What is the best thing that I love about my work as storyteller?

I am fortunate to be able to tell stories via my profession (that of an acamedician) to impart knowledge and also by way of being. I often have people come back and say ‘I am inspired by the way you conduct yourself and walk your path and truth’. In a way, both my personal and professional stories have a journey of their own!

What is my idea of happiness?

Being at peace with oneself and the world, the way it is.

What is my greatest fear?

Mediocrity in ambition, impact and purpose is not something I am a fan of.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I wouldn’t say deplore but something am working on developing is a “thick skin” to external triggers that may affect me in ways that aren’t value added. Am glad I am exploring my spiritual tools to get there.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

There are many but I, for now only associate the word ‘admire’ to my first mentor, Ms. Lakshmi Iyer – a superwoman in all spheres.

On what occasion would I lie?

Normally I wouldn’t but anything that makes my parents feel happy and content – I wouldn’t  mind trading a few lies for just that exception.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I have recently begun a job this month which I absolutely love. It gets me excited every single day and I can’t think of anything that I dislike about it at all. I think am fortunate to be saying that.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

There have been occassions when I have been praised for my quality of work and sure, who doesn’t like that feedback. However, speaking to young minds and the ideas they have to change the world – those moments have been life altering. One such example would be of meeting two 9th graders at a school in New Delhi where I spent roughly 40minutes interacting with these bright youngsters about the business ideas they had – one of a multi-purpose shoe design for the underprivileged kids and the other of a solar – energy run kaleidoscope. It was bizarre but truly satisfying! This will remain special.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

Personally I would like to exercise and meditate a bit more, but nothing else for now!

What is my greatest achievement in work?

Without blowing my own trumpet, the impact that I’ve come to known I’ve had, as a millennial young worker in my organisations, especially in my co-workers life and the way they think about ‘satisfaction from work’ is something I am proud of. I’ve been a silent advocate of achieving one’s highest potential and being bold about your worth, at work or outside and I can see people relate it, so without doubt this is a special achievement.

Where would I most like to live?

I’m really fond of Bangalore and Delhi, India so either of them is great!

What is my most treasured possession?

Nothing materialistic to be honest but the relationships I have made over the years are surely treasured the most. Happiness derived from other things is often short lived and questionable in nature.

What is my most marked characteristic?

In my opinion the discipline I maintain in terms of planning and organizing.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

In Delhi I’d say the green spaces like The Sunder Nursery, Lodhi Gardens or even Hauz Khas Village inspire me the most.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

Honestly, I love street food and in Delhi I think is one the bests for that reason alone! Any of those delicacies, especially near my house in CR Park is irresistible! I don’t drink so I wouldn’t be the best person for that, sorry!

What books influenced my life and how?

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg sowed in me the seeds of questioning and just not accepting, Becoming my Michelle Obama continues to impart empathy and kindness till date, The Meaning Revolution by Fred Kofman helped in understand the true meaning of the word ‘meaning’ and the book am currently reading, The Power of Now by Echkart Tolle is a great one for anyone looking to dive into the magic of spirituality and being present in the now. Also, any of the books written by Brene Brown and Simon Sinek – I love!

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

Unfortunately I am not a big fan of listening  to music (yes, my loss!) but maybe a nice motivational podcast episode would be it.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

I usually associate best with non- fictional characters due to the level of relatability but for fun, I love all the characters in the show The Schitts Creek – a phenomenal rage right now – their acting is the true hero!

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Oh many! My entire family especially my young brother Abhitej and my close friends Yash, Shreya, Chhaya, Jaspreet, Jayesh, Sumit, Shazeen, Anushka, Devika & Lisa are my pillars of strength from wherever they are in the entire world. They are change makers, optimists – who look beyond themselves and inspire everyone around them!

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Definitely The Pursuit of Happiness but also many gems from our Hindi Film Industry namely Masaan, A Death in the Gunj, Manto, Sir, Tamasha & Tumhari Sullu.

What role play stories in my life and work?

Stories hold your cure – like the famous comedian Hannah Gadsby claims. I think stories bring out emotions within us which generate relatability and connection – the basis of human existence. Stories bring us closer and that’s the true power in sharing them. Am glad your platform thrives on this thought!

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

At the core, it means to celebrate your journey and story and be proud of it – to own it! If required, be vocal about it so others get inspired and a snow ball effect takes birth.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

These words remind me of the two men in my life who I absolutely admire – my younger brother Abhitej and my friend Yash Raj Singh. They are hard working dreamers whose kindness and zeal to change the world is worth mentioning.

What project, in 2021, am I looking forward to work on?

I am beginning to research around corporate spaces and the relationship with millennials. There’s interesting observations and data that talks about various layers around this unspoken topic and am excited to explore it.

Where can you see me or my work in 2021?

LinkedIn would be the best platform!

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

What it truly means for me is whatever age or time we are at, a passion will continue to wake you up and get you out of it. It may not be fancy to hear – even something as plain and simple as being passionate about the way you interact with others, or the way you do your job or just the way you help people around you or paint or sit still with yourself – any passion big or small continues to make you live rather than exist. And once you’ve found it – remember to hold onto it!

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?

Lakshmi Iyer, Chhaya Dabas, Shreya Arora

How can you contact me?
I am the most active on LinkedIn but you can also write to me on 194anshika@gmail.com