Featuring:
Ramesh Sreedharan, Leadership Coach and Change Management Consultant, MCC
Priya Ramesh, Master Certified Coach – ICF, Advanced Team Coach Certified -ICF, Mentor Coach

Interviewed By: Sripriyaa Venkataraman
Curated By: Chandrani Datta

How do you both take care of yourself at all levels?

Ramesh: The best way to remember is that at the end of the day, you’re there for somebody else. And you’re not only physically present, but you’re also providing a service to individuals or groups. So, yes, mental and physical health, as well as overall well-being, are significant aspects of being a human being. Therefore, we prioritize ensuring the utmost care and attention to these aspects. It is essential and comes first in our list of priorities.

Priya: For me, it’s also about setting boundaries. Sometimes, I struggle with it, to be honest. However, I recognize the value of setting boundaries, especially when it comes to allocating time for self-care. It’s essential to have time for exercise and to stay hydrated. While we are in the service of our clients, it is crucial to understand that we cannot be of any service if we neglect our own well-being. So, setting boundaries is a highly relevant and important aspect.

How do we make conscious effort to build confidence in others?

Priya: Another important aspect that comes to mind when discussing this is our belief in the process. Both of us, I’m sure, share this belief. It’s not just about having faith in the process but also having faith in others, whether it’s an individual client or the team as a whole. Believing that they are capable of achieving more is truly invigorating in our profession. This belief allows us to communicate effectively without it feeling like an effort. It fosters a natural connection and synergy with others.

How do you nurture “unconditional positive regard”?

Ramesh: Unconditional positive regard is a significant concept, and it’s not easy to demonstrate or embody. It’s about fully accepting and valuing oneself and others for who they are. Especially for someone like me who has had a corporate career where everything is often seen in black and white, it can be challenging to embrace the idea of embracing the emergent and being present without judgment. It requires effort and conscious awareness, and it’s a continuous journey. Even now, I don’t think I have fully achieved unconditional positive regard, but it’s something I strive for and would love to cultivate in my interactions.

Did you have an experience where there was a shift of bias towards a client?

Priya: One of my clients was a woman leader who was part of a cohort of women leaders I was coaching. During our conversation, I sensed that she was being very transactional, seeking direct answers and solutions. In my mind, I felt she wasn’t reflecting enough. Upon reflecting on the session later, I realized that it was my bias at play. I had certain expectations of how she should be and questioned the process, doubting if she was deriving value. However, during our closure call at the end of the assignment, I was shocked by the depth of her reflection and how much she had delved within herself. It was a valuable lesson for me to step back and allow individuals to be themselves, embracing their unique ways of being.

When did you get motivated to start coaching?

Ramesh: We don’t consider ourselves as master coaches, as we believe we are far from reaching mastery in the field. True mastery is a challenging space to attain. For me personally, it became clear at a certain point in my career that I wanted to pursue something more meaningful and fulfilling. Despite not knowing what that was, I couldn’t simply sit around doing nothing. It was during this time that my organization expressed interest in incorporating coaching, and out of curiosity, I raised my hand to participate in a training program. Initially, I had no understanding of what coaching truly meant. However, as I progressed, I started to realize that this might be the path I was meant to pursue. Encouragement from conversations with others further reinforced this idea, as they expressed confidence in my potential as a coach. Taking the plunge into coaching felt like the right decision, and everything began to fall into place.

Priya: As I was reflecting on my various roles and experiences, I came to realize at some point that all the work I’ve done has revolved around empowering people. Whether it was my involvement in corporate training, public relations, my time as a therapist, or my experience in teaching, I was always engaged in helping individuals grow and tapping into their potential. Coaching, for me, was a natural progression into the same space, albeit with a slightly different process. It wasn’t a sudden shift or a conscious decision to change my career path. It seamlessly flowed from what I had always enjoyed doing. I am grateful for discovering this term and entering this refreshing space of coaching, which I am thoroughly enjoying.

What is your understanding of how each person approaches Coaching?

