Interview by Gehna Sharma
A leadership coach, author, leader, a motivational speaker and mother of two, Ms. Ashu Khanna has stayed ‘alive to life and pushed her boundaries to express innovatively since every moment has the possibility to herald new opportunities’…
Such is the optimistic outlook of this ever enthusing multi-talented leader of a woman from Bombay, who never ceases to inspire individuals with her charismatic persona and an open-minded view on everything. She is a pioneer leadership coach and has helped her clients approach problem-solving effectively by not just lending them a new perspective on situations but transforming them inside out.
According to some of her clients, ‘Having Ashu as your coach is a God send. Ashu’s primary focus is not limited to addressing the immediate areas of concern but to transform you inside out’ and ‘She is tenacious and does not give up until she has demonstrated change in the person she is coaching’.
Here are excerpts from an interview with the woman herself.
Coaching has a wider scope than mere introspection and analysis of certain situations as a method of dealing with an individual’s problems as it can be used to transform individuals inside out as you have effectively demonstrated over the years. What approach have you adopted throughout these sessions?
A coach is an Observer who guides another on their journey to transform and grow as an observer of their life. It is not easy for us to pierce through our own thoughts and hence, a coach acts as a reflective mirror and guide to awaken the observer in the other. I always listen deeply to an individual to understand ‘what they are trying to say’ beyond the words – their emotions, intentions, motivations and possible paradoxes. I have always been very incisive and I share my observations objectively and sensitively with my clients.
How has your work experience in the corporate world as a Chartered accountant helped you to build your brand and follow your unique business model?
My years as a CA, help me relate to the pressures of corporate world, complexity of relationships, ambition to succeed, team work to close an assignment, power of discipline, potential and capacity to learn and grow through opportunities. My first few clients were from consulting and financial services due to a sense of relatability and relationship. Over the years, I have expanded beyond to different sectors and cultures. I have worked extensively with people from diverse cultures and am able to relate to people from a wide spectrum of companies and engage with ease. As a coach, I bring my experiences and learning from every facet of my life.
How do you design your sessions to help clients with communication problems? Is it challenging for them to open up in order for them to connect with their inner self?
The client’s agenda and life is of primary significance. I allow the client to set the pace and decide how they want to take the conversation forward. Once, the client is comfortable and able to trust, I then start probing to peel the layers and help the client find their answers and design solutions to move forward. Normally, I am able to establish rapport very quickly with my clients. I have worked with some of my clients for more than 3-5 years.
Who have been your role models in youth and inspired you to become the self-made woman that we see?
My family had a significant impact on me – I grew up in a home filled with love and encouragement. Values and relationships were always given significance. My father, always believed in the innate capacity of human beings to recreate themselves. My mother had immense faith in the power of the Higher Intelligence. These truths have been my foundation and give me the ability to be fearless and trust in the Universal Intelligence. The work culture at Arthur Andersen inspired me to think outside the box. My husband is an inspiration in excellence and questioning myself to know and speak my truth.
To preach about love, one must understand its power, which is only felt when surrounded by people who love you unconditionally. Do you consider yourself lucky to be surrounded by loving people?
It is essential to understand the true meaning of love – love does not always mean to agree and be nice. The core of every human being is love and each person is unique and perceives life differently. Hence, each one expresses love in the language or way they know best. Therefore, if I accept and respect their language and way of expressing love, they feel accepted and understood in my presence and I feel loved and accepted as well. I had to learn to accept life and myself ‘as is’ to give and receive love unconditionally. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by love.
Tell us about the time you hit a writer’s block.
Writers’ block is not uncommon. When I started writing, I was filled with trepidation. Gradually, I just started penning my thoughts. I didn’t wait for the perfect para or chapter or theme. I just poured my heart out. Whenever I feel stuck, I take a break, watch a movie, read a book or do some other book. Also, writing requires patience and perseverance. A book doesn’t happen in a day. It’s a labour of love.
What is the inhibition that you seem to notice in all your clients? Have you noticed a pattern underlying all their challenges when viewed in hindsight?
Successful people like to push their boundaries and learn. Commonly, they want to feel comfortable when they are being vulnerable. Fear of failure or a need for acceptance is a common denominator that manifests in different ways. Some may express it through a need for perfection, or need for control. As their self awareness deepens, they are able to let go of the need to be ‘perceived right’ and ‘live right’.
What is the one message that runs commonly through all your books and that you try to advocate no matter where you go?
“Self awareness is the key to self leadership”
What message do you have for those corporate job seekers who yet again got rejected on their ‘eleventh job interview’ and are on the verge of giving up?
Firstly, ask yourself, are you right for that career? Secondly, is there a pattern that is visible through the interviews and what could you differently. Thirdly, each experience brings us closer to knowing ourselves. There is no better teacher than life. Thomas Edison failed about a 1000 times before getting it right. Reflect, adapt and move forward.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs with unique, innovative business ideas for their future start-ups but not enough motivation due to lack of resources or positivity?
Entrepreneurship is a journey of exploration and experimentation. Translating an idea into reality requires patience, process, assessment, time and often realignment. The very gift of an innovative idea is fuel to persevere. We all go through ups and downs. We can never control outcomes, we can however control how we respond to outcomes. On days when I feel low, I go back to the basics and ask myself, why did I start – a strong vision is my motivation. I remember, when I started my work, there were times when I did an exchange of services to get work done. We are inherently resourceful and hence, a calm mind is has the capacity to be creative and break inner barriers.
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About the Interviewer:
If I got a dollar for every time someone would call me “jewellery” instead of my actual name, Gehna, I would be rich enough to tour the outer space with my family. I live in Noida, although mentally in 18th century English countryside, on a large estate, with five whimsical sisters and half a dozen cats. Well, I actually study economics at USME, Delhi Technological University and my friends will tell you that I make the best Oreo cheesecake brownies in the world.
I am your average Punjabi girl who’s never going to miss a single chance to attend family weddings. My latest obsession is with Punjabi music and my ability to listen to Punjabi wedding songs on repeat and dance to them is going to amaze you. A firm believer in the therapeutic power of shopping, I like to think that in another universe I am a crown princess of a small province with an over indulgent fairy godmother. One day I wish to own a small chateau in the French countryside, but before that I want to travel across all the seven continents.
