Abhilasha Srivastava is a girl of many talents. She is an engineer, HR consultant, writer, reader, calligraphy enthusiast and passionate about dance as well. She is a true multi-faceted personality with a relaxing approach towards life.

Abhilasha believes in giving 100% effort at whatever one does. Also, she feels that it’s necessary to feel happy and content in life. Without contentment in life all achievement are worthless. She wrote a number of interesting articles on Quora on similar topics, which are worth reading.

We requested Abhilasha for an exclusive interview a couple of months back, and finally she found time for it. We are extremely thankful to Abhilasha for her honest answers and time.

Here Are The Interview Excerpts

Hi Abhilasha! Welcome to TheCheckerNews.Com. Please introduce yourself to our audience.

Ans: Ans: Hi peeps, it’s a pleasure to introduce myself here. This is Abhilasha. Professionally, I’m an engineer turned HR Transformation consultant with Deloitte post my MBA from Symbiosis International University. Personally, a military kid, born in Pune, raised in Nashik who loves to take life with love, fun, adventure, sweet and bitter experiences, one day at a time. Avid reader, Quora writer, calligraphy enthusiast, dances and analyses handwriting as an interest.

Outdoor adventure and impromptu trips are something I’m always up for, however, would love to accompany you for a cozy, family get-together, soft music, and a cup of coffee and nachos at 3 AM on the rooftop. Holds strong modern belief and has a warm and loving outlook towards life, thanks to the family who instilled strong family values, liberal thoughts, independent yet disciplined approach to learn from life experiences.

What is your ambition in life? Are you moving into that direction?

Ans: However cliché it sounds, one simple word to describe this – being happy and content. Having said that it’s important to have a fire in your belly, and dream alongside planning to begin with so that you get onto the path of your asks from life. There needs to be a simple balance, there’s no point in getting a promotion on the day of your breakup. I haven’t achieved it all, but yes, I’m moving and striving to keep moving towards this direction.

It is alright if you got that job offer later than your friend, got married earlier or later than some acquaintance, took a little more time to figure out what you want from life, trust me, it’s never a competition with anyone. Though, people will always pull you into that rat-race but understand and act accordingly. You get only one life to live!

On Quora, you wrote so much on hair. Can you please share some hair care tips to our female audience?

Ans: Embrace what you’ve got naturally. I’ve curly hair. Of course, in my teens, sailing through college, I saw people flaunting straight hair. I was so amazed and hated how I was different from everyone around me and started getting my hair straight, used innumerable heat and straightening products. That resulted in extreme damage. Fast forward to few years, I realized what I have is unique and I need to nourish them.

• Oil your hair twice a week, use coconut, jojoba, or any natural oil. Stay away from fancy, fragrant, cosmetic ones. Keep it a minimum for an hour/overnight and wash them with natural, paraben, and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioner
• Use stuff available in your kitchen, egg, yogurt, rice water etc. Pleat your hair when you go to bed to avoid frizz
• If possible, for curly hair, use silk pillowcases and change them frequently
• Use onion juice to promote faster hair growth
• Stay away from harmful chemicals
• Eat right balanced food, with proteins and greens
• Meditate, exercise and reduce the stress levels

How do you dedicate time for Quora? Were you always passionate about writing and social media?

Ans: It wasn’t, to be honest since I was a kid. However, I had always surrounded myself with books or would casually keep reading. I started writing articles when I was in my Engineering, joined a start-up, and started writing in the lifestyle column and a bit around life experiences. I realized how I’m enjoying this. Back in 2012, a friend recommended Quora. I used to just glance through the available stuff. Slowly, I started writing but wasn’t so full-fledged.

During the lockdown, I resumed it again and there was no looking back. I try squeezing in some time over weekends when I’m all mentally happy. Or while I’m traveling or find some free time in between my meetings, I bookmark the questions and keep them in my notes and drafts.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Please explain

Ans: Ambivert would be the right word to explain me. I love my own company, a lot of times, however, I’m social and have an outgoing approach in my life. My mood, company, and vibes dictate what side I’ll pick up. Sometimes, you’ll find me happily, sitting in a café, having a cup of hot chocolate, reading a book, or simply with my earphones on.

The next day, you’ll find me with 2 of my closest friends in a pub, sipping on a beer mug, talking about life, goof-ups, life philosophy, etc. Or may be on weekends, with my colleagues or family friends going to home-décor places, street shopping or hogging on street food. I go for quality over quantity. I have a small circle of people I love and care about. But the ones I have, I pour my heart out of them and so do they.

The year 2020 was a tough one for each of us. How did you spend your time at home during Quarantine and COVID-19-induced lockdown?

Ans: For my job and post-graduation, I went out in 2015 and could never spend time with my family at a stretch if not on a vacation. When I came home in March 2020, we all were thrilled. I spent so much time with my family, we ended up watching movies together, played board games and uno, would have happy, family discussions till 2 AM. We would organize our closets, clean, and cook together. Having meals together was my favorite part and I looked forward to that every day. I began writing again, started calligraphy, belly dancing, exercising, and meditation.

I was never good with cooking or attempted learning the same. However, I stepped into the kitchen and took interest and now, I know I can survive and eventually started with a little more complicated recipe. My parents are both great cooks, they helped me with this bit. I started having video calls with my closest buddies and relatives. Watched so many movies, binged watched on series, and worked.

Is there any shortcut to preserving our mental and physical fitness? Comment on it.

Ans: There’s never going to be a shortcut. Understand that mental fitness is as important as physical fitness. Try to follow a routine. If not possible on an everyday basis, workout min 3 days a week, target for 8k steps(5-6km) on the other days. Eat to live and not the other way around.

Do not randomly follow a fancy diet plan if your favorite celebrity is following it, check with a dietician first. Meditate. Nothing fancy, no direction, time, or clothing. It’s is proven to alter the DNA. Cut off toxic people and anyone who pulls you down, unfollow/block people from your social media. It’s healthy and not immature.

How can we accomplish success? Is there any shortcut to the same?

Ans: Again, nothing ever comes with a shortcut. Be diligent with your work but try finding smarter ways of doing work. Different people may have different definitions of success, for some, it might be a high-paying job, for someone it might be a good work-life balance, for someone, it might be a happy family or a successful relationship. Never take anything for granted and literally put in your 100%, not 90, or 70 or 50.

Research and do your groundwork, connect, and broaden your network, personally and professionally. Be on the lookout for something that you can learn from your people and draw inspiration. Carve your path and don’t follow the herd mentality.

Finally, can you recall some difficult moments that you have successfully overcome in your professional journey?

Ans: Thankfully, in my professional journey at Deloitte, I haven’t had difficult moments to bog me down that I had to overcome. Although, I have learned these few points in my career to date. Have your point of view and express the same. Here, leadership often encourages a culture of courage.

Have open communication with your leads, tell them what you think and why you think that way. No work is small or huge. Have a positive learning path. Grow your network. Take time off with yourself, people you love. Do not fantasize about over-working, however, be cognizant of the fact that there will be days when your work would demand that time out of you. Find your happy balance!

(Thank you so much, Abhilasha, for this amazing interview. We wish you all the best in your future.)