“Don’t be defined as what you see as an opportunity.  Instead, be willing to create your own”- Heather MonahanThis episode covers the incredible comeback story of Heather Monahan – a former C-level executive who successfully climbed the corporate ladder , shattered glassceiling to claim her spot in C-suite and then after being named as ‘One of the most influential women in Radio ‘ in 2017 faced an unexpected and sudden termination from employment !Heather shares with Ash - ·       Her initial years of working in various sales jobs and then working her way up to be the chief revenue officer / VP of sales at online media/radio business ·       Climbing through the corporate ladder, becoming a c-level executive and winning several awards including ‘ One of the most influential women in Radio’ in 2017·       Her bitter experience of getting fired unexpectedly soon after she received the award which left her shocked and led her to pursue her own business ‘Boss in Heels’·       Initial struggles and challenges she faced on her way through writing her first best-selling book ‘Confidence Creator’ and becoming a Keynote speaker!Heather’s work is featured in CNN, Forbes, Fast Company and many top publications!Her first book - ‘Confidence Creator’ was ranked #1 in amazon business category and she is now launching her second book – “Overcome your Villain” which is now available for pre-order here!Episode highlights /Timelines9.41 – Tips for building high self-confidence14.31 – Tips for public speaking15.24 – About Heather’s new book ‘Overcome Your Villains’ and her 3-step process to overcome adversity in life and business!18.50 – rapid fire fun question roundFor more details visit - https://heathermonahan.com/If you liked this episode , Please do leave a 5 star review and rating here! Thanks in advance for the support!Want to catch up on previous episodes ? Check out the website below!Ask a question/Like/Support 👇👇https://www.passiontoprofessionpodcast.com/Lets get social !https://linktr.ee/PassionToProfessionPodcastSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

This episode is part of special series called 'Women Of Substance'  on Passion To Profession Podcast which covers  woman-centered stories!  Stories of success , resilience , courage , breaking stereotypes , building strong identity, overcoming adversities and many more !This episodes features Devina Kaur - Founder of Sexy Brilliant Global revolution initiative which aims to remove toxic shame and raise human consciousness to live life authentically. She is also author of spiritual self-help book- Too FatToo LoudToo AmbitiousThrough this book, Devina encourages you to be unapologetically brave and courageous and to accept yourself completely. In this candid conversation with Ash , she shares her journey -Her initial years - born and raised in a traditional punjabi family in India and having an arranged marriageSeperation from her husband and her journey of self-discovery that led her down the path of finding Sexy Brilliant Global RevolutionHer awakening moment in life when she was sitting by a river and thought of jumping in ending her life but instead decided to give life another chance ! Quitting her job in banking industry to become a fulltime dog walker.Her path to find purpose and meaning overcoming depression, addiction and having suicidal thoughts and turning her life around becoming a powerful influencer, motivational speaker , author and inspiring others to live their authentic life through her Sexy Brilliant initiative !You can learn more about her work and connect with her on www.devinakaur.comIf you liked this episode , Please do leave a 5 star review and rating here! Thanks in advance for the support!Want to catch up on previous episodes ? Check out the website below!Ask a question/Like/Support 👇👇https://www.passiontoprofessionpodcast.com/Lets get social !https://linktr.ee/PassionToProfessionPodcastSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

