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In this episode of Bold Conscious Connections, I spoke with Lina Bilkha, a global consultant and coach with over 30 years of experience in Diversity and Inclusion.

Lina has worked across India, the UK, Indonesia, and Europe, coaching over 5000 senior leaders from more than 20 nationalities. We delve into her journey from academia to global consulting, her expertise in navigating cross-cultural complexities, and her strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome.

Lina’s insights are a must-listen for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to navigate the challenges of today’s global business environment with boldness and conscious leadership.

Key Highlights:

Journey from Academia to Consulting:

Lina shares her transition from being a language professor in India to becoming a global consultant, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.

Navigating Cross-Cultural Complexities:

Insights into how cultural differences impact leadership and the strategies Lina uses to help leaders understand and manage these challenges effectively.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome:

Lina opens up about her experiences with imposter syndrome and discusses how she navigated these feelings throughout her career, providing valuable advice for others facing similar challenges.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life:

Lina discusses the fusion of personal and professional challenges, particularly during times when she was managing family health issues while maintaining her consulting career.

The Power of Cultural Awareness in Leadership:

Real-life examples of how cultural misunderstandings can derail business relationships and the critical role of cultural awareness in building trust and successful teams.

Notable Quotes:

🎤 "I'm a people's person and I'm a learner."

🎤 "You can't separate the personal and the professional. Somehow they get fused."

🎤 "I think we women very often suffer a little bit with this imposter syndrome. I did, and I still sometimes do, suffer from it."

🎤 "Life’s experiences are the book that has taught me the most. I think more than any other book."

🎤 "If corporate leaders focus on the people who work with them in every respect—personal, professional—they will be fine."

Resources and References:

Talking Talent – A global firm specializing in Parental Transition Coaching and Leadership Development Coaching. Talking Talent

Cross Culture Consulting – Consulting services focused on cultural agility and leadership development.

EdpowerU – Workplace behavior and leadership development offerings focused on enhancing productivity, performance, and retention.

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In this exclusive episode, I had yet another chance to host Henrik De Gyor, a renowned consultant, podcaster, author, and speaker. Known for his pioneering work in remote entrepreneurship, Henrik shares pivotal moments that defined his journey and the bold decisions that shaped his approach to remote work long before it became a global necessity.

{Note: If you are interested in my chat with Henrik about AI from 18 months ago, go to Episode # 51, here}

1. Early Adoption of Remote Work:

Henrik De Gyor started working remotely as early as 2000, well before the widespread adoption triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. His early experiences in journalism required him to work on-site for stories, but he filed reports remotely, marking the beginning of his remote work journey.

2. The Impact of COVID-19:

The pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work, forcing businesses to adapt quickly. While some companies resisted initially, the necessity of remote work demonstrated its feasibility and benefits, despite ongoing resistance to return-to-office mandates.

3. Productivity and Collaboration:

Henrik emphasizes that remote work does not hinder productivity or collaboration. The real challenge lies in the justification for maintaining expensive commercial real estate and traditional office politics. Remote work reduces commuting times, travel expenses, and unnecessary in-person meetings, leading to more efficient operations.

4. Building a Remote Company Culture:

Fostering a strong remote company culture is possible with the right strategies. Effective communication, scheduling, and the use of proper tools are crucial. Henrik highlights the importance of respecting time zones and standardized tools to ensure smooth operations and team cohesion.

5. Adapting Leadership Styles:

Leadership in a remote environment requires adjustments and new skills. Henrik stresses the importance of communication, tool proficiency, and learning. Leaders must be willing to ask for help, learn new technologies, and set clear expectations and follow-ups to ensure accountability and trust.

6. Overcoming Challenges:

Henrik discusses common challenges such as tool standardization and inter-departmental communication. Overcoming these challenges involves selecting the right tools, consolidating systems, and ensuring clear communication across the organization.

7. Future of Work Models:

Henrik predicts that remote work will continue to grow, especially as the commercial real estate market faces potential downturns. While hybrid models will exist, the trend will lean more towards remote work, driven by the benefits of flexibility and efficiency.

8. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

For entrepreneurs, Henrik advises leveraging remote work to optimize resources and talent. He suggests using cloud-based tools and avoiding unnecessary office expenses. Embracing remote work can lead to significant cost savings and access to a global talent pool.

🎤 "Remote work does not hamper productivity or collaboration at all. What it does hamper is the justification for commercial real estate spend."

🎤 "If most secure environments -- and let's talk government --military can do this remotely, we can too."

🎤 "The real challenge is not remote work itself, but the resistance to adapt and evolve office cultures and leadership styles."

• Henrik De Gyor’s Website:

In this episode of Bold Conscious Connections, I engage in a profound discussion with Priti Rathi Gupta, the visionary founder of LXME and Director of Anand Rathi Group. Priti, a champion of financial literacy for women, shares her journey from the traditional finance sector to launching LXME, a fintech platform focused on empowering women financially.

