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. Sheetal Rayathatha for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Psychologist, Coach, Counsellor, Trainer, NLP Practitioner, Influencer and Change Enabler. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr. Sheetal:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey began with storytelling, sparked by a simple joy: seeing the delight in my daughter’s eyes as she listened to stories. It inspired an idea – why not share this magic with more children? In 2005, a friend and I organized a summer camp centred on storytelling, theatre, and music. Witnessing the enthusiasm of around 30 kids, I realized the power stories held to captivate and inspire.
From there, I immersed myself in the art of storytelling, exploring diverse narratives from Panchtantra tales to fairy tales. The arrival of Dr. Eric Miller, a PhD in Folklore, in India further enriched my understanding, leading me to embrace storytelling not just as a hobby but as a profession. I found myself telling stories at birthdays, schools, and gatherings, driven purely by passion.”
My journey unfolded organically as I ventured into new territories, incorporating arts, crafts, dance, and even math concepts into storytelling. I taught math using storytelling concepts and authored books on Math from LKG to Grade 2. Each endeavour brought new challenges, but with determination and experience, I navigated them, always striving to improve.
Over the years, I pursued various certifications and qualifications. During the lockdown period, I was certified by UCLA as a Career Counselor and obtained TEFL/TESOL certification from the Asian College of Teachers. I also became a Certified LIFE Coach and completed my MA in Psychology (Child Psychology and School Counseling).
In addition, I received NLP practitioner and Adv NLP coaching certifications, became a certified Yoga instructor, and received an honorary Doctor of Psychology degree from Global Human Peace University, Delaware, USA in October 2023.
However, storytelling always remained my true calling. Today, I use storytelling not just for entertainment but also as a tool for education, therapy, and personal development. From teaching phonics to counseling through metaphors, storytelling has become the cornerstone of my work.”
I also use storytelling to train corporates on various subjects such as stress management, goal setting, soft skills, psychodrama, positive appraisal, and leadership skills.
Despite the evolving landscape and increasing competition, my focus remains on honing my craft and spreading the joy of storytelling. As I co-host the Chennai Storytelling Festival 2024, I reflect on my journey – a journey fueled by a love for storytelling, where learning never ceases.
How did you discover your passion?
Through the years, I pursued various avenues, accumulating certifications and qualifications, yet storytelling remained the constant thread weaving through my endeavours.
It was through this journey of exploration and discovery that I truly found my passion, a passion that continues to drive me forward as I explore new ways to share the magic of storytelling with others.”
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Despite the challenges, what keeps me going when things get tough is my unwavering passion for storytelling and its impact on others. The joy I see in the faces of children as they immerse themselves in a tale, the moments of connection and understanding forged through storytelling, these are the fuel that propels me forward.
Moreover, I draw strength from the belief that every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and learning.
Each challenge I face serves as a reminder of my resilience and determination to overcome hurdles, ultimately emerging stronger and more capable.”
Additionally, the support and encouragement of my community – from mentors like Eric to the children and families I interact with – provide inspiration and motivation during tough times. Knowing that my work makes a difference, no matter how small reinforces my commitment to persevere through adversity.
Ultimately, it is the profound impact storytelling has on both myself and others that sustains me through challenges, reminding me of the transformative power of narrative and the importance of sharing it with the world.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal lessons have shaped my perspective and guided my path:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Life presents us with challenges, setbacks, and unexpected turns. Through adversity, I’ve learned the invaluable lesson of resilience – the ability to bounce back, adapt, and persevere in the face of obstacles. Each trial has been an opportunity for growth, teaching me to remain steadfast in pursuit of my goals and aspirations.
Passion and Purpose Drive Meaningful Pursuits: Discovering and nurturing my passion for storytelling has been transformative. It has taught me the importance of aligning my actions with my passions and values, leading to a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment. By pursuing what ignites my soul, I’ve found the motivation to overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Connection and Community Enrich the Journey: No journey is travelled alone. The support, guidance, and connections forged with mentors, peers, and communities have been instrumental in my growth and success. I’ve learned that meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging provide strength, inspiration, and invaluable opportunities for collaboration and learning.
These lessons serve as guiding principles, reminding me to remain resilient in the face of adversity, pursue my passions with purpose, and cultivate meaningful connections along the way.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
In my opinion, several key elements contribute to success:
Clear Goals and Vision: Success often begins with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and why it matters to you. Setting specific, achievable goals and visualizing success can provide direction and motivation.
