Sargun Bedi is a Counselling Psychologist, Behavioural Trainer, Transformation Coach, an Author, Professional Speaker and an Entrepreneur who works on the principle of ‘your happiness is you.’
Despite a sombre start, Sargun bedi and her perseverance stood the test of the times. Though Sargun has worked with several prestigious institutions like Max hospital, Metro Hospital, Amity University & more, she decided to quit her job for the rickety roads of entrepreneurship.
Today, she has pioneered specialised and experiential counselling & training services through her platform, Lucid Mind. Moreover, she continues to realise countless other achievements including the introduction of an Employee Wellbeing Workbook which has been downloaded in 1500+ corporate firms, Grief & loss journal at the time when second wave of covid had hit the world, went international as a keynote speaker & also has co-authored various amazon no.1 best seller books.
Read along to discover what makes Sargun Bedi challenge her inhibitions, face obstacles and strive for success in this enlightening conversation with Storiyaan.
Sargun Bedi: Elevating Selfdoms with Lucid Mind
Interview
Questions and answers
Tell us a bit about your journey as a counselling psychologist.
Although I was always interested in psychology, my crippling fear of statistics made me switch subjects rapidly, but eventually, I got back to it and went on to securing a place at the prestigious Northumbria University in England for my MSc. After being a part of several honourable institutions today, I have my private practice as a counselling psychologist. Thus, my journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
I knew that more than a consistent salary, it was important for me to make meaning out of what I was delivering. Outreach being my focus – I knew a 9 to 5 job was stealing that dynamism that I wanted to see in my professional life. Therefore, after a lot of thinking and planning, I finally took the plunge.
What are the obstacles that you have faced in your journey?
Obstacles are a part and parcel of being an entrepreneur. From trusting people for business alliances to making costly business choices & facing struggles in establishing myself, I have had them all. But I have always been determined to get through them and so I have!
How do you handle the pressure of running your business?
When you do what you love, the pressure and stress become easily manageable. I accepted a little uncertainty in my professional life but was certain about my will, dedication and possible outcomes. In addition, I aligned myself realistically, in terms of gains and setbacks which made it easier to manage pressure.
We are aware of all the good work you are doing in your space. What keeps you going?
As a counselling psychologist, emotions are central to the theme of my practice. Commitment and ethics guide me towards my end goal – to make a difference. Therefore, with experience I have learnt that if you are truly driven, money will eventually follow suit.
What is your business mantra: money or emotions?
As a counselling psychologist, emotions are central to the theme of my practice. Commitment and ethics guide me towards my end goal – to make a difference. Therefore, with experience I have learnt that if you are truly driven, money will eventually follow suit.
What has worked well for you so far?
For me, the most important thing that has worked is my commitment to my ideas and plans. With so many opinions in the background, I made sure not to get carried away. Additionally, I took up business coaching abroad and realised that the key is to carry my qualities of empathy, positive regard and genuineness with grace.
Describe the services that you offer to your clients and in what way are they unique.
Lucid Mind as a service brand offers a platform of soul searching and self-development in an empathetically valued zone.
Lucid Mind is a premium provider of Psychological Counselling, Employee Well-Being programmes with engaging Learning & Development dynamics as well as Transformational Coaching packages.
Through our specialised & experiential services, we provide emotional assistance and community services to aid the growing challenges, the society is faced with.
The core of our services is to facilitate and equip individuals emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.
I aim at bridging the gap between: the external work and inner wiring of the individuals & the aspirations of individuals seeking maximised productivity at personal as well as professional level. I believe my eclecticism is dynamically solution focused, keeping the humanistic base stronger and analytical base sharper.
The services I offer, help people regain their healthy coping mechanisms in dealing with the challenges of everyday life.
During this covid-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
During the pandemic, I did my best in terms of personal branding, hiring, marketing & outreach, service discounts, and virtual sessions. Moreover, I upped my social media engagements – introduced lives on social media platforms and indulged in podcasting. This has ensured limited disruptions during the pandemic.
Simultaneously, being a part of a large international speakers’ group, I was able to focus on co-authoring various books, work with various book projects, head speakers’ tribe gatherings. I also launched my public program ‘Unlock Your ‘Wonder Woman’ which reached 9 countries virtually. I also launched ‘#whatsyourbrave’ campaign, which became global in no time.
In your opinion what are the keys to success? What advice would you give to someone starting as an aspiring entrepreneur?
Success cannot be measured in terms of what car you drive, how many properties you own, how much money you have. For me, the first step to success is how much love you have gained, who fuels your energy, how valuable is your service for someone.
Being an early riser to define success, I would rather say, if you are learning no matter what your age, you are successful. However, if I were to give a few key ideas on how you can walk on the path of success, I’d rather say
If You Have Envisioned Something, Take Action, Just Move and Make It Happen
Your Original Plan Will Always Work, While Modifications Might Come Along
Accept Feedback with Grace, No Matter What It Is For.
Knowledge & Creativity Are Never A Waste While Exploring Yourself In Different Domains. Eventually, You Will Only Enhance Your Insight.
Believe and Perceive Are Two Different Words, Keep Them Separate.
Assess Your Intent. Let Pain Be Your Power.
Whatever You Want to Give Out to The World Make Sure You Start From Within.
If You Feel You Need a Guiding Light, Get Coached.
Accept Yourself in All Situations.
How does Lucid Mind Employee Wellbeing Workbook aim to help release the ‘work from home’ pressures the employees to face these days?
This workbook has been designed as a self-help guide for employees, focusing on 7 different areas of one’s day to day life. The focus remains the internal clarity for external deliverance in an effective way. The workbook illustrates several tips, tools and hacks for a healthier approach to working from home.
Your mental health campaign #whatsyourbrave became a big hit on the internet globally, what was the aim of this campaign?
One of the major challenges faced by millions of people in different parts of the world is dealing with the mental & emotional health, especially during this pandemic. Several reports have established an unfortunate increase in mental health concerns in people across the globe, irrespective of age or gender. This has also rubbed off on the productivity of individuals due to work from home challenges.
#WhatsYourBrave Campaign became increasingly popular, especially on Instagram, allowing people from all walks of life to declare features that affirm their bravery. The initiative was particularly innovative, helping Lucid Mind to reach a wide audience. It aimed at helping people see their brave side despite the challenges they faced. So many people from all over the world showed interest and participated in voicing out their ‘brave’ versions. It certainly has been inspiring and has also been acknowledged on various online & international platforms.
One of the major challenges faced by millions of people in different parts of the world is dealing with the mental & emotional health, especially during this pandemic. Several reports have established an unfortunate increase in mental health concerns in people across the globe, irrespective of age or gender. This has also rubbed off on the productivity of individuals due to work from home challenges.
#WhatsYourBrave Campaign became increasingly popular, especially on Instagram, allowing people from all walks of life to declare features that affirm their bravery. The initiative was particularly innovative, helping Lucid Mind to reach a wide audience. It aimed at helping people see their brave side despite the challenges they faced. So many people from all over the world showed interest and participated in voicing out their ‘brave’ versions. It certainly has been inspiring and has also been acknowledged on various online & international platforms.
Quick 5
1. One of the major causes of depression that has seen a rise in the covid era – Grief and isolation
2. The greatest misconception about therapy – It is only for people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness
3. Your view on self-help books –They can be quite reflective and transformative
4. One thing we must never tell someone suffering from anxiety – It’s not a big deal
5. One field you consider your niche – Counselling & Therapy related to anxiety, low self-esteem and personal growth.