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 Sonal Bhargava for an exclusive interview with us. She is a Soft Skill Trainer, Consultant, Image Stylist, Speaker and an Influencer. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Sonal:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
As an Army wife, I have had numerous opportunities to learn throughout my life journey and these experiences gained by me have been instrumental in enriching my skill sets.
Academically after earning my MA in Economics degree from the University of Pune, I decided to pursue a career as an Interior Designer. I gained invaluable practical experience and established a reputable name for myself in the field. Additionally, I completed a Computer Course at NIIT Pune to acquire essential IT skillsets.
I have been an educationist for 22 years, occupying positions such as Teacher and Principal in various schools. More recently, I have transitioned to being a Soft Skill Trainer and Image Stylist.
Throughout my life, I have harboured an unwavering desire to assist those within my sphere of influence and make a positive impact on their lives. As a result, I have consistently sought to impart the various skills and knowledge I have amassed during my journey, recognizing the importance of sharing these resources with others.
My motivation stems from a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me, and I am committed to continuing this mission.
How did you discover your passion?
The way we teach academic excellence to students in schools has significantly changed over the years. However, it is not sufficient for the current generation (Gen Z) to only have a high IQ; they must also possess a matching Emotional Quotient (EQ). This understanding has motivated me to help both teachers and students discover new ways to acquire EQ.
That’s when I transitioned to become a qualified Soft Skill Trainer with the mission of creating a more enjoyable and knowledgeable education ecosystem for both learners and trainers/teachers. As an Army wife who travels frequently, working as a freelancer is more beneficial for me.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
I endeavour to navigate the path replete with challenges, recognizing that every obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and progress towards the right direction.
My belief in fostering empowerment and overcoming misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding wellness, success, and courage is driven by my commitment to cultivating self-awareness and enabling individuals to live a life of dignity, respect, and ethical principles in their interactions with others. This is the impetus behind my work in this field.
I strive to embody the power of a smile, a simple yet often overlooked gesture in our busy lives. My mission is to spread joy and foster an inclusive environment where everyone has the potential to make a difference. It’s crucial to recognize that people’s backgrounds and experiences shape who they are and how they perceive the world.
It is essential to prioritize mental and emotional health, foster effective teamwork, and achieve harmony in both personal and professional spheres. This should be done with a strong sense of determination and assertiveness. We must first take care of ourselves before we can confidently assist others in their journey towards betterment.
What are the four most important lessons you have learned in your life?
After becoming an Army Wife, my life took a new turn. I learned from my husband and his comrades how to live selflessly for others. My son recently completed his post-graduation in Data Science from the USA. His dedication and strategic approach to achieving his goal have inspired me.
Witnessing the growth of those that I had helped, filled me with immense pride. It gave me another reason to hold myself higher, stronger, and with greater pride.
My family’s unwavering guidance and support have been invaluable to my personal and professional journey. I cannot imagine my progress without their involvement.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Every obstacle you overcome is a step towards success. Remember that success can take many forms, and every effort you make is a victory in itself.
The essentials to success are:
> Wisdom.
> Integrity.
> Work Ethic.
> Purpose.
> Gratitude.
> Consistency.
> Resilience.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
After completing their college education, students are typically full of energy and have various plans to achieve their goals and aspirations. It is advised to not only focus on achieving their goals but also to identify their strengths and weaknesses to perform better.
As the market is evolving, it is opening up new opportunities to explore our abilities and passions. Success is not solely dependent on knowledge, but also on pursuing a path that helps us unleash our creativity.
Success requires hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of how education and personal achievements impact the market. Improving our skills and staying ahead of the curve creates opportunities for us and others to make a positive impact in the world.
As a guide to students transitioning out of college and into the workforce, I help them understand the various opportunities available to them. There are many paths that can lead to personal fulfilment, and it is important to follow the one that resonates with you. Your education should align with your interests, allowing you to find satisfaction in your career.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The most exhilarating accomplishment I have achieved is receiving feedback from individuals who have been inspired by my coaching sessions and programs.
This feedback motivates me to work harder, learn from my mistakes, and continue to succeed. It is particularly satisfying when I witness my clients’ successes and breakthroughs, as I consider them to be my own.
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.
