Anu Verma uses the ethos that the past does not define the future to help others who have suffered trauma.
What’s your story?
I’m a trauma recovery expert, speaker, author, and founder of Victim 2 Victor. My own journey through trauma, adversity, and personal transformation taught me that while we can’t change our past, we can change how it shapes our future. Today, I help people understand how unresolved trauma influences their relationships, self-worth, and identity so they can break unhealthy patterns, heal emotional wounds, and create healthier, more fulfilling lives. My mission is to help people move beyond survival, reclaim their voice, and realise they are far more powerful than the experiences that once defined them.
What excites you most about your industry?
What excites me most is witnessing the moment someone realises they’re not broken—they’ve simply been living from unconscious patterns created by past experiences. That awareness changes everything. I love helping people understand the connection between trauma, behaviour, relationships, and self-worth because it replaces shame with understanding and hope. Every breakthrough reminds me that healing is possible at any stage of life, and that one conversation or insight can create a ripple effect that transforms not only an individual but also their family, relationships, and future generations.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Knowing that one conversation can completely change someone’s life keeps me motivated. I’ve experienced the power of transformation personally, and I’ve seen it in the people I work with. That gives me a deep sense of purpose. I’m driven by the belief that too many people are surviving instead of thriving because they don’t understand the patterns keeping them stuck. If I can help even one person recognise their worth, break an unhealthy cycle, or believe in a different future, then every step of this journey has been worthwhile.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The most valuable skills have been self-awareness, emotional intelligence, deep listening, resilience, and learning to ask better questions instead of searching for quick answers. I’ve also learned the importance of empathy, curiosity, and creating a safe space where people feel seen and heard without judgement. Personally, developing emotional regulation and understanding how trauma affects behaviour has transformed my own life. Professionally, these skills allow me to help others create lasting change rather than temporary motivation.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received was “You can’t change what happened to you, but you can choose what happens next.” That simple sentence completely shifted my perspective. Instead of feeling defined by my past, I began focusing on the choices available to me in the present. It taught me that healing isn’t about erasing difficult experiences; it’s about refusing to let those experiences dictate the rest of your life. That philosophy continues to shape both my personal life and my work with others.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by Tony Robbins because of the impact he has created by helping millions of people transform their lives. It’s not just his success, but his genuine commitment to serving others. I admire his ability to combine powerful strategies with honest, direct conversations that challenge people to take responsibility, believe in themselves, and create change. His approach of balancing compassion with real talk resonates with me because true transformation often requires both understanding and accountability. His work reminds me of the importance of using your own experiences and influence to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
One insight that continues to fascinate me is that our nervous system often mistakes what’s familiar for what’s safe. It explains why intelligent, capable people can find themselves repeating unhealthy relationship patterns or self-sabotaging behaviours without understanding why. Once you understand this, everything changes. You stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking, “What pattern am I repeating?” That single shift replaces shame with curiosity and opens the door to genuine healing and transformation.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would trust myself much sooner and spend less time seeking validation from others. Looking back, I realise that many of my biggest decisions were delayed because I doubted my own intuition. Experience has taught me that growth comes from taking imperfect action, learning along the way, and believing that your voice matters. I wouldn’t change my challenges because they’ve shaped who I am today, but I would have embraced my own worth and purpose far earlier.
How do you unwind?
I love spending time in nature because it helps me reconnect with myself and quiet the noise of everyday life. I also enjoy mindfulness, journalling, reading, listening to inspiring podcasts, and having meaningful conversations with family and friends. For me, unwinding isn’t about escaping life – it’s about creating moments of stillness that allow me to recharge, reflect, and stay aligned with the values I bring into both my personal life and my work.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
The biggest shift was realising that my lived experience wasn’t something to overcome professionally – it was one of my greatest strengths. For years I believed credibility came only from qualifications, but I now know that expertise combined with authentic experience creates genuine connection. People don’t just want information; they want someone who truly understands. That realisation gave me permission to own my story and use it as a force for healing and hope.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I’d recommend The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Although it’s not a traditional business book, its lessons on integrity, communication, personal responsibility, and not taking things personally are invaluable for leadership, relationships, and decision-making. Success in business is built on trust, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, and this book provides timeless principles that help you become a better leader as well as a better human being.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
Through Victim 2 Victor, I help individuals and organisations understand how trauma influences behaviour, relationships, confidence, and performance. Through coaching, speaking, workshops, and my podcast, I provide practical tools to help people break unhealthy patterns, rebuild self-worth, strengthen emotional resilience, and create meaningful, lasting transformation. My goal is simple: to help people stop surviving and start living with purpose, confidence, and authenticity.
How can people connect with you?
You can learn more about my work at www.victim2victor.net, where you’ll find information about coaching and resources. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn, follow @victim2victor_anuverma on Instagram, or tune into the Victim 2 Victor Podcast, where I share conversations and practical insights to help people heal, grow, and transform their lives.
Social Media Links?
https://www.instagram.com/victim2victor_anuverma/
https://www.facebook.com/anuvermaV2V
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuvermav2v
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.