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 Shilpa Srinivas for an exclusive interview with us. Shilpa Srinivas is an English Communication and Holistic Transformation Coach and Founder at SELF Academy. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Shilpa Srinivas:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
Absolutely! My journey has been quite an interesting transformation. I hold a master’s in Microbiology, where I emerged as a topper. After that, I worked in London, UK, gaining international exposure. However, my true calling was in the training and coaching industry, where I could make a direct impact on people’s lives.
For the past 12 years, I’ve been deeply involved in training and coaching, working with a wide spectrum of individuals—government officials, corporate professionals, students, and homemakers—helping lakhs of people enhance their communication skills and confidence.
Eventually, I decided to build something of my own, which led to the creation of SELF Academy (www.shilpasrinivas.com). Through this platform, I specialize in training working professionals in English communication and holistic transformation, focusing not just on language skills but also on mindset shifts. My approach is about empowering professionals to break communication barriers, build confidence, and achieve success in their careers and personal lives.
I take great pride in the fact that my coaching has impacted individuals from 11 different countries, with numerous success stories of professionals who have transformed their communication skills and, in turn, their careers. Seeing my clients grow and achieve their goals is the most fulfilling part of my journey!”
How did you discover your passion?
My passion for training and coaching has been deeply rooted in my journey from a young age. I have always been a stage person, actively participating in debate and essay competitions throughout my school and college days.
Winning state-level prizes in these competitions not only boosted my confidence but also ignited a spark in me. Being on stage, owning the limelight, and expressing my thoughts always brought out the best version of myself.
While in college, where I was elected as the President of the students’ magazine PROBE, I realized that my true strength was not just in acquiring knowledge but in articulating it powerfully. My experience working in London, UK, further reinforced this when I saw highly skilled professionals struggle with communication despite their expertise. That’s when it struck me—communication isn’t just a skill; it’s the key to unlocking one’s full potential.
Over the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of training government officials, corporate professionals, students, and homemakers, impacting lakhs of people across different walks of life. Seeing individuals transform—from being hesitant speakers to confident communicators—gave me a sense of fulfillment like nothing else.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Challenges are inevitable, but what keeps me going is my passion for transformation—seeing individuals break their barriers, gain confidence, and achieve success through effective communication. That fulfillment drives me, no matter how tough the journey gets.
As a woman, balancing work and personal life is never easy, especially in an industry as dynamic and ever-evolving as training and coaching. The demands are high, the learning curve never stops, and adaptability is key.
However, I have always believed that grit, resilience, and a growth mindset are what set successful individuals apart. My ability to adapt quickly to changes and stay ahead of industry trends has not just helped me navigate challenges but has also propelled my career forward.
Every time I see a professional who once struggled with communication now speaking with confidence and thriving in their career,getting their long awaiting promotions and much deserved salary hikes it reinforces my belief that I am on the right path. The impact I create, the success stories I witness, and the transformations I facilitate make every challenge worth it. That’s what keeps me going!”
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned several invaluable lessons, but if I were to choose the three most important ones, they would be:
1) Adaptability is the Key to Growth: The training industry is highly dynamic and ever-changing. To thrive, I’ve learned to embrace change with an open mind and adapt quickly to evolving trends and client needs. This mindset has been instrumental in my journey as a coach, allowing me to stay relevant and impactful.
2) Grit and Resilience Lead to Success: As a woman balancing work and personal life in a demanding profession, I’ve realized that grit and determination are essential. There are always challenges, but I’ve learned to stay persistent, never lose sight of my goals, and keep pushing forward despite setbacks. It’s this resilience that has driven my career and helped me build SELF Academy, empowering countless professionals globally.
3) Empowering Others Brings the Greatest Fulfillment: Seeing the transformation in individuals—from hesitant speakers to confident communicators—has taught me that the most rewarding success is helping others succeed. Guiding people to break communication barriers, build confidence, and achieve their dreams gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that keeps me passionate about my work.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
In my opinion, success is a combination of several key factors, but the most important ones are:
Clarity of Purpose: Knowing what you want to achieve and having a clear vision is the foundation of success. It’s essential to set clear, specific goals and understand the ‘why’ behind your efforts. This clarity helps you stay focused and motivated, even when challenges arise.
