Interview with Gayatri Natarajan | Parenting Expert | Freelance Teacher and Trainer | Co-Founder at Amiga | Co-Founder and Advisor at Learning Curve Life Skills Foundation
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 endeavor, we invited Gayatri Natarajan for an exclusive interview with us. Gayatri is a Leader, Entrepreneur, Parenting Expert, Freelance Teacher and Trainer, Co-Founder of Amiga and Co-Founder and Advisor of Learning Curve Life Skills Foundation. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Gayatri;
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
I’m originally from Tamil Nadu, but my upbringing was quite the journey. I had the privilege of experiencing life in various parts of Maharashtra. My father was a diligent railways officer, and my mother, a loving homemaker, created a warm and nurturing environment for our family. My school days were spent in the vibrant city of Nagpur, and I continued my higher education in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
From early on, my life partner and I shared a common dream – a dream of making a positive impact on the lives of children. This desire to do something meaningful for children was a passion we both held even before we tied the knot.
In 2016, we took the first step toward realizing that dream by founding Learning Curve Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the Social-Emotional Well-being of children.
As we continued our journey in the field, we had a turning point in 2022. It was during this time that we, along with our dedicated colleague, Ms. Sirisha, and my partner, Subbu, recognized a significant missing piece in our mission. We understood that to truly enhance the mental well-being of children, we needed to equip parents with a deeper understanding of how their actions affect their children and why children exhibit certain behaviors.
This insight led to the birth of Amiga, a platform designed to bridge this knowledge gap and empower parents with the insights and support they need to nurture the well-being of their children.
Our journey continues with a renewed sense of purpose, guided by our vision of supporting children and families on the path to emotional well-being and success.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
Entrepreneurship, for me, is a journey of the heart. What truly draws me to this path is the profound sense of ownership and a personal connection with the purpose. It’s similar to planting a seed and nurturing it into a big and tall tree.
I enjoy the freedom to make decisions, embrace successes, and learn from setbacks with a deep sense of personal investment. In the corporate world, you might work to further someone else’s dream, but entrepreneurship allows me to manifest my own dreams, values, and aspirations.
For me, entrepreneurship is not just a career choice; it’s a reflection of who I am and what I want to achieve professionally. It sparks the fires of innovation and encourages the joy of crafting something distinct and original.
The road is often challenging, but every milestone and triumph feels like a personal victory. It’s a journey that aligns seamlessly with my passion for creating and making a meaningful impact, which, to me, is the essence of true fulfillment and satisfaction in my professional life.
‘Amiga’ 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 “Amiga” holds a special place in our hearts. It means “friend” in several languages, and it encapsulates the essence of our platform. Just as a friend offers support, understanding, and guidance, Amiga is designed to be a trusted companion for parents. We believe that raising children is a journey best taken with friends who understand and support each other.
Amiga was born from our recognition that there’s a significant gap in supporting children’s social-emotional well-being. Today, many children face challenges in understanding and expressing their emotions, and parents often find it challenging to navigate this complex terrain.
We aim to bridge this gap by providing parents with resources, insights, and a supportive community to help them better understand and address the emotional needs of their children. Through Amiga, we are committed to enhancing the emotional well-being of both children and parents.
What does your company specialize in?
Amiga specializes in being a comprehensive counseling services platform, serving a diverse range of clients, including families, schools, and corporations. Our primary focus is to foster emotional well-being and personal development within these settings. We provide a broad spectrum of counseling services and resources tailored to the unique needs of each of our clients.
For families, Amiga is a trusted source of support, offering counseling services that strengthen relationships, enhance communication, and promote overall family harmony. We understand the intricacies of family dynamics and provide the tools to address them effectively.
In educational settings, such as schools, Amiga partners with educators and students to create a nurturing environment. Our counseling services in schools are designed to address the emotional and psychological needs of students, empowering them to navigate the challenges of their academic journey more effectively.
