Dr Ruupa Rao

Dr. Ruupa Rao is an Indian psychologist, executive coach, author, and mental health educator based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. With professional experience spanning more than two decades, she is engaged in behavioural psychology, psychotherapy, leadership coaching, and public mental health awareness. Her work extends across individual counselling, corporate training, youth development programs, and institutional mental wellness initiatives.

She has received national and international recognition for her contributions to mental health education, including an award from the World Book of Records for a structured mental wellness initiative for children and adolescents. A documentary highlighting her professional journey and social impact has also been produced by the Government of Karnataka.

Early Background and Education

Dr. Ruupa Rao has a multidisciplinary academic background that integrates technology, psychology, and management. She holds a Doctorate in Computer Science and has completed postgraduate studies in psychology, earning both a Master of Science (MSc) and a Master of Arts (MA). In addition, she holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology.

She is accredited as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Her academic and professional training also includes certification from the University of Cambridge in Young Minds and Mental Health, along with multiple international credentials in coaching, psychotherapy, and instructional design.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications

PhD in Computer Science
MSc in Psychology
MA in Psychology
MBA
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
ICF–PCC Certified Executive Coach
NLP Master Practitioner
Certified Master Hypnotist
Certified POSH Trainer (SHRM)
TESOL Certified Trainer
Certified Instructional Designer
Master Coach in Positive Psychology

Professional Career

Dr. Rao’s professional career encompasses executive coaching, leadership mentoring, psychological counselling, and organisational training. She has worked with professionals and leadership teams across sectors such as information technology, banking, manufacturing, and multinational corporations.

Her corporate and institutional engagements include work with organisations such as Wipro, Tata Power, KPMG, JCB, Canara HSBC, Tesco Bank, and Société Générale. Through these roles, she has contributed to leadership development initiatives, mental health interventions, and behavioural transformation programs.

She has also collaborated with national skill and education missions, including NSDC, RASCI, ICICI Foundation, and government-led skill development programs in Karnataka. These initiatives have focused on youth empowerment, educator training, and employability enhancement.

Areas of Practice and Training

Executive leadership and managerial coaching
Workplace mental health and psychological safety
Emotional intelligence and resilience development
Stress management and burnout prevention
Women’s emotional and mental wellbeing
Faculty development and professional soft-skills training

Books and Publications

Dr. Ruupa Rao is an author whose work explores themes of identity, cognition, emotional awareness, and behavioural change.

Books

The Identity Matrix: A Guide to Identifying Your True Self
Why Do We Lie to Ourselves: Understanding Cognitive Distortion (forthcoming)
ಮನಸಿಗೊಂದು ಕೈಗನ್ನಡಿ (Manasigondu Kaigannadi) – Kannada-language personal development book
Kannada psychohorror fiction work

Selected Articles and Blogs

The One Psychological Trap That Keeps People Stuck in Their Beliefs
Stuck in Yesterday: How Nostalgia and Cortisol Traps Hold Us Back
Blog essays on procrastination, mindset, and behavioural patterns

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Rao has received multiple recognitions for her work in mental health education, training, and social impact.

Notable awards include:

World Book of Records (London) – For a structured mental wellness initiative for children
Best Lady Entrepreneur – Global Excellence India
Best Trainer Award (2019) – Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of India
Best Training Institute Award (2021) – MSME, Government of India
Corona Warrior Recognition – For digital mental health outreach during the COVID-19 period
Keynote Speaker at national education and business summits

A biographical documentary on her life and professional contributions was produced by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Karnataka.

Approach and Vision

Dr. Ruupa Rao’s professional approach emphasises awareness, mindset development, and emotional intelligence as foundations for sustainable personal and professional growth. Her work integrates psychological science with coaching methodologies to support behavioural clarity, emotional balance, and long-term wellbeing.

Her vision includes:

Expanding access to life coaching and mental health education
Normalising mental health conversations in professional and social spaces
Integrating psychological wellbeing with leadership and career development
Supporting women, youth, and professionals through structured mental health interventions

Personal Life

Dr. Rao resides in Electronic City, Bengaluru. Alongside her professional work, she maintains an interest in mindfulness practices, continuous learning, and maintaining balance between personal wellbeing and professional commitments.

Media Coverage

Dr. Ruupa Rao has been featured in digital publications, interviews, and wellness platforms discussing psychology, leadership, and mental health awareness.