We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Neetu Rishi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Neetu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
Picture life as a game of musical chairs, with three distinct seats awaiting each one of us: the Chair of Survival, the Chair of Success, and the Chair of Significance. invite you to join me on this journey through these metaphorical chairs as we explore the power of the three P’s of my life:
Purpose, Plan, and Progress.
Chair 1: The Chair of Survival
I consider myself fortunate to have started life with a comfortable upbringing, full
of privileges – the best education, a loving family.,a supportive husband, a
prosperous career, and a dream home. The transition from the Chair of Survival
to the Chair of Success appeared seamless, thus the epitome of a happy life.
However, deep down, something was missing. A self-doubt monster had taken
residence in my mind, whispering that I was not good enough, that my dreams
were unattainable, and that I was unworthy. I listened and believed these
destructive thoughts until I was struck by crippling migraines, which intensified
from one attack a day to an astonishing ten. Medications and medical advice
failed to provide relief.
Chair 2: The Turning Point
Born in a society where the birth of a girl was not celebrated, my father defied
norms by declaring that his daughter would make him proud. I was raised to be
an overachiever and an all-rounder. While suffering in that hospital room, I
questioned my purpose and my legacy. How could I make my parents proud if I
didn’t survive?
A new sense of purpose emerged from this darkness – a drive to live and leave
a mark on the world. This marked my transition to the Chair of Significance,
where our focus shifts from ourselves to those who matter.
And that’s where I discovered the 3 Ps of my life-
P 1: Purpose
I discovered my purpose, the first P and I embarked on a journey of self-
improvement, reading books, and practicing gratitude. I realized that even though
I was sitting on the Chair of Success, I was still searching for true happiness. It
was time to shift to the Chair of Significance, which inspired me to leave my
corporate job and follow my passion, now people call me a Passionpreneur.
But it wasn’t an overnight success, I had to work hard. Thus comes the second P-
Plan I earned certifications, competed, and earned awards to validate my work.
With a well-thought-out strategy, I launched;The Success Door. which is my
coaching business Here, I work with kids, coaching them on personal growth
areas like public speaking and leadership. I also support women in building
confidence through the ; First Love Yourself (FLY) concept. It’s an annual event
where I coach women who have given up on their dreams and make them shine
on the stage. First year we had 17 models, then 31, and in 2023 our season 3
had 65 models.
Every year, I expand on this plan, taking the next step. which is the third P-
progress. I have used every available platform to contribute to the community, I
published two books;A Different Monday and;I am Unstoppable..
My five-year plan involves working with underprivileged girls anywhere in the
world preparing them for job interviews, and coaching them on effective
communication skills. I also engage with high school students from schools,
offering guidance on leadership and good habits. Lastly, I mentor women to
discover their passions and overcome self-doubt.
So, I invite you to embrace the three chairs of life and discover your own
unwavering resilience. Remember, it all begins with purpose, is fortified by a solid
plan, and finds its ultimate expression in relentless progress. I am unstoppable,
and so can you be. Thank you.
Neetu, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
People know me an Entrepreneur, Author, Pageant Coach, Leadership Coach, and Model but recently I added another feather to my cap of being Mrs. India Elite Universe 2023. I am also an advocate for The Pledge Campaign Foundation which is focused on Domestic Violence.
There are three categories that I work on under my business
1. Youth Programs- I work with Youth on skills like Public Speaking, Leadership, and entrepreneurship, help them become published authors, and also help high school students to make a road map for their future.
2. Personal Growth Programs for Adults- I help adults especially women to build self-confidence, Communication Skills, Resume Building, Interview Preparation, finding their passion.
3. Pageant Coaching and Fashion Show Director- I coach models for their Pageant Journey and help them to work on their Intros, Interview Rounds, Forum Presentations, Q & A round and overall wardrobe guidance. I also direct high end fashion shows for events and designers.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
My most effective approach centers on two key elements:
Cultivating my network: I firmly believe in establishing connections by engaging with people, learning their stories, and drawing inspiration from their journeys. I consistently go the extra mile to support my community and be a reliable presence for them. This dedicated effort has not only earned me trust but has also showcased my work to a wider audience, facilitating the growth of my business.
Embracing lifelong learning: Remaining a perpetual student has consistently propelled me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to enhance my skill set. As a Pageant Coach, I actively participate in pageants every two years. This deliberate engagement enables me to explore different platforms, connect with new individuals, and broaden my knowledge, which I then apply in my coaching endeavors.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience is the driving force that propels me forward. I break down my year into three quarters, setting challenging goals for myself in each segment that push me beyond my comfort zone. Without dwelling on outcomes, I invest more than 100 percent effort into achieving these objectives. This year marked a significant milestone as I ventured into the international pageant arena, participating in Mrs. Universe. With the unwavering support of my community, I earned the title of Mrs. India Elite Universe.
Beyond the accolade, I had the honor of raising funds for the Pledge Campaign Foundation, dedicated to addressing domestic violence issues. I persist as an advocate for this cause. Despite facing criticism and disbelief from many on my journey, I firmly believe that fear of failure is a hindrance to emerging victorious. Wearing the crown not only bestowed responsibility but also provided a platform to contribute meaningfully. Alongside fulfilling these responsibilities, the experience has empowered me to mentor other girls and women, guiding them toward a brighter future and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesuccessdoor.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/neetu_rishi?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neetu.rishi.7
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetu-rishi-34499263/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Qvpy1RyS0Y4KDChnxYlVQ
Image Credits
Photographers- Yourlensman, Rajah_Fine Designers- Daniels Bridal Arlington, Dimpplekpoorofficial, Jewellery- Rtisnal, Expressions by Sangeeta HMUA- MakeupandhairbyPooja, Jasminealam Artistry