At BrilliantRead Media, our aim is to bring to our community some of the unique and compelling stories from the ecosystem. As part of this endeavour, we invited Deepti Jandial for an exclusive interview with us. Deepti is a Coach, Consultant, Speaker, Leader, Psychometric Assessor, and Behavioural Skills Facilitator. Let’s learn more about her inspirational journey and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Deepti:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey, please;
I schooled from Mary Immaculate Girls High School and those 10 long years were my most formative ones. I have very strong memories both good and bad, which made me the person I am today. Post my graduation in Commerce, I did my double Masters in HR and Marketing tripling it with a Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Labor Law Relations.
I was always attracted to the stage and, thankfully, I never feared crowds or masses; which helped me hone my skills of theatre and singing. I soaked in the best and the most trying times both from my school and college.
I started my career as a Lecturer with varied Business Schools and Colleges and enjoyed my journey with the students who were rearing to go ahead in life. Becoming an International Baccalaureate Coach in Business and Management got me to see the transition in the learning and teaching patterns.
My lecturing career pushed me an inch ahead into Training and Development. And since then there is no looking back. Transformational Life Coaching, Assessment Center Certification, DISC, PRISM Brain Mapping, Mapping Emotional Intelligence, and a lot more in the field of Learning and Development helped me make a strong footing in the industry both nationally and internationally.
I was very ambitious and for the longest time that I recall I remember only wanting to do something soulful & satisfying, and that’s what my passion to connect with people drove me to do.
What made you passionate about ‘Training’?
To me, Training is an applied form of Teaching. When what is learnt is applied in the right momentum and with honesty, it becomes a religion and I very strongly believe that if people think that Training is an expensive affair then they should try being ignorant in life!
I started my career in 1997 with Lecturing and then the training industry struck the chord in me in 2004 that I could not shake off of me at all.
Way back in 2004, I was spotted by the Chairperson of TQMS whilst delivering a lecture at ICFAI and she asked me to see her in her office and since then there is no turning back. More than 300 companies have been trained so far with a battery of Training Organizations, I am humbled that I got the opportunity to pan the varied spectrums of Industries.
I love to connect with people. The flesh, blood, skin, soul, thought process, emotions, and the vibes fill me up when I deliver sessions in person and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives is very satisfying.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Empowering others and challenging the myths & stereotypes that anyone with zero corporate experience cannot do a good job as a Trainer was a nightmare.
Not having a Godfather in the industry was equally difficult as was it to make a name in the market with stalwarts having tons of years of experience as Coaches and Facilitators.
I was pinned down over my young age, being a woman, and lastly being raw in the Training space. But, not for too long.
I learnt a very strong lesson in life after losing both my parents and that is, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have.” 24 years as a freelancer and oodles of guilt of not having anyone proper job, but I know that I have followed my passion and I love what I do.
My only driving force is the fact that I have possibilities to look forward to and a very small life to achieve them.
The trust, feedback, & the recall value in the minds of people is addictive; and keeps me going under all circumstances.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
1) Being hopeful about the future, but living each day as it comes.
2) People do not hear what you say, people see what you do and how you treat others.
3) Being honest to no one else BUT YOU.
4) Ability to take risks & venture into uncharted territories.
5) Being adaptable and learning to flex.
Are you a very positive person and remain highly motivated in life?
It’s a misnomer that one can be positive 24*7. Most people believe that considering I deal with varied humans and their emotions, I am totally capable of being in absolute control of all situations, I never feel let down, and I am very positive under all situations.
Ironically, that is not true at all. I am pessimistic in most situations and I attempt to see the positive in those negative moments. I get upset, depressed, and also see life as unfair many times. Though they are phases and it’s normal because I am human.
I too go through my downtime and it takes a lot of effort to keep my chin high and up. I am a spiritual person and I feel very calm in any quiet place. Be it a place of worship, my own home, sitting down quietly penning my feelings and thoughts, or sometimes even a meditative slumber does me good.
Could you please share with us the things that people do not know about you?
(i) I had 2 pet scorpions for many years after college.
(ii) I love dogs, but couldn’t have one as a pet because my family hated 4-legged creatures in the house.
(iii) I love dancing, and I am trained in Zumba and Contemporary.
(iv) I would have loved to be married & settled with kids, and would have dropped my professional career to be a total housewife! Forever envisaged that.
(v) I do not have a lot of friends because for being a friend you need to eat, sleep, pray and travel together. Acceptance is the key and frivolity is not for keeps.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
(a) Learning forever and nonstop sans an iota of pride of ‘I KNOW EVERYTHING’.
(b) Learning from others.
(c) Standing tall for what you believe in and speaking your mind too.
(d) Giving and receiving… Though, it will never be in the same proportion.
(e) Curiosity.
(f) Accepting the lull and admitting that all is not always well.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
– Be ready to experiment and learn.
– Be unique.
– Do not copy others.
– It’s ok to not be successful, but do not stop attempting and do not stop seeking guidance from others. There is no assignment that can be put on the back burner saying that it’s too quaint and too small for someone like me.
– Learn to flex and attune yourself to the new concepts around you.
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.