This episode is part of special series called 'Women Of Substance'  on Passion To Profession Podcast which covers  woman-centered stories!  Stories of success , resilience , courage , breaking stereotypes , building strong identity, overcoming adversities and many more !This episodes features Cancer Thriver / TEDx Speaker / Happiness and Fulfillment Coach Caroline Emile !Caroline sits down with Ash to share her journey of finding her strength while overcoming life changing adversity which in her case was fighting breast cancer and not just surviving but thriving through the whole experience .Caroline talks about- Her journey all the way from breast cancer diagnosis to undergoing chemo therapy, radiation , surgery to finally becoming cancer freeHow she made a decision to go through the treatment while not allowing it to change her true self How she found her happiness in little things during the course of her treatment whether it is wearing her signature red lipstick to chemo, getting a pink chair ,  talking to friends, walking outdoors - she stresses on how we need to find little things that makes us happy!And lastly how she found her true purpose of helping others by sharing her life lessons through life coaching/ speaking events etc Caroline shares 3 best tips to transform any adversity into an advantage- 1. Believe that you are here for a reason - there is an unique purpose for each one of us . Find yours and embrace it !2. Do things that make you happy - that will activate happy chemicals in your brain and help in overall well being . 3. Be open to redesigning your life - many times we are stuck in a box. Think of adversities in your life as an opportunity to make some changes , reinvent yourself and dont be afraid to take some risks!Connect with Caroline here!If you liked this episode , Please do leave a 5 star review and rating here! Thanks in advance for the support!Want to catch up on previous episodes ? Check out the website below!Ask a question/Like/Support 👇👇https://www.passiontoprofessionpodcast.com/Lets get social !https://linktr.ee/PassionToProfessionPodcastSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

As part of special series called 'Women Of Substance'  on Passion To Profession Podcast where we showcase woman-centred stories - stories of success , resilience , courage , breaking sterotypes , building strong identity, overcoming adversities and many more !In this episode, host Ash chats with Rachel Beck - Author of the book -“Finding Your Way When Life Changes Your Plans: A Memoir of Adoption, Loss of Motherhood and Remembering Home.”Rachel shares her incredible story which starts from being born in India where her biological mother died 2 days after she was born and being bought up in an orphanage . She was adopted by Jewish American family when she was 11 months old!Rachel shares -Her experience of growing up as an adopted kid , raised by a Jewish family where she found love and support of her adopted family Facing racism during the initial years and how she decided to step up and use her voice to share her thoughts and empower others Her 20 year old battle with endometriosis, infertility, failed adoption, and the decision to embrace hysterectomy as way of creating new life for herself .Today , she has transformed into a strong , radiant person who is always shedding light on her network, helping others become best version of themselves and spreading joy to those aorund her through her positivity !🎯Key Takeaways from the episode-Only way to end ignorance is to have a conversation about it , no matter how difficult it isChoose to be a part of solution not the problem Dont apologize for the color of your skinConnect with Rachel Beck here !If you liked this episode , Please do leave a 5 star review and rating here! Thanks in advance for the support!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1500963344?mt=2&ls=1Want to catch up on previous episodes ? You can find them all here -Ask a question/Like/Support 👇👇https://www.passiontoprofessionpodcast.com/Lets get social !https://linktr.ee/PassionToProfessionPodcastSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

Launching a special series called 'Women Of Substance'  on Passion To Profession Podcast by showcasing woman-centred stories - stories of success , resilience , courage , breaking sterotypes , building strong identity, overcoming adversities and many more !In this first episode of Special Edition series, host Ash chats with Gauri Devidayal - Founder & CEO of The Table - Food Matters India Pvt. Ltd which is rated as #4 restaurant in India by Condenast Traveller!She was listed in Forbes India’s 120 Leaders of Change, GQ’s list of the 50 Most Influential Young Indians and she has been on the jury for India Wine Awards from past 2 years!She recently launched her podcast ' This round is on me' where she hosts visionaries and thought leaders from various industries.In conversation with Ash, Gauri shares -Her initial years of growing up in Mumbai, pursuing Law in London , working for Big 4 firm and having a successful career as a Lawyer & Tax Consultant Her move back to Mumbai , meeting her husband Jay Yousuf and then planning a year long sabbatical to try out restaurant businessHow the sabbatical which was supposed to be 1 year became 10 years as she along with her husband  built a thriving restuarant business , branched out into other ventures while continuing to adapt , learn and innovate !As Ash digs deeper into challenges , failures , lessons learnt during the journey , Gauri shares invaluable insights on how she overcame hurdles , how she  adapted during the pandemic and switched to delivery based model which proved profitable.Takeaways -Failure is natural and normal - it is a good thing as it forces you to progressWhenever you are trying to solve a problem , thinking long term is important As long as you have an idea , stop overthinking and Just Do it!Not to miss fun question round of podcast- where Gauri shares chilling  story when she accidentally got hit by a bullet and narrowly escaped !To Know more about Gauri and her work - check out http://www.foodmatters.in/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauridevidayal/Ask a Question/ Support/ Subscribe to Passion To Profession Podcast!https://www.passiontoprofessionpodcast.com/ Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

