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Hello Adarsh, it is truly a great honor to have the opportunity to delve into your illustrious career and entrepreneurial excellence.
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
Thank you for the warm welcome, Mr. Srinivas. I am thrilled and eager to share all the insights and experiences that have shaped my journey. It is truly a pleasure to be here, and I look forward to our engaging conversation.
--Adarsh Rai -
So Adarsh, you are a career coach. What inspired you to pursue a career in corporate communication coaching and career/life coaching?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
I was inspired to pursue a career in corporate communication coaching and career/life coaching through a combination of experiences and a strong sense of purpose. It all began during my early years as a Recruitment Consultant, where I discovered a natural ability to communicate and convey job opportunities to prospective candidates with ease and clarity. As my career progressed, I found myself increasingly drawn towards the field of corporate communications. The power of effective communication to shape perceptions, inspire action, and foster meaningful connections became my driving force. I realized that helping individuals and organizations enhance their communication skills was not only professionally fulfilling but also had a significant impact on their success. However, my journey into career and life coaching was a deliberate choice. During my tenure as a recruiter, I had the privilege of engaging with countless candidates, listening to their aspirations, challenges, and dreams. These interactions provided me with valuable insights into the intricacies of their career journeys and the profound impact it had on their overall lives. Through these experiences, a compelling "Why" began to crystallize within me. I realized that my true purpose lay in guiding and empowering individuals to navigate their career paths and embrace lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. It was through coaching that I could make a lasting difference in people's lives, helping them unlock their potential, overcome obstacles, and create the futures they desired. Today, as Global Career Counsellor and Career and Life Coach, I am driven by the joy of witnessing my clients thrive. By blending my expertise in communication strategies with the transformative power of coaching, I aim to inspire, motivate, and equip individuals and organizations with the skills and mindset necessary to achieve their goals. In summary, my journey into corporate communication coaching and career/life coaching was fueled by a natural inclination towards effective communication and a deep understanding of the profound impact careers have on individuals. It is my passion to guide and empower others on their paths to success and fulfillment, creating a ripple effect of positive change in both their personal and professional lives.
--Adarsh Rai -
Can you share a significant experience or turning point in your journey as a coach that shaped your approach or philosophy?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
Early on in my career while I was still working as HR Manager for a Travel Firm, a significant experience unfolded that deeply influenced my approach and philosophy. It was a typical afternoon when I was tasked with conducting an interview for a Travel Sales Consultant role. My subordinate handed me a resume and mentioned that we had a walk-in candidate. It was immediately apparent that the candidate lacked the necessary experience and skills for the position. However, an intriguing thought crossed my mind. Why would someone pursuing a career in design be interested in working as a travel consultant? Intrigued, I decided to invite her in for a conversation over a cup of coffee. I wanted to understand her motivations and aspirations. As we sat down, I shared my own story, creating a comfortable environment for her to open up. Then, with a gentle smile, I asked her directly, "What brings you here? This role doesn't seem aligned with your passion for design." Her face lit up, and she confided in me that she indeed loved design. However, she had been admitted to a college in Kolkata, a different city from where her parents resided, and they were reluctant to let her pursue her dreams elsewhere. In that moment, I saw where her heart truly belonged. It was clear that her passion lay in the field of design, not travel consultancy. Recognizing this, I advised her that it would be better to focus her efforts on persuading her parents rather than trying to fit into a role that didn't align with her true calling. I offered her guidance and suggested she approach her parents with empathy, trust, and heartfelt sincerity. A week later, a message appeared in my LinkedIn DMs. It was from the same candidate, sharing the incredible news that she had successfully convinced her parents to support her dreams. This transformative experience became a turning point for me as a coach. It solidified my belief in the power of pursuing one's true passion and purpose, regardless of the challenges and obstacles. Witnessing the impact of authentic conversations, genuine empathy, and unwavering determination, I realized the profound role I could play in helping individuals navigate their own unique paths. Since that moment, I have dedicated myself to guiding and empowering others to follow their passions, overcome hurdles, and embrace their authentic selves. It has become my unwavering philosophy to encourage individuals to never give up on their dreams, no matter the cost, and to trust in their own abilities to create the lives they truly desire. This experience reminded me of the transformative power of coaching and reinforced my commitment to helping others uncover their true potential, embrace their passions, and embark on fulfilling journeys towards success and happiness.
--Adarsh Rai -
It's incredible how a seemingly ordinary moment during an interview led to such a significant realization. How do you integrate emotional intelligence principles into your coaching and mentoring sessions?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
In my coaching and mentoring sessions, I integrate emotional intelligence principles by actively promoting self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I encourage individuals to recognize and understand their own emotions and the emotions of others. This helps them make informed decisions, build stronger relationships, and navigate challenges with greater resilience and empathy.
