In Her Shoes: The Charisma Coach founder and Tech Consultant at KPMG Ireland Surabhi Agarwal
Surabhi Agarwal wears many hats. She’s the founder of and Executive Coach at The Charisma Coach, Senior Technology Consultant at KPMG Ireland, and recently added ‘Miss Universe Ireland 2025 finalist’ to the mix.
I’m Surabhi Agarwal, founder and executive coach at The Charisma Coach, Senior Technology Consultant at KPMG Ireland, and most recently, a Miss Universe Ireland 2025 finalist.
If you’d told me back in 2017, when I moved from India to Ireland at 18 to study Computer Science, that I’d be living this version of myself in 2025, I wouldn’t have believed you. I wasn’t the girl who raised her hand or walked into a room with confidence, but saying yes to studying abroad cracked something open in me. It gave me the courage to say yes to growth, even when it felt uncomfortable.
At 19, I started public speaking. I worked with global tech companies like Intel, and joined KPMG Ireland full-time at 22. My journey took me to entrepreneurial programs in China, California, and Harvard, and each experience added a new layer to who I was becoming.
That was the shift when I went from invisible to inspiring. I started showing up fully, inside and out. I discovered the power of confident body language, posture, and personal style. And I knew I wanted to help other women do the same.
At 24, I became a certified executive coach through the Irish Lifecoach Institute, and an image consultant through the Irish Style Institute. That’s when The Charisma Coach was born. My mission is to help women get clear on their values, vision, and voice, not just through mindset but through style.
In the past year and a half, I’ve spoken at LinkedIn Ireland, Taysey Consults Impact Leadership Conference, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and Generation UK & Ireland. I’ve also hosted my own live events, including Dublin’s first-ever Style Board Workshop.
A turning point came when I styled a close friend for Miss Universe Ireland 2024. Watching her light up on stage made me think, why not me? So I applied, and in September 2025, I became a finalist.
Pageantry taught me things no boardroom ever could. It’s not just about crowns and gowns, it’s about transformation, confidence, and elegance, and becoming the woman you didn’t know you could be.
One of the most powerful lessons I learned was this: When you let go of the outcome, you show up as your true self, and that’s when people really see you.
Before stepping on stage, someone said to me, “I haven’t seen many corporate women in Dublin take part in a pageant.” That comment sparked something. It made me want to create a space where corporate and business women could shine in a whole new way.
So I created Miss Corporate Ireland.
Launching in May 2026, Miss Corporate Ireland is an event that will spotlight 20 incredible women from the corporate and business world. It’s a celebration of impact, style, and leadership, from the boardroom to the runway. Finalists will experience four weeks of transformational coaching, including confidence training, soul-aligned style, mission and vision clarity, a professional photoshoot with hair and makeup, and their own custom title and crown.
This isn’t a pageant, it’s a journey of becoming.
I’m bringing everything I’ve learned, coaching, styling, corporate experience, and pageantry, into this initiative so that every woman walks away feeling seen, celebrated, and unstoppable.
Pageantry taught me things no boardroom ever could. It’s not just about crowns and gowns, it’s about transformation, confidence, and elegance, and becoming the woman you didn’t know you could be.
Daily routines
Weekday mornings are my grounding space. I wake up knowing I have a full day ahead at KPMG Ireland where I work as a Senior Technology Consultant. Evenings and weekends are dedicated to The Charisma Coach, so sleep is often limited, but six hours usually does the trick.
The first thing I do is make my bed. It’s a simple habit that sets the tone for the day. Then comes my favorite part; getting ready. Doing my morning skincare, hair, and makeup routine is my daily ritual. To me it’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling inspired and energized. When I put on my best outfit and finish with my signature scent, I feel like I’m stepping into the most confident version of myself.
That moment of transformation fuels me. It’s my way of saying, I’m ready to show up fully today.
I walk across the Samuel Beckett Bridge in heels, soaking in the city around me with my favorite playlist. That walk feels like a runway. I arrive at the office, open my inbox, and start the day with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with seasonal fruits and nuts. It’s nourishing, grounding, and the perfect way to begin my day.
