We recently connected with Simi Gandhi and have shared our conversation below.
Simi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents consistently maintained a harmonious blend of their personal and professional lives. Family always took precedence for them, and their true driving force was a profound sense of purpose rather than financial accomplishments. They set a shining example by staying true to themselves and their values, regardless of societal demands and external expectations.
My father held the role of the main provider for our family, while my mother dedicated herself to being a homemaker and actively engaged in volunteer community work and philanthropy. Together they established a sense of equilibrium within our household. This dynamic greatly influences my own decision-making and ultimately has shaped the course of my life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
With a master’s degree in sociology, I have dedicated the past 30 years to the telecommunications industry. Throughout my career, I have advanced to executive positions, led global teams, and traveled extensively. However, I eventually felt the need to shift gears and focus on my personal passions. Consequently, I made the decision to step down from a leadership role and embrace an individual contributor position. This change allowed me to reconnect with my creative hobbies, such as singing, dancing, yoga, and philanthropy.
During my children’s early years, I rediscovered my love for dancing and even had the opportunity to perform on stage with my daughter. This reignited my creative spirit and motivated me to delve deeper into my other interests. I reimmersed myself in yoga and meditation, obtaining certification as a kundalini yoga and meditation facilitator. I began conducting private one-on-one sessions with clients. Simultaneously, I have expanded my practice as a spiritual counselor and life coach. What distinguishes my offering is the integration of both Western and Eastern therapeutic approaches, providing clients with a unique bend of techniques that incorporate breathwork, meditation and other practices. This comprehensive approach equips individuals with the necessary tools to effectively conquer challenges and obstacles in their lives. Much of my clientele is a result of positive word-of-mouth recommendations, and I am grateful for the support of my community.
As a board member of a nonprofit organization, I find fulfillment in serving underprivileged children. Presently, I am particularly enthusiastic about a yoga and meditation program I am developing specifically for the underprivileged community. My goal is to introduce these transformative tools to young individuals, enabling them to cultivate inner peace and well-being. I am most proud of the fact that while continuing my involvement in the telecommunications industry, my newfound balance has allowed me to nourish my soul.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Throughout my life, I have embodied the qualities of a leader, consciously leveraging my natural abilities to guide teams. Trust and empathy have been proven management tools for me. Build trust within the team by being honest, reliable and transparent is key. Allowing individuals to make decisions encourages them to take ownership of their work.
Fostering a sense of purpose by helping your team members and clearly communicate the team’s objectives and how they align with the organization’s goals are important elements to boost morale. When employees see the value and impact of their work, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged. Promote work-life balance. Support flexible work arrangements when possible and encourage self-care and help your team members prioritize their well-being.
As a leader, I strongly believe your behavior sets the tone for the team. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a positive attitude. Show empathy, be approachable, and provide guidance and support when needed. Your actions will influence how team members interact with one another.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What I believe has contributed to establishing my reputation in the industry is my strong work ethic, determination, and ambition to succeed. Throughout my corporate journey, I have made it my personal mission to uplift others, fostering collaboration and steering clear of competition.
As a spiritual counselor, I understand that my reputation is built upon my personal ethics, morals and the choices I make. I make a conscious effort to preserve my energy, abstain from gossip and judgement, and lead a life centered around faith and service.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: OneWithSimi
- Facebook: Simi Gandhi
- Linkedin: Simi Gandhi
Image Credits
Gonzalo Photography