'Fearless' Author Abhishek R. Sharma on Finance, Mindfulness, and Work-Life Balance

In today's world, stress and burnout have become common problems. However, Abhishek R. Sharma offers a fresh perspective to deal with them. As an educator, researcher, and holistic well-being coach, he combines his financial expertise with the principles of mindfulness and yogic science. His work is rooted in the belief that personal growth and professional success are interconnected. In this interview, Abhishek R. Sharma shares his insights and strategies to help you achieve balance and well-being in a demanding world.

Can you share how your background as an IIM Calcutta alumnus and a Chartered Accountant inspired the creation of your channel 'Upskill with Abhishek,' and how it shapes the content you provide?

My education at IIM Calcutta provided me with a strong foundation in management principles, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. Combined with my expertise as a Chartered Accountant, I have gained valuable insights into the complexities of the business world, including finance, accounting, and regulatory compliance.

I have always been passionate about continuous learning and self-improvement. This passion drives the content I provide on my channel, where I share insights, strategies, and tools for upskilling in areas such as leadership development, financial literacy, and holistic well-being.

'Upskill with Abhishek' is not just a channel for content consumption; it's a platform for community building and collaboration.

As an IIM Calcutta alumnus and a Chartered Accountant, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to excel in the field of finance and financial technologies?

The advice for young professionals aspiring to excel in the field of finance and financial technologies is grounded in a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

Firstly, never underestimate the power of continuous learning. Stay curious and committed to upskilling yourself.

Secondly, cultivate a deep understanding of regulatory compliance and risk management. Stay updated on industry regulations and best practices.

Thirdly, prioritize building strong interpersonal skills. Develop effective communication skills, both verbal and written and enhance your ability to collaborate and negotiate effectively.

Lastly, never lose sight of the importance of holistic well-being. In the fast-paced world of finance, it's easy to neglect self-care. I delve deeper into the concept of holistic well-being and what real success means in my book, 'Fearless: The Art of Personal Evolution.'

Can you share some practical tips on budgeting and debt management for individuals facing the challenges of today's rising interest rates?

Budgeting and debt management are essential for maintaining financial stability. Being debt-free, especially in the early stages of life, can be a significant advantage in today's world.

Track Your Expenses: Start by tracking your expenses diligently. Use simple spreadsheets or budgeting apps to monitor where your money is going.

Prioritize Debt Repayment: If you have multiple debts, prioritize paying off those with the highest interest rates first. This could include credit card debt or personal loans.

Build an Emergency Fund: Set aside some money in an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or job loss.

Explore Investment Options: Consider investing in instruments that offer higher returns than traditional savings accounts, such as mutual funds or fixed deposits. However, always assess the risks involved before investing.

Seek Professional Advice: If you find it challenging to manage your budget or debt, don't hesitate to seek professional advice from a financial advisor or counsellor.

How do you believe the principles of mindfulness, meditation, and stress management can complement traditional financial education and contribute to overall well-being?

I believe that raising awareness of your mind can also enhance awareness towards financial habits. When mindfulness practices are applied to finances, individuals become more conscious of their spending patterns and saving habits. Similarly, meditation practices help individuals develop emotional regulation skills, allowing them to approach financial matters with calmness and clarity. Incorporating mindfulness and stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, can help individuals cope with financial stress more effectively.

In your experience, how can individuals incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routines to improve their focus, decision-making, and productivity in the workplace?

As a researcher deeply invested in understanding the impact of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) on well-being and productivity among service sector professionals, the findings I've uncovered using content analysis techniques are truly enlightening.

It's incredible to note that approximately 90% of the participants reported experiencing a profound sense of positivity, calmness, and centeredness after engaging in SKY sessions. Furthermore, participants reported drastic improvements in both the quantity and quality of their work, demonstrating a remarkable increase in productivity levels. In essence, these research findings emphasize the significant role mindfulness practices like SKY can play in promoting both well-being and productivity in the workplace.

As someone passionate about research in fields like economics, happiness, and well-being, what are some key findings or trends you've observed that are particularly relevant for individuals seeking personal and professional growth?

In my research journey on the topic 'Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and Well-being: concerning Service Sector Working Professionals,' exploring fields like economics, economic well-being, happiness, and job performance, I've uncovered several key findings and trends that are incredibly relevant for individuals seeking personal and professional growth.

With the practice of mindfulness practices such as SKY:

• You see an enhanced level of energy.
• You gain more mental clarity and stability.
• There's enhanced emotional well-being and mental clarity, optimized performance, greater job satisfaction, and more fulfilling lives.
• There's greater focus, clarity, and resilience in the workplace.
• There are more efficient work processes and better time management skills.

What resources or recommendations would you offer to individuals who are interested in upskilling themselves in both financial services and holistic wellness practices?

I would recommend a multifaceted approach that combines traditional education with mindfulness-based techniques. Here are some resources and recommendations:

Formal Education in Finance: Consider pursuing formal education in finance-related fields such as banking, accounting, or financial analysis. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills.

Expert Books: Look for books written by experts in both financial services and holistic wellness. These books can offer valuable insights into managing finances while prioritizing holistic well-being. For instance, I've shared my life experiences, challenges, setbacks, and how I overcame them—from my initial days as a Chartered Accountant to my current role in the corporate world—in my book, 'Fearless: The Art of Personal Evolution.'

Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness and meditation practices, such as Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), into your daily routine. These practices can help enhance focus, clarity, and emotional resilience, which are essential for both personal and professional growth.

By combining resources from both the financial services and holistic wellness domains, individuals can create a comprehensive approach to upskilling. This approach fosters not only professional success but also personal well-being and fulfilment.

How do you balance your expertise in financial services and fintech with your passion for yoga, meditation, and mindfulness on your channel?

Balancing my expertise in financial services and fintech with my passion for yoga, meditation, and mindfulness on my channel is about integrating diverse perspectives to foster holistic well-being and personal growth. I strive to offer practical applications and actionable strategies that individuals can implement in their daily lives to enhance both their financial and personal well-being.

What impact do you hope to have on your audience through 'Upskill with Abhishek' in terms of their personal and professional development? 

The impact I aim to achieve with 'Upskill with Abhishek' is to empower my audience with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required for holistic personal and professional development. I hope to inspire individuals to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Additionally, I strive to equip them with the tools, strategies, and insights necessary to thrive in their careers and achieve their professional goals.

Can you share one key piece of advice or insight you've learned from your journey that you often share with your audience?

It is important to embrace change and continuous growth. Throughout my career and personal development journey, what I've realized is that change is inevitable, and embracing it with an open mind and a willingness to learn is essential for success and fulfilment. I often remind my audience that growth occurs outside of our comfort zones. By embracing change and committing to continuous growth, we not only unlock our full potential but also cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a sense of purpose in our lives. So, my advice to my audience is simple: Embrace change, embrace growth, and never stop learning.

Lastly, what message would you like to convey to individuals who are looking to enhance their skills and achieve success in various aspects of their lives?

My message to individuals seeking to enhance their skills and achieve success in various aspects of their lives is simple yet powerful: Believe in yourself, embrace growth, and cultivate resilience. See change as an opportunity for learning and personal development. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your values, passions, and aspirations. Above all, stay true to yourself and your unique path. Remember, the world is full of possibilities, and your potential is limitless.