In today’s digital age, the majority of individuals are overwhelmed by a sea of constant activity. It's easy to get caught up in the rush of daily tasks without taking time to stop, reflect, and seek out new insights and perspectives. But growth doesn't happen when we're constantly on the go. The key to growth is to pause and examine our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors and transform the way we think.This is where coaching comes into play. Coaching helps individuals evolve by letting go of old patterns and embracing new ones. A coach is a personal development partner, not an expert, who helps you to explore and challenge your inner narratives and the 'reasons' behind your responses and beliefs.

Leadership coaching is essential for business leaders in today's world because it shapes the way they lead their teams and organizations. The essence of coaching is to continuously grow and evolve and constantly shift the way one thinks and approaches challenges. By embracing this mindset, leaders can drive success for both themselves and their organizations.Pooja Bagri is a renowned figure in the world of leadership coaching. Since 2015, she has been helping individuals and business leaders achieve transformative change by guiding them to step out of their comfort zones, increase self-awareness, and tap into their strengths to perform at their highest potential.

She is a highly skilled and experienced coach, holding the prestigious ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation. She specializes in coaching business leaders and high-performance teams, with a particular focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a passion for empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders to take on executive and boardroom roles, Pooja is committed to helping women tap into their talent and make a meaningful impact in the world. She is a seasoned leader who brings a unique perspective that is valuable to her clients and has been facilitating incredible transformations in the lives of those she coaches. In a recent conversation with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Pooja shared her journey and insights. Here's what she had to say:

Take us through your early educational journey and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I am a certified executive and leadership coach, trainer in success principles, and member of the esteemed Forbes council of coaches. I graduated as a university topper in both my bachelor's and master's degrees from Chennai. My areas of expertise include women as leaders, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I am skilled in running OKR, emotional intelligence, and mental wellness programs. I am also a soughtafter keynote speaker at leadership conferences and facilitator of team-building workshops in organizations. In my work, I focus on developing emotional intelligence and mindfulness in thought leaders to ensure they are self-aware and capable of driving positive change.

Tell us more about the programs you offer and how do you approach a new project?

Before designing my program, I thoroughly research and gather input to determine the most relevant leadership components to include in the training, tailored specifically to meet the needs and desired outcomes of the organization. Each program is carefully curated to align with the unique goals and objectives of the organization. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure! - This quote by Marriane Williamson perfectly encapsulates my mission", adds Pooja.

As a woman entrepreneur, my primary goal is to empower and support other women leaders and entrepreneurs. Despite today’s progress it is disheartening to see women represented in such small numbers in top leadership positions and on boards. That's why I am dedicated to promoting greater inclusion and diversity in organizations. I believe that diversity of perspective leads to better problemsolving and innovative thinking, which is why I offer six-month women in a leadership program for midto senior-level female leaders. This comprehensive program focuses on both inner and outer work to develop their leadership styles and prepare them for greater roles and responsibilities. The program is a monthly training program that consists of six core modules that cover both soft and hard leadership skills.

As a coach and facilitator for entrepreneurs, I offer a CEO Mastermind program designed to help them tap into their innate talent and pursue their passions.The CEO Mastermind is a powerful program where business owners can share strategies for growth, learn from one another, and hold each other accountable for progress. Another key program I offer is the CEO Finance Mastermind, which helps women become more financially savvy and knowledgeable about investments, asset classes, and managing their finances. Through peer-to-peer learning and sharing,

"Our Deepest Fear Is Not That We Are Inadequate. Our Deepest Fear Is That We Are Powerful Beyond Measure! - This Quote By Marriane Williamson Perfectly Encapsulates My Mission"

participants in the CEO Mastermind can grow their businesses systematically and sustainably. One of my most popular programs is the two-day leadership conference, designed to enhance team synergies and strengthen organizational culture in alignment with a company's mission and values. These conferences have consistently been a resounding success, helping teams find the motivation to optimize their productivity while also aligning their work with the company's vision and long-term goals. These dynamic, engaging programs encourage reflection, open discussions, and valuable feedback to enable high performance. Each conference also includes a mental fitness component to help attendees stay motivated, take greater ownership, and remain agile, driven, and positive in the face of challenges.

What are the strategies you implement to drive the business growth of a company?

As a coach, I can assist businesses in a number of ways, including providing guidance and support for business owners and leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the business landscape using new insights and a strategic approach to help them make informed decisions. Also, I guide them to identify opportunities using a strengths-based approach and help them seek new areas for growth and success. Moreover, I facilitate the personal and professional growth of business leaders by setting goals for personal development, improving leadership skills, and managing their businesses efficiently. I work closely with them to track these goals and hold them accountable to their commitments to ensure progress.

What are the challenges that are associated with your role and how do you overcome them?

There are several challenges like managing client expectations and guiding them throughout the coaching process to ensure success. Similarly, dealing with clients who might be resistant to change or not fully committed to coaching. Furthermore, it is also important to effectively manage time and workload in order to provide high-quality services to clients while staying up to date with the latest trends and practices. Only consistent and continuous coaching can help build a strong organizational culture. That's why it's crucial to invest in the development of your people and have a coach examine the learning and development curriculum holistically and provide a multifaceted approach to team training. At the same time, it is also important to consider the coach’s credentials and ensure they meet certain standards. The International Coach Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential is widely regarded as the gold standard in the industry. That being said, it is also necessary to have a regulatory framework in place to ensure that your coach is qualified to meet your needs.

What are the milestones that you have achieved so far?

Achieving the PCC certification was no small feat. It took five years of learning, coaching, and examination, as well as working with a mentor coach, to reach this level. I am also proud to have been invited to join the Forbes Coaches Council, a prestigious organization for top coaches.

But perhaps my biggest accomplishment has been seeing the success stories and positive feedback from my clients. It's fulfilling to witness them grow and achieve beyond their expectations. I believe that constantly investing in my own training and learning, and continually certifying myself with new tools and techniques, has been key to my success as a coach.

What would your advice be for women and the younger generation who are aspiring to foray into the business landscape?

To women and the younger generation aspiring to succeed in the business world, consider developing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in your chosen field. This will not only enhance your capabilities but help you gain confidence for future challenges. Make sure to build a solid network and seek out mentors for valuable guidance and support. Most importantly, take charge of your own career path, stay resilient and persistent, and believe in your own abilities and potential.

Pooja Bagri, Executive & Leadership Coach

Pooja is a highly-regarded, ICF-certified life and leadership coach who helps individuals and business teams define and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and goals. Pooja is driven by her passion to make a positive impact in the lives of others and is dedicated to empowering and transforming her clients through coaching.