Always up for a new challenge, she decided to start her own business after graduation and focused on improving safety at small and medium-sized companies. At that point, her main concern was finding the right balance in her life between her career aspirations and her children. She says that it was challenging moving to a new country, learning a new language and being a single mother – all while she was studying. She has been living in Toronto for over 20 years. “This is a long journey for me, because before [coming], I never spoke English.” Pushpalatha says that there are some challenges that she has faced throughout her career – especially as a woman. “Safety is a male-dominated world.” Nevertheless, she says that once clients realize how good her advice is they stick around regardless of gender. “I never lose clients. Once they become my client, then I always do my best for them. They don’t worry about their company’s safety.” Her favourite part of her job is going to a company, talking with employers and employees and providing the right training, “helping them and convincing them that safety is something anyone can have in their place.” She says that she has worked with many companies and convinced them to invest in safety. There is a lot of competition in the market though, especially with larger companies, which can be tough. Having overcome all these challenges, it makes sense that she has been named one of the 2022 Top Women in Safety. She describes the award as a “great thing in my life, I’m so grateful to have this award – and I think I deserve it!” “I encourage anyone to start their safety business,” says Pushpalatha, and that those wishing to do so should invest in technology. “There are vast opportunities.”