In the corporate world, Amiga supports the well-being of parents and families with children by providing counseling services that promote a healthy work-life balance, reduce stress, and foster a more positive and productive work environment. We firmly believe that mental well-being at home is not only essential for personal happiness but also crucial for productivity and overall success in the workplace.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Managing to keep moving forward despite challenges is no easy feat, but what drives us is a deep-seated passion and a belief in the impact of our work. We’re motivated by the families we support, the students we guide, and the parents we empower.
Every positive change we witness, no matter how small, is a powerful reminder that our efforts are making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. The idea of contributing to a world where children grow up emotionally healthy, and families thrive, is a source of unwavering motivation.
Challenges are part of the journey, but they only fuel our determination to keep pushing ahead and creating a brighter future for the individuals and communities we serve.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
Our own children have undeniably been an immense source of motivation in our daily lives. The desire to provide them with a nurturing environment and help them navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being has been a driving force behind our work. We understand firsthand the challenges and joys of parenting, and this personal connection fuels our commitment to supporting other parents and families on their journey.
Our own efforts and experiences in raising our children have given us valuable insights into the importance of emotional well-being in family life. We’ve learned that by helping other parents, we not only enhance the lives of their children but also create a more harmonious and fulfilling environment within our own families.
This reciprocal relationship between our personal experiences and our work amplifies our motivation to continue striving for positive change in the lives of the families we serve.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Several strategies have played a pivotal role in my personal growth journey. First and foremost, a commitment to continuous learning has been instrumental. Whether through reading, seeking out mentors, or pursuing further education, the hunger for knowledge has expanded my horizons and helped me evolve.
Resilience has also been a cornerstone of my growth. Embracing setbacks as opportunities for learning and persevering through challenges has fostered resilience and a mindset of constant improvement.
Another key strategy has been self-reflection. Regularly taking the time to evaluate my actions, choices, and their impact has allowed me to gain self-awareness and make more informed decisions.
Furthermore, nurturing meaningful relationships has been essential. Surrounding myself with supportive, like-minded individuals has provided a network of encouragement and guidance that has propelled my personal growth.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success is a multifaceted concept, and the keys to achieving it can vary from person to person. However, a combination of these factors can significantly contribute to personal and professional success.
Passion and Purpose: Having a genuine passion for what you do and a clear sense of purpose can drive you to put in the necessary effort and determination to achieve success.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and learn from failures is crucial. Success often involves overcoming challenges, and resilience ensures you keep moving forward.
Effective Planning: Setting clear goals and creating a strategic plan to achieve them is a foundational element of success. Planning helps you stay organized and focused on your objectives.
Adaptability: Being open to change and able to adapt to new circumstances is important. The ability to pivot and adjust your approach as needed can be the difference between success and stagnation.
Perseverance: Staying committed to your objectives, even when faced with adversity or discouragement, is a key to long-term success.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
For students and young professionals striving for a successful career, my advice is twofold.
First, find your passion and let it guide your career choices. When you’re genuinely excited about your work, success becomes more attainable and fulfilling.
Second, invest in education and skill development throughout your journey. This continuous learning keeps you adaptable and competitive in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
Additionally, cultivate a strong network and seek mentorship to gain insights and opportunities. Embrace challenges, maintain work-life balance, and prioritize ethics in your conduct. Finally, remain patient, persistent, and open to feedback. Success is a journey, and it’s about continuous growth and personal development.
Last but not least, what are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Three of life’s most impactful lessons for me have been:
> Stay Resilient and Adaptable: Life often throws curveballs our way. I’ve learned the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and being flexible when facing change. It’s like a reminder that challenges can make us stronger, and adaptability helps us thrive in an ever-changing world.
> Connect with Empathy: Understanding and forming meaningful connections with others has been a profound lesson. Empathy allows me to see the world through others’ eyes and build deep, meaningful relationships. It’s a constant reminder that our actions affect the people around us.
> Keep Learning Always: I’ve come to realize that the journey of learning and personal growth is lifelong. Whether it’s through formal education, life experiences, or simply interacting with others, the hunger for knowledge and self-improvement keeps me engaged with the world and prepares me to tackle whatever lies ahead.
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.
