In this episode of Bold Conscious Connections, I sit down with Dr. Sapna Sharma, a former ophthalmologist who courageously shifted her career to become a counselor, life coach, and motivational speaker. Now the Director at Mind Junction Multispeciality Counseling and Psychology Center in Nagpur, India, Dr. Sharma brings over twenty years of experience to our discussion. We dive into her journey of transformation, the challenges she faced, and the importance of self-awareness and perseverance in achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

• Journey of Transformation: Dr. Sharma shares her inspiring transition from the medical field to counseling and coaching, driven by a desire to address deeper emotional and psychological needs.
• Balancing Professional and Personal Life: We discussed how she manages her multiple roles while maintaining her well-being.
• Importance of Self-Awareness: Self-awareness as a foundational element for personal and professional growth.
• Overcoming Challenges: She offers practical advice for those facing societal expectations and financial fears when considering a career change.
• Integrating Spiritual Beliefs: We explore how Dr. Sharma incorporates spiritual practices into her counseling approach to help clients navigate their challenges.

• "Self-esteem is rooted in self-awareness, and it’s essential for everyone to work on building it."
• "Most people do not have the patience to see their dreams through; it’s the persistence that leads to real outcomes."
• "Gratitude instantly brings me back to reality and helps me connect with the fact that my life is amazing."

Dr. Sapna Sharma’s Books:

• Spiritual Parenting: Lessons from Our Children
• For the Love of Me

Dr. Sapna Sharma’s Website:

https://drsapnasharma.com/

• Dr. Sharma’s journey from ophthalmology to life coaching.
• Practical strategies for balancing multiple roles and maintaining well-being.
• Overcoming financial fears and societal pressures when changing careers.
• The role of spirituality in counseling and personal growth.

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Don''t forget to get a free download of my book: FROM PROFIT TO PURPOSE: A Corporate Leader's Guide To Authentic Living at:

https://rajupanjwani.com/

ANOTHER GIFT FOR YOU:

If you want actionable tools and tips to become a better leader, a better human being to all those around you, to grow through depth, set up your FREE discovery call with me:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/strat

Akshara Lalwani, founder and CEO of Communicate India, shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced.

She emphasizes the importance of being passionate and deeply spiritual in any role. We dived into the pivotal moments that led her to start her own business and the transformative personal experiences that shaped her vision.

She also talks about the values that influence her leadership style and the tough decisions she had to make to ensure the survival and growth of her company during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Akshara highlights the integration of AI into the PR world and how it has enhanced campaigns and improved efficiency. She also addresses the balance between authenticity and managing high-profile clients in the PR industry.

In this conversation, Akshaara Lalwani discusses the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur and the importance of authenticity and empathy in communication. She also talks about the emerging trends in PR and digital marketing, emphasizing the need for narrative building and a holistic approach to marketing.

Akshaara shares advice for entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of contentment and the acceptance of failure. She also discusses the role of mentors and the support system in her life. The conversation concludes with a rapid-fire round where Akshaara shares insights into her morning ritual, leadership style, guilty pleasure, and role models

Entrepreneurship, passion, spirituality, leadership, values, tough decisions, COVID-19, AI, PR industry, authenticity, high-profile clients, entrepreneurship, authenticity, empathy, PR, digital marketing, emerging trends, contentment, failure, mentors, support system, rapid-fire round

Takeaways

• Passion and spirituality are important in any role, whether as an entrepreneur or an employee.
• Pivotal moments and transformative personal experiences shape an entrepreneur's vision and approach.
• Tough decisions and adherence to values are crucial for the survival and growth of a company during challenging times.
• AI integration in the PR industry enhances campaigns and improves efficiency.
• Balancing authenticity and managing high-profile clients requires careful navigation and communication. Authenticity and empathy are crucial in communication, especially for young entrepreneurs.
• The PR and digital marketing landscape is evolving, with a focus on narrative building and a holistic approach to marketing.
• Entrepreneurs should prioritize contentment and not feel pressured to build large teams or achieve unicorn status.
• Having a support system and mentors can provide guidance and accountability.
• It's important to live without regrets and stay true to oneself.

