Dive into the remarkable evolution of Akanksha Kulkarni (Akanksshaa), the esteemed founder of Mind N Beyond and the Arnav Memorial Foundation, as she shares her captivating journey with The Entrepreneur Times. With a diverse background in the IT sector and a deep commitment to holistic well-being, Akanksshaa’s story resonates with individuals seeking to align their careers with their true purpose. Her insights into coaching methodologies and purpose-driven leadership offer a unique perspective on navigating the ever-changing entrepreneurial landscape.
Through her trailblazing approach that blends business acumen with spiritual wisdom, Akanksshaa empowers entrepreneurs to build soul-aligned businesses that prioritize both success and well-being. Unveil the transformative lessons and invaluable wisdom she imparts, providing readers with a roadmap for embracing purpose and creating a lasting impact in the world of entrepreneurship and holistic well-being.
Discover the profound impact of her coaching methodologies, cultural transformation initiatives, and her commitment to fostering well-being and purpose-driven leadership within organizations. This interview serves as a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering pursuit of personal and collective fulfillment.
What motivated you to transition from a successful career in IT to become a mindset and well-being catalyst?
I have always followed my calling and made career transitions in life. I realized it was life purpose, my calling to help people expand consciousness, to help them rewire mind, raise vibration, enrich well-being, and live a life of abundance and freedom. I have worked in the corporate sector for 20 plus years. One common thread in my life has been my love for teaching. I love teaching. Even when I was doing my graduation, I used to teach younger kids. So, you can say, love for teaching is in my DNA. During and just after my graduation, my avid interest and enthusiasm in fitness led me to become an aerobics instructor. I worked part time as an aerobics instructor for a few years till I completed my post-graduation/ MBA. I took up a corporate job in IT/ Finance after my MBA from one of the top B schools in India. Although I was handling programs/ delivery and large teams as part of my job, I also used to facilitate and train senior/ exec corporate leaders as a corporate facilitator. I later moved into learning and knowledge division. I have also been a spiritual teacher for about twelve plus years, alongside my corporate job. I quit my full-time corporate job in IBM and founded my coaching & training venture Mind N Beyond in October 2018. After my teenage son crossed over in 2020, my spiritual awakening helped me to connect with higher realms/ dimensions. I get guidance from my son and higher beings. I was guided to immerse fully and more deeply in the area of health and well-being. I completed Chopra health, meditation teacher and well-being coach certifications based on the guidance I received. With so much stress, anxiety, fear, and chaos happening through the world, there’s an urgent need for people to expand consciousness and establish the unity consciousness. Your well-being is not just absence of disease or just being physically healthy and fit; it’s about having holistic i.e., mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It’s multi-dimensional. I am inspired and guided by my son, my higher-self and Divine to help people with their holistic well-being through teaching, mentoring, and coaching.
How do you believe your experience in diverse roles within the IT sector has influenced your approach to coaching and training individuals and organizations?
My diverse experience across various roles within the IT sector has significantly influenced my approach to coaching and training individuals and organizations. Having worked in a variety of positions, including program and delivery management, team leadership, diversity training, corporate facilitation, and later transitioning into the learning and knowledge division, I have developed a unique perspective that allows me to create holistic and effective coaching & training programs. In my roles, where I managed large teams, I naturally found myself mentoring and coaching individuals under my supervision. This hands-on experience allowed me to understand the importance of personalized guidance and support in helping individuals reach their full potential. I recognized that every person is unique, and one-size-fits-all approaches rarely lead to the best results. This realization has become a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy, where I tailor my guidance to meet the specific needs and goals of each client or organization. My experience as a diversity lead, where I trained, coached, and mentored women, provided me with invaluable insights into the significance of diversity and inclusion. These lessons now play a central role in my coaching, as I help organizations create diverse and inclusive workplaces that drive innovation and success.
Additionally, my background in finance, science, technology, and business equips me with a multidisciplinary approach. I can draw on knowledge from various fields to provide well-rounded guidance to my clients. This diverse skill set allows me to integrate both technical and soft skills into my signature coaching programs, which focus on mindset, well-being, and business strategies. In conclusion, my journey through diverse roles in the IT sector has given me a wealth of experiences and insights that I bring to my coaching and training endeavors. I’m passionate about helping individuals and organizations align purpose and achieve their full potential by embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and harnessing the power of a multidisciplinary approach. My unique background has allowed me to develop a coaching style that is both holistic and tailored to the specific needs of my clients, and I’m excited to share these lessons with the entrepreneurial community to help them thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
In what ways has your background in architecture, finance, and IT contributed to your unique perspective on holistic well-being and mindset rewiring?
