At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this, we invited Shalini Raghaviah for an exclusive interview with us. She is a Communications Coach, Consultant, Proprietor & Creative Director at Firebird Media/Pro Maximus Academy. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Shalini:
Could you please take us through your background and your journey?
Currently, I am setting up Pro Maximus Academy, which specializes in coaching professionals from the Science & Technology and IT sectors in public speaking and presentation skills. This is a vital capacity as they grow into leadership roles and help them create impact.
Very often, professionals are capable and highly experienced in their professions. However, when a speaking opportunity comes up, they may pass it by because of a lack of confidence. Even those with otherwise good language skills can feel daunted when asked to speak in public. But if you do grab that opportunity and do a good job of it, it’ll be noticed and work in his/her favour. I help them overcome that barrier and bring confidence and clarity into their public speaking.
Public speaking and communication skills have 4 elements – research & preparation, presentation & delivery, authenticity, and connecting with the audience. I work on a one-to-one basis with professionals to help strengthen all four areas. I give special focus to presenting Science and Technology themes and how to make it interesting for various audiences.
I am a research and communication specialist- researcher, filmmaker, writer, and communications coach. With almost two decades in the industry, it’s time to help other professionals come into their power through their speaking and communication abilities, which can be built if a systematic, customized method is followed.
I am a postgraduate in communication and journalism, with professional training in journalism and filmmaking from the BBC World Service and New York Film Academy respectively. In 2008, after working with different organizations in research, media, film, and TV production, I decided to launch on my own and set up Firebird Media, a consulting firm that provides communication solutions to the development sector organizations – in the form of films, research, and media material.
My work takes me to the very heart of the country – I enjoy interacting with all levels of society, bringing valuable insights into my films, research writing, and training/coaching. I bring together the skills and capabilities of the journalistic, the academic, and the creative fields.
How did you discover your passion?
My first job as a researcher and scriptwriter for a news magazine called Northeast Newsweek was a coincidence; as my earlier education had been in Physics and Applied Geology. However, my writing used to be reasonably good I was a prize-winning photographer.
This new career helped me put together concepts with verbal and visual expression. I loved the role of being the conduit between the experts and the masses. So, my passion uncannily found me.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Every project I take on ignites a spark. When I go into the heart of the country and listen to people’s stories, and I write/film them and share them with the world, it nourishes me.
There is so much diversity in the issues, geography, and objectives. Because of this large and diverse canvas, I never get bored. Every story brings the spring back into my step. Yes, it can be exhausting, the erratic schedules can be tiresome, and the lean periods can make you listless.
But you also know that another subject to explore is always lurking on the sidelines, and it will come to you at the right time. I take a breather and move on. The appreciation from clients and stakeholders also motivates me to keep going.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
Of late, I have been listening to the famous recording – Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret” every day. The key message is – you become what you think about. If you think in positive terms, you will get positive results, if you think in negative terms, you will get negative results…believe, and succeed – it’s as marvelous and as simple as that.
By listening to this every day, I reprogram my mind to think more positively than negatively. This is hard because our brains are so wired to think negatively. But there is no harm in taking that one step each day to change that paradigm.
My husband and children also bring a sense of balance. It’s quite magical that 4 people in the same family can be so different, and yet, be able to laugh together.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
> Investing in personal growth.
> Cultivating the belief that the universe has your back.
> Thinking big and acknowledging that some of our limitations are self-imposed, and you should do away with it.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
It depends on each person’s definition of success. The key is charting your goals and learning to work towards them one step at a time. It doesn’t matter whether you start when you’re younger or older.
What advice would you give to our readers?
Learning to believe in yourself and your goals can be challenging, even more, if you’re on the road less taken. But it’s important to weigh all options and take a calculated risk. Adopting a growth mindset is the key to evolving as a person and as a professional.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
When a story I have written, or a film I made touches the heart of a person, and they appreciate it, I am deeply satisfied.
As a teacher/trainer, when my students or mentees come back with renewed enthusiasm for every session, it is truly fulfilling, because it means I have connected with my students as people and helped them get one level higher.
My award-winning fiction short film “Watch the Stars for Me Tonight” has touched the hearts of people. I feel fulfilled when they appreciate it; I realize it has all been worth it.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
