Subhechcha Ganguly 
Abhishek Haridasan, a 36-year-old male, is a multifaceted individual with a flair for marketing and a passion for creative expression. As a Digital and Corporate Communication Professional, he has authored three books, including two poetry collections capturing life’s essence and a quirky love story. Abhishek, a devoted podcaster and content creator, believes in the therapeutic power of writing and podcasting.
In his interview with Interview Times, he aims to discuss the significance of journaling, maintaining mental well-being through creative outlets, fostering creativity in others, and emphasising self-investment for a fulfilling future.
Interview Questions:
- Abhishek, your books delve into diverse themes. How has your journey as an author contributed to your personal growth and understanding of life?
Ans: Delving into multiple themes! That does sound exciting from the off, doesn’t it? And that my answer too. The thrill of reading, understanding, curating and bringing something to life, in your own words – this process excites me, and is one of the many reasons I took up to writing a couple of books in 2023.Also, let’s not forget, as a learner-for-life, the blend of technology with life, and associated situations makes it debate-worthy and it gives me an opportunity to relook at frameworks that I might have created for myself and for kindling my creativity!
- Your passion for podcasting and creative writing is evident. How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your creative pursuits?
Ans: Podcasting and writing have similar levers! It’s about understanding and putting them to words (written/spoken). Both the mediums give individuals a great high and that’ something every podcaster or writer looks for.I consider myself lucky to be involved in a profession that understands the importance of both these media forms, and the impact they can have on people and their perspectives.
My answer on the balancing act would be – I invest my weekend and lot of holidays/free time in honing the craft. I make an honest attempt to ge better at both of them each day and hopefully bring a smile and/or educate people in the process.I an awed by individuals who make authoring and podcasting as a full-fledged career. It takes a lot of self-belief an trust in one’s craft to make it work and achieve milestones along the way.
- In your books, you emphasise the importance of respecting opinions. How do you navigate the fine line between expressing your thoughts and embracing others’ perspectives?
Ans: Yes, respecting opinions ensure that an individual grows as a well-rounded human being! A lot of us, and I speak from having been across situations where people try to have their thoughts pummeled down peoples’ throats! This very attitude is incorrect and leads to heartburn for the individuals involved.
You’ve put it well – the thin line between one’s thoughts and being receptive of perspectives lies in:
- Solidifying your stance through constant learning
- Imbibing the best from people and being able to sieve through the clutter
- Putting a brave face when your thoughts and ideas a ridiculed
- Standing your ground despite the world being against you – i.e. developing resilience
- Ensuring continuity in your tasks – it’s amazing how one’s relentless pursuit of excellence can be soul-satisfying and inspirational!
- Letting go seems to be a recurring theme in your writings. Can you share insights on when it’s crucial to detach from people or situations for personal well-being?
Ans: I speak through having been through some soul-crushing instances across the past 30-odd years of my life! From seeing people being knocked down, to lifeforms moving from their actual to astral planes, I’ve begun to believe that letting go and seeking peace is the best way to lead life! Of course, this does not mean that, I let go of everything that comes my way.
The initiated word here is ‘Conviction’. If I have a strong gut feeling, backed by incidents that circumnavigate aroun it, I stick on till the last ball – come what may!
Being human, I also realize that at times, I need to let go of the tight grip that I may have on things, especially when they move at a sluggish pace. I don’t enjoy doing it, however, in the interest of time, and considering consistent chatter around for the benefit of sanity, I let go; wishing them or the team luck!
In the end, individuals are on a quest for peaceful transitions and divine interventions that are harnessed through the active and empowered minds of committed individuals!
- Your focus on the power of people is intriguing. How do you avoid dismissing others’ experiences as trivial and instead find value in diverse perspectives?
Ans: A good equation to remember here is:Knowledge + Intent + Opportunities = #PowerOfPeople.
The above could be a good formula and a trending hashtag too!
Jokes apart – one needs to have a certain leve of belief on people, and that’s purely because when people are empowered and given a direction, they give results that are potentially life-changing and community empowering! I’d like to believe that my parents, extended family members, teachers, professors, professional and life mentors were all individuals who believed in my potential, and hence I must repay the faith back by living up to my dearies’ expectations and investing time with others to give pep-talk and help their self-belief ascend in the right direction!
- Abhishek, you stress the importance of financial and holistic self-investment. Could you share practical tips on how individuals can safeguard their future while pursuing their passions?
Ans: This is a very intriguing question and my answer for this must be taken purely for educational purposes only.
Financial stability is a trait and characteristic that we must strive for – by working towards a financial goal that we set in our minds. I credit many family members of mine, for drilling this into my mind at a young age, however, there are times where I feel I could’ve done a better job with the investments that I have made. Financial understanding and associated investments need to come from within, and most importantly, always seek professional help from leaders and experts in the financial field – use their words to be influenced in a bullish manner and own up all the learnings that you receive through financial foreplay and financial markets’ understanding!
To answer your question about holistic self-investment – my answer is – “If not on yourself, then who else?”
My two cents on this would include:
- Put yourself through a stress test and identify your threshold
- The human mind is capable of doing amazing things, when it is fed with the right fodder – in this case well-researched and self-enhancement-worthy information
- Use good information to generated better conversations between people. Let go/eliminate anything or any person whose vibe is hazy or hazardous to yourself
- The journey to bettering yourself begins with small steps of learning, growing and eventual hustling, Your mojo is a making of your aura and surroundings
- A calm mind and a composed demeanour makes your stand out! Invest all your energies towards becoming a better version of yourself, every single day! The outcome will serve you for a very long time! #AllSmiles and Carpe Diem! #stayhumble