Ramesh: We provide training for coaches, and we often encounter individuals who are at the initial stages of their coaching journey. Most people enter the training program with a sense of curiosity. They simply want to understand what coaching is all about, regardless of their background or profession. Some individuals have a clear vision of wanting to make a difference and bring about positive change. However, curiosity is typically the common driving force behind their interest. I cannot speak for Priya’s perspective, but this has been my observation throughout my experience.

Priya: I would like to add to that, Ramesh. Firstly, there is indeed the curiosity aspect, as we mentioned earlier. Secondly, some individuals see coaching as a potential alternative career path. And thirdly, there are leaders who view coaching as a calling, a way to make a difference beyond mere transactional conversations in the workplace. They believe that coaching can add value to their existing work. So, we have a diverse range of people entering the coaching space. However, as they progress through the training program or learning journey, they all come to the realization that coaching is something they can utilize every day. The competencies we discuss become like life skills for them. They discover that adopting a coaching stance in their personal and professional roles benefits them, leading to positive changes over their learning journey.

How do you shed your ego and baggage?

Ramesh: It’s a journey. I want to emphasize that unconditional positive regard doesn’t mean agreeing or accepting everything the other person says or does. It’s about acknowledging and accepting that their perspective and actions are true and real for them. This acceptance creates a space for their journey to unfold. You’re right, leaders often struggle with this shift because their roles often require them to be directive. Now, we’re asking them to allow the person in front of them to find their own way, which can be challenging. What makes the process easier is our ability to let go of our own notions of right and wrong. What we consider right or wrong may not apply to others. By recognizing and embracing the truth and reality of the other person, we create an environment for them to thrive. Along the way, we may introduce certain frameworks or approaches, but remaining open to the process allows for organic growth and development.

What is your advice for newly-minted coaches?

Ramesh: The journey you embark on as a coach is what you make it, and it begins with clarity. Understanding why you choose this path and what you truly want is essential. Some may discover that coaching isn’t their calling, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is having clarity about your aspirations. It’s important to recognize that like any profession, coaching is a journey. It starts with putting in the effort to build credibility, establish your desired market presence, and shape your personal brand. Patience is key, as success doesn’t come overnight. Many people underestimate this and expect instant results, but it’s crucial to understand that switching careers doesn’t guarantee immediate success. Embracing the journey, being aware of the time and effort required, is vital.

Coaching transforms both the coach and the clients. We’ve all experienced our own personal growth through this process. The coaching community is incredibly supportive, and it’s essential to seek and ask for support when needed. There are numerous people willing to offer their assistance on this journey. Remember, you are not alone. Together, we can navigate and thrive in this transformative profession.

There must have been certain practices you adopted, such as clearing the space, before entering a coaching session. Could you share what your ideal process of clearing the space looks like for both Priya and Ramesh?

Ramesh: For me, I prioritize making notes to keep track of my work with multiple clients. These notes help me ground myself and recall our previous conversations. I also ensure that my calendar is clear, with at least half an hour before and after each coaching session. This allows me to fully immerse myself in the space and transition between clients. It takes time and effort to switch from one client to another, so I value this dedicated time for clearing the space before each session.

Priya: As a ritual, one thing that helps me is to mentally switch gears before each coaching session. I tell myself, “May the best come out for the client,” and allow that intention to guide my presence in the session. If I get too caught up in how things should be or how I want to be, it becomes challenging to be fully present. So, this switch in mindset allows me to prioritize the client’s growth and well-being. Additionally, I make sure to tune in mentally before each call and engage in creative activities between sessions. These activities help clear my mind and provide valuable support for maintaining my presence during coaching sessions.

How do you take care of the inner child?

Ramesh: I simply let the world take over and engage in various activities. I enjoy riding a bike, scuba diving, and managing a farm, among other things. These pursuits allow me to disconnect from my coaching responsibilities and find relaxation and fulfilment in different experiences.

How do you both work together?

