The biggest challenge people face today is a lack of self-awareness
Our scriptures have an ocean of knowledge, which even the world’s most famous trainers use to create their training modules.
Aarti Sharma
Founder : 360 Degree image Makeovers
Aarti Sharma is an internationally certified image consultant and an energetic and vibrant professional with over 20 years of experience. She is also a certified “Train the Trainer” accredited by NABET. Aarti Sharma is associated with training professionals, entrepreneurs, and senior-level management of companies like Cipla, Bank of Baroda, GAIL, SAIL, Laxmi Organics Industries, Tanishq, KFH Bank (UAE), L’opera Bakeries, Bank of Baroda, Honeywell and Deloitte, along with being part of Institutions such as JIMS and VIPS, etc. She truly enjoys this workspace, which involves working with professionals for their development and enhancement in Appearance, Behaviour, and Communication – the ABCs of Image development. She is the recipient of multiple awards including Exceptional Woman of Excellence Award by Women Economic Forum, London. Aarti Sharma has built an impressive LinkedIn community as a Content creator with a following of 57,000+ people.
What inspired you to start 360 Degree Image Makeovers, and how did you envision it making a difference in people’s lives?
Six years ago, I realized that urban life was becoming increasingly stressful, and most people complained that they were misunderstood. I discovered a gap between their authentic inner self and how they projected themselves outwardly. Image management is all about aligning your inner image with your outer image. So, I founded 360 Degree Image Makeovers to help people develop an authentic image and gain the reverence they are looking for.
Can you explain your process-driven methodology at 360 Degree Image Makeovers? How do you integrate activity-based training programs into your approach?
At 360 Degree Image Makeovers, we help people develop their inner strengths first and then reflect on them outside by working on their A – Appearance, B – Behaviour and C – Communication. This process involves the first diagnostic session called “Image Scope”, in which we find the scope of their image enhancement and the goals which they want to achieve. We customize a program that involves giving them personalized 1:1 sessions on all three aspects: A, B, and C, which in turn helps them reach their goals faster. Every session includes interactive learning modules with roleplays and case studies through which the participants can grasp what they have learned.
How do you define “latent exclusivity,” and what strategies do you employ to help people realize it?
The biggest challenge people face today is a lack of self-awareness. 82 percent of the total population suffers from low self-esteem and poor self-image. Through my experience, I have developed some highly impactful strategies that help my clients elevate their self-image, eliminate their self-doubt, and unwrap their exclusive talents, which remain latent if not brought to the surface.
Before founding 360 Degree Image Makeovers, you helped people by incorporating teachings from the Bhagwad Geeta into their professional lives. Can you share more about this approach and its impact?
I was just 28 when I was exposed to the divine knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita, and since then, I have completely immersed myself in its learnings. Our scriptures have an ocean of knowledge, which even the world’s most famous trainers use to create their training modules. So, I used those learnings as my base and made them relevant by integrating them into solving contemporary issues that most professionals face.
You have received numerous awards, including the Global Visionary Iconic Award for Woman Achievers and the Exceptional Woman of Excellence Award. How have these recognitions influenced your work and mission?
Having received such exclusive awards motivated me to keep going and to spread my mission of helping people further. If I remember my trip to London, where I was invited as a speaker and an awardee at the Women’s Economic Forum, I received an opportunity to meet and address more than 2000 women who are exceptional in various fields from more than 200 countries. I was impressed after meeting so many women from different fields and cultures. This motivated me to continue working on my mission to help people further.
What does being an internationally certified image consultant involve, and how has this certification contributed to your professional journey?
I earned my Image Management certification from ICBI, one of the world’s biggest brands in this space. I am directly mentored under Judith Rasband, who pioneered Image Management and who is the Founder and CEO of the Institute of Image Management and is a Certified Image Master (CIM) in the Association of Image Consultants International, one of the first awarded the achievement and one of only twenty in the world. Because of this certification, I was able to understand the nuances of Image Management, which has been helping me transform the image of my clients.
How do you tailor your training programs to address individuals’ unique needs regarding Appearance, Behaviour, and Communication?
Before tailoring a program, we always give our clients a free diagnostic session that helps us understand the scope of their image enhancement and the gap areas. This, in turn, also becomes an opportunity for self-discovery for our clients.
In your experience as a soft skills trainer and life coach, what are your clients’ most common challenges, and how do you help them overcome them?
Most of my clients, who have over 10 years of experience and have overcome many challenges, struggle with their soft skills and communication skills, though they are subject matter experts. First, we find and discuss their gap areas. Then, we create a program where we explore the various soft skills more deeply, and through specific personalized sessions, we help them fill their gap areas.
Can you discuss the importance of integrating soft skills training into professional development? How do these skills impact career growth and personal development?
Integrating soft skills into professional development is crucial for career growth and personal development. Soft skills like communication, empathy, teamwork, and adaptability enhance interpersonal interactions and improve problem-solving abilities. Developing soft skills leads to better work performance, greater career opportunities, and personal fulfilment.
What motivated you to become a motivational speaker, and what key messages do you aim to convey in your speeches?
I noticed in today’s fast paced world people don’t know how to communicate what they feel inside. Whatever is visible on the outer side communicates something about our inner selves, and by building their self-image, they can showcase their confidence and get the reverence they are looking for.
As a NABET Accredited trainer, what standards do you adhere to in your training programs, and how do you ensure the effectiveness of your training sessions?
We keep our training interactive by adding roleplays, activities, etc. that help our clients not only understand but realize the value and effectiveness of soft skills. We also create a proper framework for every small interaction.
In the present scenario, people are suffering from mental illness and ignoring their health issues. What are the basic reasons for stress and mental illness? What are your suggestions to keep fit mentally and physically?
Many people today suffer from mental illness and neglect their health due to poor self-image, low self-esteem, and lack of self-awareness. To stay mentally and physically fit, cultivate self-awareness, build self-esteem, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, practice mindfulness, and seek social support.
Who inspired you most in your life?
My father was a government servant. He had big dreams, and when nobody had heard about entrepreneurship, he left his government job to pursue them. My mom joined him in his journey, and I watched her transformation from a simple homemaker from a small town in Punjab into a sharp businesswoman. These journeys of transformation helped me learn the nuances of transformation, and that is what I teach my clients.
Which is your favourite quote?
“We rise by lifting others.” Whatever gifts God has given us are all for others to share. Sharing our gifts with other give us a more fulfilled life.
