Tell us about yourself, your background and what you do currently… 
I am a freelance Corporate Trainer, a presenter and a motivator, specialising in soft skills, behavioral training, quality management, basic lean processes and mentoring.I am an MBA from the University of Central Lancashire (UK) with nearly 12 years of rich work experience in the hospitality industry (Sodexo Onsite Solutions Ltd.) spanning across functions like project management, quality assurance and operational excellence. All through my corporate journey, I was actively engaged in internal training projects and therefore, conducted workshops for new/ existing employees and team players.
Early this year, I planned to take a career break followed by an entrepreneurial leap. This was the toughest decision of my career, but somewhere deep inside I knew it was time to explore the journey I always have been passionate about. Training and people development. And I did it.
In September of this year, I launched my freelance venture ‘MyndWorks Consulting’, which aims to partner with organisations, corporate teams and individuals by offering tailored solutions in the areas of training & development, employee engagement, process writing and mentoring. Our collaborative efforts and customized programs will offer people all the required learning’s, practice and conviction to maximize their potential and add value to their domain.
Have you faced any challenges along the way and if so, how did you deal with them?
You are loaded with challenges once you are on your own. For a start, where and how to begin? Once I was done with actions mapping, I gradually started learning and taking baby steps towards establishing my venture. I created a webpage, promoted the venture on social media platforms, printed business cards, training modules and so on. It’s an exciting journey especially when you love what you do. A feeling of proudness seeps in when you see your work being promoted and discussed.
Secondly, from a full time corporate job in Mumbai to ‘work from home’ is as challenging as it is cosy! Some days I will be up early in the mornings to answer inquiries and some days till the wee hours I will still be creating content. Everyday I ensure I complete all tasks as assigned for the day and plan for next. I have soft music in the background and a cup of chai to really help me have a productive day.
On a typical workday, how do you start your day and how does it end?
After a healthy breakfast, I check and send emails, then make calls to potential clients for association. Understand leads, check on referrals and take actions accordingly. I Work on training content and modules. Keep fine-tuning information on slides. Plan activities and games for sessions. I listen to audio books, update my website and social media pages and for the entire day, I read. Read and read for content, ideas, examples.. also to keep myself abreast with training topics and procedures.
Do you think networking is important and if so, what 3 tips would you give to a newbie networker?
One would always be a newbie in a networking domain. As every time in any productive event or gathering – one learns and takes away more informed, new ideas and leads for business. The key is to identify the right place and right people for your business growth. I would suggest:
- Be open and a great listener to accept new ideas, suggestions from whoever you meet. Always be welcoming with a smile.
- Prepare your list of key questions/ thoughts in advance, for effective impact and lead for your business.
- After a meeting, send a text message or an email as a gratitude for their time and ideas sharing.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
I would have continued working in a corporate world or lived a traveller’s life.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My family and some senior colleagues who are now my mentors. I am blessed with few people in my life who are always motivating me to pursue my goals and do the way I want.
I also seek inspiration from renowned peoples’ lives like Oprah, Lady Diana, Mohd Ali, Deepak Chopra, Ratan Tata, Nick Vujicic
What does the future hold for you?
I believe in concentrating on quality work than quantity. Hence, I would aim to realise that organizations and individual have been positively impacted with our associations with them. Also helping small enterprises and start-ups grow with their trained workforce and strong retention mechanism.
Just to add, I am a case of achondroplasia (stand 4 feet 1 inch only) – however this has never stopped me in pursuing my goals or travelling which I love to the core. At times people get inspired by my spontaneity and confidence, which I bring out in them too. I aspire to become a known Corporate Trainer, a great motivator and even be a part/ support a noble cause.
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