At BrilliantRead Media, our aim is to bring to our community some of the unique and compelling stories from the entrepreneurship and the leadership world. As part of this endeavour, we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur – Anasuya Banerjee for an exclusive interview with us. Anasuya is a Coach, Leader, Mentor, Speaker and Consultant. She is the Chief Learning Officer & Director of Karunachal Foundation. Let’s learn more about her exciting journey, her background and her advice for our growing community:
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Anasuya:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a coach, please;
After graduating with an engineering degree and a subsequent MBA(HR) from XLRI Jamshedpur. I was wondering which path to choose for my career. My sole motivation to join Learning & Development was the possibility of adding value to individuals’ lives. Hailing from a family of medical practitioners, engineers, district magistrates and teachers, I was always taught the value of integrity, fairness and honesty that I abide by, at every step of my life.
I have been involved in enabling and empowering individuals to become better versions of themselves, coaching and mentoring them through time, my driver being my innate urge to help people achieve their utmost capabilities.”
Very recently I was invited to join the Board of Directors in an organization aiming to create conscious and responsible future global citizens. In spite of my journey so far as a corporate L&D professional, trainer and coach, it was only here that I found the true joy in nurturing young minds.
It is only when you aim for the young, can you make a real impact on their minds. Children grow up to be what you feed them intellectually, and I strongly believe that our country’s future lies in our very hands. Tread carefully!
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
Let me be candid. I am a do-gooder. Yes, I help people when they are in need whether they ask for it or not. I have been in numerous situations where a small gesture brought a big smile on the faces of many. ..and yes, those smiles keep me going.
How did you find your passion and the purpose and started working with it?
When I was around 8 years old, I was travelling to my ancestral place on ‘Navabarsho’ (The Bengali New Year). It is a tradition to wear new clothes and meet family members to greet them, treat ourselves to mouthwatering platters, distribute sweets and gifts.
On my way there, at the traffic signal, I saw an underprivileged, toothless old lady, desperately gnawing away at a piece of stale bread. She was hungry, I could make it out from her expressions. Before I could say anything to my parents, the signal turned green, and it was only a matter of seconds before we left her far behind. All I could do that day was shed silent tears.”
It was not until many years later that I recalled this incident, heard gasps and sighs from my parents telling me, why didn’t I notify them in time. They would have definitely done something for the lady. It was then that I set my purpose in life, to help people who are in need. I seek out and seize every opportunity where I can make a difference and spread joy. I dream of creating a sustainable solution for the abandoned, aged citizens of India. God help me.
What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s your source of motivation?
My source of motivation is very simple. A phrase I learnt during my college days: ‘Carpe Diem’ or ‘Seize the Day’.
People who dream big, do not have a second to waste.”
How do you manage yourself and keep on going despite the challenges, what drives you?
This is definitely a thought-provoking question. From a very early age, disappointments in various forms have been knocking at my door. I am sure, for most, it is so.
Hence, I learnt at a very young age, that the best way to win in spite of challenges and disappointments, is to have control over our own minds and emotions… and the easiest way to do that is to ‘not have expectations’. There are two phrases that I live by and both of them are from songs:
The first one, as many of us know, is from the Bhagavat Geeta
‘Karmanye Vadhika Raste, Ma Faleshu Kadachana’, or ‘continue doing your work, and don’t think of the outcome’.
The second one being ‘Ekla cholo re’… by Tagore.
Whenever I face a challenging situation, humming these lines immediately fill me with newfound energy and strength to face whatever comes my way.
Please share with us what has worked well for you so far?
No matter what, Get up, Dress up and Show Up.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The ability to ‘Spot’ a problem and also the skill/strategy to ‘fix’ it
We would love to know your advice for all those starting out?
Be courageous and persistent. Everyone is bound to face failures, but always remember, if you do, be assured that you are on the right path.
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.
