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. As part of this endeavour, we invited Dr Deepika Tikoo for an exclusive interview with us. She is a Leader, Coach, Mentor, Pharmacologist, and Influencer. She is the Founder of Simply Pharmacology. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr Deepika:
We are aware of your contributions to the ecosystem; talk us through your background and your journey, please;
After my MD in Pharmacology from DMC Ludhiana, I joined a reputed university where I am currently working as a Professor. I have worked with thousands of medical students and mentored them in the process so that they could achieve their best.
Currently, I am in the process of launching my own online Pharmacademy where my mission is to reach students in every nook and corner of the world and help them in their journey.
Also, the additional advantage of myself being a certified life coach will help in their overall holistic development.
How did you discover your passion in ‘Coaching’?
It was in the year 2016 when after the completion of my post-graduation, I had the option of joining a multinational Pharmaceutical company or continuing to be an academician. But I could not resonate with the work culture of the company and I knew that my heart was where the students were. I loved teaching and that was the reason, I simply gave up on the other career option as I didn’t feel the connection.
In due course of time, my belief in my core passion – teaching grew stronger and stronger. It was essentially about arriving at a place that really resonated with my personality and life choices.”
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Empowering and challenging the myths/stereotypes about the way education should be, having self-awareness and courage to do what the heart says, being a lifelong learner and waking up with a strong mission every day is what drives me to work in this field.
At Simply Pharmacology, we envision a world in which all students have access to not only a great course but also mindset training to become a better version of themselves.
We want to create medical students who have the love for the subject and the mental strength to rise amongst all odds/failures which life can bring.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My life changed around when my pillar; my husband Abhijit stood by my decision, encouraged me and introduced me to some of the greatest mentors with the same core values as me.
He is my biggest strength. He has since become my safe spot and anchor. Without his constant encouragement and support with my kids, this journey would have been impossible.
My inlaws and my mother too have supported me at every step of the way and the reason I could fully concentrate on my mission.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
> Being mindful
> Always being resourceful
> Taking extreme ownership and responsibility for my actions
> Courage to take risks about the way I am designing my life
> Ability to think positive about future
> Being a big believer in God
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
My motivation comes from my mission because it is bigger than me. The joy I get in creating my courses and to keep learning something new every day propels me forward.
Focus & discipline comes from the desire to master my skill and my genuine enjoyment for my purpose. I try to set boundaries which take practice so that I don’t get bogged down by other problems.”
I keep a gratitude journal and write five things I am grateful for. I have a morning routine which keeps me grounded and perfectly aligned with my motto.
I also read works by people I admire with uplifting material that reminds me of the power we all have within us.
Last but not least, when I see my students having a moment and I get the privilege of witnessing their breakthroughs, it’s the most powerful stimulant I can imagine.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
I will say it straight that there are many factors but if you really have to have the key elements then to me these are the ones:
(1) Accepting & Loving myself.
(2) Responsibility for my actions
(3) Standing up for myself
(4) Resourcefulness
(5) Curiosity to learn more and more
(6) Positive Attitude
(7) Taking massive action (execution) with consistency and belief
Please share with us, how do you influence your students?
Concepts, clarity and confidence is my formula for them. Also focus, full surrender, hard work and dedication can never go unrewarded. I empower them with these virtues and success would be a byproduct of this.
Also, fun is the most vital aspect of taking part in anything, and yet one of the hardest to achieve. So trying to incorporate fun in learning makes it a bang-on combination.
My work is to educate and empower students to take on responsibilities for their own self-development and show confidence in their abilities to achieve their goals. I always ask them to believe in themselves and give their 100% in whatever they choose to do.
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.
