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 Seijal Gulia for an exclusive interview with us. Seijal is a Mentor, Image Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer and Founder of Richen Training. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Seijal:
Today I’m not just standing here as an educator, but as someone who dreams of a better tomorrow—for your children, for all of us.
When I look at the mistakes we see happening around us—disconnected hearts, poor communication, and values slipping through the cracks—I can’t help but wonder, what if we had nurtured these qualities when they were young? What if we had given them the tools to face the world with strength, empathy, and integrity?
This is my promise to you: under my guidance, your children will not repeat those mistakes. They will grow into individuals who lead with compassion, communicate with confidence, and live with values that truly matter.
I don’t just teach; I build a foundation where dreams meet purpose and hearts find balance. And together, I know we can raise a generation that will make us all proud.
‘Richen Training’ 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 Richen Training symbolizes growth, abundance, and enrichment—not just in material terms but in a holistic sense. It reflects my mission to help children and families “richen” their lives by developing essential soft skills and a strong spiritual foundation.
The Story Behind the Name – The word Richen conveys the idea of enhancing and elevating, which aligns perfectly with my goal of nurturing children’s emotional, social, and spiritual growth.
The training focuses on equipping kids with the tools they need to build meaningful relationships, make thoughtful decisions, and approach life with confidence and empathy.
The Problem We’re Solving – In today’s fast-paced world, children often face challenges that go beyond academics.
These include:
1. Lack of Social Skills: Kids struggle with communication, teamwork, and building relationships.
2. Emotional Overload: Managing emotions like frustration or anxiety can be difficult without the right tools.
3. Disconnected Spirituality: Many children grow up without understanding values like mindfulness, gratitude, and inner peace.
4. Over-reliance on Technology: Limited personal interactions and reduced quality family time hinder social and emotional development.
How We Address These Challenges – Richen Training empowers children by:
1. Teaching Foundational Skills: Through role-plays, stories, and discussions, kids learn empathy, self-awareness, and problem-solving.
2. Building Emotional Resilience: Activities and exercises help kids understand and regulate their emotions.
3. Incorporating Spiritual Practices: Simple habits like gratitude reflections, mindfulness, and connecting with nature encourage inner balance.
4. Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds: I guide parents to reinforce these lessons at home, creating a supportive and consistent learning environment.
At its heart, Richen Training is about preparing children not just for academic success but for life. By addressing these gaps, we’re helping families nurture compassionate, resilient, and self-assured individuals who can thrive in any situation.
What are the approaches do you follow in your program?
In my program, the approach to teaching soft skills and spirituality is rooted in simplicity, engagement, and long-term impact. Here are the key approaches I follow:
1. Storytelling as a Core Tool
– Approach: Stories are used to teach complex ideas in a relatable way. Each story highlights a specific soft skill or spiritual value.
– Why it Works: Children connect emotionally with characters and situations, making it easier for them to absorb lessons.
2. Experiential Learning
– Approach: Activities like role plays, games, and hands-on tasks are integrated into lessons to make learning fun and practical.
– Why it Works: Experiential methods ensure children actively participate, reinforcing concepts through direct experience.
3. Age-specific Customization
– Approach: Content and activities are tailored to different age groups, focusing on their developmental milestones.
For example:
> Ages 1-3: Simple visual cues and repetitive language.
> Ages 3-5: Stories with clear morals and interactive tasks.
> Ages 5-7: Deeper discussions and collaborative learning.
> Why it Works: Ensures that lessons are relevant and easily understood.
4. Interactive Discussions
– Approach: Open-ended questions and peer discussions allow kids to share their thoughts and learn from others.
– Why it Works: Promotes critical thinking, communication, and respect for diverse perspectives.
5. Blending Spirituality with Everyday Actions
– Approach: Spirituality is introduced through simple acts, like expressing gratitude, observing nature, or practising mindfulness.
– Why it Works: Helps children connect spiritual values with their daily lives, making them more approachable and meaningful.