She delves into the unique financial challenges faced by women, the importance of creating supportive financial ecosystems, and her personal experiences that fueled her mission.

Key Takeaways:

Journey of Financial Empowerment:

Priti discusses her transition from the traditional finance sector to founding LXME, driven by the desire to empower women through financial literacy.

Understanding Women's Relationship with Money:

Insights into the behavioral science behind financial management for women and the significance of supportive environments.

Challenges in Financial Literacy:

Practical advice on overcoming systemic barriers and misconceptions around women's financial empowerment.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life:

Priti's strategies for managing her roles while maintaining personal well-being.

Positive Thinking and Consciousness:

The impact of positive thinking and manifestation in achieving personal and professional goals.

Episode Highlights:

Notable Quotes:

🎤 "Money management is a behavioral science, not just a mathematical one."

🎤 "A man is not a financial plan."

🎤 "Values build valuation."

Resources Mentioned:

Books: "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay

Films by Priti's Production Company: Ishka Films

Connect with Priti Rathi Gupta at:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritirathigupta/

Website:

https://lxme.in/

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If you have a burning desire to be an entrepreneur, and you feel like you are at the end of your corporate career, reach out for a quick chat with me at:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/discovery-call-with-raju-panjwani

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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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 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...

In this episode I speak with Nilesh Nanavati, an entrepreneur and management consultant with nearly three decades of experience in financial services technology. Nilesh shares profound insights from his journey transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, reflecting on the philosophical shifts that have defined his understanding of success and risk management.

WHO IS NILESH NANAVATI?

Nilesh is not just a strategic thinker with excellent execution skills, but also a visionary who has helped numerous businesses embrace the digital era. His approach combines Vedic philosophy with practical business acumen, making him a unique voice on leadership and personal growth.

Philosophical Foundations:

✅ How Vedic principles guide Nilesh's personal and professional life.

✅ The importance of self-awareness and daily rituals in maintaining a moral compass.

Entrepreneurial Insights:

✅ Transitioning from corporate security to the unpredictable entrepreneurial landscape.

✅ Understanding and managing risks in business and personal ventures.

Leadership and Team Building:

✅ Strategies for cultivating resilience and a proactive culture within teams.

✅ Emphasizing the value of 'getting stuff done' and leading by example.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life:

✅ The parallels between nurturing a family and managing a team.

✅ Integrating personal interests like cooking and gardening into business practices to maintain balance and creativity.

Future Readiness:

✅ Preparing for unforeseen challenges and shifts in the market.

✅ Adapting to the dynamic interplay between technology and traditional financial services.

Notable Quotes:

🎤 "Wealth is not just about how much money you have, but about what you've learned from the life that's been given to you."

🎤 "Risk is about how you perceive failure and what you learn from it."

🎤 "If you're going to fail, fail fast, and move on."

Nilesh's journey is a testament to the power of introspection, philosophical depth, and practical wisdom in forging a successful path in both business and life. His story is not only inspiring for current and aspiring entrepreneurs but also for anyone seeking to lead a more conscious and balanced life.

Resources Mentioned:

Vedanta Treatise: Swami Parthasarathy

Tune into this enlightening conversation to discover how philosophical insights can transform entrepreneurial ventures and personal growth.

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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 me:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/strat

In this episode, Radhika Lucas, the founder of Content Halo, talks about her work helping professional services business owners create scalable and salable offers.

Radhika shares her how she combines her background in marketing and advertising using "lived experiences" with custom frameworks to help her clients. She also discusses the importance of finding your voice before finding visibility and overcoming the fear of judgment and visibility.

Look for a free training on "finding your voice before finding your visibility".

And don't miss the rapid-fire round of questions!

Key Takeaways

✅ Combining lived experiences with custom frameworks can help create unique and authentic offers.

✅ Finding your voice before finding visibility is crucial for overcoming the fear of judgment and confidently articulating yourself.

✅ Theater skills can be used to build confidence and improve communication in online business.

✅ Authentic messaging and connection are key to building a successful online business.

✅ The first step after deciding to be an entrepreneur is to clarify and develop your offer.

ABOUT RADHIKA:

Radhika Lucas is a business strategist for professional services-based business owners and helps them build or reposition their online offer in 4 hours and develop the confidence to articulate themselves to deepen their relationship with their perfect audience.

She does this by combining their lived experiences into a custom framework to create an asset in their business followed by a blend of behavior change and theatre skills to help you articulate on video with ease so they can get past the fear of being judged, insecure, or scared of putting themselves out there to be confident with visibility and messaging in a safe space.

You can reach Radhika at:

https://www.contenthalo.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 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