Interview with Harpreet Randhawa | Educationist | Trainer | Life Coach | Lead Academic Specialist for Apple at Radius Systems Pvt Ltd | MD at VInspire for Life 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 endeavour, we invited Harpreet Randhawa for an exclusive interview with us. Harpreet is an Educationist, Lead Academic Specialist for Apple at Radius Systems Pvt Ltd and MD of VInspire for Life Foundation. Let’s learn more about her background, her journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Harpreet:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey is one of resilience, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, spanning over 25 years in the education and training industry. It began as a sportswoman representing India in women’s cricket and competing in university-level hockey for Delhi University. These early experiences taught me the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, which shaped my professional life.
Transitioning into education, I earned two postgraduate degrees in Commerce and Education, along with multiple certifications that strengthened my coaching skills. I am a certified Master Trainer from the University of Cambridge, a Life Coach accredited by Franklin Covey, and a Certified Professional Behavioural Analyst for DISC.
As the founder & face of VInspire, a Learning & Development company, I designed, customized, and delivered impactful educational programs. Surviving an aneurysm was a life-altering experience that deepened my appreciation for resilience and health.
I also serve in advisory roles for institutions like Westwood School and the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce. Now, as an advocate of Apple Education, I lead strategic engagements with K-12 and higher education institutions, driving the adoption of Apple products and establishing networks with educational leaders. My journey continues, driven by passion, integrity, and purpose.
How did you discover your passion?
My interest in sports was strongly supported by my parents from an early age. The encouragement from my school and teachers helped me balance both sports and education in the most productive manner. My passion for education, training, and sports developed organically through a combination of personal experiences and professional achievements.
My journey began with a solid educational foundation, earning multiple postgraduate degrees, which prepared me for a career in education. Representing India in Women’s Cricket and participating in hockey at the university level honed my leadership skills, resilience, and teamwork. These experiences nurtured my ability to coach others, essential attributes that have significantly shaped my career as an educator and trainer.
As a parent, my commitment to educational development deepened, fueling my passion for shaping young minds. This passion is reflected in my work with individuals and organizations, helping them reach their full potential. My career highlights, such as founding VInspire, becoming a certified trainer and life coach, and receiving numerous awards, further affirmed my dedication to making a positive impact in education and training.
Ultimately, my passion is driven by a desire to empower others. I express this through a combination of personalized coaching, real-world experiences, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right—even when no one is watching. This combination of values has guided my journey and continues to inspire my work every day.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
My ability to persevere through challenges, including the battle with an aneurysm, is deeply rooted in my faith, resilience, and sense of purpose.
Faith in Waheguru: My faith in Waheguru provides me with spiritual strength and comfort during the most difficult times. The belief that I am being guided and protected by a higher power helps me find peace and clarity, even in the face of adversity. This trust allows me to accept that everything happens for a reason. Waheguru’s presence in my life assures me I am never alone, giving me the hope and courage to keep moving forward.
Surviving the Aneurysm: Overcoming the aneurysm was a life-defining moment. Surviving such a serious health challenge not only deepened my gratitude for life but also reaffirmed my belief in Waheguru’s grace. This experience shifted my perspective, reminding me to treat each day as a gift. Surviving this trial has become a testament to my resilience and the strength that comes from faith.
Resilience from My Journey: Whether in sports, education, or my role as an Army wife, I have always demonstrated resilience. Surviving an aneurysm added an even deeper layer of strength. I’ve learned that no matter how big the challenge, faith, determination, and support can help me push through.
Purpose in Helping Others: Knowing that my work positively impacts others is the fuel that drives me. Whether through teaching, coaching, or advising, my desire to empower people keeps me moving forward, even when I’m faced with personal difficulties.
Support from Family and Values: My family, especially my role as a mother and Army wife, gives me the emotional strength to persevere. The values I hold close, along with the support of my loved ones, provide me with comfort and motivation to balance my personal and professional life, making me stronger.