My diverse background has played a pivotal role in shaping my unique perspective on holistic well-being and mindset rewiring. Each facet of my career journey has contributed to a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between one’s professional life, personal well-being, and mindset. This perspective has become one of the significant cornerstones of my coaching philosophy, allowing me to offer entrepreneurs a holistic approach to success and fulfillment.
In my roles within the IT sector, particularly when leading large teams and overseeing complex programs, I experienced firsthand the pressures and demands of a high-paced corporate environment. This exposure highlighted the critical need for individuals to maintain their well-being and mental resilience. It’s not enough to excel in your professional life if you’re sacrificing your health and peace of mind. This realization fueled my passion for holistic well-being, and I learned to integrate self-care practices into my daily routine to ensure I was performing at my best while maintaining balance. My experience as a diversity lead also significantly contributed to my understanding of holistic well-being.
Furthermore, my background in finance, science, technology, and business provides me with a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and personal transformation. It has allowed me to appreciate that well-being and mindset are not isolated concepts but are interconnected with one’s financial stability, professional goals, and personal aspirations. By drawing from various fields of knowledge, I can offer a more comprehensive view of how to achieve success while maintaining a healthy mindset and overall well-being.
My experience within a best-in-class corporate structure has been instrumental in shaping my ability to impart knowledge to entrepreneurs in various aspects, including leadership development, governance creation, cultural transformation, people management, processes and more. I had the privilege of working in an environment that exemplified excellence in these areas, providing me with valuable insights that I now share with entrepreneurs seeking to create high-performance organizations. I have been a recipient of one of IBM’s highest employee recognition awards- Excellence in Business Awards. I had received this award for cultural transformation- creating a culture of innovation. I used to handle a large delivery team at that time. My goal is to empower entrepreneurs to build companies that thrive in a competitive business environment while making a positive difference in the world.
My journey through diverse roles has provided me with a wealth of tools and insights that I now incorporate into my coaching methods. I firmly believe that holistic well-being and mindset rewiring are essential for entrepreneurs to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. By leveraging my unique perspective, I aim to guide entrepreneurs in achieving their professional goals while ensuring they maintain balance, resilience, and fulfillment in their personal lives. This approach fosters a sustainable path to success that extends beyond just business achievements, and I’m eager to share it with the entrepreneurial community.
Can you provide some examples of the strategies or tools you use to help individuals align their purpose and enrich their well-being during your coaching and training programs?
I am a (Deepak) Chopra certified well-being coach and a health and meditation teacher. I use Chopra methodology and approach for well-being coaching. I use Chopra signature methodology to help people uncover their purpose. For those who still need further clarity, I use different methodologies such as Ikigai and assessments to help them find their life purpose. Well-being is not just about absence of disease or good physical health and fitness; it’s about holistic physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Chopra approach consists of four cornerstones: 1) Find your life purpose/ dharma and align with it 2) Set intentions and goals in all areas of life in alignment 3) Identify and shift conditioned, limiting beliefs to view life through a more expanded and optimistic lens. 4) Shadow work: Recognize and clear subconscious judgments, painful emotions, and internal blocks. I am also a meditation teacher. Chopra Primordial Sound Meditation (PSM) is a unique program, backed by thorough scientific research. More than 100,000 people worldwide have learnt it and are practicing it. This technique originates in India’s ancient Vedic tradition. PSM uses individually selected sounds of nature called mantras to disconnect us from the activity of life. These primordial sounds are based on the vibration the universe was creating at the time of your birth. Personal mantra is provided to each individual, taking which, they can easily slip into meditation. When you meditate and align with higher consciousness, the whole universe starts working with you. You will experience ease and synchronicities. Chopra health program is based on ancient Indian Ayurvedic science. It covers in depth the principles of Ayurveda, understand how our constitution is made, six pillars of health, learn about nutrition, sleep, movement, learn how to eliminate toxins, learn tools to enhance relationships and achieve emotional freedom, learn to use your senses to access power of body’s inner pharmacy to heal, nourish and maintain balance. I am also a Positive Intelligence certified coach. This coaching methodology involves identifying the ways in which you sabotage your own success and overcome / deal with those saboteurs. Over and above these I use world class techniques which I have learnt and used over the years successfully to get results in clients’ and business holistic well-being.
Can you elaborate on some of the key challenges you faced during your career transitions across industries and different tracks within the IT industry?
