The article opens with a narrative scene of Avani Konduri during a video interview on a hot Bangalore afternoon, experiencing technical difficulties before joining the call. Her characteristic response: “I’m here, I’m here. I’m ready!”
About Avani Konduri
Avani began working at Glow Worm Consulting as a consultant three years prior. Her credentials include:
- Double Master’s degrees in Psychology (from India and Ireland)
- Specialization in organizational psychology
- Three published research papers
- Nine years of psychology study
She is described as an advocate for inclusion and diversity, passionate about creating spaces of belonging.
Why Choose Glow Worm?
Avani explains discovering Glow Worm through an unsolicited email on January 2-3, 2020. She was impressed by how the company’s values page articulated principles “with a lot of thought, intent, care, and love.” She notes observing these values embodied throughout her interview process.
“The values were words that I had seen strewn across the websites of multiple companies. What really piqued my interest is the way those values were described.”
What Makes Glow Worm Different in Consulting?
Avani contrasts Glow Worm’s approach with typical consulting firms that emphasize efficiency and clinical detachment. She highlights a memorable client comment: “all of you smile so much!”
“Our entire approach to consulting is putting people at the centre of everything.”
Avani notes that expertise and kindness need not be mutually exclusive, though this approach surprises many in the consulting industry.
Psychology Education and Its Application
During her bachelor’s studies, Avani experienced an awakening in an industrial psychology class, realizing most people spend significant work time in discontent. This prompted her to pursue organizational psychology.
She connects this to Glow Worm’s mission:
“We want to create a world where everyone learns, grows, and smiles.”
Avani describes the team as “behavioural scientists” drawing from multiple disciplines — psychology, business, management, economics, and tech — to understand human behavior holistically.
Topics of Interest and Exploration
Inclusion and Diversity
Avani explains how working in this space has revealed nuanced organizational dynamics. She emphasizes that bringing “whole selves” to work creates rich learning opportunities from diverse perspectives.
“Everytime you interact with someone from the team, you learn something new by lending your ears to perspectives different from your own.”
Growth
Avani discusses how Glow Worm’s absence of traditional performance management systems allows people autonomy in charting their development. She notes many people feel disconnected from their growth trajectories, creating motivation barriers.
How She Defines Impact
Avani shares several anecdotes:
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2020 Balance Session: A participant initially skeptical became motivated to reconsider their leadership approach and its implications for their team.
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Rural Distribution Network Project: Her team successfully connected with people across linguistic and cultural barriers, creating spaces where individuals felt heard.
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Family Dynamics Application: A session participant applied OD (Organizational Development) principles to improve family relationships.
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Stakeholder Perspective Shift: During a growth definition discussion, a stakeholder paused to acknowledge Glow Worm’s role in shifting their longstanding perspectives.
“Impact is not just about quantitative metrics. Impact is also to be found in the little anecdotes and incidents of behavioural shifts.”
Professional and Personal Growth
Avani reflects that comparing her current self to three years ago feels like “looking at a childhood photograph.” She credits Glow Worm with helping expand her worldview.
Relationship with Failure: Previously, mistakes defined her existence; now she views them as learning moments.
Healthy Relationships: The environment of openness, honesty, and vulnerability has shown her what respectful relationships involve, enabling her to draw boundaries and exercise caution in personal relationships.
Learning from Others: Diverse colleague interactions have humbled her, revealing that richly-lived individuals always offer something to absorb.
“Just knowing that you’re with a group of people who will always have your back and be there for you is so liberating.”
Message to Potential Client Organizations
Avani would recommend Glow Worm as partners who respect organizations at their current journey stage and prioritize meaningful, sustainable, impactful change.
Message to Potential Candidates
She advises those willing to bring curiosity and excitement about possibilities, particularly those passionate about learning and meaningful impact, would find Glow Worm receptive.
Thank you for entering every space with such openness, honesty, and curiosity, Avani!