6. Parental Involvement
Approach: Parents are encouraged to reinforce lessons at home through guided activities or discussions.
– Why it Works: Creates a consistent learning environment and strengthens the child-parent bond.
This holistic approach ensures children develop essential life skills while nurturing a sense of inner peace and confidence, empowering them to thrive in all aspects of life.
What are some of the best practices you advise your clients and how does it help them?
In The Empower Elevate Club, best practices focus on building foundational skills and a spiritual mindset in children to set them up for lifelong success. Here are some of the practices I emphasize and how they benefit kids:
1. Self-awareness and Emotional Regulation
– Practice: Teaching kids to recognize and name their emotions through activities like storytelling or reflective games.
– Benefits: This builds emotional intelligence, helping them manage feelings like frustration or anxiety effectively.
2. Empathy and Perspective-taking
– Practice: Role-playing exercises where children step into someone else’s shoes to understand how others feel.
– Benefits: Fosters deeper connections and helps them navigate social situations with compassion.
3. Active Listening
– Practice: Encouraging kids to repeat back what they hear during group discussions or storytelling sessions.
– Benefits: Improves their communication skills and strengthens relationships.
4. Self-discipline and Decision-making
– Practice: Using simple scenarios to help kids evaluate choices and consequences, promoting independent thinking.
– Benefits: Teaches responsibility and prepares them for real-life challenges.
5. Spiritual Growth Through Reflection
– Practice: Incorporating gratitude rituals or moments of quiet reflection to connect with their inner selves.
– Benefits: Builds resilience, focus, and a positive outlook on life.
These practices not only enhance their soft skills but also introduce a grounding spiritual layer, creating a balanced approach to life. Children become better communicators, problem solvers, and compassionate individuals—traits that will help them thrive at any age.
What are the challenges/difficulties you have faced while spreading awareness among parents?
While spreading awareness about soft skills and spirituality for children, I’ve encountered several challenges. Here are the key difficulties and how I’ve addressed them:
1. Misunderstanding the Concept
> Challenge: Many parents initially see soft skills and spirituality as abstract or secondary compared to academic achievements.
> Approach: I simplify the concepts by explaining their everyday applications—like how empathy helps in friendships or gratitude fosters happiness—and show how these skills support academic and personal success.
2. Resistance to Change
> Challenge: Some parents are hesitant to adopt new approaches, believing traditional methods are sufficient.
> Approach: I share real-life examples and research that highlight the long-term benefits of these teachings, demonstrating how small changes can make a big difference.
3. Time Constraints
> Challenge: Parents often feel they don’t have enough time to focus on additional teachings outside school.
> Approach: I design bite-sized activities and lessons that can be easily integrated into daily routines, such as bedtime storytelling or mindful meal conversations.
4. Balancing Spirituality with Modern Lifestyles
> Challenge: Some parents worry spirituality might conflict with their lifestyle or beliefs.
> Approach: I present spirituality as universal values—gratitude, mindfulness, and connection with self and others—rather than specific religious practices, making it accessible to everyone.
5. Lack of Awareness about Early Development
> Challenge: Parents sometimes underestimate the importance of teaching these skills at an early age.
> Approach: I emphasize that early childhood is the best time to shape lifelong habits and character traits, backed by developmental psychology research.
6. Reaching the Right Audience
> Challenge: It can be difficult to connect with parents who are genuinely interested in these teachings.
> Approach: By leveraging social media, storytelling, and interactive sessions, I aim to create content that resonates and spreads organically.
Each challenge has been an opportunity to refine my approach and make the message clearer and more engaging for parents. The journey is ongoing, but every small step forward makes a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Here are the three most important lessons I’ve learned in life, which also inspire my work with children and families:
1. Growth Comes from Challenges
Lesson: Every challenge carries an opportunity for growth. Whether it’s a setback or a difficult situation, I’ve learned to approach obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
How It Helps: This mindset has shaped my ability to stay resilient and adaptable, and it’s something I strive to instill in children—teaching them to view mistakes as opportunities to learn.
