Jai Kumar Chandrashekar: Redefining Leadership Development & Organizational Growth
Jai Kumar Chandra- shekar
Founder
His expertise extends to designing and delivering customized programs for leaders in the microfinance sector, targeting top management leaders and mid-level managers. Jaikumar's specialties including coaching, facilitation, personal and leadership development, people management, team building, and co-creating business and social projects. Let’s hear more from him in this one on one interaction.
Tell us about your career journey and highlight the key milestones that have led you to where you are today.
In 2009, I embarked on my professional journey at a Dutch consulting firm, Better Future. Following a brief stint, I returned to India and established Better Future India, a consulting firm catering to South Asian initiatives. Leading Better Future India for six years, I then founded Inner Voice in 2015, focusing on leadership, organizational management, and behavior transformation. Over the past nine years, Inner Voice has predominantly collaborated with leaders in microfinance, non-profit sectors, and education, while also undertaking projects in Europe concerning supply chain
management and sustainability.
Tell us about your impactful experiences at Christ University Bangalore that extended beyond academics.
My university years, spanning from 2001 to 2009, were incredibly formative in shaping who I am today. I completed my plus two, bachelor's, and master's degrees during this time. One standout experience was being chosen as an exchange student between Christ University and Sund Folk School in Norway, sponsored by Fredskorpset, a Norwegian organization promoting cultural exchanges. Spending almost a year studying language and culture in Norway was truly eye-opening and transformative, pushing me out of my comfort zone and broadening my worldview.
Upon returning, I became involved with Center for Social Action, a student NGO at the university. This center exposed us to the harsh realities of society, leading us to engage in teaching sessions in slums after college hours. I also joined Drishti, a theater group that focused on creating awareness through street plays about social issues. During my time there, we performed over 300 street plays across Karnataka, fostering my communication skills and deepening my commitment to social impact.
These experiences, spanning from cultural immersion to social activism, were pivotal in shaping both my sensitivity and my desire to contribute positively to society. They were not just about academics but about building a strong foundation for who I am today.
What's your leadership style and can you also share some principles that guide it?
Throughout my 15-year career, I've felt incredibly fulfilled by creating oppor-tunities for people to learn. My approach focuses on designing activities that make participants feel empowered and enlightened about their behaviors. I believe learning should be hands-on, enjoyable, and
Tell us about your impactful experiences at Christ University Bangalore that extended beyond academics.
My university years, spanning from 2001 to 2009, were incredibly formative in shaping who I am today. I completed my plus two, bachelor's, and master's degrees during this time. One standout experience was being chosen as an exchange student between Christ University and Sund Folk School in Norway, sponsored by Fredskorpset, a Norwegian organization promoting cultural exchanges. Spending almost a year studying language and culture in Norway was truly eye-opening and transformative, pushing me out of my comfort zone and broadening my worldview.
My university years, spanning from 2001 to 2009, were incredibly formative in shaping who I am today
Upon returning, I became involved with Center for Social Action, a student NGO at the university. This center exposed us to the harsh realities of society, leading us to engage in teaching sessions in slums after college hours. I also joined Drishti, a theater group that focused on creating awareness through street plays about social issues. During my time there, we performed over 300 street plays across Karnataka, fostering my communication skills and deepening my commitment to social impact.
These experiences, spanning from cultural immersion to social activism, were pivotal in shaping both my sensitivity and my desire to contribute positively to society. They were not just about academics but about building a strong foundation for who I am today.
What's your leadership style and can you also share some principles that guide it?
Throughout my 15-year career, I've felt incredibly fulfilled by creating oppor-tunities for people to learn. My approach focuses on designing activities that make participants feel empowered and enlightened about their behaviors. I believe learning should be hands-on, enjoyable, and
memorable, not just lectures and slideshows. In my leadership style, I stress the importance of self-awareness, effective team management, and taking initiative. I practice these principles in my entrepreneurial journey, where learning and growth are continuous priorities.
I also prioritize innovation in my programs, bringing in new ideas and perspectives each year to keep things fresh and impactful. Understanding the backgrounds and needs of participants, whether in education, finance, or government, is crucial for creating meaningful learning experiences. One size doesn't fit all; I tailor my interventions to each context. In essence, my leadership revolves around connecting with people, understanding their unique situations, and delivering valuable learning experiences tailored to their needs.
What are your future goals and aspirations? Where do you see yourself heading, and what kind of objectives are you planning to dedicate your time to?
Recently, I've taken a short sabbatical to reflect on my life's journey, a practice I believe is crucial for everyone at certain intervals. It's about embracing moments of stillness, appreciating how far you've come, and setting goals for the future. Society often pushes us to work endlessly until retirement, but I find it essential to pause, celebrate achievements, and plan for the years ahead.
As for my own path, I intend to continue creating learning opportunities for people, both locally and globally. I'm also passionate about exploring new and exciting projects worldwide. Having achieved my goal of visiting 40 countries by 40, I'm inspired to keep traveling, as it broadens my per-spective and fosters humility.
My vision is clear - It is to innovate in learning spaces for my clients, honor the trust they've placed in me, and maintain a healthy balance between work, family, and personal growth.
Jaikumar Chandrashekar, Founder, Inner Voice Consultancy
Jaikumar Chandrashekar, the Founder of Inner Voice Consultancy, is a renowned leadership consultant specializing in coaching, facilitation, and personal development based out of Bengaluru.
I also prioritize innovation in my programs, bringing in new ideas and perspectives each year to keep things fresh and impactful. Understanding the backgrounds and needs of participants, whether in education, finance, or government, is crucial for creating meaningful learning experiences. One size doesn't fit all; I tailor my interventions to each context. In essence, my leadership revolves around connecting with people, understanding their unique situations, and delivering valuable learning experiences tailored to their needs.
What are your future goals and aspirations? Where do you see yourself heading, and what kind of objectives are you planning to dedicate your time to?
Recently, I've taken a short sabbatical to reflect on my life's journey, a practice I believe is crucial for everyone at certain intervals. It's about embracing moments of stillness, appreciating how far you've come, and setting goals for the future. Society often pushes us to work endlessly until retirement, but I find it essential to pause, celebrate achievements, and plan for the years ahead.
As for my own path, I intend to continue creating learning opportunities for people, both locally and globally. I'm also passionate about exploring new and exciting projects worldwide. Having achieved my goal of visiting 40 countries by 40, I'm inspired to keep traveling, as it broadens my per-spective and fosters humility.
My vision is clear - It is to innovate in learning spaces for my clients, honor the trust they've placed in me, and maintain a healthy balance between work, family, and personal growth.
Jaikumar Chandrashekar, Founder, Inner Voice Consultancy
Jaikumar Chandrashekar, the Founder of Inner Voice Consultancy, is a renowned leadership consultant specializing in coaching, facilitation, and personal development based out of Bengaluru.