Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lekhana Reddy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lekhana , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My journey up the corporate ladder revealed a critical gap in professional development. As AI rapidly transformed industries, I witnessed colleagues struggling to keep pace with evolving skill demands. Traditional learning methods fell short, leading to stress and burnout.
This realization sparked a vision: a platform that could revolutionize how professionals adapt to the AI era. I imagined a solution that not only facilitated rapid upskilling but also nurtured holistic growth, balancing technical prowess with mindfulness and well-being.
Drawing from my experience transitioning non-tech professionals into data roles, I saw the potential for AI-powered, personalized learning paths. The success of our initial cohorts, achieving a 60% completion rate, proved the efficacy of innovative learning approaches.
Our mission emerged from this journey: to empower professionals with the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to thrive in the AI age. we’re cultivating a community of adaptable, mindful learners ready to shape the future of work.

Lekhana , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a data industry veteran with six years in the education technology space, I’ve witnessed the rapid transformation of workplace skills, especially with AI’s rise. This led me to create technical courses helping non-tech professionals transition into data roles. Our unique approach combines technical skill development with mindfulness and personal growth.
Key achievements:

Four successful cohorts of technical courses
60% completion rate
Helped numerous professionals transition to data careers

What sets us apart:

Holistic learning approach (technical skills + mindfulness + personal growth)
Innovative learning pedagogies
Focus on practical, real-world applications

Our mission is to build a learning ecosystem that prepares professionals for the evolving AI-driven workplace. We’re not just teaching skills; we’re creating adaptable, mindful learners who can thrive amid technological changes.
To potential clients and followers: We’re building a community of lifelong learners, supported by AI-driven personalized learning paths, focused on both technical expertise and personal well-being. Our goal is to empower professionals to navigate and excel in the AI era, balancing cutting-edge skills with personal development.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During my corporate career in data analytics, I faced a pivotal moment when AI began rapidly transforming our industry. Traditional skills were becoming obsolete overnight, and I saw colleagues struggling to adapt. This challenge led to a significant pivot in my career path.
Recognizing the urgent need for a new approach to professional development, I decided to transition from my role as a data analyst to become an educator and entrepreneur in the edtech space. This wasn’t an easy decision – it meant leaving the security of my corporate job and venturing into uncharted territory.
The pivot involved leveraging my industry experience to create learning programs that could bridge the growing skills gap. I focused on developing courses that not only taught technical skills but also emphasized adaptability and mindfulness – qualities I realized were crucial for long-term success in the AI era.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience of over 150,000 followers across Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube while maintaining a corporate career was a challenging but rewarding journey. Here’s how it unfolded and some advice for those starting out:
The Story:
I started sharing insights about data analytics and AI on social media as a way to document my own learning journey. Initially, growth was slow, and I often questioned if it was worth the effort alongside my demanding corporate job.
The turning point came when I realized the value of consistency and authenticity. I committed to posting daily, even if it meant waking up an hour earlier or using my lunch breaks to create content. I focused on providing practical tips, explaining complex concepts in simple terms, and sharing real-world applications of data and AI.
My following began to grow as I tapped into a niche of professionals hungry for accessible, practical knowledge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. I also started engaging more with my audience, responding to comments, and tailoring content to their needs.
The challenge was managing this growing side hustle with my corporate responsibilities. I learned to be extremely efficient with my time, often creating content in batches during weekends and scheduling posts in advance.
Advice for those starting out:

Consistency is key: Set a realistic posting schedule and stick to it. Even if it’s just 2-3 times a week, regularity builds trust and expectation with your audience.
Find your niche: Identify what unique perspective or knowledge you can offer. In my case, it was making complex data concepts accessible to non-technical professionals.
Be authentic: Share your real experiences, including challenges and failures. This authenticity resonates with audiences and builds genuine connections.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and create content based on your followers’ needs and interests.
Use time efficiently: Batch create content when you have free time and use scheduling tools to maintain a consistent presence without daily time investment.
Cross-platform strategy: Tailor your content to each platform’s strengths. For example, longer form, professional content on LinkedIn, quick tips on Instagram, and detailed tutorials on YouTube.
Patience and persistence: Growth often starts slow. Don’t get discouraged; keep providing value, and your audience will grow over time.
Learn and adapt: Pay attention to what content performs well and be willing to adjust your strategy based on audience response.

Remember, building a significant following while balancing a full-time job isn’t easy, but it’s possible with dedication, smart time management, and a genuine passion for sharing valuable content.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.storytellingbydata.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellingbydata/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lekhanareddy/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lekhana_reddy/

Image Credits

Lekhana Reddy