What has been one of the most transformative experiences in your multifaceted career, spanning from aviation to education and corporate training, and how has it shaped your professional philosophy?
One of the most transformative moments in my career was the decision to leave a lucrative role in aviation. Despite its appeal, I realized it wasn’t my true calling. My passion lies in human connection and helping others through their personal challenges. This revelation led me to pursue life coaching and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), where I discovered my true passion and purpose—empowering individuals, particularly young people, to overcome trauma and self-limiting beliefs.
Can you elaborate on the process of integrating Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) into your corporate training programs and the impact it has had on your trainees?
In corporate settings, I use NLP techniques like reframing negative thoughts, anchoring positive emotions, and building rapport to boost leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. For instance, reframing challenges as growth opportunities helps individuals adopt a solution-oriented mindset, enhancing both productivity and resilience to stress. That said, I always aim to curate each program for the organization, to ensure I and my team cater to their specific needs.
How has your expertise in life coaching complemented your corporate training efforts, and can you provide a specific example of a successful outcome from this integration?
As an NLP practitioner and life coach, I help reshape how individuals perceive experiences, communicate, and behave. By understanding the connection between mind, language, and behavior, I guide them in overcoming self-limiting beliefs, improving communication, and enhancing emotional intelligence.
One notable success story involved addressing low employee engagement at a company. By embracing a “People Over Process” philosophy and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for employees, we focused on personal growth and improving team dynamics. This approach led to a significant boost in productivity, increasing from 30% to 65%. This outcome underscores the impact of prioritizing people and fostering an environment where employees feel valued and supported.
Training Over 2,500 Employees at Dubai Mall Emaar: A Remarkable Achievement
Part 1: What strategies and methodologies did you employ to manage and execute such a large-scale training program effectively?
When I say it wasn’t a walk in the park, I mean it! To manage and execute the training program for more than 2500 employees at Dubai Mall Emaar, that too within a span of just 8 weeks, my team and I employed several strategic approaches. We began by gaining a thorough understanding of Emaar’s organizational culture, values, and the diverse backgrounds of their employees. I made sure to use every language I knew to communicate clearly and inclusively. The training sessions were crafted to be interactive, value-driven, and engaging, blending meaningful content with a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. This collaborative effort created a dynamic learning environment and greatly enhanced the overall success and impact of the program. There’s much more to this journey, which we’ll be showcasing on our social media handles soon.
Part 2: How has this accomplishment influenced the growth and evolution of your business recently?
This experience has profoundly influenced the evolution of my business, bringing immense fulfillment and a deep sense of pride to have executed such a large-scale project in such short span of time.
Working with one of the biggest brands in the world, like Dubai Mall – EMAAR, has not only expanded our reach but also enhanced our reputation in the industry. It reaffirms our belief in the impact of our work and motivates us to continue delivering excellence. It has bolstered our confidence, enriched our expertise, and inspired us to pursue even greater opportunities.
How do you approach engaging and motivating diverse groups of employees in your training sessions, and can you share an example of a particularly successful engagement?
For me, engaging and motivating diverse groups involves a thoughtful, personalized approach that acknowledges their unique backgrounds. In our recent project with Emaar, I had the opportunity to train a truly global team with a mix of over 100 nationalities from around the world.
I made sure to understand the cultural nuances and diverse needs of each participant. By incorporating interactive elements and tailoring the content to resonate with everyone, I created a training environment that felt both inclusive and relevant.
Can you recount an experience where you had to confront and overcome a significant personal fear or challenge in your career, and what did you learn from that experience?
I believe for this one, I need to refer to the Emaar project once again given its sheer size, magnitude, and just the deadlines we were playing with. While we were busy with the preparations for the upcoming program that involved multiple sessions daily, I recall sitting down a day before worried that I had taken on too much onto my plate. But this is where my NLP training came to my rescue, and I was able to channel my energies differently into the Confidence I needed to pull this off. So, you see it is not just our clients who have to deal with challenges but every human. And how we respond to them is what matters and sets us apart.