Priya: The way we collaborate, and work together has evolved over time. We have recognized that Ramesh brings valuable insights from his experience within the corporate world, having been immersed in the system. On the other hand, with my background in psychology, I offer a perspective from observing human behaviour and dynamics from the outside. This synergy between our perspectives has proven beneficial in our interventions and leadership programs. When designing interventions, I consider how participants will perceive and receive the information, aiming to create effective learning experiences. Ramesh, on the other hand, brings a participant’s mindset and considers business outcomes. It’s this combination of perspectives that allows us to bring a comprehensive approach to our work. We see ourselves as two sides of the same coin, complementing each other’s strengths.

How does a person who wants to become a coach look at the future?

Ramesh: It’s common to have many perspectives and opinions on what the right approach is. That’s why it’s crucial for aspiring coaches, and even those already in the business, to have clarity on their scope of work. It’s essential to identify what we are comfortable with, what we do well, and what we believe will genuinely benefit our clients. Instead of overwhelming ourselves with numerous certifications, it’s important to focus on what truly helps the client.

In our case, we strongly believe in two key aspects: the importance of emotional intelligence and the recognition that we are part of a larger system. These principles guide our work. Once we have clarity on these concepts, it becomes easier to determine the support and resources we need. Whether it’s acquiring relevant certifications, immersing ourselves in the field, or building our capabilities to effectively serve clients who align with these areas, everything falls into place with that clarity in mind.

What is the one story that has stayed with you & stitches who you are?

Priya: The one word, or rather the concept, that encapsulates my journey is “invent and reinvent.” Throughout various stages of my life, I have always remained open to the opportunities and experiences that presented themselves, following my calling at each juncture. These pursuits may seem diverse, but I have discovered that all the knowledge and skills I acquire along the way eventually converge and serve me in my next steps. No learning is ever wasted.

For me, the narrative of my journey revolves around continuously inventing and reinventing myself. It’s about embracing change and not being afraid to reinvent who I am. In essence, it’s a process of constant growth. If I were to confine myself to a fixed identity and limit my possibilities, I would hinder my own development. Instead, I choose to have a broad perspective and ask myself, “What else is related to my calling? How can I integrate it into my current path?” This mindset allows for continuous growth and adaptation. Thus, invention and reinvention have been integral to every phase of my life.

Ramesh: One valuable lesson I’ve learned in life is that nothing remains constant. We must be prepared to adapt and change according to what unfolds. Along this journey, I have found a concept that resonates with me, articulated by a gentleman named Timothy Gallwey. He refers to it as “mobility.” Whether or not we know our exact destination, the important thing is to take action and do something. It doesn’t necessarily have to lead us in the direction we anticipated, but somehow, in one way or another, it presents us with gifts. Gallwey’s perspective on mobility is truly enlightening and emphasizes the fluid nature of life’s path.

Ramesh Sreedharan

Leadership Coach and Change Management Consultant, MCC

Ramesh is a dedicated Leadership Coach and Facilitator, devoting his time to helping individuals reach their full potential. With his prestigious accreditation as a Master Certified Coach (MCC) by the International Coach Federation (ICF), he has amassed an impressive 2500 hours of coaching experience, positively influencing the lives of over 300 leaders and their teams. Through his organization, Orenda Centre for Leadership Excellence, Ramesh designs and delivers impactful leadership development programs. He firmly embraces the philosophy of unlocking each individual’s inner wisdom, empowering them to uncover their own insights through thoughtful reflection and skilled facilitation.

Priya Ramesh

Master Certified Coach – ICF, Advanced Team Coach Certified -ICF, Mentor Coach

Priya is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience as an Enabler of People Empowerment. As an Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Psychologist, she has honed her skills in guiding individuals towards their highest potential. With an impressive practice of over 2500 hours as a Coach, Priya continues to empower executives in their leadership roles. She is a distinguished member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and holds a certification as an EIA Senior Practitioner. Priya’s expertise is further validated by her MCC credential from the International Coach Federation (ICF).