We recently connected with Sunny Moza and have shared our conversation below.
Sunny, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
Absolutely! And I am immensely grateful for them. Though far from perfect, I always knew that they had my best interests at heart.
Growing up in a family that didn’t know the concept of expressing emotions, I learned invaluable lessons by simply observing my parents.
From my dad, I learned the virtue of DIGNITY. He taught me to hold my head high and never succumb to a victim mentality. Despite enduring severe health challenges, including near-death experiences, he never sought sympathy. I witnessed firsthand his unwavering determination to recover after a stroke left him paralyzed.
The most significant lesson I learned from my mom was FAITH. She used to say, “Faith can move mountains,” and she lived her life by that principle. Fear never consumed her. When times were tough, she would simply dial up her faith.
Let me share an anecdote. Once, during a trip from India to the US, we had six overweight suitcases with us. I told my mom that only four suitcases were allowed, and that we would have to pay penalties for the extra two. Calmly, she replied, “Don’t worry, it’ll be okay.” Her response only increased my anxiety. When we reached the airline counter to check in our bags, she confidently instructed me to give them all the bags. Reluctantly, I asked the agent if we could add two extra bags. Surprisingly, he casually agreed, saying, “Sure, not a problem.” That moment epitomized my mother’s ability to manage everything, even without knowing a word of English.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize the unreasonable and, at times, cruel expectations children often have of their parents. They assume adults have all the answers and have their lives figured out. When I was a child, a parent in their mid-thirties or forties seemed ancient. Now, with maturity, I deeply appreciate my parents far more than I did back then.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a Personality Coach, committed to helping individuals become the best version of themselves. Think of it as having a personal trainer for both the mind and body, where I empower people to achieve improved fitness, expanded perspectives, and enhanced public speaking skills, enabling them to undergo a complete transformation.
Inherently I’ve a laid-back approach to life, always striving for maximum results with minimal effort. This philosophy is at the core of my coaching style—I teach individuals how to optimize their efforts for greatest impact.
What sets me apart is my unique and diverse talent stack. Not only do I hold a Master’s Degree and have been awarded as the Most Outstanding Student, but I have also showcased my acting skills in over 100 short films, plays, and three feature films. Furthermore, I excel as a Radio Jockey, Standup Comic, and America’s Best Desi MC & Host. Alongside my involvement in Toastmasters and my ardent passion for fitness and books, this eclectic combination of experiences imbues my coaching practice with a rich and multifaceted perspective.
Leveraging my broad experience, I specialize in bridging the gap between where individuals currently stand and their desired future selves. By thoroughly understanding their current lifestyle and values, I offer tailored suggestions for small adjustments to their daily habits. It is through these incremental changes that significant transformations begin to take shape, paving the way for remarkable personal growth.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Here’s my journey from being OVERWEIGHT to ANOREXIC to FIT.
In my 20s, I found myself steadily gaining weight, and as the years went by, I grew tired of constantly purchasing larger clothing sizes. I wanted to do something about it but lacked the knowledge and guidance necessary to approach it in a healthy manner. So being an engineer, I relied on a simple formula of reducing calories. I restricted myself to consuming around 1200 calories per day while aiming to burn off 3000-4000 calories through physical activity, believing that this calorie deficit would rapidly lead me to a better appearance.
My approach initially yielded the desired outcome—I lost a significant amount of weight. However, in parallel, I unknowingly spiraled into anorexia. Despite warnings from my concerned parents and pleas from worried friends who suspected I was unwell, I turned a blind eye to their concerns. This unhealthy pattern persisted for many months, until one fateful encounter with an acquaintance who failed to even recognize me. It was a jarring wake-up call that forced me to confront the reality of my condition.
Determined to heal and learn from my experience, I delved into studying fitness and nutrition, acknowledging that I had neglected the crucial aspect of balanced nutrition during my rapid weight loss phase. I committed to a regular gym routine and embraced a proper, well-rounded diet. It took several years, but I gradually regained a healthy appearance.
By adopting a more sensible approach, I not only achieved my fitness goals but also managed to sustain my newfound well-being over the following years. Those who have known me for the past 10 to 15 years assume that I have always been fit, and I take their perception as a compliment, recognizing the transformative power of resilience and the importance of pursuing a balanced lifestyle.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Of course! One such invaluable resource is the power of reading books. Although it may seem like a widely known secret, only a few of us truly harness its potential. Reading has profoundly expanded my perspectives, even though it didn’t come naturally to me. To cultivate discipline, I set modest goals, such as reading at least one book per month.
Reflecting on my journey, I would highly recommend the following books:
1. “12 Rules for Life” by Jordan Peterson
2. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
3. “Looserthink” by Scott Adams
These books have provided me with invaluable insights and guidance, shaping my creative process and personal growth. Discovering them earlier would have undoubtedly enriched my creative journey even further.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://personalitycoach.carrd.co/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sanufan
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunnymoza
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/sanufan
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/sunnymozaofficial
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunny-moza-fremont
Image Credits
1. MC Sunny Moza hosting the CRY Americas Tour (Photo: Murali Santhana Photography) 2. With Bollywood Actress Neelam Kothari-Soni (Photo: Som Sharma) 3. During Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike (Photo: Ram Karanam) 4. Personality Coach, Sunny Moza (Photo: FotoFoxes)