This is a New Year special solo episode where Ash shares some personal and professional updates. First part of the episode covers some personal updates-Reflecting back on the most challenging year yet , Ash tries to seek out the positives and shares 3 important things that helped change her perspective on life1. Minimalism - How clearing out clutter and unwanted things in physical space can help clear your mind and provide the space for taking slighter bigger risks in life.2. Gift of Time - How this pandemic reminded us that life is fleeting and our time is limited . So make the best of it !3. Empathy and Kindness - Matters more than anything else ! Even a small act of kindness can go a long way and brighten up someone else's day!Second part of the episode covers some of the professional updates-Launch of Podcast website - www.passiontoprofessionpodcast.comDetails on how to support the show and subscribe to stay in touch with the hostAsk any question to Ash using 'Ask a Question' button on website and selected questions will be answered publicly in podcast episode with credits.If interested to be a part of small private group for more direct interactions, reach out to Ash directly via the website /social media Support / subscribe / ask a question !Check out - www.passiontoprofessionpodcast.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

How did a literature major from Oxford University become a Top Podcaster and new media entrepreneur? This episode features the incredible story of Jeremy Slate - Founder of ‘Create Your Own Life’ Podcast and ‘Command Your Brand’ media company .Jeremy initially started out wanting to be a professor, but life took him on a different path when he had a near death experience at the age of 19 and his mom suffered a stroke – that made him question a lot of his life choices and he started experimenting with different ideas .Jeremy describes his podcasting journey as truly life-changing!!!In this conversation with Ash, he shares-What made him start Podcasting Why you should or more importantly why should NOT start a podcast  Why Podcasters have to niche down their audience  How Podcasting can be a truly life changing medium His media Company – ‘Command Your Brand’ and how his company helps entrepreneurs leverage podcasts to increase their brand presence Plus Basics of PR and some tips/tricks that anyone can use to gain exposure /increase visibility Jeremy Slate has been featured in Forbes (3x), INC (3x), Top Influencer by Influencive.com, Top Millennial Influencer by BuzzFeed, INC Top Podcast for 2019 and Top Podcast to Follow by CIO Magazine (2x; 2017 + 2018)!!Learn more about Jeremy and do check his work!https://www.jeremyryanslate.com/https://commandyourbrand.com/Love this episode? Do drop a 5- star rating and review here !https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passion-to-profession/id1500963344Love it still? Now You can buy me a coffee and show your support!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRaoLets stay connected !https://linktr.ee/PassionToProfessionPodcastSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

In this episode ,  Ash talks to International Brain change expert/Neurotherapist Dr. Lynette Louise on her passion to help special needs children and their families lead better lives!Lynette shares about her journey which started with adopting not one but 6 kids out of which 4 of them were on autism spectrum and were multiple handicapped.She shares·       Her experience adopting and raising autistic kids and giving them better future ·       Her desire to help special needs kids which ultimately led her to becoming board certified international brain change expert·       Creating and hosting documentary series called ‘Fix It in 5’ – where she travels to 5 different countries to help 5 families -now streaming on Autism channel Takeaways –·       What can we learn from all the research on brain development so far·       What has autism taught us about the brain ·       How to make this pandemic time a stress relieving experience  Connect with Dr Lynettehttp://www.lynettelouise.com/Watch docu series - Fix it in 5 !http://www.lynettelouise.com/fixitinfive/Like this episode ? leave a rating/review of podcast on itunes -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passion-to-profession/id1500963344Lets get connected -https://linktr.ee/PassionToProfessionPodcastSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

