As part of our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the ecosystem, we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Arzoo Fakih for an interview with BrilliantRead Media. Arzoo is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Coach, Parenting Consultant, Mentor, Influencer and Change Enabler. 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 Arzoo:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey, please;
I have done my schooling in Vernacular Medium (Marathi) from Shiv Samarth Vidyalaya, Thane, Maharashtra, India. I am a people-oriented person. I hardly used to miss school as I didn’t like to be alone at home. Further, I did my BCom, MCom and Masters in Management Studies (HR) from Mumbai University.
I was fortunate enough to complete a double masters without financial difficulties. But post my MMS Final Exam I immediately got married. I believe our childhood experiences shape our life decisions. As I had working parents, I knew how a child feels alone at home and the importance of parental intervention during a child’s growing years.
Hence, I didn’t give much importance to building my career rather for me my family was always the priority. For 15 long years, I took the best possible care of my family. But as my family responsibilities started reducing, I felt the need to focus on myself and my career.
I think a person should keep growing in all aspects of life. My coaching journey started in May 2021. I completed my Parenting Coaching Certification with DEEP (A Parenting Coaches Association). I believe in upskilling and now I am a Licensed Purpose Coach too.
My niche is in Emotional well-being and Growth Mindset. Teenage is a challenging phase in a person’s life. So, teenagers need proper guidance in their personal life and career selection as well. My approach is helping them to find their core values first and then guiding which career is suitable for them. To get the best out of coaching, the process should take enough time to create trust between the coach and the client. There aren’t Magic Spells to change someone overnight. Coaching does take time to be effective. And I make it clear to clients before I start the coaching.
I am also associated with a Mumbai-based nonprofit organization Angel Xpress Foundation. I am fortunate to get the opportunity to help the AXF work as a Center Mentor at Thane Waghbil Center.
What made you passionate about ‘Coaching’?
I think of myself as a giver. I am a people-oriented person by nature and always like to help others in possible manners. I like to create a comfortable space for people where they can be themselves and have a candid talk with me. My focus is always to give emotional support to the person.
My goal is to guide my clients to be self-reliant emotionally and grow in all aspects of life. An emotionally strong person can achieve higher levels of success and live life with grace. Happiness is a state of mind. I make sure that my client is able to understand and implement this thought in everyday life.
I adore the Growth Mindset. For an emotionally strong person having a growth mindset, the sky’s the limit. Making my clients realize their true potential and seeing them succeed in their endeavours is my true bliss.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Challenge comes with an opportunity. If we could see those opportunities and work on them it paves further paths. The biggest challenge for me is to make clients understand that behavioural changes mean a lifestyle change. Unlearning old patterns to adapt to new ones is challenging.
So, making them mindful about the entire process is important. To bring in mindset change regular encouragement is required. But witnessing their transformation gives me more power to continue all the efforts.
Teenagers are the most misunderstood people. They go through many challenges and are in a confusing stage of life. If we give them unconditional acceptance and try to understand things from their point of view, they listen to our side as well. And then we can help them in taking informed decisions.
I believe, Personal or Career choices, both should be evaluated properly and with proper guidance teenagers are able to take the right decisions. Parents’ complete cooperation is important while coaching a teenager. It’s actually teamwork. So a lot of counselling and coaching happens during sessions. But when favourable results are seen, it’s motivating for me.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My son is my motivating factor. I guess even he doesn’t know about it. I was a homemaker for almost 15 years. But when I realized that I cannot just preach without action, I decided to come out of my comfort zones and guide my son by example. If I feel disappointed, I think about him and get back my energy.
My family and friends play a very important role in my life. Also, my Licensed Purpose Coach Community (LPCC) is my biggest motivator and support system. Our mentor, Mr Nitesh Gawade has guided all of us in the right direction. LPCC is my second family now.
Starting a career after so many years of gap was difficult. I tried applying for jobs in HR, but it was difficult to explain the valid reason behind not taking up a career seriously so far. People have said openly that they won’t consider me for lack of work experience.
Sadly, even being the best homemaker cannot create a space in the corporate world. Then I took it as a challenge and decided to be self-employed. If I cannot get a job in another organization, why not create one for myself. I started with teaching young kids and then gradually entered the coaching field.
What about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
I am a people person. Meeting new people and being able to help them makes my journey satisfying.
Also, their life stories allow me to grow at a personal level. Being part of the success story of another person makes my work satisfying.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
We do need to keep changing our strategies as per the situation.
(1) Being Non-judgmental
(2) Taking responsibility and being accountable for the results
(3) Being mindful
(4) Being supportive
(5) Creating a comfort zone for another person
(6) Having pure intentions
(7) Allowing room for mistakes
(8) Having updated knowledge
(9) Having a deep spiritual connection
Please share with us, how do you motivate your clients?
My way of motivating clients is by building trust between us. As my focus is on Emotional Wellness and Mindset change, I must give them the opportunity to empty themselves before adapting to new ways. The confidentiality of my client is my top priority.
Teenagers especially need a lot of encouragement. TRUST is a very important factor while dealing with them. If they sense that you trust their abilities, they sometimes surprise you with the efforts they put into achieving their set goals.
You are always smiling, what keeps you going?
My belief in the Almighty keeps me going. I am grateful for everything I have got in life. The person I am today is the result of hurdles and happiness that has come my way. Obstacles are part of life.
But I know that I will be protected by Him. So why not to be happy. If my smile brings a smile even on one face then I feel I have paid back a little to the society.
What are the business mantras you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
I resonate myself with the Tree. I believe, that having pure intentions takes you to the right people.
So, once I get the right opportunity, I try to give my best.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
> Finding Your PURPOSE
> Continues SWOT Analysis
> Accountability of your work
> Knowing Self-worth
> Self-Motivation
> Mindfulness
> Keeping your words
> Upskilling
> Knowing Client/Market needs
> Delegation and teamwork
> Action and execution
> Updated industry knowledge
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Today’s generation is mature and knows many things early in life. We as significant adults in their life should consider this as an opportunity. They need career guidance from an early age.
The older concept of a lifelong career is changing. These children are going to have 3-4 careers in their lifetime. The abundance of Information will be a challenge for them. They must concentrate on the mindful application of available information.
Communication, Connection and Creativity will play a major role. Market Situations will be highly competitive for them as they are global citizens. Hence emotional stability is a must for success. Life skills are very much important for them. Earlier they learn it, is better.
Last but not least, what kind of services do you provide?
I do one-on-one coaching for teenagers and women to discover their true potential and core values.
For teenagers based on the result, we decide what are the suitable career options they have. It’s a session-wise process. I believe in knowing the client first, before advising on career aspects. It helps teenagers
For women, my focus is on increasing self-value. Gaining emotional and financial independence.
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.