I have transitioned my career multiple times based on my calling and my intuition. Your calling/ life purpose is not stagnant. What is extremely important is to find your calling before you make a transition. There will be challenges every time you make transition as you embark on a new journey. Transitioning across industries and various tracks within the IT industry has indeed presented its fair share of challenges, but it has also been a valuable learning experience. Here are some key challenges I faced and how I overcame them: 1) Skill Set Diversification: Moving between industries and IT tracks often required me to learn new technical skills and domain knowledge. This demanded a significant investment of money, time, and effort. To overcome this challenge, I engaged in continuous learning, including formal education, certifications, and self-paced online courses. I also sought mentorship and coaching from experts in the new field, which accelerated my learning curve and boosted my confidence. 2. Cultural Adaptation: Each industry/ area has its own unique work culture, which can be vastly different. Adapting to these varied cultures while maintaining my own professional identity was challenging. I addressed this challenge by actively listening and observing, seeking feedback from colleagues, and being open to new approaches. Building relationships and connections with colleagues who could guide me through the cultural nuances proved to be invaluable. 3. Role Transition: When I moved across various roles, I prepared myself by already playing the next level roles along with my current role as a stretch. I found that mentorship, leadership training programs, and formal MBA helped. 4. Industry Knowledge: Understanding the intricacies of different industries, from finance and IT to health & well-being, was another obstacle. It was crucial to quickly grasp industry-specific jargon, regulations, and market dynamics. To address this challenge, I immersed myself in industry-related literature, attended conferences, and networked with professionals who were industry experts. 5. Personal Brand Building: Each transition meant starting fresh in the new field. It was essential to build credibility and trust with colleagues, clients, and superiors. This required delivering consistent results, exceeding expectations, and proactively seeking opportunities to showcase my expertise. What helped me was that I played multiple roles and had multiple tracks of different careers at the same time. For example, when I was handling large IT delivery teams and programs, I also used to volunteer as a business facilitator for senior leaders within the same organization. I also volunteered as a spiritual teacher and conducted those programs outside of my IT job, on weekends. 6. Risk and Uncertainty: Career transitions can be inherently uncertain, with no guarantee of success. To mitigate this risk, I planned each transition, assessing the potential challenges and opportunities. I also maintained a growth mindset, accepting that setbacks were part of the journey and could provide valuable lessons for the future. In summary, the key to successfully navigating career transitions is a combination of resilience, adaptability, continuous learning, and building a strong support network. Each challenge I faced allowed me to grow, adapt, and become a more versatile and well-rounded professional. But the most significant factor in all my transitions has been pivoting my career based on my calling. When you know your calling and life purpose, you have a strong sense of inner drive which can help you overcome all challenges. This drive will also put you in the flow and alignment with the universe and your soul’s blueprint.
How do you approach cultural transformation within organizations, and what strategies do you employ to enrich employee well-being?
Cultural transformation within organizations is a complex but vital process. To achieve this transformation, I employ a multifaceted approach that combines several strategies aimed at fostering a positive, inclusive, and well-being-centric workplace culture. I help the organizations build a culture focused on innovation and holistic well-being which leads to better individual mental health, better team communication and interpersonal relationships, better employee engagement, increased personal productivity, better work-life balance and overall, an inclusive culture. I design custom coaching and training programs to suit the specific needs of organization. Mindfulness and meditation Here are some key elements of my approach: 1. Leadership Buy-In: Cultural transformation begins with the commitment and buy-in of top leadership. I work closely with senior leaders; together we define a clear vision for the desired culture and align leadership behaviors with these cultural values. 2. Cultural Assessment: Before embarking on any transformation, it’s essential to understand the current state of the organization’s culture. I conduct cultural assessments, which may include surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to gather insights from employees. This data helps identify areas that require attention and serves as a baseline for measuring progress. 3. Clear Values and Behaviors: I collaborate with organizations to define a set of core values and behaviors that reflect the desired culture. These values should align with the organization’s mission and vision and should be communicated to all employees and are actively demonstrated by leadership and reinforced in everyday practices. 4. Communication and Training: Effective communication is key to cultural transformation. I develop communication plans that convey the importance of the cultural shift and provide regular updates on progress. In addition, I design and deliver training programs. 5. Inclusivity and Diversity: Promoting an inclusive workplace is essential for employee well-being. I work on initiatives that celebrate diversity and create an environment where every employee feels valued and heard. This includes implementing diversity and inclusion training, mentorship programs, and support networks. 6. Employee Well-Being Programs: To enrich employee well-being, I design and implement a range of well-being programs. These may include stress management workshops, mental health support initiatives, flexible work arrangements, and wellness challenges. These programs are designed to address physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 7. Recognition and Feedback: Regular feedback and recognition are vital for fostering a positive culture. I assist organizations in developing systems that encourage constructive feedback and acknowledge employees’ contributions. Recognition programs, both formal and informal, play a significant role in reinforcing desired behaviors. 8. Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation: Cultural transformation is an ongoing process. I help organizations establish regular evaluations and feedback loops to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. This ensures that the cultural transformation remains aligned with the evolving needs and goals of the organization. 9. Empowerment and Ownership: Employees should feel empowered to contribute to the cultural transformation. I encourage organizations to create opportunities for employees to take ownership of the culture, suggest improvements, and participate in cultural initiatives. In conclusion, the approach to cultural transformation and enriching employee well-being within organizations involves a combination of leadership commitment, clear values, effective communication, inclusivity, well-being programs, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
You have been a bestselling author of the book: The Untold Legend: Rise of A Mother. What inspired you to write that book and what message do you want to convey through the book?
