Celebrating My Personal Journey as an Authentic Leader !

For most part of my personal journey has been exhilarating and rewarding. Yet, identifying and creating personal choices has been difficult too. The price paid to keep my opinions live was not always worth it. While often labelled as an expert in being straightforward and clear, I felt the pressure to live up with what I put up in words.

I wanted to be a model for others. Indeed, there were times when I could actually do that. At other times I pretended while I disintegrated inside. At that time, it became evident to me that real assertion had to begin within. My goal was to clarify my values, likes and dislikes, and most of all become comfortable with my inner self. The person within me knew what to do. I had to open to what she was telling me. But what if it meant risking change?

Among the most difficult risk for me are those in my career. Much of my identity and security are tied up to my professional life. I had made three major career moves overall from my Corporate Life in the banking profession to a Soft Skills Trainer & Image Consultant and then from just Consulting into Life/Executive Coaching and Mentoring, so typically from executive to entrepreneurship. In each of these moves I had to be willing to play an inner game of being assertive before I could express what I needed and wanted outwardly. Having a sense of humour and a hardy spirit got me through the tough times.

In my current role as a an ICF Certified Life & Executive Coach I have the opportunity to work closely with people who are forced with adapting to rapid changes, increasing responsibilities and demands to be successful and lead through times of stress. Specially for women executives and entrepreneurs there are additional challenges in navigating a landscape still speckled with gender stereotypes and hidden hoops to jump through in order to survive and succeed. Honestly Strategic application of being assertive, self care & balance, surpassing comfort zones and limiting beliefs is best way to accomplish real wins. This helps you be at your authentic best self.

On a more personal note, post my corporate stint to my new role as a Coach/Entrepreneur, I learned to be a nurturer rather than a provider. This small reframing in the roles created a major shift. From an aggressive provider, where the lines could easily blur to fall in the EGO Trap to an Assertive nurturer, where its safe to be giving, sharing and co-creating from a healthy prospective.

The few people along the way who have been immensely supportive to bear with some of my most agonising, but best decisions which helped me carve a niche for myself, were my parents, spouse, children and a few close friends. 

My journey has just begun and I look forward to the anticipated, as well as to the unforeseen, events that arise on occasions to fine-tune my assertive behaviour in my coaching skills.

“My deepest calling and purpose in life is to be a medium to help people to live their dreams, to be happy, confident and live their best life”.  This thought wakes me up every morning and leaves a smile on my face before going to bed. I feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment to empower people to develop “NEW WINGS TO FLY”.

"As we Celebrate Life lets be aware of the Brilliance Life offers us that propels us to be our Authentic Best " - Kalpana.