Discover your SecondAct Podcast

"The biggest tumbling blocks are in your mind and not so much in the actual execution."

Such is truth of our existence, to conquer the world we all need to first conquer our own minds. The need to work on ourselves is far superior to anything else, investing time on oneself is a requirement that needs our earnest attention. Stressing this point with much more vigour is the guest of our episode for this week, Swanand Kelkar. An excellent student and an example for all, he spent his childhood so engrossed in books that passions had to take a back seat. It's never too late to start afresh though, and as the aspiration of discovering beyond routine surged within him, he applied for a sabbatical and began his journey towards self-discovery.

Humans are not uni-dimensional he says, we are all made of multiple facets and life is all about finding and enhancing our various dimensions. Placing himself in the hardest of situations he has succeeded in gaining internal satisfaction. Taking up diverse, difficult and engaging coaching for an year he now feels no need for an outward stimulus to induce happiness, rather it comes from within. Talking about the domination of internet he feels that platforms like zoom have been a game changer for many dreamers like him, who can now learn whatever they wish while sitting at their homes. A well calculated and planned sabbatical is he says what helped him in being so extremely productive and learn so many things, from learning and practicing yoga, to cooking, to creative writing, to dancing, to playing cricket and so on, feeling much more zener and renewed he's ready now to begin his Second Act 2.0.

Let trotting on the path of self-discovery be your #SecondAct

Key highlights from today's podcast:

• The act of moving your body in a new way is the road to mental freshness.
• The more you cling to things, the more insecure you become and the more constrained you live.
• Decide what you need, a sabbatical or a vacation, before jumping into either one.
• While it might take some getting used to, there can be nothing more fulfilling than a austere lifestyle.

Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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"Be fearless, be brave, be bold, love yourself." ~Haruki Murakami.

New concepts and ideas are born everyday, the difference between one that floats and one that doesn't, is the same as the difference between being fearless and being a conformist. Experimenting with new things and creating novel hybrids as a means of self-awareness and exploration is the new trend! In this fast paced era, our guest for this episode: Anamika Singh, has succeeded in creating something truly amazing. 

Thinking beyond the societal construct, Anamika in her journey of experimenting with flavours has brought to us some naturally delicious varieties of tea. It is solitude and silent contemplation she says that gives her the space to come up with these jaw dropping tastes. Knowing from very early on, that she wanted to be a Tea Sommelier, she started her journey as one straight out of school, and while it has been challenging at times, it has also been full of fun and excitement. It is not only in, creating new flavors but also educating people about the richness of this often overlooked beverage that keeps her motivated. Conducting workshops to create this very awareness has become a very integral part of her life. 

Tea, while dominates a huge part of her life is not her only passion. Harbouring a love for photography she's tempted to merge her two hobbies. Her brave journey is an inspiration for many entrepreneurs starting out.

Let experimentation for self- identification be your #SecondAct! 

Key highlights from today's podcast:

• Where you come from doesn't matter, how much you fight to reach your destination is what defines you.
• Tea- a drink around which relationships are built!
• Creativity and love: the mantras to becoming successful.
• It is important to just be and not try to prove anything to anyone.

Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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Website: https://anandinihimalayatea.com/

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“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~George Eliot.

Dreams don't survive in the world of monotony, to live dangerously one has to break free of any alien norms that try to define us. The journey to self-discovery is riddled with twists, turns and many dips, but the fruit of self-awareness is completely worth the risk; as is believed by our guest of this episode: George Vivian Paul.

Uninspired by the routine corporate structure and finding no motivation in getting up every morning at 9:00 am as a civil engineer, he decided to let his dreams lead him from designing t-shirts, to becoming a stand up comic, to a copywriter, to hosting podcasts and many more choices that he's surely yet to make, George tells us how he believes in keeping no regrets. 

As a comic he says its really essential to read the room and modify the content according to the audience. Credited to be the 1st Street comic of India he talks about the importance of practicing and honing one's skills. Naming his podcasts Vivian's Irrelevant Podcast he cleverly attempts at modifying the definition of VIP. We hope that his jokes and novel perspective fill you with laughter and delight just as us! 

Let taking risks for new beginnings be your #SecondAct! 

Points to note from this episode:

• Live in such a way that you live free of regrets! 

• Spectate without indulging and you'll be a lot more aware! 

• Your worst critics are your closest people, if you win their praise, there is no doubt in your genuinity!

Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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"Samay se pehle aur kismat se zada kabhi kuch nahi millta"

Being persistent and patient is the key to success. We are all a work in progress, forever changing and evolving! It is only by putting in consistent efforts that one can discover their purpose. Money, our guest for today's episode: Deep Bajaj, feels stopped making him happy! Life settled into a routine and became devoid of satisfaction, until he stumbled upon the women hygiene industry. Founder and CEO of Sirona and PeeBuddy, he has various accolades to his honour. 