Getting ready in the morning is more than just a routine for me, it’s a mindset shift. I believe in a concept called enclothed cognition, which is the idea that what we wear can actually shape how we think, feel, and behave. It’s not just about the clothes themselves, it’s about the meaning we attach to them. Researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky coined the term, and they found that when we wear something that represents power, focus, or confidence, we begin to embody those qualities.
I use this every single morning. When I choose a structured blazer or a bold skirt set, I’m not just getting dressed, I’m stepping into the energy I want to carry that day. It helps me feel confident, clear, and ready to lead.
This rhythm gives me a sense of power and creativity before the day even begins. It’s something I talk about with my styling clients all the time, because I truly believe that getting dressed with intention is one of the most powerful ways to set the tone for your day. For me, it’s a daily ritual that fuels everything that follows.
I genuinely love working out in the evenings, it helps me unwind and reset after a full day. But morning workouts are something I’ve been trying to crack for a while now. I used to push myself to make it happen, but I’ve started accepting that right now, my energy is best used in the evenings.
Between my full-time role at KPMG and my creative projects, my schedule is packed. I’ve realised that I thrive in late-night creativity and strategy sessions, and that’s where I feel most alive.
So while morning gym sessions are still on my vision board, I’m giving myself grace and trusting the rhythm that works for me right now.
A day in the life
I usually start work at 9am. The first thing I do is check my emails and get a sense of what’s coming up for the day. Once I’ve cleared my inbox, I dive straight into client meetings. Since I work with international clients in my role at KPMG Ireland, my mornings are often packed with back-to-back calls and strategy sessions.
It’s fast-paced, but I love the energy of it. Starting my day with structure helps me stay focused and present, especially when I know I’ll be switching gears later in the evening for The Charisma Coach.
During the day, I work from the KPMG Ireland office. I sit in a quiet corner with a big window that gives me a beautiful view and a peaceful space to focus. It’s perfect for hosting client meetings without distractions and helps me stay productive throughout the day.
In the evenings, my office job wraps up, I shift gears and work on The Charisma Coach. Sometimes I work from home, but most days I love heading to a hotel lobby. Right now, I host all my styling client sessions and 1:1s at the Anantara Marker Hotel on Forbes Street. It’s close to me and the atmosphere is just stunning. There’s something about being in a beautiful space that elevates the energy of every meeting.
No two weeks ever look the same, but my rhythm usually flows like this. I work from 9 to 6 at KPMG Ireland, followed by coaching calls/meetings from 7 to 9 in the evenings. Weekends are my creative space where I focus on filming content for my YouTube channel and laying the groundwork for my latest initiative, Miss Corporate Ireland.
Some weeks include networking events or brunches with friends, and as someone who’s part of several communities including the Image Business Club, I’m often on the move. Whether I’m in meetings, hosting sessions, or connecting with like-minded people, my schedule is full but deeply fulfilling.
One question I get asked a lot is how I manage my time and energy. I actually spoke about this in my most recent YouTube video where I introduced a concept I call time magic. It’s about getting clear on your mission and vision, knowing what energizes you, and identifying what drains you. The more clarity you have on those three things, the more time magic you can create.
For me, my mission is to help women step into the most empowered and confident version of themselves. My energizers are creativity, going to the gym, listening to inspiring podcasts, eating well, and connecting with like-minded people. These are the things that keep me going.
Of course, there are tasks that drain me too, like highly analytical work or long hours in front of a screen. I’ve learned that the best way to manage those moments is to intentionally add energizers throughout my day. Whether it’s a walk, a podcast, a gym session, or a meaningful conversation, I make sure to refuel so I can keep showing up with energy and purpose.
Going to the gym is a key part of my weekly routine. It helps me reset, recharge, and bring my best self to everything I do. I truly believe that when you manage your energy well, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
One of the biggest highlights of my week is attending networking events that are full of creativity, energy, and impact. I love being in spaces where ideas flow and people are passionate about what they do. This week, I’m attending the YouTube Creator Summit at the Google EMEA Headquarters, and I’m genuinely excited to connect with other creators and exchange ideas.
This year has been my Year of Yes. I’ve said yes to every opportunity that felt aligned, and it’s led to some incredible experiences. I became a Miss Universe Ireland 2025 finalist, joined an indie film project, met some amazing people, and now I am putting together Miss Corporate Ireland 2026. Saying yes has opened doors I never imagined, and it continues to shape the most exciting chapters of my journey.
