At BrilliantRead Media, our aim is to bring to our community some of the finest stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this endeavour, we invited a passionate entrepreneur – Radhika Bali for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Coach, Image Consultant, Influencer, Change Enabler, and Mentor. She is the Founder Director at Aक्स by Radhika. Let’s learn more about her exciting journey, her background and her advice for our growing community.
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Radhika:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey, please;
I did my schooling from many different schools across the northeastern states and passed out from Kendriya Vidyalaya Andrews Ganj, New Delhi owing to my father being in the Army and further pursuing BA (Hons) Philosophy from Delhi University. I was always a fun-loving child and believed in taking life as it comes.
Very passionate about helping people and doing something that gives me inner happiness and job satisfaction.. the feeling that yes… I have achieved something and was somewhat instrumental in helping people enhance their personalities and achieve what they wished to. Something that was challenging and not stagnated monotonous work.”
To add to my skills and knowledge, I did O level in computer programming, a diploma in Japanese Language, NTT (Nursery Teacher’s Training), Image Consultancy and Soft Skills Training from ICBI and certification in TA from The Berne Institute recognised by International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA).
I started working while I was still in college, as I wanted to be independent and completely self-made. My inspiration was my father and all those struggle stories I grew up listening to, about our family and the times of partition. How they lost everything and bounced back not giving up ever. My MOTO was and still is… “There is nothing impossible. It’s.. I’M POSSIBLE”
Started from the Corporates and then got married to an Army officer, switched to teaching and now a trainer.”
What made you passionate about ‘Training’?
Helping others was and are truly my passion. I started my journey working part-time as a sales and marketing executive, also handled the duties of a front desk/reception, and gradually moved into client relationships and business development. Then being a teacher and as an Army wife helping wives of the soldiers helped me in my passion and being a trainer.
Being empathetic and believing in the fact that nothing is impossible, we all are capable of making any change we desire for ourselves.”
Whether you are dealing with anxiety/phobia, pain, limiting beliefs or poor self-esteem. We can enhance ourselves and evolve to be better versions of ourselves. As we are our only competition.
‘Aक्स by Radhika’ 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?
Answer – ’Aक्स’ is an Urdu word which means Image/Reflection. Hence the name ’Aक्स by Radhika’ as I help people overcome their poor self-esteem and confidence and help them transform their personalities by evolving and being a better version of themselves with the help of Image management, Behaviour and Communication skills.
We all have it in us, that skill just needs to be recognised and with little help guidance and support polish it. There are times we do things but do not understand the science and logic behind it and the reason for it.
I help people with that polishing and finesse which makes them more confident and aware of the skills to help them achieve their goals, be more productive and most importantly happy from within.”
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Empowering and challenging the myths, and 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 believe in believing in yourself and evolving. I believe everyone is capable of change. It is important to understand people are shaped by their experiences and circumstances. To be empathetic and make your surroundings a happy place to live. And Aक्स by Radhika helps you with this.
At Aक्स by Radhika.. the journey so far has been very challenging… Too many ups and downs in my personal life also affect Aक्स. As the journey has just begun… I’m still in the process of establishing myself and my brand in the market. What keeps me motivated and going are the challenges and my determination to not lose or give up. But to evolve and bounce back each time till I succeed. I keep telling myself “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My father was and will always be my source of motivation.
All the failures in my life have been motivating factors for me. All those who have guided me, believed in me and also the ones who tried to discourage me and did not believe in me have motivated me in their own ways.”
My daughters for always believing in me and my abilities and pushing me towards upskilling myself and being my own boss and following my passion. Last but not the least, my husband for discouraging me and not believing in me, for refusing to help me… Owing to our marital discord, ego or any other reason not known to me. Well… Now he has started acknowledging it all. Both- my family and my friends have also been very supportive all through and stood by me like a mountain.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
(1) Being mindful.
(2) Being patient and calm and composed in diverse situations. Mostly, not always… I too have my ups and downs, mood swings and so on.
(3) Taking extreme ownership and responsibility for my actions.
(4) Ability to take risks & venture into uncharted territories.
Please share with us, how do you motivate your clients?
Listening to the needs of your client is very important, otherwise, thoughts cannot find their solutions. The biggest problem today is that we don’t listen, we just hear what we want to and wait to react not respond. There are times when you just want to be heard and not advised. Also fun is the most vital aspect of taking part in anything, and yet one of the hardest to achieve.
My work is to empower clients to take on responsibilities for their own self-development and show confidence in their abilities to achieve their goals. To be a better version of themselves. Reflect on what they want to do as per their role goal occasion. Scale up or down in their level of authority through appearance management, etiquette/behaviour, body language and communication skills.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
My motivation comes from solitude and introspection. Spending time with my dogs or painting and reading is a great stress buster. The motivation to work hard and practice and stay disciplined comes from the desire to master my skill to keep learning something new, and my will to prove to myself that I can do it.
I schedule a daily appointment for self-care, even if it’s just me time. I keep a gratitude journal and write things I am grateful for. Indulge in Chanting or meditation and yoga. Spending time with my daughters and an evening with friends and family once in a while.
The most stimulating moment is when I get a call or a message from my ex-students after years to share their achievements and wish me on my birthday and teacher’s day decades after I quit teaching. And when my clients go back happy and more confident.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
There are many reasons but the keys to success in my opinion I would say are:
> Accepting & Loving oneself.
> Being consistent in your work.
> Standing up for oneself.
> Hard and undeterred efforts towards your goals.
> Humility and staying grounded
> Positive Attitude
> Taking action (execution) and the onus of your actions
> Honesty
> Credibility
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Most importantly do what you enjoy doing, that gives you happiness. Be consistent and do not take impulsive decisions. Life is not a bed of roses, it comes with thorns and is a rollercoaster ride with its ups and downs. Celebrate life! Accept what comes on your platter.. be it with a pinch of salt.
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.