Turning a deaf ear to the energy vampires be they strangers or friends, Deep has dedicated his efforts into creating products that he felt were the need of the hour. His inventions like those of menstrual cramp patches, period stain remover, menstrual cup combos and disposable female urination devices are not only extremely essential but also play a pivotal role in broadening the mindset of a number of people. Focused on decreasing the discomfort faced by women through their adolescence to menopause, his products go through several hygiene and safety checks! 

Sometimes addressed as a  'Women's Man' due to his deep understanding of the hardships faced by women and his dedication to lessen if not completely eradicate them! Deep, aspires his products to cater not only to the physical needs but also bring forth mindfulness and mental well-being in their users. Giving aid to other start-ups and also donating products through the Sirona Foundation, Deep becomes becomes an example, an inspiration for many of us to follow! 

Let being persistent and patient be your #SecondAct! 

Key learnings from today's session:

• Don't compare your success to that of others 

• Give anything a thousand days! Let giving up for a thousand days not even be an option.

• Compartmentalise the pessimism and filter out the negativity from your life!

• Everybody is fighting a similar battle, we might be on different levels but we are all aiming for similar targets!

Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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"Never mistake your Self-Worth with your Net- Worth!"

Don't let that spark of creativity inside you extinguish! Keep opening new doors and discovering new horizons of yourself! Ever ready to plunge into new fields and experience that thrill of creativity all over again is the guest of this episode: Roshan Abbas. Entrepreneur, creator, storyteller, mentor, coach, he dons many a hats, or like he says many a suits.

Taking us through some exciting and insightful incidents from his life, the storyteller in him leaves us  with so many thoughts in  just a few anecdotes. Talking about the art of understanding and connecting with a crowd as well as an individual almost instantaneously; leaves us in awe over his mastery of human emotions. It is imperative, he feels to research and be prepared for every interaction, every meeting, and not be over-confident.

"If you don't empty your cup; you can't fill it"- a quote by Bruce Lee which Roshan swears to have lived by. Being open to new information; unlearning the knowledge of yesterday and relearning the teachings of today is the path to being a successful creator he says! What's the worst that could happen he asks? You might fail, right? At least you'd have tried, there is no bigger teacher than failure, he tells us through his own life-lessons.

Let being unstoppable be your #SecondAct!

Highlights from this episode:

• Chase the opportunity that God has given you relentlessly!
• Keep evolving with the times, don't let norms constrict your growth.
• Be ready to learn perpetually and never give up on yourself! The world is full of unlimited potential don't be afraid of chasing it. 
• Let that childlike curiosity in you lead you, rather than settling into the monotony of adulthood!
• Don't let your worth be decided by your monetary independence!

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Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. This principle is contempt prior to examination." ~ Herbert Spencer

Mindfulness about the world or even about oneself is possible only when we embrace and accept the possibility of change with open arms... Our purpose in life can be more than one, and to discover these evolving purposes we need to keep investigating and re-shaping our own selves. Sharing this ideology is the guest of today's episode: Bill Ellis.

Leaving behind his life as a corporate worker, he has successfully established himself as a certified Go-Giver & Coach, he teaches us to ask the most essential question of all- 'What's the point?' it is upon repeatedly asking ourselves this he says, that we discover our purpose. Talking about his journey as a Go-Giver and helping not only companies but also individuals in living up to their fullest potential, his words open our eyes to a fresh perspective. Very highly he talks about the yet undiscovered potential that the youth embodies as a gift of their open mindedness. An author too, he talks jubilantly about the skill, talent and perseverance demonstrated by women across generations, some of the thoughts which he has beautifully expressed in his book - 'Women Who Work'.

Things to remember from this session:

• Acknowledging reverse mentoring could give us some much needed fresh perspective and insights!
• Don't be afraid of unlearning to re-learn; because while we think we know everything, we might know very little!
• In order to keep growing, keep asking a lot of questions, with each answer you'll evolve a little.

To know your purpose, your core values and being grateful is he feels his and should be all of ours #SecondAct!

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Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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Website: https://brandingforresults.com/

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“Great leaders don’t tell you what to do. They show you how it’s done”

It’s not every day that you meet such leaders who “walk the talk”, and it’s an honour to know one of the most #humble #relevant #proactive #inspiring #creative leader, who has such an optimism aura & energy flowing that it is absolutely contagious. We have with us such an inspirational guest on Discover Your SecondAct Podcast | Episode 38 - Shiv Shivakumar (Executive President for the Aditya Birla Group), a session oozing with the pearls of wisdom, where we spoke about earning “Customer Loyalty” to staying relevant in the Digital world, to giving back through teaching, as his #SecondAct !

