At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Archanaa Rohit Lokeshwar for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Archanaa is a Life & Relationship Coach, Motivational Speaker and an Influencer. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Archanaa:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I was born and brought up in Delhi, my father was in Delhi police and my mother is a homemaker but with extraordinary social skills and entrepreneurial personality. I have two sisters and one brother and we all are connected at soul level. My father has been my mentor in pushing me towards success and my mother’s great personality traits like courage, confidence, kindness and compassion are reflected in my personality.
I participated in swimming and water polo at a state level as well as represented Delhi in the national level. All thanks to my coach Mr Maichand. I represented my school in Republic Day parades twice leading marching contingents. My life was balanced between studies and all extracurricular activities. Being from a humble background, I always had a clarity of thought and clear and quick decision making for my career related decisions.
My career journey started from being a computer teacher at DICS in the year 1999 and went on to be a software engineer. To fulfil my parents’ wish, I applied in the Army and as destined I got selected in the Army and also was in the merit list. That’s when I thought of serving my country with my skills and gave up on my dream to travel the world with my software engineering job.
Thereon, Life has been a beautiful journey with various experiences, challenges, struggles and lovely bonds that I formed in the army and learnt the way of life. I would really suggest that Army training should be made mandatory for all to have a great personality and learn the values, discipline and service to others before self. I learnt great life lessons from my seniors, course mates and juniors as well.
The Indian Army Ordnance Corps helped me become a tough inside out persona as well as to understand the human behaviour and taught me to perform under pressure and in emergent situations. It groomed my personality as well as my skill set to conquer the world. I can talk about my army experiences for days and days altogether and still, there will be more. I was always lucky to get great commandants and seniors who taught me a lot, not only about work but life too. During my army tenure, I completed my MBA from Symbiosis distant learning.
In those days, the women’s commission was not permanent and I had an ambition to continue my work journey, I completed an Executive MBA from MDI, Gurgaon and joined Reliance Oil and Gas in procurement and contracts. I got married to a wonderful person “Rohit Lokeshwar” who is my strength and rock solid support always. God blessed us with our darling son “Archett” in the year 2011.
He is our pride. I am also a mom to my Rottweiler pet daughter Arrow who is a loving and sweet soul. I had responsibilities of my ailing in laws who constantly required medical attention and my constant care.
I had a great tenure of six years plus with Reliance and went on to exploring more with the Eurokids chain of schools and preschools to streamline their processes and manage supply chain and procurement/contracts. The organization has great leadership and a lovely work environment. But as destiny decided otherwise, that was a short association as I had to call quits due to my slip disc situation with three lower back discs affected.
I was on bed rest for a few months while practising panchakarma and yoga to jump back to life. I denied surgery and took a different path of yoga, exercises and change in lifestyle. I believe in taking tough paths rather than the shortcuts in life as that’s where true learning happens.
But as my empathetic leadership personality was always kicking inside me, I wanted to give my service to some social cause. I keep associating myself with any opportunity I get for charity or social service. And during that time an opportunity came, I took up the position of the chairperson in my housing society committee. I took it up as a social service but learnt it was more difficult than my whole army or corporate journey. People are unpredictable, different and difficult and also some have unspoken intentions and purposes, which need a vigilant eye to safeguard the society.
As it’s not a structured line of command or chain of reporting, one has to really prove oneself to gain respect. This tenure taught me a lot about human behaviour and people management. During my tenure, I had to manage lot many people behavior related challenges, the major repair work supervision and completion within the timeframe. It kept me on my toes always. But my experience and learnings helped me stay steady and kept me going.
Then Lockdown knocked on our doors and I had another task to keep the society members safe, happy and healthy. I had kept continuous communication with authorities, management, residents and staff to ensure good mental health and a peaceful mind. I could create a system with the help of volunteers, support of seniors whereas we provided everything to all residents at their doorsteps while following all the guidelines and norms set by the government and keeping our staff safe, healthy and happy.
