As part of our relentless efforts to identify and share some of the meaningful stories from India and around the world, this week we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Jayshree Kirtane for an interview with BrilliantRead Media. Jayshree is a Seasoned Entrepreneur, Mentor, Coach, Leader and Executive Director at Alchemy Management Consultancy. Let’s read more about her inspiring journey, her background and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Jayshree:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey, please;
I come from a family that puts a lot of emphasis on ‘Striving To Be The Best’, whether it is academics or any other activity. Till date, I do not know any other way of being. I graduated with Mathematics and Economics from Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai and later completed my Master’s in Mathematical Economics from the University of Mumbai. I was a rank holder at both these.
I have been a recipient of some prestigious scholarships such as the National Talent Search and Sir Dorabjee Tata scholarship.
Elocution and debate competitions always excited me and I hold fifty trophies in inter-school, inter-collegiate and inter-university competitions. I invested every single penny of prize money in books.”
Needless to say, I am an avid reader. I pursued Indian Classical Music and hold a Graduation in that field too.
What made you passionate about coaching?
I consider myself as a Destiny’s Child. My journey from an MBA school professor to an Executive coach almost looks pre-determined by the Universe. About 18 years ago, I accidentally fell into a coaching meeting. Back then, I didn’t even know that it was called ‘coaching’.
I just knew that I wanted to be like him; wise, sensitive and fun. That moment was a defining moment and I took a 180-degree turn to Applied Psychology. While I started with facilitating large groups, quickly moved on to small group work, individual coaching is where I found my groove.
I strongly believe that each one of us has the right and responsibility to be ‘Who We Could Be’. Over the years I have also come to realize that the best version of ourselves already resides within us. Much like what Michael Angelo said, “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block. I just have to chisel away the superfluous material”
Coaching helps in removing the extra wrapping accumulated over the years. The possibility of freeing the sculpture makes me passionate about coaching.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
My tenacity and resilience help me go in the presence of challenges. However, more importantly, I am optimistic.
Never ever do I have an iota of doubt that things will be better, for myself and for my clients.
What are some of the strategies that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
I am not a strategist but some of my characteristics and attitudes have helped me:
1) Courage to pursue what feels right
2) Being Ultra-resourceful
3) Growth Mindset
4) Spiritual pursuits
5) Love makes everything possible
Please share with us, how do you motivate your clients?
Most of my clients are C-suite executives. As cliched as it may sound, it truly is lonely at the top.
As a coach, I lovingly accept the client’s whole being. My genuine interest in their well-being motivates them to strive for their best self.
Empathy, rapport, listening, observing patterns, acknowledgement of their effort and progress, fearless feedback are some things that inspire my clients.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
A lot of people ask me, “How do you remain stress-free all the time?” That is how they experience me.
My honest answer is that my work itself is my stress-buster. Coaching, facilitating, speaking, writing, every aspect of my work keeps me positive.”
Having said that, a motivator also needs motivation. My closest relationships keep me motivated. They create a purpose to stay motivated. My daily call with my mom is certainly a daily dose of inspiration. Conversations over tea with my husband and light banter with my sons do bring a sparkle to my day.
I am a student of the Bhakti movement as well as Buddhist Teachings. Listening to these, especially rendering by Kishoritai Amonkar and lectures by Pema Chodron is a source of eternal positivity for me.
Hobbies give me the space to rejuvenate; Music, reading, mandala painting.”
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success is a subjective term. Every individual may have a different definition and different metrics of measurement.
Whatever it might be, I guess the following factors contribute to success:
a) Self-awareness & acceptance
b) Aspiration
c) Conviction
d) Courage
e) Perseverance
f) Openness
g) Gratitude
h) Compassion
i) Action-bias
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
I have massive respect for the information, clarity and courage that most young students & professionals have. In my opinion, one thing that may act as an impediment is the lack of patience.
I am quite sure that Gen Z doesn’t appreciate the advice. But if I were to give one, it would be as follows: ‘The summit can be reached only through an arduous path. It cannot be attained at the click of the mouse.’
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