This episode features Srini Rao – Host /creator of widely popular ‘The Unmistakable Creative’ Podcast which features close to 700 interviews with some of the world’s insanely interesting people! Tim Ferris, Simon Sinek, Seth Godin to name a few!Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of ‘The Art of Being Unmistakable’, Srini Rao is a well-known creativity keynote speaker who helps companies to find their unmistakable unique voice and stand out from the crowd!In this episode, Srini gets candid with Ash as he discusses his non linear career which began soon after he graduated with an MBA when he found his slate wiped clean when economy had just tanked !Srini found himself using this unexpected gift of time and decided to use this to do two things-1.     Writing2.     SurfingBoth of these activities eventually led him to live life by his own design and not default to the expected norms of society and got him closer to what he truly was – an unmistakable creative! Srini talks about how he started writing and then after hearing the consistent feedback from his network which in this case also includes Simon Sinek who observes that Srini is good at 2 things – His obsession about people doing most interesting stuff and  Srini’s drive to help people to find their thing that makes them unique – makes them unmistakable !This led him to eventually start the, widely popular podcast ‘The Unmistakable Creative’ which now close to 700+ interviews so far and going strong!When Ash asks about how to keep up with creativity during crisis – Srini explains it through four key phases which involves Panic, Projection, Awareness, Acceptance and Action.Key Insights from the episode:·       Try to live your life by design and not default·       Do not plainly copy your role models – rather just model them and then discard the parts that isn’t for you. Remember context matters and everyone’s background is different. Outlier advantages that they had may not apply to you – so do it your way·       When life does not go as per your plan – instead of blaming circumstance, use it as gift to get creative and find a solution!·       About Acceptance – Srini says – “If you hold on to something very strongly , it starts to have power over you but if you start to accept thing as they are, that power /control dissolves, Once you accept there is new sense of awareness and you start to think what you could do . This awareness leads to action and this action is now based on your courage and not your fear!”Keystone habit that Srini Rao believes in and which has helped him build out his creative career Writing 1000 words per day!! Just writing it out /flushing out ideas /brainstorming – led to numerous led to numerous blog posts, podcast ideas, book ideas.Other fun facts covered in episode:·       His cameo in Netflix series #indianmatchmaking and how this experience has led to many conversations about south Asian culture which was long overdue!You can know more about Srini and his work HERE!Access more episodes and get connected HERE!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)

In this episode , host Ash chats with Forbes Leadership Contributor , social media ghostwriter Amy Blaschka as she shares why and how she chose a creative writing career !Growing up , Amy was always a creative child which naturally led her to pursue a degree in Visual Arts but her career followed a non linear path which included working in agencies , advertising and even leading a non profit organization for almost 10 years before she took a leap into her true passion which is writing and helping others tell their stories!An encouraging nudge from an influencer that led her to explore her writing skills and share her work on social media which pivoted her ghostwriting career !Today she is well known as a brand strategist who uses stories to strengthen personal brands! She helps company founders and CXOs, entrepreneurs, and senior executives to communicate in a manner that enhances their connection with clients, customers, investors, employees, and partners.Big Takeaways -Stop Hiding - If  you are passionate about something and you want to pursue that work professionally then at some point or other , you need to stop hiding and start sharing your work on social media ! It will be terrifying but is definitely worth it !Protect Your Time - As simple as it sounds, it is important to guard your time and use it wisely to do deep work needed to improve your craft!Don't miss -Amy's best 5 tips for writing effective LinkedIn posts !!! To learn more and connect with Amy - https://www.amyblaschka.com/Enjoyed this episode ? Drop 5 stars and share how the show inspired you HERE!You can access ALL episodes  #PassionToProfession and connect on social HERE!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshRao)