Interview with Prakash D | Author | Certified Mindfulness and REBT Life Coach | NLP and Mindfulness Practitioner | Influencer | Founder at Prakash D Mindset Coach
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 Prakash D for an exclusive interview with us. Prakash is a Leader, Author, Certified Mindfulness and REBT Life Coach, NLP, Mindfulness Practitioner and an Influencer. He is also the Founder of Prakash D Mindset Coach Let’s learn more about his incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Prakash;
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I was born in Kishangarh – Rajasthan, in a middle-class Marwari family. My dad runs a telecom retail store in Chennai. I had my schooling completed from Daniel Thomas Matric. Hr. Sec. School at Chennai. My journey began in the world of Telecom Retail, a path I opted for after completing my schooling in a middle-class setup.
Due to financial constraints, I was unable to attend college like normal students do after school. Our family had loans to be repaid and we could not afford the college fees. So I decided to do my graduation through Distance Learning. I completed my BBA, followed by an MBA from Annamalai University Distance Education, Annamalai Nagar, with my Telecom retail business side by side. Stepping into my father’s Retail Business seemed like the logical move, but beneath the surface, a deeper calling for a more profound impact on people’s lives was brewing.
There came a point in 2017 when I felt like I could not continue with the retail store, though the Business was running well, I felt that there was no spark remaining in me. It was like a monotonous rut, day-in and day-out. I felt myself caught up in a VIP jail of Comfort Zone, I was not satisfied with myself. I explored my opportunities, but due to a career gap in my professional setup, I was unable to land into any job.
I then stumbled upon UPSC. But with 4 failed attempts (2017. 2020. 2021. 2022) even that path blurred out eventually. Despite facing roadblocks in pursuing a career in Civil Services and experiencing a challenging career gap, I discovered the transformative power of mindfulness.
This realization marked a turning point in my life, propelling me to become a Certified Mindfulness & REBT Life Coach, an NLP Practioner and an author of two books, “Master Your Destiny” and “The Bold Path.” Now, I am on a mission to empower individuals to break free from stress and anxiety and cultivate a growth mindset.
How did you discover your passion as a ‘Coach’?
My passion as a coach emerged during a challenging period when I faced setbacks in pursuing a career in Civil Services. This phase led me on a mental health journey, and the discovery of mindfulness became a magic moment.
Recognizing its transformative power, I explored deeper, and after experiencing firsthand that my own thoughts were the determinants of my life and outcomes, I went on to become a Certified Mindfulness & REBT Life Coach, an NLP Practitioner.
The realization that I could help others break free from mental roadblocks and live a more fulfilling life, with my own experiences, ignited my passion as a coach.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Empowering and challenging the myths, stereotypes about wellness journey to have self-awareness and courage to do their own therapy to live a life of respect, and dignity and treat others with the same ethical principles is my drive to work in this field.
I view challenges as something that if I encounter them, I will either succeed or I will learn from the failures. With a lot of roles that I play as a coach, sometimes I get enmeshed in overwhelmed. But the one thing which has been my ‘go-to’ strategy is- ‘ One step at a time, that’s all it takes’ I just focus on my next step, not the whole path.
The drive to make a profound impact on individuals’ lives fuels my perseverance. Despite facing challenges in my attempts at Civil Services and the hurdles of a career gap, the transformative power of mindfulness and coaching became my beacon of hope. The belief that rewriting mental scripts and overcoming limiting beliefs can lead to a more fulfilling life keeps me motivated to continue on this journey.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
The biggest source of motivation in my daily life is my family. The unwavering support from my family, especially my dad, his belief in my potential, even when others doubted my career choices, during challenging times, has been a constant source of strength.
My wife, in particular, saw the potential for a comeback when I faced setbacks in the UPSC exams. Her unwavering belief in my abilities, coupled with my father’s consistent support, provided the emotional foundation needed to navigate challenges.
Additionally, the profound impact that mindfulness has had on my own life serves as a daily reminder of its potential to positively influence others.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
> Embracing a mindful approach to life, becoming aware and being present in every moment.
> I started small with whatever I had, I restrained from going for fancy shiny objects. I utilize whatever I have to its fullest potential, be it any material resource or my own mind 3- Coaching and mentoring from industry experts, combined with a resilient mindset, have contributed to my personal growth.
> Courage & ability to take risks & embracing challenges and uncertainties.
> Willingness to be a lifelong learner- Adopting a mindset of continuous learning and growth.
“I wear the cloak of a student, not a master, for the world’s knowledge stretches like an endless desert, and I’m forever a camel, thirsty for the next oasis.”
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
(1) My Policy Of Being Authentic – I don’t try to copy the flashy gurus or chase trends. My lived experience, struggles, and resilience are my unique assets. People connect with my genuine passion and relatability, not polished perfection.
(2) I Focus on Value, Not Hype – Middle-class values like hard work, perseverance, and re-sourcefulness resonate with my audience. I offer practical strategies and tools that empower them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
(3) I am trying to build a Community, Not Just a Client Base where people can learn and grow together.
(4) I know the grind of slow and steady progress. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge setbacks as learning opportunities, and inspire perseverance through realistic goals.
(5) I keep myself updated on the latest research in positive psychology, coaching techniques, and personal development. I Invest in my own growth to deliver the best possible value to my clients.
(6) Remember, Service is More than Just a Job- it’s a genuine desire to empower others
(7) I am a Mentor who is an Implementor, Not just a preacher. I learn by doing things. In my mentor’s words- ‘ Ideation without execution is just an illusion
What advice would you give to our readers?
I’d say to you, embrace challenges—they’re chances to grow and change for the better. Your thoughts have a lot of power, so remember, you can rewrite how you see things. Keep a mindset that’s open to learning and surround yourself with supportive people. Success often means dealing with obstacles, but each challenge is like a stepping stone, moving you forward in your personal and professional journey.
Believe in yourself and what you can achieve. See challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and get better. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support from mentors and communities. Take charge of your own path by combining a positive mindset with purposeful actions.
In a nutshell, face challenges with the belief that they have chances to grow. Get wisdom from mentors and communities, and take control of your journey by blending a positive mindset with thoughtful actions.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The satisfaction and excitement in my journey stem from a series of enriching experiences:
Seeing personal and others’ positive transformations – The positive changes in attitudes, skills, and overall well-being create a fulfilling narrative of progress and improvement, making each step in the journey deeply satisfying.
Creating a community of empowered individuals – I’m part of a community where like-minded people uplift and encourage one another. The shared strength makes the path forward even more exciting and fulfilling.
Making a meaningful contribution to society through coaching and education – Contributing to society through coaching and education brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to my journey.
Always learning and evolving – The satisfaction comes from the dynamic nature of the journey, where improvement is a constant. The excitement arises from the prospect of always having something new and interesting on the horizon, making the journey perpetually engaging and fulfilling. Our Community Tagline: ‘Own Your Thoughts- Shape Your Destiny’
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.
