Today, Gena interviews Aarti Mehta-Nayyar, a former IT professional turned corporate coach and author of 'Unappreciated to Unstoppable'. Aarti shares her personal journey from feeling unfulfilled in the high-pressure tech industry to discovering her passion for coaching and helping others overcome stress and self-doubt. She discusses her experiences coaching cohorts at Mindvalley, the significance of resilience, and practical tools for managing stress, such as the power of breath and curiosity. KEY TAKEAWAYS Success is driven by how individuals feel about themselves internally rather than relying on external validation from others. Building a strong sense of self-worth is crucial for personal fulfilment and professional growth. IT professionals should focus on self-leadership by gaining clarity on their life goals and visions. This clarity helps in making informed decisions and setting boundaries, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling career. Simple practices like deep breathing and taking pauses can significantly reduce stress and enhance focus. These techniques help individuals become more present and curious, allowing for better problem-solving and creativity in their work. Many IT professionals experience feelings of being undervalued and overlooked, which can lead to burnout. It's essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek support, whether through coaching or creating a more supportive work environment. BEST MOMENTS "Success is driven by how you feel internally about yourself. Once you have internal validation, external factors do not drive you anymore." "There was a time when I just became numb to whatever was happening through the day, and that's how burnout happens." "It only takes 16 weeks to see transformation if that intention is there. If you focus on your growth, you will see magic happen." "When you have low self-worth, you start going into a victim mindset, feeling like life is happening to you." "You can get tricked into working overtime because you're working from home. So what's the problem?" GUEST BIO Today, I’m excited to introduce Aarti Mehta-Nayyar or coachAarti as she is lovingly called — a former IT professional who knows firsthand what it’s like to work in high-pressure, fast-paced tech environments where you can give your best and still feel unseen. After years in IT, Aarti transitioned into personal and corporate coaching. As a corporate coach, she helps companies build stronger team cultures, boost performance, and reduce burnout. She has coached six global cohorts at Mindvalley, trained new coaches in certification programs, and also works as a life coach helping individuals break free from stress and self-doubt. Aarti is the author of the book Unappreciated to Unstoppable and the creator of the Unstoppable You program, which empowers people to shift from people-pleasing to self-leadership. https://coachaarti.com Instagram @coachaarti HOST BIO Gena Frangina, a seasoned software engineer with over a decade of industry experience, is your trusted host on the "IT Stress Relief" Podcast. Her unique background includes a profound passion for psychology, culminating in the attainment of a Business Psychology MSc. Gena's diverse skill set extends to accreditation as a Hypnotherapist, under the tutelage of Paul McKenna and his renowned team, as well as expertise in wellness coaching. This extensive blend of technical acumen and psychological insight positions Gena as an exceptional host in the IT world. She not only understands the intricacies of the field but also excels in guiding IT professionals towards holistic well-being. Tune in to Gena's podcast for enlightening interviews with IT specialists, and gain access to a wealth of knowledge. https://genafrangina.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/gena.frangina IG: @gena.frangina This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/