--Adarsh Rai -
What motivated you to start HR Brain HUB and The 21 Step Initiative? How do these initiatives align with your professional goals?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
I started HR Brain HUB as a natural transition, leveraging my expertise in recruitment in both the Indian and US markets. It allows me to provide specialized HR solutions and support to organizations in these regions. The 21 Step Initiative aligns with my professional goals by encompassing various programs aimed at supporting the youth, individuals who have lost jobs and need assistance, and promoting the art of resume writing. The initiative empowers people to craft effective and ATS-friendly resumes on their own, enabling them to stand out in the competitive job market. Additionally, The 21 Step Initiative aims to support students in their transition from college to corporate life. It not only focuses on imparting technical skills but also emphasizes the importance of strong values and ethics, ensuring a well-rounded development to support their career journeys. Both HR Brain HUB and The 21 Step Initiative allow me to contribute to the professional growth and success of individuals and organizations, while also making a positive impact on the larger community by equipping individuals with the tools they need to excel in their careers.
--Adarsh Rai -
How do you balance your role as a CEO and coach? What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
To balance my role as a CEO and coach, I employ effective time management strategies. I prioritize and delegate tasks, set clear boundaries, and allocate dedicated time for coaching sessions. By maintaining a structured schedule and focusing on essential activities, I ensure that I can fulfill both roles efficiently and effectively.
--Adarsh Rai -
Can you share a memorable success story of coaching an individual at a senior leadership level and the impact it had on their career?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
I once had the privilege of coaching a senior leader who was struggling to navigate a significant career transition. She had recently been promoted to a higher leadership role but were grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty about their capabilities. Through our coaching sessions, we focused on developing their self-awareness, exploring their strengths, and refining her leadership style. We worked on enhancing the communication skills, fostering a positive work culture, and building effective relationships with their team. Over time, the leader began to gain confidence and clarity in her abilities. She embraced new leadership strategies and applied them in her day-to-day responsibilities. As a result, the team engagement improved, and productivity soared. The impact of the coaching was not only evident in the leader's professional growth but also in the overall career trajectory. She went on to achieve remarkable success, receiving recognition for their leadership prowess and securing additional career opportunities. This success story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact coaching can have on individuals at senior leadership levels. It showcases the potential for personal and professional growth, enabling leaders to unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact within their organizations.
--Adarsh Rai -
This success story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of coaching Adarsh. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and practices in talent acquisition, HR strategy, and coaching methodologies?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
To stay updated with the latest trends and practices in talent acquisition, HR strategy, and coaching methodologies, I employ a multi-faceted approach. I actively engage in continuous learning through industry publications, professional networks, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in relevant online courses. This allows me to stay abreast of the latest developments, exchange insights with peers, and incorporate new and effective techniques into my coaching, Talent Acquisition and HR strategies
--Adarsh Rai -
That's poignant Adarsh, How do you incorporate storytelling into your coaching sessions, and why do you believe it is an effective tool for personal and professional growth?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
I incorporate storytelling into my coaching sessions as I believe it is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Stories have a unique ability to engage, inspire, and connect with individuals on an emotional level. By sharing relevant stories, I can illustrate key concepts, provide relatable examples, and create a meaningful context for learning and reflection. This approach allows clients to gain insights, broaden their perspectives, and apply the lessons learned to their own lives and careers. Storytelling fosters deeper understanding, enhances retention, and stimulates positive change, making it an effective tool for personal and professional growth.
--Adarsh Rai -
It's fascinating to hear how you recognize the power of stories as a tool for personal and professional growth. Can you describe your experience in talent acquisition and management? What were some of the key accomplishments or challenges you faced in these roles?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
In my experience in talent acquisition and management, I have achieved significant milestones and overcome notable challenges. In one particular startup, I successfully recruited over 150 employees, assembling a talented team that contributed to the company's growth and success. Additionally, in another role, I managed to scale up the manpower by 40%, effectively addressing the organization's staffing needs during a period of expansion. These accomplishments highlight my expertise in sourcing top talent, implementing recruitment strategies, and effectively managing workforce requirements. However, along the way, I have also faced challenges such as fierce competition for talent, navigating market fluctuations, and ensuring cultural fit within the organizations. Nonetheless, these experiences have further honed my skills in talent acquisition and management, equipping me with the ability to overcome obstacles and deliver positive outcomes.