Ultimately, my unwavering faith in Waheguru, the resilience gained from life’s trials, and my passion for helping others inspire me to keep going, no matter how tough the road becomes.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Here are three key life lessons that have shaped my journey:
a) Resilience is key to success: My experiences in sports, education, and leadership have shown me that setbacks are part of the journey. Representing India in cricket and competing in hockey taught me perseverance. My career in education and training stands as a testament to my ability to rise above challenges.
b) Power of service, giving, and duty: I believe in the power of service, giving, and sharing as fundamental to my purpose. Doing your duty as a responsibility, without expecting rewards, brings true fulfilment. This principle drives how I lead VInspire and contribute to the lives of others.
c) Integrity and doing the right thing: “Do the right thing when no one is watching” is a core belief. Integrity is not about recognition, but about staying true to values. This lesson guides my professional and personal actions, ensuring that I make a positive impact every day.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The keys to my success are deeply rooted in passion, resilience, integrity, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships. These values form a holistic approach to achieving both personal and professional goals:
Passion and Purpose: My passion for education and training fuels my journey. Empowering others through learning gives my work purpose, driving me even during challenging times. Passion and purpose keep me focused and motivated.
Resilience and Perseverance: From representing India in sports to leading a successful education company, I’ve learned that resilience is essential. Challenges are inevitable, but it’s the ability to persevere that defines success.
Integrity and Doing What’s Right:”Do the right thing when no one is watching” is a principle I live by. Integrity builds trust, respect, and a solid foundation for lasting success.
Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning is central to my philosophy. Adapting and growing in an ever-changing world keeps me prepared for new challenges.
Building Relationships: Success is not a solo journey. Building genuine connections with clients, colleagues, and peers creates opportunities and strengthens the foundation of collaborative success.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice to students and young professionals is rooted in the values I’ve embraced throughout my journey:
Discover Your Passion and Purpose: True success comes from pursuing what excites and drives you. Let your passion guide your career choices and keep you motivated, even during tough times.
Embrace Resilience and Learn from Setbacks: Challenges and failures are inevitable. The key is to remain resilient and view each setback as a learning opportunity. My experiences in sports and education have shown that perseverance is essential.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: Learning doesn’t stop after graduation. Continue seeking knowledge and embrace new experiences. Staying curious and adaptable will help you thrive in an ever-changing world.
Lead with Integrity: Always do what is right, even when no one is watching. Integrity builds trust, which is essential for personal and professional growth.
Build Meaningful Relationships: Genuine connections are the foundation of long-term success. Focus on creating deep, trusting relationships with those around you.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
My journey, from being a sportswoman to an educator, Army wife, mother, and aneurysm survivor, is a profoundly enriching experience.
The unyielding resilience forged through sports laid the foundation for everything that followed. Representing India in cricket and playing hockey at the university level taught me unshakeable discipline, perseverance, and team spirit, which seamlessly transitioned into my work as an educator and coach.
The immense joy of empowering others fuels my passion. Taking the competitive drive from sports and channelling it into education has allowed me to uplift and inspire others. As a leader and mentor, I find deep fulfilment in helping others discover their potential, making my journey not only rewarding but purposeful.
Being an Army wife brings a unique layer of strength and pride. The challenges of frequent relocations and long separations have only heightened my resilience and adaptability. As a mother, I have balanced these pressures while nurturing my children, developing an emotional fortitude that makes each day more rewarding.
Surviving an aneurysm was a life-altering experience that deepened my gratitude for life and heightened my appreciation for health and personal strength. Overcoming this has made me cherish my roles as a mother, educator, and coach even more, as each milestone is now a monumental gift.
From sports to motherhood, education to survival, my journey is a rich tapestry of growth, each experience shaping and strengthening the next. My life is a testament to resilience, learning, and fulfilment, embodying the lessons carried through every chapter.
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