I had not planned on writing this book at all. It was through my son that this book has got birthed. My son 17 year old son crossed over in 2020. and I am connected with him spiritually I’ve been a spiritual teacher for many years but the spiritual awakening that happened after he crossed over helped me connect with higher realms and higher dimensions. He connects with me rather through dreams, meditations, signs, and synchronicities. This book is inspired by and written with spiritual downloads from him within 30 days! The title of the book (The Untold Legend) is the title that he had chosen for his book, when he was physically here. I continued the same title. I had written a LinkedIn post on his birthday in 2022. Hundreds of people reached out to me as they could resonate with me. I realized the when something needs to be expressed from the depth of your soul, you need to express it at the risk of being vulnerable. Also, something deeply personal can be universal at the same time and sharing your experiences may help others navigate their life. My message to the world is: We are not just our physical body, and we are not here just to eat, sleep, work and live in an auto-pilot mode. We need to let go of ego based and fear based paradigms and constructs. We have certain inter-generational patterns and conditioning that we pick up because of our upbringing and society. We need to let go of all of that baggage. We give away our power by being stuck in the matrix. We are multidimensional beings. We are spiritual beings on a human journey. We are infinite beings with infinite potential. When you find our life purpose (dharma) and align your life, you find joy, bliss, abundance, and freedom. When you have alignment with your life purpose, you are in the flow. Your “work” doesn’t feel like “work”; it’s your mission, your contribution to the world. We all have designated spirit guides and angels. You can ask for guidance from your higher self, your spirit guides, and angels. These higher beings from higher realms/ dimensions have a very different view, a perspective across lifetimes and what you’re meant to experience in this lifetime. We are here to expand our consciousness, raise vibration of individuals and collective and move into unity consciousness. We are here to serve in our own unique way.
What are your views about current education? How can we bring in holistic development and well-being of an individual right from young age?
I have talked about this in details in my book: The Untold Legend: Rise of A Mother. Today’s education will become obsolete in a few years with the advent of AI. Traditional education systems often rely on rote memorization, standardized testing, and a one-size-fits-all approach. However, these methods may not effectively engage students or foster a deep understanding of concepts. We need to explore innovative teaching techniques, personalized learning, and student-centered approaches that cater to individual needs and learning styles. With advancement in technology, all information is available at your fingertips. “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” ~Albert Einstein. Education systems need radical transformation and need to include developing skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy. Kids and youth today are burdened with stress, competition, social media distractions and other peer pressures. Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation should be an integral part of education across the board to help individuals stay centered, joyful, energetic, and peaceful in today’s chaotic world.
What activities do you undertake as part of the foundation you set up in your son’s memory?
I established Arnav Memorial Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization, in memory of my only son Arnav, who crossed over at the age of 17 in 2020. Arnav’s dream and divine guidance to expand consciousness and bring love, peace and harmony in the world is the inspiration for this foundation. Arnav Memorial Foundation is dedicated to enriching health and well-being, delivering holistic education based on spirituality, psychology & science, expanding consciousness, and promoting world peace to all members of the human family. We collaborate with other organizations and conduct training/ coaching and mentoring initiatives/ programs for kids / teens and women for holistic development and well-being. The details of our projects can be found on our website.
Can you share some details on how you help entrepreneurs build soul aligned businesses?
I have designed a specific 12 weeks program for entrepreneurs. Limitless Soulpreneur is a premium and exclusive, deep transformational group coaching/ training/ mentoring program which consists of what they don’t teach you at B-school, but what you need to be a limitless, soul aligned and successful entrepreneur. We use tools and techniques based on Business, Neuroscience, Psychology, Quantum Physics, Epigenetics and Spirituality. The benefits of this program are: Razor Sharp Business Skills & Heart Centered Business, Focused Financial Wellbeing & Stability, Intuitive Decision Making, Handle Uncertainty, Clear Vision, Alignment, With Soul Purpose, Eliminate Anxiety & Stress, Reduced Stress Hormones, Holistic Well-Being, Self-Love, Laser Focus, Goals Clarity, Calm Centered Mind, Discipline Driven Productivity, Resilience & Adaptability, Growth Mindset, Intrinsic Motivation & Confidence, Overcome Blocks & Limiting Beliefs, Co-Create Reality and Conscious Manifestation. I am offering one free coaching session coupled with one clarity session for this Limitless Soulpreneur program. Entrepreneurs are welcome to avail this opportunity.
