Name: Raj Trilochun

Title: Corporate and Life Coach

Organisation: Professional Speakers Academy Ltd

Banker turned Corporate and Life Coach. NLP and Master NLP practitioner. Experienced Public Speaking Coach and mentor.

BA and MBA from U.K. Love meeting new people and socialising, discovering new cultures and ways of life.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Raj's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

What I found most challenging as a leader is that the map of the world of another person is not necessarily the same as the map of the world that I have in mind. Therefore, empathy and clear communication are a must; even if others aren’t willing to meet halfway.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Working as a financial advisor, many bank tellers looked up to me for guidance and support when they faced difficult situations. I realized that I didn’t need to manage their expectations to do with their jobs, however, I can guide them to accomplish their tasks according to the best of their abilities. From then on, colleagues, and junior staff members always sought out my help and guidance as a leader.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Planning is very important for me. So I plan 3 types of goals.

1 Work related; targets, meetings, and expanding my clientele list, etc.

2. Personal goals, learning something new, new challenges, personal development, awareness of myself and surroundings.

3. Physical fitness, hobbies to help switch off from work, meditation, and looking after my mental health.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I learned many years ago that leadership is 90% communication, 5% attitude and 5% life.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Dale Carnegie’s book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" offered me practical advice on building meaningful relationships and enhancing interpersonal skills. The book also highlighted the importance of why I should show genuine interest in others, active listening, and showing appreciation. It provided me with the techniques for handling criticism, resolving conflicts, and influencing others positively. Overall, the book served as a guide to improving my social interactions and cultivating more rewarding connections in both personal and professional settings.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

I would say “You have two ears and one mouth, use them the same way” Listen attentively, think twice and speak once and that too with compassion, sense and empathy.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

The very same people who ignore and reject you at first will be the very same people to sing your praises when you don’t give up and keep forging ahead with innovative thinking, patience and passion.