An ordinary middle class set up with an extraordinary upbringing is what pretty much sums up my growing up years. Of course being the 3rd girl child had its own merits with my mom being given sympathies by extended family the day I was born (yeah how dramatic!)
It was probably that coupled with living with super achievers that made me an extremely determined person from a very young age. Mind you, I grew up with the lowest possible self-esteem and absolutely hated the idea of speaking to people (weird right!) but there was a part of me that always wanted to prove that I am unique and I will make it anyway! (I just did not know about it back then!)
For me the real transformation happened when I got to University. There was this urgency in me to step out of my comfort zone, be strong enough to ask for help and be resilient enough to accept failure. I had finally realised that change will happen only when I step up!
In just a few years of my journey on stage, I could see a pattern emerging of what I was being asked to do the most in terms of genres of events.
The first area so to speak was working on conferences alongside global political leaders and business leaders where my role required me to be precise, deliver under immense pressure, pay attention to the smallest of details and graciously handle difficult (read press) conversations!
The second was where ‘engagement’ and ‘interaction’ was at the heart of the event. Interacting with the audience, creating engaging experiences became my forte. That naturally led me to sharing my expertise on communication, confidence, team engagement as a Trainer.
I must admit I was never big on being on telly but of course when opportunity knocks on the door, you grab it with all your heart. That is exactly what I did. However, I honestly did not know the uphill task I was putting myself against.
Presenting a very male dominated sports show (presented the National biking and car rally championship for seven years) was quite an adventure to say the least! Being the only woman on the grounds, sometimes just meters away from cars crashing and bikes being flung in the air, working on very tight timelines, being refused to be given an interview byte because well I’ am a girl ‘, it has been an experience that has helped me break a lot of stereotypes in our society.
For a good 12 years of my life, I lead an extremely fast paced life. I always had 4 suitcases ready in my room at any given time! (Up in the air types!) My record has been traveling to 21 cities and 3 countries for 40 events in a span of 30 days! Obviously that did lead to burn out but more on that later!
And as fate would have it, I decided to take a complete U turn, leave behind a highly successful career and relocate to a new country. (I know!)
After months and months of facing rejection and being told that I won’t work here, I met my circumstances with courage and decided to start all over again! Along with continuing my journey on stage, I also started my entrepreneurial journey and launched a now award winning business- TPL Experiences
Reconnecting to dance has been one of the most positive outcomes of me relocating to the UK. I got back to practicing Indian classical dance and actually have completed my stage graduation too. Dance has helped me understand my purpose and I am determined to share the cognitive benefits of movement on overall wellbeing.
I also devote my time to mentor young students (especially girls) through my volunteer work as a Teaching Fellow at Lancaster University and as a governor in a local school.
It has been an amazing journey of growth, recognition and making a difference.
The quest to learn, support as many people as I can and be the best version of myself continues.
I would love for you to be a part of this journey, let’s chat?
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I am Minoti, born and raised in India and now based in UK, I am passionate about helping individuals feel confident and happy in their workplace through facilitating personalised team building and soft-skills training programs. As a Speaker and Trainer, I have delivered over 1600 events globally.
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