Several alumni women leaders from IIT Mumbai have made remarkable strides in their respective fields, embodying excellence and innovation. Neha Phatak Rakshas stands out among them as a certified Graphologist, Handwriting Analyst, and Graphotherapist based in Mumbai. Since her passion for graphology ignited in 2002, Neha has dedicated herself to providing accessible services, emphasizing simplicity and efficacy, positively impacting countless lives. With a diverse background spanning logistics, analytics, banking, and finance, Neha Phatak Rakshas' journey has shaped her entrepreneurial venture, Inside Ink Graphology Solutions. Her firsthand insight into various roles enables her to empathize with clients, offering tailored solutions efficiently.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Neha shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing leaders in the country. Let’s delve into it.

Could you share insights from your time at IIT Mumbai and how it influenced your professional development?

Studying at IIT Mumbai was a pivotal experience that profoundly influenced my professional development. The faculty's commitment to simplifying complex topics expanded my problem-solving capabilities, fostering versatility in approaching challenges.

Living independently in the hostel instilled a sense of responsibility and multitasking, which proved invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. I emerged from IIT with a mindset geared towards optimal solutions, rather than fixed approaches. Today, as a company owner, I attribute much of my ability to offer diverse services to the multifaceted skills nurtured during my time at IIT Bombay.

What motivated the creation of Inside Ink Graphology Solutions, and what are its primary areas of focus?

The inception of Inside Ink Graphology Solutions was born from a culmination of passion, expertise, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in people's lives. Having delved into handwriting and signature analysis since my school days, I cultivated a deep understanding of its potential to unveil the intricate nuances of personality traits. Over the years, my proficiency sharpened, and what started as a side hustle became a calling.

From career guidance and personality profiling to forensic graphology and signature forgery detection, we leverage handwriting and signature analysis as a tool to foster personal and professional growth. We assist corporate firms in recruitment strategies, ensuring alignment between candidates' personalities and job roles to minimize attrition rates and maximize productivity. Moreover, we extend our services to existing employees, aiding in work performance assessments to enhance efficiency and job satisfaction. Additionally, we provide guidance in personal matters, such as marriage counseling, where handwriting and signature analysis offer insights that facilitate reconciliation and second chances.

As the Founder of Inside Ink Graphology, what are your main responsibilities and growth strategies for the company?

As the Founder of Inside Ink Graphology, my primary responsibilities span across various services my company offers. From ensuring accurate forensic analysis to providing insightful career guidance and facilitating personal development, my focus remains on delivering excellence in every aspect. In terms of growth strategies, I prioritize maintaining exceptional quality in our work. By consistently delivering above expectations, I cultivate trust and loyalty among clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.

What are the significant challenges you face as an entrepreneur, and how do you navigate them?

As an entrepreneur in the field of graphology, one of the significant challenges I encounter is the inherent diversity of each client's case. Whether it's a forensic analysis, career guidance, or compatibility assessment, every individual presents a unique set of circumstances. This diversity makes standardization impossible, posing a constant challenge in delivering consistent services.

To navigate this obstacle, I rely on accumulating experience and continuously refining my approach. While I can't standardize my work entirely, I'm building a comprehensive reference manual based on past cases. Though not exhaustive, this resource aids in streamlining processes and expediting analysis. Additionally, with each new client, I gain valuable insights and enhance my proficiency, enabling me to adapt more effectively to future challenges.

What are some of the pivotal milestones that you consider as a ‘win’ in your professional journey?

Reflecting on my professional journey, the first milestone emerged when I guided a couple towards reconsidering their divorce. Subsequently, venturing into career guidance based on handwriting analysis expanded my scope, followed by delving into forensic graphology and collaboration with corporate HR departments.

Securing international clients through platforms such as Fiverr propelled my work onto a global stage, challenging me to navigate diverse cultural nuances. However, one standout milestone was undertaking Japanese handwriting analysis for a client facing an obscure case of vandalism. Despite the language barrier, I approached the task with determination, delivering meticulous analysis that aided in identifying the culprit.

A business leader you admire: Sudha Murthy who is renowned for her impactful contributions as an Indian educator, author, motivator, philanthropist, and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. Her dedication to making a positive difference in society is widely acknowledged.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders: Embrace openness to new ideas, adaptability, and versatility as essential qualities that contribute significantly to long-term success.

Neha Phatak Rakshas, Founder, Inside Ink Graphology

Neha Phatak Rakshas is a certified Graphologist, Handwriting Analyst, and Graphotherapist based in Mumbai. With an academic background in Electronics and Telecommunications from Pune University and an M.Tech in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from IIT Bombay, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. In March 2024, Neha was honored with the Business Excellence Award for ‘Most Promising Graphologist and Handwriting Analyst from Mumbai’ by ‘The Success Today' digital webzine. Holding certification in forensic graphology from IFS, a Government of India Certified Institute, Neha's expertise garnered attention when she was interviewed by Gujarat Midday Life Plus. Additionally, Neha specializes in both forgery detection and matching of signatures and handwritings across various languages, including English, Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Japanese, and Khmer.