Titles

• AI Integration in the PR Industry
• Tough Decisions and Adherence to Values The Role of Mentors and Support System
• Emerging Trends in PR and Digital Marketing

Sound Bites

• "Passion is important to do justice to any role."
• "Leadership is lonely, and tough decisions test your values."
• "I was very authentic, but I tended to come across as brash."
• "My God, wasn't that hard? I can finally talk about how long it took me, 10 years to get there."

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If you enjoyed this chat, please leave a comment below, and PLEASE DOWNLOAD this episode, so you do not miss any new conversations with my amazing guests!

Don''t forget to get a free download of my book: FROM PROFIT TO PURPOSE: A Corporate Leader's Guide To Authentic Living at:

https://rajupanjwani.com/

ANOTHER GIFT FOR YOU:

If you want actionable tools and tips to become a better leader, a better human being to all those around you, to grow through depth, set up your FREE discovery call with...

Harsh Mariwala shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of India’s most influential business leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the confluence of business acumen, innovation, and social responsibility.

Known for his strategic leadership and dedication to innovation, Mr. Mariwala shares the pivotal moments that defined his journey and the bold decisions that shaped Marico into a consumer brand powerhouse. This conversation is a masterclass in balancing business acumen with a deep sense of purpose and social responsibility.

Key Highlights:

Building Marico:

Challenges and Milestones: The journey from a small family-run business to a leading brand.

Turning Points: What some of Harsh's experiences led to setting Marico apart in the competitive landscape.

Empowering Entrepreneurs:

ASCENT Foundation: The power of peer-to-peer learning and success stories from ASCENT members.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The importance of building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in India, and why the time is now.

Conscious Leadership:

Leadership Philosophy: Approach to leadership, which emphasizes consciousness, purpose, and ethical decision-making. The importance of aligning business goals with social impact and the role of leaders in fostering a positive organizational culture.

Bold Decisions: Navigating crises with integrity and foresight.

Nurturing Innovation:

Marico Innovation Foundation: The foundation's mission to drive innovation in India by supporting startups and fostering a culture of creativity.

Innovation in Practice: Incorporating innovation into products and processes, and the impact of these innovations on the company’s growth and market presence.

Philanthropy and Mental Health:

Mariwala Health Initiative: Mr. Mariwala explains why mental health is a critical issue in India and how the initiative works to de-stigmatize mental illness, provide support and resources, and influence policy changes.

Impact and Outreach:

Recognition and Legacy:

Awards & Accolades: Reflections on receiving prestigious awards, Harsh shares what these accolades mean to him and how they reflect his lifelong commitment to excellence and innovation.

Legacy and Future Vision: His vision for the future of Marico, the continuing role of his family office, Sharrp Ventures, in driving impactful investments, and his hopes for future generations of entrepreneurs.

Notable Quotes:

🎤 "True innovation lies in creating value that transcends the product itself."

🎤 "The entrepreneurial journey is an endless cycle of learning, adapting, and evolving."

🎤 "Boldness in decision-making often marks the difference between mediocrity and greatness."

🎤 "Hire slowly, but fire fast."

🎤 "Conscious leadership is about aligning business success with a higher purpose."

Resources and References:

Marico Limited – https://marico.com/

Kaya Limited – https://www.kaya.in/

Marico Innovation Foundation – https://www.maricoinnovationfoundation.org/

ASCENT Foundation – https://ascentfoundation.in/

Mariwala Health Initiative – Advancing mental health awareness and services.

Sharrp Ventures – Family office driving impactful investments. https://www.sharrpventures.com/

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If you enjoyed this chat, please leave a comment below, and PLEASE DOWNLOAD this episode, so you do not miss any new conversations with my amazing guests!

Don''t forget to get a free download of my book: FROM PROFIT TO...