THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For some who had an eventless childhood, motivational speaking can be an unlikely career choice. But, Madhu Bhaskaran has made mediocrity his strength. His childhood in Tamil Nadu, his failed stint at Maharaja’s College as a degree student, his taking up of menial job to eke a living and ‘discovery’ of his aptitude as a teacher; everything turned out a perfect raw material for Madhu Bhaskaran to build a career as a motivational speaker.
Now, 21 years and two inspirational books later, Madhu Bhaskar is a steady presence in his field and a much sought-after HR trainer.
Madhu knew he had a gift of gab when he began to give tuition to children. “I took up the job to earn a living. But, it was more of a self discovery when I found out that the children were responding well. I had the same experience when I joined a parallel college as teacher. Then, it dawned on me that I must be a good teacher and the entire process was making me happy too. That’s when I began to seriously think about it,” says Madhu Bhaskar.
Soon, Madhu was speaking at religious organisations and other small meetings. “Initially, it was difficult to find a platform. Some places, I requested them time and space. Other times, my friends gave me opportunities. But, this was just for my satisfaction and I was not paid for all this,” says Madhu.
This is when he decided to take motivational speaking as a career option. “My perspective is that one can take up a career if it satisfies oneself and benefits the person at the receiving end. And, the financial part should not be a criteria at all,” says Madhu.
So far, Madhu has trained one lakh people, including those IAS aspirants, HIV patients, corporate to NGOs.
Madhu Bhaskaran says his speech oratory mainly focuses on the perspective that every person has a unique potential and his success lies in the exploring it to the maximum.
It is mainly educational institutions and companies that seek his service. “When I interact with students, I mainly ask them to focus on three angles -APR; A for academic excellence, P for personal qualities which include confidence and R for relationships, including social skills. For professionals, I ask them to work on their skill and aptitude as these qualities are something that goes beyond institutions,” says Madhu. Madhu has penned two books ‘Thottavarkkum Jayikkaam’ and ‘Veezhchakalilninnu Vijayathileku’ and the second is autobiographical.
Madhu says what makes his career deeply satisfying is that he could inspire many who were mired in despair to see their lives in new light. “Many people who come to me had called back to say that they could view life in a different perspective. I think this is the best part of being a motivational speaker,” says Madhu.