At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Nameeta Iti Anant for an interview with BrilliantRead Media. Nameeta is an Entrepreneur, Life Coach, Speaker, IELTS Trainer (British Council) & Educationist (STEM). Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Nameeta:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I am an English lecturer by profession. I have taught English at the Higher Secondary level and Business Communication at the Undergraduate level.
I am a British Council certified IELTS Trainer and have guided students for other competitive exams – National (CAT, XAT, NMAT, CLAT etc.) & International (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL etc.), as well.
I can express best through poetry and have got a few of them published as well. While I was on this charmed path, built with a lot of struggle and hard work, towards a bright future, life had other plans.”
One day, I had a slight mishap (I fell down some stairs) but brushed the incident off and went about my routine as usual. Soon I was gripped with excruciating and non-stop pain which resulted in back surgery.
Due to my own lack of judgement and in a hurry to get back to normal, I did not take ample rest. Today I still have to use the walker for walking long distances and am on regular medications for chronic pain.
I battled depression for almost 3 years and medical interventions did no good. Finally, I stopped taking the ‘happy’ pills as they only made me groggy all the time and I could not even read – my favourite activity.”
I realised I could never lead a normal life or have a regular job. But I am not one to sit back. With no respite in sight, I decided to upgrade myself for a career wherein I did not have to travel regularly but still could make a positive impact on people’s lives.
I did not want to get hired due to pity on my condition but on skill and knowledge alone. So I dusted my walker and went on to complete my Life Coaching Course. Now, by God’s grace, I am able to contribute beyond teaching.
How did you discover your passion as a ‘Coach’?
It was a smooth albeit serendipitous transition. As an educationist, I do not believe in typical teaching for education differs from teaching. For me, education (of any form) should be a balance of knowledge, skills and values.
I have been guiding students beyond the classroom too to become good human beings first. Inadvertently, life coaching, in some form, was already a part of my teaching style.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
I have had several setbacks in my life but being a positive person and a way finder I try to turn about each situation into a learning experience. Not losing hope and having faith and belief in myself becomes a necessary choice.
I treat my problem like a project to be successfully solved and I apply all the scientific strategies I learnt in psychology and management.”
I know for a fact that no one’s coming to solve my problems for me. Until and unless I am proactive, and seek the answers and solutions, no progress will happen. I have to do my bit even when I take expert guidance and assistance.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
In my almost bedridden state, I took inspiration from Helen Keller & Stephen Hawking.
Also, my spirituality did not let me give in to despair.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
None from my side. Life is the strictest teacher. Lessons were learnt ultimately by simply being a conscientious pupil.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
> Hard work
> Consistency
> Commitment
> Kindness.
What advice would you give to our readers?
Know yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Become your Best Version. Have a dream and pursue it while being kind to yourself and others.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
I am humbled and grateful for every interaction wherein I have been able to empower through my knowledge and experience.
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.
