Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have The Story Co lead trainer & founder Sachin Bhandary.
As a 32-year-old PR professional, Bhandary had just quit his job to travel the world and take challenges. One such challenge landed him in a fighting festival called Takanakuy in Peru.
He almost chickened out from this fight. But then a voice inside his head asked him "If you don't fight today, what is the story you are going to tell your future wife and kids?"
He somehow found the courage after that. That he got knocked out in 30 seconds is a detail he often misses out while narrating this incident.
But that afternoon, he truly realised the power of stories.
Bhandary was an account director at a large PR firm. For eight straight years, he ran corporate and brand PR campaigns for the likes of Godrej, Marico, BBC World News and Hotels(dot)com. So he understands the contours of a brand's strategic story. And he marries it with his experience of being a writer-journalist. His articles on problems and progress of Latin America have appeared in NatGeo, Forbes Life, Mint Lounge and other publications.
These experiences help Bhandary coach leaders, founders and professionals on how to add meaning to their business messages. He spends his days researching how to make communication simple, clear and compelling. Want all his attention? Just start with, “Let me tell you a story...”
He is a business storytelling coach, trainer and consultant. His mission is to help companies, startups and individuals reach their goals with speed and ease using the power of stories.
His work has benefitted companies like Tata Motors, Saks Retail, Bestseller India and over 25 startups.
So, without further ado, here it goes…
· Your mantra for life
Optimize for happiness.
· A book you are currently reading / plan to read
‘A Promised Land’ by Barack Obama.
· Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
I don’t stick to a single fitness routine, for me fitness comes in phases. For a few months I cycle, then I move to Yoga and so on. These days I enjoy brisk walking while listening to podcasts.
· Your comfort food
Actually there are two meals that provide absolute comfort. Dal Chawal and Omelette; and the bambaiyya Chicken Triple Rice. Sadly, I have had to give up on triple rice as I am trying to give up meat and chicken.
· When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
Something I learnt from Vipassana meditation ‘Anicha Anicha’, which roughly translates to ‘This too shall pass’.
· Your guilty pleasure
Has to be binging on a good series on OTT.
· When was the last time you tried something new?
Trying something new regularly is one of my mottos in life. My family and I moved from Mumbai to Mysore for a better quality of life about two and a half years ago. But something recent would be joining a BNI(Business Networking International) chapter here in Mysuru.
It has given me great friends in the city and good business opportunities.
· A life lesson you learnt the hard way
Doing boring things over a long period of time compounds to success.
In my twenties and even early thirties, I wanted success instantaneously and I hated doing anything boring.
· What gets you excited about life?
Waking up.
· What’s on top of your bucket list?
Re-visiting Colombia after seven years.
Last time I went as a single backpacker. But this time I want to travel with my wife, Sarika, and have her meet my friends and go salsa dancing like I did back in 2016.
· If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Success takes time.
· One thing you would most like to change about the world
I am focused on changing myself at the moment.
· An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times
The combination of meditation, journaling and physical activity keeps me going every day and more so in tough times.
· What lifts your spirits when life gets you down
My family. That includes my mom, wife, aunt and cousin. Also the most important member of our family is Kiki. She is our pet indie dog. She lights up every day and every moment of our lives.
· Your go-to stress buster
It’s strange when I think of it, but public speaking is my go-to stress buster.