Embracing the Roles of CEO, Trainer, and Life Coach
Balancing these roles while managing a family requires effective stress management. I practice mindfulness, yoga, and task prioritization to maintain productivity and mental health. Regular reflection helps align my goals, and sharing vulnerabilities with loved ones keeps me grounded.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Given the kind of work I and my Team are doing now, which has evolved since we first started out, I believe we at Auracious are getting an opportunity – beyond just organizations and the corporate workforce – to touch upon the lives of people and make a real impact at the individual level. That to me, is what Auracious is about and what I sought out to do when I changed my career path from Aviation to Human Development. The ability to make a difference in people’s lives and equip them with authentic tools they need to navigate their emotions responsibly, live joyfully and face any challenges confidently – that is the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Who have been the key mentors or influencers in your life?
Right from my growing up years till now, I have had a few mentors who I have always looked up to, for guidance and considered my role models. My first and the most important mentor and influencer has undoubtedly been my mother. Her confidence and ability to thrive in any challenge has taught me a lot about Resilience and Grit.
During my teens, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi inspired me to travel fearlessly and embrace new learnings with grace and humility.
In my early career years, I was blessed to have Sarat Christopher Singh, who not only guided me professionally, but personally we became the best of friends and confidants, and I cherish our friendship to date.
Sumit Manav- My Yoga Guru and a dear friend has always inspired me to breathe correctly, respect my body and stay grounded in nature.
In every stage of my career and personal life, I have been inspired by many people and this space is not enough to express my gratitude to all of them. One such mentor who has largely contributed to my Personal Growth journey is Robert Simic. Not only did he help me with my inner healing, but he also authentically helped me transform the way I think and understand Emotions, Neurology and Consciousness. He empowered me with the knowledge and tools that became the Foundation and true essence of my Human Development brand- Auracious Global.
My Entrepreneurial journey of 5 years and continuing, wouldn’t be possible without the support of these key people who have influenced and guided me positively towards Business Growth and Networking. My deepest gratitude to Sridhar Venkataraman for his amazing Community Spirit, guidance and welcoming me into his networking community. A Huge Thank You to my Accountability Partners- Manazir Abbass, Dr. Vida Moradi, Arpita Kaul and Hitesh Miglani for being a lighthouse of positivity, support and continual guidance. The camaraderie that we share beyond business perfectly aligns with my personal values- Human Connectedness, Growth and Contribution.
Above all my Deepest Gratitude to my family for shaping me into the Force I have become over the years.
What advice would you offer to fresh graduates or newcomers starting their careers?
“Striving for academic and career excellence extends beyond mere destinations; it’s a perpetual journey fueled by passion, persistence, and an unyielding thirst for knowledge.” – Nowsheen Yaqoob
For newcomers starting their careers, I recommend focusing on Emotional Intelligence, embracing CHANGE, and continual learning. Understanding and managing your emotions will help build strong relationships and navigate challenges effectively. Approach CHANGE with curiosity, seeing it as an opportunity for growth. Finally, commit to ongoing learning and skill development to stay adaptable and relevant in your field. These principles will set a solid foundation for a successful career.
What led you to start Auracious, and how does it align with your career vision?
Irrespective of the Industries I worked in, the insatiable desire to help more and more people authentically, has always been there with me throughout my career span of over two decades, most of which was spent in the Corporate world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the heightened Anxiety and Mental Health challenges, people were experiencing, which further shifted my career trajectory. Having been raised by a single mother and navigating a challenging childhood myself, I deeply empathized with the stress and emotional strain many were enduring. I could relate to people’s struggles and could understand their pain on a personal level.
Recognizing the urgent need for Mindset Training and Emotional Resilience, I founded Auracious Global Consulting– A Human Development Company, that focuses on transforming human behavior and providing tools for personal and professional growth. Auracious was born from my personal experiences and the need to CHANGE Inside- Out, and it continues to shape my approach to authentic, human-centered transformation.