One of the most powerful shifts in my personal journey came when I decided to claim my Year of Yes. It means saying yes to every opportunity that feels aligned, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.
Eating habits and wind-down time
I’ve been vegetarian since birth and I genuinely enjoy a plant-based diet. At work, my mornings always start with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with seasonal fruits and nuts. It’s my go-to breakfast that keeps me feeling nourished and focused. For lunch, I usually go for the veggie special with a fresh salad, something satiating that keeps me going through meetings and calls.
Evenings are when I wind down with my signature dinner. I love making an avocado salad bowl with virgin olive oil, feta cheese, and a slice of freshly toasted brown bread. It’s simple, delicious, and feels like a little ritual. I usually finish with a cheeky dessert, coconut yoghurt and figs are my current favorite.
On weekends, I love working from a cozy café or heading out for brunch with friends. My usual café order is an oat matcha and a sweet treat. It’s those little moments that make the week feel balanced and joyful.
After wrapping up work and making dinner, I ease into my nighttime routine with a hot shower. It’s my way of washing off the day and resetting my energy. I love applying a few drops of rosemary oil into my hair, giving it a gentle massage, and slipping into a satin robe that feels luxurious and calming.
Evenings are when I slow down and reconnect with myself. I take my time with skincare, layering each product with intention. Just before bed, I add a few drops of my favourite perfume. It’s a small ritual, but it makes me feel grounded and fresh.
My beauty routine is one of my favorite rituals. In the evenings, I apply Gold Collagen to my freshly washed face. I discovered Conway’s Gold Collagen last year and it completely transformed my skin. Since then, my makeup routine only takes ten minutes in the morning because my skin feels revived and radiant.
For my hair, I use a few drops of rosemary oil before I shower, then follow up with the K-18 hair treatment. It’s been a game changer for my hair, keeping it strong, soft, and healthy.
When it comes to makeup, I love my signature red rouge from Lancôme, paired with a classic winged eye and my go-to Dior blush. Just before I head out, I add a few drops of Chanel No. 5, Marilyn’s favorite. These little luxuries bring so much joy and glamour to my day. They’re not just products, they’re part of how I show up in the world.
My most important self-care ritual is going to the gym and ending the day with a hot shower. These two simple habits help me reset and recharge. The gym gives me a burst of energy and clarity, especially after a long day of work, and that hot shower before bed feels like a full-body reset. It’s my way of letting go of the day and coming back to myself. These rituals may be simple, but they keep me grounded and help me show up as my best self.
One of the biggest challenges I face is sleep. Some days I get as little as four hours, and while I’ve learned to function on less rest, it’s not ideal. With so much happening between my full-time role at KPMG, coaching clients, creating content, and working towards Miss Corporate Ireland, it can be tough to fit everything into a single week.
I’m learning to be more mindful of my energy and to listen to my body. Rest is something I’m working on prioritising more, because I know that when I’m well-rested, I show up with even more clarity and impact. It’s a work in progress, but I’m getting there.
Off-the-clock rituals
Most weekends are a blend of creativity, connection, and building momentum. I usually spend time filming YouTube videos, hosting 1:1 styling sessions, and writing my weekly newsletter. Recently, my weekends have also been focused on laying the foundation for Miss Corporate Ireland, finalising the list of finalists and assembling the support team behind the scenes.
My ideal weekend is all about balance. I love mixing meaningful work with moments that recharge me, catching up with friends, attending inspiring events, or taking myself on a solo date to reflect and refuel. Those little rituals keep me inspired and help me step into the new week with clarity and joy.
When I feel like I need to recharge, I take myself on a solo date to one of my favourite cafés, go for a walk, or listen to an inspiring podcast. Especially when I feel creatively blocked, these rituals help me reset and shift my mindset. Being around like-minded people, whether online or in person, also helps me stay aligned with my goals and vision. Their energy reminds me why I started and keeps me moving forward.
A Year of Yes
One of the most powerful shifts in my personal journey came when I decided to claim my Year of Yes. It means saying yes to every opportunity that feels aligned, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. That simple mindset has transformed my confidence and opened doors I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Instead of doubting yourself, say yes to the version of you that’s ready to grow. That’s where the magic begins.
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