Staying contemporary Shiv says is the means to adaptability. It is being in touch not only with the present trend but also with the people around us is what makes a good leader. Authoring a book "the right choice"; on the dilemmas people face while making their career choices, and trying to guide them towards their optimal path; further highlights his noble thoughts.

We spoke at length about how not to be engulfed in the Rat Race, while also discussing the ingredients that make an Impactful leader. We hope his words of wisdom motivate and inspire us all to be the best version of ourselves! 

Here are some Key Takeaways from this episode:

• No leader is perfect, but you can learn from every leader
• Be authentic- don’t try to be someone you are not!
• Humility- a true asset of a good leader.
• Being consistent to your values and standing by is what makes you who you are!
• There are NO shortcuts to the learning curve! And no substitute to hard work! 
• Being self-reflective- the tool for growth!

Let being #authentic #adaptable and #curious be your #SecondAct

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Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

So many elements shape our personality, each one of us is an embodiment of so many thoughts and emotions, and then how can we have only one true passion? Would it be wrong if we feel that tinge of happiness through several different tasks? Normalizing this hunger to explore; is our guest of this episode: Mannsi Agrawal. From changing countries to changing careers, she's succeeded in discovering her Ikigai by experimenting rigorously.

Moving to Nepal post marriage, Mannsi never stopped looking for that bliss and joy. Her efforts yielded immensely positive outcomes when she discovered her passion for speaking. Today she is a communications coach, corporate trainer and transformational speaker. Understanding the power of the spoken word she helps others in realizing it too. Working with girls and women among a lot of other people she is a motivation for many.

Her inspirational journey, becomes a lot more moving as she shares with us her heart-wrenching struggle with the 2015 earthquake and how it was an undefinable calmness that helped her through it, the generosity of strangers in such times of turmoil further strengthens our faith in humanity. ‘It is all in the mind' she says, do you agree?

Let exploring your various passions be your #SecondAct!

Points to ponder from this episode:

• The importance of staying playful and curious.
• Goals: a means of pushing ourselves rather than restricting us.
• Reverse Psychology and its role in shaping relationships.

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Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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"Take time for you, it's not selfish, it's a strength." ~ something's in life can only be learnt through experiences. The need to prioritize oneself is one such teaching of life; understanding the importance of self love and compassion as a means of attaining mindfulness, our guest for today's episode Gian Power walks us through the ups and downs of his life.

Having gone through a life-shattering event in his early 20s, he shares how fickle life and happiness are. Battling for justice, he realized the power that lies is sharing one's story. Storytelling he says 'doesn't make us less professional, it makes us more human', keeping this in mind he laid the foundation of his organization TLC lions, an organization that shares their own unique stories as a means of encouraging and motivating people. 

Establishing a missing people's charity, Gian aspires to prevent anyone from facing the trauma that he went through. His zeal to create a better society is sure to fill anyone with pride and compassion. Let healing oneself for helping others be your #SecondAct

Thinks to ponder over from this episode:

• Normalize crying, it's okay to not be okay!
• Engage in self-care; you can not pour out of an empty cup.
• Don't let bloodline be the judge of character.

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Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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Website: https://www.gianpower.com/ & https://www.tlclions.com/

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What is the essence of my life? Are my career choices making me happy? Am I stuck or am I moving towards my goals? Questions like these trouble almost all of us at some point in our lives. Be it a leader or an employee the desire to find our true purpose is a spark that burns within us all. Consciously or unconsciously we all work towards our true purpose, it is the understanding and attainment of this both in the personal and professional world, that gives us happiness. Talking about his thoughts on this subject among various other things, is our guest of today's podcast, Greg Orme, an award winning author, keynote speaker, facilitator, executive educator and leadership coach.

Talking about his amazing work, Human Edge he familiarizes us with the concept of the 4 C's- the 4 elements of leadership; consciousness, curiosity, creativity and collaboration. Encouraging everyone to keep asking questions while nurturing their passions and living up to their creative potential, his words truly fill us with dedication and enthusiasm. Touching upon the importance of humor and empathy in a leader, he broadens our perspective and understanding on this often overlooked part of leadership.

Speaking about his journey from working at BBC, being the finding CEO of London Business school- center of creative business to becoming an award winning author, his story underlines the importance of believing in yourself. Let believing in your dreams and passions; believing in yourself be your #SecondAct!

Illuminating pointers from this episode:

• Empathetic Curiosity: asking open-ended questions and really listening to the answers.
• Mindfulness- a means of attaining meta-awareness.
• Aligning your personal and professional purpose as a path to true happiness.

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Website: https://thesecondact.in/

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Website: https://gregorme.org/

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