Hard Work and Persistence: There is no substitute for hard work and persistence. Success rarely comes overnight; it requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
Continuous Learning and Growth: Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and growth. Stay curious, seek new knowledge and skills, and be open to feedback and self-improvement. Adaptability and flexibility are crucial in navigating changing circumstances and seizing opportunities.
Effective Planning and Execution: Develop a strategic plan and take consistent, focused action towards your goals. Break down tasks into manageable steps, prioritize effectively, and stay organized to maximize productivity and efficiency.
Resilience and Adaptability: Success often requires the ability to adapt to change, overcome obstacles, and bounce back from setbacks. Cultivate resilience by embracing failure as a learning opportunity, staying flexible in the face of adversity, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Effective Communication and Collaboration: Success is rarely achieved alone. Build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to leverage diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise. Effective teamwork and networking can propel you towards success.
Integrity and Ethics: Conduct yourself with integrity, honesty, and ethical principles in all your endeavours. Trustworthiness and ethical behaviour build credibility, foster positive relationships, and contribute to long-term success and fulfilment.
Self-Reflection and Adaptation: Take time for self-reflection to evaluate your progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your approach as needed. Embrace feedback, learn from experiences, and remain flexible in refining your strategies for success.
By incorporating these keys to success into your life and endeavours, you can increase your chances of achieving your goals and fulfilling your potential.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
For students and young professionals aspiring to build successful careers, here are some key pieces of advice:
Clarify Your Goals: Take the time to explore your interests, values, and aspirations to define clear career goals. Consider what truly motivates and excites you, and align your career path accordingly.
Invest in Education and Skill Development: Continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Pursue formal education, certifications, and relevant training programs to enhance your expertise and stay competitive in your field.
Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions to gain practical experience and exposure to your chosen field. Real-world experience can provide valuable insights, skills, and networking opportunities.
Build a Strong Professional Network: Cultivate relationships with peers, mentors, professors, industry professionals, and alumni. Networking can provide valuable support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.
Develop Effective Communication Skills: Communication skills are essential in every aspect of your career. Practice effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication to convey ideas, build relationships, and navigate professional interactions with confidence and clarity.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Keep abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging opportunities by reading, attending workshops, and engaging in professional development activities.
Seek Feedback and Learn from Mistakes: Embrace feedback as a valuable tool for growth and improvement. Be open to constructive criticism, learn from your mistakes, and use setbacks as opportunities to reflect, adapt, and refine your approach.
Stay Flexible and Adapt to Change: The professional landscape is constantly evolving. Cultivate adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change. Be proactive in seeking new challenges, opportunities, and ways to innovate and grow in your career.
Maintain Work-Life Balance: Prioritize your well-being and maintain a healthy balance between work, personal life, and self-care. Setting boundaries, managing stress, and investing in your physical and mental health are essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
Stay Persistent and Stay Positive: Success often requires perseverance, patience, and a positive mindset. Stay focused on your goals, stay persistent in the face of obstacles, and maintain a positive attitude even during challenging times. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.
By applying these principles and strategies, students and young professionals can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career journey.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey satisfying and exciting is the profound impact storytelling has on people’s lives. Seeing the joy and transformation it brings, from children to adults, fills me with purpose.
Additionally, the constant learning and growth, along with the meaningful connections formed, keep my journey fresh and invigorating. Each day presents new opportunities to inspire, educate, and connect through the magic of storytelling, making every moment fulfilling and exciting.
Which is that one person in your life who keeps you motivated through difficult times?
Meeting different people at different turns in my life has been both challenging and rewarding.
Some have tried to hold me back, but their resistance only fueled my determination to rise above. Conversely, others have inspired me to reach higher, encouraging me to become the best version of myself. Each encounter has been a lesson, teaching me resilience, compassion, and the importance of surrounding myself with positive influences.
The people who have helped me grow are my parents, my sisters, my children – my inspiration, my friends – who always kept me going and to whom I could turn to, when I felt lonely, my fellow storytellers who always taught me to improvise on my skills and welcomed me to create new ideas, How can I forget the HRs of different companies who believe in my abilities.
Above all, I am thankful to the almighty for everything. One of my very close friends has taught me a very beautiful shloka. Would like to share :- Forgive all before you sleep, and you will be forgiven before you wake up.
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.
