At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. This week we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Dr Anjana Vinod Kumar for an exclusive interview with us. Dr Anjana is a Coach, Image Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Author, Change Enabler, and Keynote Speaker. She is the Founder and Director of Impact Enhancer. Let’s read more about her incredible journey so far and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr Anjana:
Talk us through your background and your journey, please.
A graduate from Mumbai University with a major in Economics Anjana was a below-average student during her school days. I was extremely attached to my grandparents and when I was in my 4th grade, I lost both in just a year’s gap. They emotionally and mentally drained me out.
My focus on education just shifted and I could barely recall what I studied. Passing the 10th grade too looked like an uphill task. However, things changed as I entered college. I was able to enjoy my studies and topped my college in Economics.
I always wanted to start working and be financially independent. So the post I completed my graduation I didn’t pursue higher studies (which I do feel bad about now). During my working tenure, I realized the value of specializing in streams of interest and went ahead and did multiple international certifications to support my passion. I did my MDP from IIM Bangalore – which I am very proud of.”
When diagnosed with the last stage of breast cancer 18 years ago my doctor realized the skill of staying positive under any circumstances in me. He offered me to speak to a few of his patients and transform their thought processes.
Being a certified coach from ICF @ PCC level I could use coaching techniques during my conversations. Thus becoming the ‘ONLY BREAST CANCER Coach INDIA’ has.
What made you passionate about ‘Coaching’?
I always had a positive outlook on life. And I used to share the same with people around me too.
Coaching became my second nature and I also realized I had the knack to make people self-introspect and gain their confidence back with a positive outlook to all challenges life throws at them.”
During my chemotherapy, I used to talk to other patients around me and got a lot of appreciation from their family members for the way their loved ones changed their outlook on life and moved away from giving up to living it up.
I realized my calling and passion didn’t limit to only cancer patients; many of my coaches shared their personal challenges and I was able to help them manoeuvre their thoughts and seek positive outcomes.
‘Impact Enhancer’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The name came more as default as many would come back to me and say you have IMPACTED our lives positively. So, I decided to leverage the same and Impact Enhancer was born.
The core objective was to create a long-lasting self-sustaining impact on the lives of people and create a ripple they would carry with them thus creating further positive waves.
Impact Enhancer would work with individuals, students, faculty, women, professionals, senior citizens – anyone and everyone who seeks to have growth and a positive mindset in life.”
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
The one thing that keeps me going is the blessings I receive from the families & individuals I have impacted.
Yes, challenges have always been my strength and motivation to do better and make sure I look at them as stepping stones to reach my goal.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
I cannot name one but as a group, I would say my Family. My Husband and Daughter have always been my pillar of strength. The foundation laid by my parents and my brother gave me the courage to take challenges head-on.
One thing that drives me is the reflection I see every day in the mirror. The ALMIGHTY has been very kind to me and ensured no matter what challenge is thrown at me HE either gives me the courage to face it or sends me the required support to get out of it.
I am a very religious person and strongly believe in the power and miracle PRAYERS can do.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
A few things that I never compromise on in life is my value system.
Always believe in the power of miracles when you have faith and trust. Ability to challenge self and take the plunge believing the fact that your intent is pure all will be good.
I look at obstacles, failures as a way of the universe communicating with you to say it’s not time yet to wait. Everything happens for a reason and not always will you have answers but if you have faith and trust life will be as beautiful as you see it.
What are the business mantras you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
#Never go after money, be honest and have the right intent. Money will follow.
#Give your best at every opportunity you get. Life always may not give you a second chance.
What about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The fact that I just need to touch my head to the pillow at night to get a peaceful sleep clearly shows my day has been productive and fruitful. The smile on my coach’s face and the gratitude they express with blessing keep me going every single day.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
Prayers, trust, faith, and pure intent. There are always two sides to a coin: your side and reality. I trust if my intent is pure only good will happen to me and even if it doesn’t there is something I am missing seeing. Surrender and Trust the Almighty – that’s the rule of the game.
Please share with us, how do you motivate your clients?
Make sure they understand and define a purpose for any action they wish to take. The drive comes from within.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success for me is a very relative term. It all depends on where you see it from. If you ask anyone if they are successful, the answer may not be yes. It’s like driving a car.
If you see from the front mirror there are many milestones you still have to achieve but if you see from the rearview mirror you will feel proud of where you have reached. So the key to success is putting in your honest effort and best foot forward in all walks of life.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Plan your goal and accept the fact that you will have to do things you may not enjoy in your journey but to reach the destination one must walk every path. For example, you are an amazing batsman, but you don’t like to field bowl or wicket.
It’s obvious you will never join the Indian cricket team. If that’s your goal you must do things you may not enjoy doing to achieve your goal.
So understand your strengths and the path to achieve your goals along with the stepping stones you will need to cross to reach your destination. Celebrate every small win and don’t keep it for the end.
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.
