At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Abha Rajput for an exclusive interview with us. She is a Leader, Trainer, Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Consultant, Influencer and Changemaker. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Abha:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My professional journey has taken me through various expanses of the professional world. All my studies and growing up, there was a core intention to make a difference in the lives of people.
In academics, I am Master’s in Microbiology. During my studies and once done, I had this aspiration of doing research in the field of Oncology. Started as Research Fellow, however, for various reasons shifted to Industry. Started my career as a Jr. Microbiologist at a division of Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Vadodara.
A shift happened and I was a Lecturer in the BE program in Food Processing Technology at A D Patel Institute of Technology, Vallbh Vidyanagar, Anand.
And then Marriage happened and brought back in Vadodara and I joined Saraf Foods Ltd as Manager QA and left as GM QA. Later joined our family business Air-Tech Engineers.
I use to observe a great gap when it came to people using correct way to express them-selves. Being with students and in Industry, I felt a need to address this which needed pro-fessional training.”
And teaching had always been a very close interest. So when I came to know about Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI), got Trained professionally as a Soft Skills Trainer. Alongside I started my professional training as an Image Consultant.
Today I work as a Freelance Soft Skill Trainer. I am also associated with an NGO Bhumi Foundation, in Vadodara, as Project Director.
How did you discover your passion?
Throughout the whole journey of 12 plus years, I realized that I used to enjoyed training sessions. The addressing of a topic, reading about it, expressing and discussing used to interest me. I also discovered that organizing information, presenting it was one of my strengths.”
While working with Saraf Foods as GM QA and at Air Tech Engineers, a part of job needed lot of team interaction and interviewing candidates. And as a Lecturer, there was a lot of conversation happening with the students.
Being on both sides, I felt there is this need to use proper communication, use of language and presentation skills. Many talented candidates, students, my team members would not be recognized as per their potential, one of the reasons being is they would lack, what we say People’s Skills or Soft Skills.
During those times I came across ICBI’s course on Soft Skills Training and I knew this is what I want to pursue. This is how I discovered my passion for becoming a Soft Skills Trainer. The core belief is to make a difference in the lives of people now had means to get fulfilled.
Could you share how Soft Skills play an important role?
We live in a society and interaction with people is inevitable. Understanding and use of strong communication, both verbal and nonverbal helps to put across ideas, discussing thoughts, resolve conflicts and develop a positive relationship with colleagues, clients and family. Effective communication helps in collaborating ideas and developing teams which deliver better results.
With changing work models, adapting to new scenarios is crucial. Understanding of interpersonal skills, the concept of problem-solving, critical thinking and networking plays a vital role.
Active Listening is a very underrated concept; however, it can be the key to preventing miscommunication, contributing to growth, productivity and performance by a better understanding of the differences in individuals.
One very important aspect is understanding the concept of Emotional Intelligence. It helps individuals to understand and manage their own emotions. However contradictory it may seem in regards to the professional context, this skill aids in managing positive work environment, resolving conflicts and delivering the best in leadership roles.”
Soft Skills understanding and implementation essentially compliments the other technical skills of an individual contributing to long-term success in professional and personal endeavours.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
I believe every challenge is an opportunity either to shine in whatever task you have taken or it is a course correct which forces you to look in a new direction, giving a new perspective. Yes, I agree they do not seem like that at first, however, I have my support system to get me through.
In addition, I strongly believe in the power of prayer, not the rituals, just prayer. As a person I have always believed, that every situation has a solution, it is just a matter of time till you find it.”
My work has always been the driving force and my support system is my strength.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
As I said in the previous question, my support system motivates me. This includes my sister Vibha, my biggest supporter. My daughter Shagun who is a constant source of happiness.
I like to read a lot which is a source of motivation on various levels. The Literary works of authors like Chitra Banerjee Divakurni, Paulo Coehlo, Amish, Jojo Moyes, Mitch Albom have been a lot of inspiration.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
> Taking ownership and responsibility for my actions Courage.
> Ability to take risks & venture into uncharted territories.
> Always believing in your own potential and willingness to learn and upgrade yourself.
> Being Human, having compassion, giving second chances to people (not third😊)
> Power of Prayer.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
A lot of factors contribute to success. However, I have a few which has guided me in along my journey so far:
– Be Authentic and true to yourself.
– Have the courage to follow your heart, even if it feels a little difficult.
– Read, and upgrade your knowledge and your skills.
– Give your 100% to any task you take, however big or small, doesn’t matter
– When you decide, everything follows.
What advice would you give to our readers?
Not as advice, but as life lessons which I learnt, I will share some things.
We live in a fast pace of things. I would say, in this fast-moving lifestyle find something which keeps you grounded and happy; be it any activity, music, gardening, creativity anything. I believe we have learnt to give smiles for selfies, but forgot what brings real joy and happiness.
Encourage reading. A good book can do wonders.
Do something once in while outside your comfort zone. You might be pleasantly surprised.
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.
