Master trainer, behavioral specialist, writer, dancer, digital and TV presenter there many more vibrant and diverse feathers adorning the cap of Priya Sivadas. True to her profession she has been a avid learner from the very young age. Her passion grew over time and she decided to take up learning and development as her career path. After her successful stint with major corporate like KPMG, Priya decided to venture out and style her passion according to her terms. A known woman personality in Cochin she is making her mark in the training and development industry with her unique set of modules.
A brief interview with Priya Sivadas on how she ventured into this field, her aspirations and plans on how to keep her passion alive.
I believe every creation in the universe has a magic inside it. Find that magic, work for that magic, explore the magic and give it back to the universe.
Tell us about yourself, your previous jobs/ventures? What were you doing before choosing this field?
I am Priya hailing from Mahé a small and beautiful village in Kerala. I was always inspired and passionate about learning from a very young age. I started my career as a marketing executive, later became a behavioral specialist and then went on to become the Leaning and Development Head of KPMG. In total I have around 16 years of experience in Learning and Development catering to organizational development. I am also a specialist trainer with children, transgenders, police, executives, senior citizens and top officials. In my training experience I have learnt to be flexible and understand how gifted it is to be a human being.
My vision is to live enlightened and start a unique training institute and contribute to the society. My values are love trust and respect and my passion is training and dancing.
How did you land up doing what you do now?
As told before learning is my passion for a very long time and I come from a family of entrepreneurs where I got the first few lessons about life and the world. I was a voracious reader and read my first Swami Vivekananda’s book when I was as little as six years old (the same book I carry with me even now!). How I reached where I am now is because, I am quite passionate about life, always liked to experiment with life and I forgive and forget. Though there were lot of storms in my life as well but it helped me to get more clear, sensitive and passionate.
What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is my breath(Chuckles ????).I think every moment or everyday of my life there is an event which keeps me ignited and inspired to learn, unlearn and relearn and be a better human being.
How do you plan to stay ahead of your competitors?
I always wanted to see me as my competitor. I feel I am a better person in life and at work compared to the last moment. I do study about competent people like Tony Robinson, Franklin Covey. I read about them and try to understand them. I believe real trainers are real learners. I have seven mentors and try to stay ahead of me, myself.
If not the current profession, what would you have been?
I would have loved to pursue dance and become a great dancer. I still dance so I am pursuing it in a way.
Was your family supportive of what you are doing? What impact have they had on your life?
I come from a joint family so people have been supportive in different ways at different points in my life. Even when my family could not support my best friends supported. I was a sort of inter depended on different people. Even when people did not lend their hand, I have tried to look at in a positive way. However, I always had someone supporting me at different time.
What are your plans for the next 2 years?
By January I need to start a unique module called “The Magic of Brain” and introduce at least 10 unique modules into the training sessions. This year I have plans to go International with my training. I would love to incorporate more of dance and yoga into training. (I already do that).
Also I have a secret plan to be implemented by May,2020 which I will speak when it is in action.
What does a typical day at work consist of for you?
Monday to Friday I usually wake up at 4 am and try to sleep by 10 which never happens.
After getting up I meditate for an hour, do a little dance or Kalari. I stay with my parents and son and my husband keeps travelling.
Saturday and Sunday are usually for relaxing. On holidays and while travelling I do not plan anything and take the day as it comes.
Any regrets till now? If yes, will you like to share it with our readers?
As told before whatever I am today is because of all the storms and other beautiful instances weaved together. I believe whatever happens is for the best. I look at life in a very positive way.
If you were given a choice of meeting any person you want from your field, who will be that person? What will you ask that person?
I would love to meet the creator of the universe and just want to tell him that I love him.
Any message that you want to send to your readers?
You are unique, there is nobody like u in this universe. Never compare yourself to others. There is something beautiful and strange in every moment of your learning. Try to find that around u, inside you and master it. I believe every creation in the universe has a magic inside it. Find that magic, work for that magic, explore the magic and give it back to the universe.
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