2. Connection is Key
Lesson: Life is most fulfilling when we nurture meaningful connections—with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, empathy, or mindfulness, these connections add depth to life.
How It Helps: This principle guides my focus on teaching soft skills like communication and empathy, along with spiritual practices that help children feel grounded and connected.
3. Small Steps Lead to Big Change
Lesson: Even the smallest efforts, when consistent, can lead to significant transformations. Whether it’s building a new habit, working on a project, or teaching a child a simple skill, every small step counts.
How It Helps: I use this philosophy in my program, encouraging families to integrate small, practical lessons into their daily routines to create lasting impact over time.
These lessons have not only shaped my personal journey but also serve as the foundation for the work I do. They remind me that with resilience, connection, and consistent effort, anything is possible.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
In my opinion, the keys to success lie in a balanced approach that combines personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a clear sense of purpose. Here are the core elements:
1. Self-awareness
Why it’s Key: Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and values helps you set realistic goals and stay aligned with your purpose.
How to Develop: Reflect regularly, seek feedback, and stay mindful of your emotions and actions.
2. Resilience and Adaptability
Why it’s Key: Life is unpredictable, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is essential for long-term success.
How to Develop: View challenges as learning opportunities, stay open to change, and cultivate a growth mindset.
3. Strong Communication Skills
Why it’s Key: Success often depends on how well you connect with others—whether it’s collaborating, leading, or sharing your vision.
How to Develop: Practice active listening, express yourself clearly, and build empathy in conversations.
4. Discipline and Consistency
Why it’s Key: Small, consistent actions lead to big achievements. Discipline helps you stay focused and committed to your goals.
How to Develop: Create routines, set milestones, and celebrate progress to stay motivated.
5. A Spirit of Gratitude and Humility
Why it’s Key: Gratitude keeps you grounded and humble, allowing you to appreciate your journey and stay open to learning.
How to Develop: Practice daily gratitude reflections and acknowledge the contributions of others in your success.
6. Clear Vision and Purpose
Why it’s Key: Knowing why you’re doing something gives your efforts meaning and keeps you moving forward, even during tough times.
How to Develop: Spend time defining your goals and align them with your passions and values.
Success is not just about achieving material goals; it’s about living a fulfilling life with purpose, balance, and joy. By focusing on these keys, anyone can create a pathway to meaningful and sustainable success.
Our audience would love to know about your future plans?
My future plans focus on expanding the reach and impact of soft skills and spirituality education for children. Here’s a glimpse into what’s ahead:
1. Launching More Books in the Series – I’m working on completing The Advances Relate Cloud series for all age groups—1-3, 3-5, 5-7, and 7-10 years. Each book will continue to blend soft skills and spiritual lessons in fun, engaging ways to build a strong foundation for kids.
2. Creating Interactive Digital Content – I plan to develop videos and digital content for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. These will include stories, role plays, and interactive activities for kids, making learning accessible and enjoyable globally.
3. Hosting Parent-Child Workshops – I aim to organize workshops where parents and children can learn together. These sessions will focus on reinforcing the lessons from my books while offering practical tools for everyday use.
4. Developing Teacher and Parent Resources – I’ll provide guides, lesson plans, and activities for educators and parents to incorporate soft skills and spirituality into their teaching and parenting practices.
5. Expanding to Schools and Communities – Collaborating with schools and community organizations is a priority. By introducing these lessons into classrooms, I hope to make a lasting impact on the education system.
6. Launching a Podcast or Webinar Series – Future plans include a series of podcasts or webinars where I’ll discuss topics related to child development, soft skills, and spirituality, featuring insights from experts and real-life success stories.
My ultimate goal is to create a movement where children grow up empowered, confident, and compassionate, ready to face the world with both strength and mindfulness.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
For students and young professionals aiming for a successful career, here’s the advice I’d offer:
1. Focus on Continuous Learning
Why it’s Important: The world is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead, you need to keep learning—whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or self-study.
Actionable Advice: Develop a habit of reading, attending workshops, and seeking mentorship. Always be curious and open to new ideas.
2. Build Strong Relationships
Why it’s Important: Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about building genuine relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Actionable Advice: Take the time to nurture connections with peers, mentors, and leaders in your field. Collaborate and offer value to others.
3. Develop Soft Skills
Why it’s Important: Technical skills will get you so far, but soft skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are what truly set you apart.
Actionable Advice: Practice active listening, work on your communication style, and be mindful of your emotions and how they impact others.
4. Be Adaptable and Resilient
Why it’s Important: No career path is without its challenges and setbacks. The ability to adapt and bounce back from failures is critical for long-term success.
Actionable Advice: Embrace change, stay flexible, and learn from mistakes rather than fearing them. Develop a growth mindset to thrive in any environment.
5. Set Clear Goals and Stay Focused
Why it’s Important: Having clear, achievable goals helps you stay motivated and on track. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of consistent effort.
Actionable Advice: Break your long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate each milestone. Stay focused on your path, but be open to adjusting when necessary.
6. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Why it’s Important: Burnout is real, and a fulfilling career is not just about professional achievements but about maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Actionable Advice: Set boundaries for work and personal time, engage in activities that rejuvenate you, and make self-care a priority.
7. Find a Mentor or Role Model
Why it’s Important: Having someone to guide you through challenges, offer advice, and share their experiences can accelerate your growth.
Actionable Advice: Seek mentors who inspire you, whether within your company, industry, or personal network. Learn from their experiences and seek constructive feedback.
8. Embrace Your Uniqueness
Why it’s Important: The qualities that make you unique—whether it’s your background, perspective, or strengths—are your greatest assets.
Actionable Advice: Leverage what makes you different to bring innovation and creativity into your work. Don’t be afraid to express your authentic self in your career journey.
Success in your career is a balance of hard work, adaptability, continuous learning, and personal growth. Stay focused, stay grounded, and always look for ways to grow—both professionally and personally.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey truly satisfying and exciting is the ability to combine my passion for personal development, soft skills, and spirituality with the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children and families. Here are a few reasons why my journey feels fulfilling:
1. Empowering the Next Generation
Why It’s Exciting: Being able to teach children essential life skills—like emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience—at such a formative stage in their lives is both rewarding and exciting. Knowing that these lessons will stay with them as they grow fills me with purpose.
2. Connecting with Like-minded Individuals
Why It’s Exciting: I have the privilege of connecting with passionate educators, parents, and professionals who share the same vision. This network of support and collaboration fuels my creativity and drive to keep moving forward.
3. Continuous Growth and Learning
Why It’s Satisfying: Every step of this journey is a learning experience. I’m constantly evolving in my approach and discovering new ways to reach children and parents. This process of growth, both personally and professionally, makes the work deeply fulfilling.
4. Making a Tangible Difference
Why It’s Satisfying: Seeing firsthand how children and families apply the lessons they’ve learned from my books or workshops to improve their lives gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. The real-life impact—whether it’s a child developing more confidence or a family growing closer—is incredibly rewarding.
5. Bringing Mindfulness and Spirituality into Everyday Life
Why It’s Exciting: Integrating spirituality and mindfulness into children’s lives in a practical, meaningful way is something I’m deeply passionate about. Helping children develop a sense of inner peace and purpose is something I believe can change the world, and being part of that transformation is truly exciting.
6. Creating Something Lasting
Why It’s Satisfying: The thought that the books, workshops, and resources I create will continue to inspire and educate children long after I’ve written them makes my journey deeply satisfying. I’m building something with a lasting impact, and that feeling of contributing to a greater purpose keeps me motivated.
Overall, it’s the combination of creativity, connection, growth, and purpose that makes this journey not just a career, but a calling that fills me with excitement every day.
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