--Adarsh Rai -
How have you successfully built and transformed teams in your previous roles? Can you share an example of a team you worked with and the outcomes achieved?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
In my previous roles, I have successfully built and transformed teams by focusing on three key elements: clear communication, fostering collaboration, and recognizing individual strengths. For example, in a previous organization, I was tasked with forming a cross-functional team to tackle a complex project. Through effective communication, I ensured that team members understood the project goals, their roles, and the desired outcomes. To foster collaboration, I facilitated regular team meetings, encouraged open dialogue, and created a supportive environment where diverse ideas were welcomed. This promoted synergy and innovation within the team. Recognizing individual strengths, I assigned tasks that aligned with each team member's expertise and encouraged them to contribute their unique skills. This created a sense of ownership and motivated team members to deliver their best work. As a result, the team successfully completed the project ahead of schedule, exceeding expectations. The outcomes achieved included improved efficiency, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and a cohesive team dynamic. This example showcases my approach of clear communication, collaboration, and recognizing individual strengths, which have consistently led to successful team building and transformation in my previous roles.
--Adarsh Rai -
What strategies do you employ to navigate the complexities of the business landscape and drive high performance in the teams you lead?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
To navigate the complexities of the business landscape and drive high performance in the teams I lead, I employ several key strategies #1 Clear Vision and Goal Alignment #2 Empowerment and Trust #3 Continuous Learning and Development #4 Performance Recognition. I believe one needs to establish a clear vision and communicate it effectively to the team along with ensuring that everyone understands the overarching goals and how their contributions align with them. Moreover, empowering team members by delegating responsibility and trusting them to make decisions, by providing autonomy and supporting their growth. I consciously focus on fostering a collaborative culture where teamwork is encouraged and this enables us to solve complex problems collectively and achieve high-performance outcomes. I encourage ongoing learning, provide opportunities for skill development, and support them in reaching their full potential. Most importantly I acknowledge the efforts of team members and provide continuous and constructive feedback - this inturn motivates individuals to maintain high-performance levels and drive success.
--Adarsh Rai -
How do you approach corporate communication to ensure effective messaging and engagement with diverse stakeholders?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
To ensure effective messaging and engagement with diverse stakeholders in corporate communication, I prioritize audience understanding, use clear and concise communication, encourage two-way communication, employ a multichannel approach, and practice cultural sensitivity.
--Adarsh Rai -
Can you share an example of a situation where you applied your HRBP expertise to address organizational issues and provide innovative solutions?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
In a fast-growing organization, there was a recurring issue of employee turnover within a specific department. Upon investigation, I identified a lack of career development opportunities as a key contributing factor. To address this issue, I collaborated with department managers to design and implement a career development framework. This included establishing a mentorship program, conducting skills assessments, and providing targeted training initiatives. Additionally, I introduced a performance recognition system that acknowledged and rewarded employees who demonstrated exceptional performance and potential. This motivated employees and created a culture of growth and advancement. As a result of these initiatives, employee turnover significantly decreased, and overall job satisfaction and engagement levels within the department improved. The organization benefited from a more stable workforce, increased productivity, and a stronger talent pipeline for future leadership positions.
--Adarsh Rai -
How do you incorporate emotional intelligence principles into consumer experience and decision-making processes within an organization?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
To incorporate emotional intelligence principles into consumer experience and decision-making processes, I prioritize empathy, active listening, emotional awareness, relationship building, and flexibility
--Adarsh Rai -
What led you to write the books "Fresher's Guide To A Dream Job - A Step-by Step Approach" and "The Devil's Horse: Embrace the darkness within"? What messages or insights do you hope to convey through your writing?
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
As a new writer on the block, I'm excited to explore two distinct genres - fiction (poems & short stories) and career development. My debut book "The Devil's Horse" is a raw and unbridled exploration of the depths of human emotion through the power of poetry. This must-read work is perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, solace, or simply a chance to reflect on their own life experiences. Now, I'm thrilled to announce my latest work, "Fresher's Guide to A Dream Job: A Step-by-Step Approach," an invaluable resource for those seeking to navigate the job market and land their dream job. With practical tips, actionable steps, and up-to-date strategies, this comprehensive guide is the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving career success. Whether you're a recent graduate or a career-switcher, "Fresher's Guide to A Dream Job: A Step-by-Step Approach" provides a comprehensive and actionable plan to help you take control of your career path and succeed in your dream job. I invite you to explore this essential guide and discover the strategies that can help you achieve your career goals. So why wait? Join me on this journey of personal and professional growth and order your copy of "Fresher's Guide to A Dream Job: A Step-by-Step Approach" today. Let's unlock your full potential and take the first step towards a fulfilling and successful career! My next book is also in the works and will be out soon!
--Adarsh Rai -
May your upcoming book find success and touch the lives of many. I eagerly await its release, knowing that it will be a testament to your literary talent and creativity. Best of luck, Adarsh, as you bring your next masterpiece into the hands of eager readers.
--Srinivas Sarakadam -
Thank You for your wishes Mr. Srinivas
--Adarsh Rai -
Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us today. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in all your future endeavors.
--Srinivas Sarakadam