As part of our endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from India and around the world, we invited Anamika Kansal for an interview with us to understand more about her inspiring journey so far. She is a Leader, Coach, Mentor and Consultant. Let’s learn more about her inspiring journey, background and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Anamika:
Talk us through your background and your journey, please;
I had a humble childhood being one of the six children. I was quite diligent & disciplined from the beginning, bright in academics and fond of sports and music. My schooling was from a very modest school in Delhi but my attributes helped me to pursue my bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi.
By the age of 22, I was not only a professional Management Accountant but also a full-time employee and married.
I had an EIGHT-year break from my professional career, once our son was two years young, to take care of him after we had moved out of India. This was the time when I topped up my skills, knowledge and kept myself professionally updated. I did business management and project management courses then.
My positivity in life and the fire to do something meaningful helped me to restart my career with one of the largest global organizations. There hasn’t been a looking back since then.
My mom remembers me to be compassionate and emotional as a child who always had a sentiment to help others even at the cost of my own comforts.
What made you passionate about ‘Coaching’?
As a leader, I had been coaching and mentoring my team for years without knowing the ‘Coaching terms’, but my formal training came to me by a ‘pleasant’ accident. Looking back, I can reflect that it was a part of the overall ‘plan’ for the person who I am. I feel exhilarated when I see people grow & succeed. My mission as a ‘coach’ is to empower my ‘coachees’ to reach their pinnacle in both their personal and professional areas of life.
I believe that we as ‘humans’ are very resourceful and capable of making any change we desire for ourselves. Many times, we just require a nudge to overcome our limiting beliefs, judgements and biases that might be holding us back. Having experienced coaching myself, I can say that coaching is the science, which has a transformational impact on any ‘forward-looking’ person.
Coaching is really gratifying for me, and I feel truly blessed to be in a position to make this impact.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
I am quite a self-driven and motivated person. Positivity and self-confidence are my biggest strengths. I strongly believe in flowing like a river which makes its way despite big rocks on its way. My family’s support is another pillar on which I can unconditionally rely on.
Interacting with my clients and seeing them having a breakthrough to achieve what they have set for themselves gives me immense satisfaction.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
The ‘Keep going’ attitude that I have inherited from my parents is my biggest motivator. My parents sacrificed themselves and could provide for us all, despite all odds – be it education, open outlook, values and so forth.
In my husband, I truly have a companion who is understanding, empathetic, compassionate and shares my values, so I have a feeling of ‘being at home’ with him which helps me to spread my wings and fly fearlessly.
I firmly believe that life is an interesting journey, and everyone has something to offer. I make an intentional effort to learn at least one thing from everyone with whom I interact. This effort keeps me motivated and engaged.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
I won’t call these as a strategy but a few things that have worked for me would be:
1) Always being ‘Who I am’ as a person
2) Diligent and disciplined approach
3) Always taking responsibility for my actions and decisions
4) Being straightforward and sensitive at the same time
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
They say that ‘a sound mind resides in a sound body’ but I also strongly believe that a positive and sound mind gives rise to a sound body through self-care and self-awareness.
‘Being fit’ motivates me and I work hard towards it. I have a small gym at home which allows me to maintain my fitness irrespective of my schedule or weather conditions. Along with physical fitness, I also take utmost care of my mental fitness. I meditate regularly, do yoga and breathwork multiple times a week.
I invest in reading wonderful books on self-growth, development, leadership etc. written by global thought leaders and authors.
My work motivates me as well when I make a subtle yet substantial impact in people’s lives through my coaching and mentoring.
Please share with us, how do you motivate your clients?
Clients have everything in them they need to achieve what they want. When I support them to break free from limiting beliefs/inhibitions, they are able to move in the right direction, which is the most important moment for them.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success is quite a ‘subjective’ term and there is never a point where one reaches and says that ‘I am successful’! Being successful is a journey rather than a destination. Things which have worked for me:
(a) Positive and grateful attitude
(b) Hard work, discipline
(c) Honesty and Integrity
(d) Physical and mental agility
(e) Continuous learning
(f) Making myself accountable
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
I coach and mentor students and young professionals from time to time. From my own journey and life experience, I can share on lines of:
> Keeping your mind open so you allow unconventional ideas
> There is no replacement for hard work and discipline: Adopt one good habit a day and let go of the one that you want/need to get rid of.
> Set time-bound specific goals (small or big doesn’t matter), follow up and measure to track them.
> Go out there without any inhibitions or limitations, spread your wings fully to fly high in the sky
> When aiming for the sky, keep your feet firmly on the ground.
> Be on a continuous learning journey. Appreciate and learn something new from everyone you meet.
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.
