Mastering Excellence

This little girl is me with my dad when I was eight. I remember this day like yesterday.

Why? Because it was intense.

It was on the way to Nathu La Pass, at over 14,000 feet above sea level. Not only was it freezing cold, it was hard to breathe.

“Take 3 steps and stop for 3 breaths” were the instructions.

Exciting adventure, right?
But can you imagine leading a team for an extended period in such severe conditions?

A team comprising troops from diverse parts of the country, speaking different languages. Disconnected from their families for months. Reduced cognitive function due to high altitude. Constant vigil to guard the border. Infinite snow and avalanches making living conditions only worse.

Leading while keeping the team motivated in conditions where positive psychology can go for a toss is what my dad was doing there, and in many similarly challenging conditions.

No coaching certification or book has come close to the leadership lessons I have imbibed from being raised in a family which has served four generations in the Indian Army.

Leadership is so much more than frameworks, styles and titles. It’s a way of being. And it is the essence of this that I bring to the table in my coaching conversations.

My grandfather, Major Brahm Sat, is my hero.

I never got to meet him. He was martyred in the 1962 war, giving his life while leading his troops.

That’s the level of sacrifice leadership can call for.

This Independence Day, I remember with gratitude those who led, served and sacrificed so that we could live in freedom.

Happy Independence Day, India 🇮🇳

Flow on!
Nikita

I was in Edinburgh, Scotland for a conference last month... and the experience continues to live on in me.

The place became such a beautiful reminder of being yourself.

A uniquely blended landscape of historic architecture and modern life.

I love how it stands tall in its own magnificence while embracing the new. Not threatened by it. Instead, including it... and in doing so, expanding its own magnificence.

Isn't that what authentic leadership and influence are really about?

Being so you, and so grounded in knowing yourself, that influence grows organically from that secure state of being.

Creating an experience in others that lives on.

I had randomly requested a passerby to click my picture with Edinburgh in the background.

Looking back, I realised I had unknowingly been standing right in front of "BU".

Love it when my insights match my outsights! 😊

Flow on!
Nikita

'For I remember… it is Easter morn,
And life, and love, and peace are all newborn.'
~ Alice Freeman Palmer

Rising sun.
Waves in motion.
Birds with wings open.

A soft unfolding… a new beginning.

Happy Easter to those celebrating today!

Wishing you joy, lightness and renewed energy 💫

Flow on!
Nikita

#ΚαλοΠασχα

It was a joy to facilitate my flagship session, “Uncover Your Unique Excellence,” for the women professionals of Hermes Airports Cyprus Aeropolis - Larnaka and Pafos Airports Official on International Women’s Day.

A room full of thoughtful, reflective, and inspiring women, joining both in person and online.

Heartfelt gratitude to Natasa Iacovides and the team for their trust, and for creating the space for such meaningful conversations.

One of my favourite moments in these sessions is witnessing the reflections and insights that emerge in the room ✨

As Maya Angelou so beautifully said, “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

Let’s continue to honour and express that light.

Flow on!
Nikita

More than 20 years in Cyprus. From sharing colours to sharing culture… what a beautiful journey it has been.

I love it when people say that I am both Indian and Cypriot!

Not just because I am a Cypriot citizen of Indian origin, but because I truly feel I belong to both countries.

Having a name that's both Greek & Indian is my favourite coincidence!! 😊

I believe that festivals like Carnival and Holi are reminders of these beautiful lines by John Roedel:

'we’re meant to
smudge each other
with our own tincture
of angel paint'

So many possible colours of this angel paint... trust, support, inclusion, empathy, much needed peace...

Which colour would you choose?

Flow on!
Nikita

Are you Committed to Commit?

As the newness of the new year fades, the energy around 'new year, new me' settles.
Are the goals negotiating an early exit? 😊

It doesn’t necessarily take a new year to create something meaningful.
What it definitely takes is commitment.

At Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg, I saw commitment carved in stone. Built over centuries, it stands as a monument to dedication. One tower was planned and never built, leaving the structure asymmetrical. Timelines shifted. Plans changed. And still, excellence happened.

What I love most is the way it stands tall, imperfect yet magnificent, drawing millions who look up in awe!

Could this be the part we tend to resist in our daily lives as well?

Projects that take longer.
Visions that evolve.
Personal growth that refuses to rush.

Maybe the delay isn’t the issue.
Perhaps the real challenge is commitment.

Masterpieces aren’t built on hype.
They’re built by consistently laying bricks, long after motivation leaves the room.

What intentional brick will you place each day in the creation of your masterpiece?

No new year required. Just commitment.
And your countdown to commit can begin now…

5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Fireworks!

Flow on!
Nikita

Curious to explore how you can build your commitment muscle?
Feel free to reach out for a clarity call.

Heartfelt gratitude to the High Commission of India in Cyprus India in Cyprus (High Commission of India, Nicosia) for the gracious hospitality on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India.

It was an honour to hear His Excellency Mr Manish eloquently articulate the enduring friendship and growing partnership between India and Cyprus. A sentiment thoughtfully seconded by Ms Irene Piki, the Deputy Minister to the President of Republic of Cyprus.

Mr Subhash Jangala's s address was particularly engaging, drawing fascinating connections between Hindi and Greek language.

A truly memorable experience, made even more special by the company of leaders representing diverse industries.

Grateful to be part of this meaningful celebration.

Flow on!
Nikita

That’s the first sunrise of 2025…

Looking back, that morning carried the vibe of how this year would unfold. Imperfect, unpredictable, and yet pretty magical!

I was struggling to stay awake till midnight, playing games with the kids and on the verge of calling it a night… when spectacular fireworks suddenly lit up the sky from a neighbouring club, right in front of our balcony. Not planned. Not even expected. Yet so beautifully timed ✨

In that same moment of unexpected joy, I also got the hidden coin in vasilopita. A local tradition where a coin is tucked into the cake, and whoever gets it is said to have a lucky year.

And my luck did arrive 🙃

It showed up in the form of people…new meaningful connections, clients, collaborators. Every conversation felt like 'beautifully timed fireworks'!

Later that morning, I saw '2025' placed on a SUP board, reflecting its playful, curious, adventurous energy 🏄🏽‍♀️

That is exactly how the year continued to feel. Like an invitation to explore, to expand, to keep venturing out. The more I leaned in and supported my clients to do the same, the wider the horizon became.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunities, the light, the lessons, and especially the people who made this year special.

Thank you for sharing your spark with me 🙏✨

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Flow on!
Nikita

What’s ready to set in your life, so the 'Super You' can rise?

Such a stunning sunset yesterday, in a blaze of colour and just moments later a radiant super moon rise!!

A beautiful reflection of transition and growth.

In leadership and in life, every 'setting' makes space for a new 'rising'.

When we release what holds us back, we create possibility for our most authentic, powerful selves to lead.

If you feel ready to rise into your most magnificent self - with clarity, courage and flow, as a coach I would love to support you in that rising ✨🌟

Here’s to stepping into the 'Super You'!

Flow on!
Nikita

Indian origin. Born & raised in Cyprus. Embracing the best of both cultures and leading the way!!!

My daughter — elected School President, proudly leading her school in the Oxi Day Parade today, graced by esteemed dignitaries including the President of the Republic of Cyprus.

What a precious moment! ✨

Leadership is a mindset — and it can be cultivated early.

Flow on!
Nikita