goal is to expand these initiatives and create more meaningful projects that impact young minds and contribute positively to India’s entrepreneurial and educational landscape. We remain committed to shaping future leaders who are thoughtful, innovative, and responsible citizens. The journey ahead is filled with exciting possibilities, and we are eager to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
