Learn from the best
Debbie Millman
I first heard Debbie speak at a Kyoorius DesignYatra conference many moons ago. Her searing authenticity, vulnerability and deep insight got me hooked. Ever since, I’ve been a fangirl. I’ve read her many books and am a regular listener of her podcast Design Matters. I love how much she shares of her life on Instagram (@debbiemillman). I was most humbled when she wrote to me a few years ago asking if I would be a mentor to her SVA students. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring three amazing women so far (@rushika93, @khushbhusanghi and @namita.deliwala) and I am really thankful to Debbie for this opportunity.
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Todd Henry
People ask me whose ideas have had the most impact on my professional life. Hands down it is Todd Henry for me. I was introduced to the work of this prolific author and keynote speaker through the work of Chris Brogan . I’ve read every single book of Todd’s, my favourite two being The Accidental Creative and Herding Tigers. Todd’s work has taught me that being exceptionally creative requires hard work, systems and perseverance. You have to have a daily practice filled with the right rituals which enable to you to then be creative at a moment’s notice. Todd’s work has also influenced my journey as a Creative Leader.
Photo credit: Lateralaction
Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic was a hugely transformational book for me. I read it cover to cover on a relaxing Maldivian holiday. It energised me like nothing had in a long time. It urged me to lead a more enriched creative life and it took me to a place of more wonder in the every day. She is of course more famous for Eat Pray Love but her views on creativity are really what resonate with me.
Photo credit: Goodreads
Mel Robbins
Mel is an author and speaker who inspires us to improve our lives one decision at a time. Her authoritative self-care posts are just what the doctor ordered!
Sandeep Kelvadi
Sandeep is a tech entrepreneur (@sandeepkelvadi) whose area of interest is in the intersection of storytelling and marketing. He is also a prolific blogger and photographer. He blogs on marketing, productivity and remote work. What really caught my eye was his book sketch notes on Atomic Habits by James Clear. His summary and drawings are an easy and brilliant way to absorb the key highlights of the book. He has really inspired me to draw more to reflect on my learnings and key takeaways from books.
Vishen Lakhiani
Vishen (@vishen) is the super inspirational founder of Mindvalley (@mindvalley) and the author of The Buddha and the Badass amongst other books. Listen to his talks online, download Mindvalley or read his story on how he turned $700 into millions while transforming thousands of lives along the way.
Maria Popova
I often visit Brain Picker Founder Maria Popova’s Instagram for browsing through quotes she has carefully curated from some of the deepest thinkers in the world. She also posts beautiful photographs along with some reflective thoughts. Both serve as great stimulants for the mind.
Kristin Addis
Kristin (@bemytravelmuse) gave up an investment banking job in the corporate world to be a full-time world explorer! Her blog is a fantastic way to experience the thrill of travel until we actually can. She is a passionate advocate for solo female travel. I absolutely love her vision of a better world in which more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Dip into her Best of Blog for surprising travel ideas and don’t miss her meticulously documented Travel Resources section. I have bookmarked her Spiritual Travel section and will be returning to it frequently in the coming year.
Ankur Warikoo
I recently attended a leadership talk by Ankur. I was blown away by his clarity and thought process. He shared three lessons on leadership that had a great impact on me. Don’t surround yourself with like people. Be humble every day. Think of yourself as a celebrity – you are being closely watched and every word, every action has a ripple effect. You must check out his courses and subscribe to his newsletter.
Photo Credit: Insider.in
james Clear
Who doesn’t want an easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones? This is what drew me to the work of James Clear who writes eloquently on behaviour change. The idea of getting 1% better every day hugely resonated with me. His weekly Thursday newsletter provides just the nudge I need to reflect on habits and think about something to change.
Photo credit: Business Insider
Robin Sharma
How I wish I had discovered Robin Sharma earlier in my life. Everything he writes and shares and speaks about is so deeply profound and has such practical implication for how we lead our lives. Two of his books that have influenced me the most are The 5am Club and Family Wisdom from The Monk who sold his Ferrari . I absolutely adore his podcasts and online videos - he totally mesmerises me with his wisdom and diction.
Photo credit: Iamfearlesssoul
Ryan Holiday
Ryan is a prolific author of many books including the most recent “Stillness is the key”. I enjoy his work very much because he draws on the lives of the great Stoic philosophers to bring us key lessons that are so timeless. I greatly enjoy his Instagram posts (@ryanholiday) as well as his weekly newsletter that is full of inspiring content that makes me take action. Don’t forget to sign-up for his reading recommendations.
Katherine- Read with Kat
She calls herself a reader, a writer and a hoarder with dreams of opening a bookstore. Meet Kat (@readwithkat) who will open up a whole new world of books to you and inspire you to read more every day.
Erin Anderson
The food blogger behind Naturally Ella recently pivoted to focusing on building her personal brand: Erin Anderson. I found Erin’s story on the reason for the change very insightful. She’s taken the leap to boldly build her own brand grounded in some very clear beliefs.
Deepak Jayaraman
Deepak Jayaraman is the brains behind the brilliant podcast series Play to Potential which he calls “a bouquet of curated conversations around leadership.” Dip into his website to discover his in-depth audio interviews that have been organized by themes to get multiple perspectives on a topic you are curious about. Deepak publishes the whole interview but also edits snippets and presents to his audience as nuggets from the conversation. Browse the complete list of guest speakers to get a feel of the range of brilliant minds that Deepak has interviewed.
In case you are seeking professional guidance on a career transition, Deepak is the man for you. Visit Transition Insight to learn more about his offerings and to listen to testimonials about his great work.
Sahara Rose
According to Deepak Chopra, Sahara Rose (@iamsahararose) is “a leading voice for the millennial generation into the new paradigm shift.”
She is a three times best-selling author who has made bringing age old wisdom (like spirituality, yoga, Ayurveda), to the new generation in a relevant and fun way her life’s purpose. “An ancient soul in a modern body” is how she brands herself.
Sahara Rose’s Highest Self Podcast is the #1 Spirituality podcast on iTunes. Explore her website for great content including pre-ordering her latest book “Discover your Dharma” which is being released on January 5, 2021.