Continuous Learning: The world is constantly evolving, especially in the training and coaching industry, which is highly dynamic. Being adaptable, staying open to new ideas, and continuously upgrading your skills are vital to staying relevant and successful. I have always believed in lifelong learning and keeping up with the latest trends to offer the best to my clients.
Consistency: Success doesn’t come overnight—it requires consistent effort, perseverance, and resilience. There will be setbacks and challenges, but it’s essential to keep moving forward without losing sight of your goals. For me, it’s the grit to overcome obstacles that has helped me build my career and make a positive impact on thousands of lives.
Believing that challenges are opportunities for growth and staying positive even when things don’t go as planned is what makes a true difference. I focus on developing not just communication skills but also a success-oriented mindset in my clients because that’s where transformation truly begins.
These principles have guided me in my journey, helping me build SELF Academy and support professionals from 11 different countries in achieving their communication goals and career success.”
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice to students and young professionals aiming for a successful career would be to focus on a few key areas:
a) Develop Strong Communication Skills: No matter how skilled or knowledgeable you are, being able to express your ideas clearly and confidently is crucial. Focus on honing your English communication skills and practice speaking up, whether in meetings, presentations, or informal discussions. Remember, your ability to articulate your thoughts effectively can set you apart.
b) Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Success doesn’t come without challenges, and setbacks are part of the journey. Adopt a growth mindset where you view failures as opportunities to learn. Stay curious, adaptable, and committed to self-improvement. Keep evolving with changing times and embrace continuous learning.
c) Build Real-World Skills: Academic knowledge is important, but it’s equally vital to develop practical, real-world skills that employers value—such as problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Look for opportunities to apply what you learn through internships, projects, and real-life experiences.
d) Build a Network and Seek Mentorship: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals who inspire you. Don’t hesitate to seek mentorship from those who have walked the path you aspire to follow. Learning from others’ experiences can give you valuable insights and guidance.
e) Believe in Your Unique Journey: Finally, don’t compare your progress to others. Focus on your personal growth and unique path. Trust that your dedication and consistent efforts will lead you to success.
I’ve seen firsthand how these principles can transform careers, and I encourage you to stay committed to your growth while building confidence in your communication skills. Success is not just about talent; it’s about resilience, adaptability, and effective communication.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey truly satisfying and exciting is the profound impact I’ve been able to make on thousands of people’s lives. There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing the transformation of individuals who once struggled with communication and confidence, now thriving in their careers and personal lives.
For over 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of training a diverse range of individuals—government officials, corporate professionals, students, and homemakers—and impacting lakhs of lives. Starting SELF Academy and building it from the ground up was a monumental step. The excitement lies in seeing my vision come to life and helping working professionals overcome their communication barriers, build confidence, and achieve holistic transformation.
One of the most thrilling aspects is the global reach of my work—having students from 11 different countries and knowing that my guidance has been instrumental in their personal and professional success. Their stories of breaking through challenges, speaking up confidently, and succeeding at work make every effort worthwhile.
My journey has been enriched with several accolades and recognitions, which add to the excitement and motivation. I have been honoured with the Diamond Naari Award from the Telangana IAS officer, and twice received the Karnataka Ratna and Karnataka Seva Sadhana Awards from the former Supreme Court Judge and Solicitor General of India. I also had the privilege of being recognized as an Unstoppable Women Leader at the Women CXO Summit, where I received the award from the CEO of Mercedes Benz.
Additionally, when Success Gyan conducted the National Level Super Speaker Reality Show to find the next best speaker of India, out of 40,185 participants, I proudly stood in the top 100. I have also been featured in various prestigious publications, including Business Standard, The Print, Daily Hunt, and many more. Furthermore, I am one of the few speakers who have been featured in Josh Talks twice, which is a testament to the positive impact I have created.
What truly makes this journey exciting is the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from empowering others. Knowing that my passion and expertise are helping people achieve their dreams—that’s what keeps me inspired and driven every single day.
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