That was the time when our society was mentioned in the news too for being very systematic, safe and with a great supply chain system in place. SOPs were followed for goods in and out and we managed it till we could say goodbye to lockdown. Our people got fruits, vegetables, seasoned fruits, medicines, stationery, hygiene items, groceries, clothing, ATM arrangements, etc. Everything one may need was provided. My compassionate nature could win over the hearts of many residents and all staff members.
My strong personality helped me diffuse the ill intentions of a few who tried instigating fear and malice in the society during that tough time. A big lesson learnt was that we can’t keep everyone happy at all times. Also, I spoke with many residents who were fearful, confused or unhappy during that time and I could help them overcome negative emotions and stay positive. That is what guided me towards my coaching journey.
To keep enhancing my skills, I kept learning new trends, strategies or skills. I completed two one-year courses which are “The Advanced Strategy Management Certificate Course” and “The Advanced IT Management Certificate Course” from IIM, Kozhikode.
Now I am a certified professional coach and coaching people to conquer all the challenges in life which are keeping them away from happiness or success. So a long story short, I am God’s favourite child so he ensured my journey be full of experiences and learnings to be a better version of myself and follow my passion now. I can think positively in extreme negative situations and keep calm in challenging emergencies too to think straight and find solutions. As a happiness catalyst, I coach people to traverse through life and relationship challenges.
How did you discover your passion?
During the lockdown, I found my calling of counselling or rather coaching people and drive away their challenges, fears, traumas and guide them to be happy at all times. I pursued my journey with the help of UCF where I completed my coaching certification which is ACC, PCC and soon be MCC (Master Coaching certification).
This is the only organization which helps you transform own personality before start coaching others. The contents are intelligently researched and curated by our master coach Dr Dhirendra Gautam aka Dr. D. I will always be grateful to him for this journey. I always say that if we transform one person in the family, it’s reflected in all family members.
My endeavour always is to help people reach peace and fulfilment in life. As I always say, Life is beautiful and happiness is everyone’s birthright. My purpose is to follow my passion and bring a smile to every face that interacts with me.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
I believe that we can learn from everyone. So everyone who is a part of my life motivates me in one way or other. Daily motivation comes from my deep desire to make a positive impact on the lives of all those who come in touch with me.
Prayers and meditation help me finding solutions to any and every challenge life throws at me. My family is my strength and motivating factor in my life.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
My strategies in life have been simple:-
1) Never give up.
2) Whatever happens happens for the good. Have faith.
3) Respect elders and seniors. Listen to their advice as the experience always speak wise words.
4) Karma is real. Never hurt anyone intentionally and let go of those who hurt you intentionally.
5) If you are in a position to help someone, don’t hesitate. Just help.
6) Stay humble. Most importantly ask or seek help if you find some challenges are overwhelming and keeping you away from happiness.
7) We all have only one life so let’s make the most of it.
8) Be grateful, count your blessings.
9) Contribute to family, society and nation with the best of your abilities.
10) Maintain Balance in work and life. Don’t chase money, strive for mental health and happiness.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success is very subjective so whatever gives anyone peace and fulfillment in life is success for that person. Just to list out some:-
Self-love (Not to be mistaken with being selfish or self-centred)
Being responsible for self and others
Empower self and others
Build relations and don’t just use people
Persistency and consistency
Hard work and self-confidence
Positive thinking
Keep following your passion
Invest in health and happiness to enjoy success
What advice would you give to our readers?
Everyone is unique and one must have faith in oneself. Work hard and always stay positive. Failures always teach us more than success does. Be a better version of yourself and don’t compare yourself with anyone else.
Everyone has a different journey and a different path to follow. Help others but be watchful of opportunists, narcissists and takers. Always set boundaries and listen to your inner voice, that’s always right for you.
Forgive others not for them but for your own mental peace, but don’t forget the lesson. “Fitrat” never changes so never give too many chances to anyone in life who betrayed you. Love yourself.
Everyone has one life and many experiences to learn lessons so don’t question your challenges, just find solutions that take you to peace and fulfilment. Communication is the most important ingredient for a successful career and relationships. One must know not only when to talk but also when not to talk. Enjoy the rollercoaster named “Life”. Accept life and stop expecting.
Remember that:- “Life is beautiful and we all have a right to be happy. Happiness is for all”.
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.
