The power of
Storytelling

Like most professionals in multi-country jobs, travel has been an integral part of my work for many years. The simple act of meeting people in their home environments builds a connect that is such an important pre-requisite for work. All this stopped in 2020 with Covid. As I grappled with work from home and the endless video conferences, I noticed the need to be more engaging in my communication. That is when I reached out to Soundari to sign up for her online story telling coaching. “Learning how to communicate with stories set me up for success, and that is exactly what I want to do for you”, I still remember her saying. And true to the claim, Soundari was committed to understanding my context and adjusting her pace and style to my needs. For example, she noticed that I needed time to prepare before speaking. So she encouraged me to make short videos of my narrations after the sessions using my phone and message to her. It also helped that she had a successful corporate career before she became a coach, which means that her language and examples were easy for me to relate to. Over the 4 sessions, I learnt how to present my messages in an engaging way without rambling! In these times of hybrid working, this has been a very useful skill.

I have had the pleasure of engaging and interacting with Ms. Soundari on the design and delivery of multiple programs. Her ability to understand the need in relation to the context really helps her to curate content and deliver impactful sessions.
She goes over and beyond the classroom to connect with the participants and help them with the transfer of learning. The programs that she has designed and delivered for us have been highly effective and has helped the participants to showcase the impact from the program.
Ms. Soundari is a true partner, keeps the learner at the center while designing the program and always ensures there is a value proposition to all stakeholders involved with the program.

“It is with great pleasure that I offer my highest commendation for your exceptional expertise in business storytelling. The PGP Business Leadership students of IIMK had the privilege of participating in your PowerOn with Storytelling workshop, and it was truly a transformative experience for the entire batch.

The workshop provided profound insights into the art and science of storytelling within a business context. Through structured frameworks and skillful guidance, the students were equipped with the tools necessary to harness the power of storytelling as a means to inspire, influence, and engage teams. As per the feedback received from the students, your approach offered them a refreshing and effective solution to connect with others in a meaningful way.

This workshop at IIMK helped the PGP BL students to unlock their full potential. Your innovative approach to business storytelling has the power to revolutionize communication and drive meaningful change. I wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone looking to elevate their storytelling skills and achieve extraordinary business results.”

AWESOME!!! As I sat down in front of my laptop to write this recommendation for Soundari, I could not think beyond the word ‘awesome’. She does sooooo many wonderful things, so amazingly well, and so brilliantly weaved together, that it is difficult to peel them back one by one. Soundari is the ultimate storyteller. We shared many interactions and panel conversations, and she somehow manages to share the most relevant, meaningful, most relatable stories in a mind-expending, heart-warming, soul-nourishing way. Every single time. Soundari listens with a full, unwavering, most inviting presence. She gives space and grace to everybody else. She has an impressive (technical/ business) knowledge and expertise, and she continuously learns and harnesses her innate, infinite curiosity. If you are looking for someone to help you create your story of unbelievable fulfilment and achievement, and make it come true, Soundari is the one. Soundari is AWESOME!

You were fantastic, Soundari! Really loved the way you put across your message. I learnt a lot. I have so many stories to tell but I wasn’t using them except in informal talks. Your session made me think how I can weave my stories across the messages I want to share, to make them impactful.

Soundari has been conducting storytelling sessions for our TLP cohorts for the past couple of years, and they have been nothing short of amazing. Our cohorts have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with her and have gained invaluable lessons that they have successfully applied to their entrepreneurial pitches, course presentations, and job interviews. What sets Soundari apart is her exceptional ability to capture the listener’s attention and convey ideas in a relatable and captivating manner, making her sessions an absolute delight to attend.

Soundari exudes enthusiasm and curiosity, which is truly infectious and uplifts the entire room. Her sessions have encouraged our scholars to think, reflect, and improve their communication styles. Furthermore, Soundari is a remarkable coach who genuinely cares about her learners, ensuring that they walk away with actionable insights they can immediately implement.

We eagerly look forward to Soundari’s future workshops as part of our program. Her expertise and passion for storytelling continue to inspire and empower our cohorts. With Soundari’s guidance, our scholars have not only become better storytellers but have also gained confidence in expressing their ideas effectively. We highly recommend Soundari as a business storytelling coach who brings joy and impact to every session she conducts.

Soundari as a coach did bring in fresh thoughts to the approach in Kesoram , she has the knack of weaving and coaxing the team into a cohesive unit to achieve the objectives , tremendously talented and versatile resource person

“Excellent educational qualification, rich experience in reputed organisations, passion for continuous learning and exceptional ability to relate management principles with real life stories and sports makes her an excellent strategy consultant and unique trainer. Above all she has staunch belief, other things being equal, that tapping vast latent potential of human beings correctly and their synergy in group settings makes the huge difference for the success of the organisation. Personally, I was impressed with her ability to handle big groups online too.”

We had requested Ms. Soundari Mukherjea to craft and deliver workshop on storytelling for multiple batches of our 1-year MBA program. I was blown away by her expertise and passion for the craft. She has a deep understanding of the elements that make a great story, and a great storyteller, and she was able to share that knowledge in a way that was both engaging and informative. One of the things that our students appreciated most about the workshop was how hands-on it was. They spent a lot of time practicing their storytelling skills, and she was always there to offer feedback, and encouragement.

I believe that storytelling is an essential skill for everyone, and all the more so for MBA students. In the business world, we are constantly communicating with others, and the ability to tell a good story can be a powerful tool. Stories can help us to connect with others, to persuade them, and to inspire them.

I would highly recommend her to anyone who is interested in learning more about storytelling. She is a gifted storyteller and an excellent teacher.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a session on personal branding for the MBA students at our university. The session led by Soundari Mukherjea, was insightful and valuable. University students, I have noticed, often struggle with effectively communicating their personal brand and the unique qualities that set them apart from others.

Soundari’s approach was highly effective and engaging. Through a series of exercises and prompts, she enabled the students to identify the key experiences and values that have shaped their personal and professional journey.

Overall, I would highly recommend Soundari’s session to anyone looking to improve their personal branding and communication skills. Her expertise and guidance are truly transformative, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed it first-hand.

Intuitive. Nimble. Caring. From our first coaching session together, Soundari helped my daughter clarify her thoughts to tell her story authentically, and to ensure she delivers her talk with impact. She is incredibly intuitive, a wonderful listener, highly pragmatic and has found her calling to engage and connect with people. In terms of pedigree, she is a successful business person who also happens to be a coaching professional. I would highly recommend Soundari for facilitating her storytelling and coaching sessions professionally. Her follow-through is remarkable, as is her steadfast positive attitude. I would definitely work with her again!

Metallurgical Engg and Materials Science Dept.
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai

“I am writing to you to share some positive feedback we received from the audience who attended your talk on “Story Telling: the soul of scientific communication” on 14th October 2022, at our institute, IIT Bombay. (as part of our departmental course- MM 899 Communication skills)
Your talk was well-received by the students, and they were truly engaged throughout the entire presentation. They appreciated the way you structured the talk, the examples you shared, and the insights you provided. They found your delivery style to be clear, concise, and easy to follow, and they enjoyed the humour you incorporated into your talk.
The student comments are a glimpse of the overwhelmingly positive response we received. Once again, on behalf of the MM 899 TA team and students, I extend my sincerest gratitude for your talk.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back to our institution in the future.

I didn’t have the strength to get back to you during the conference, but I should have, because you were such a gift!
The way you structured your talk with so many stories and provided a clear almost step by step guide to the bridges leaders should tell was so perfect! The tempo was perfect and the balance between stories and ideas for leaders was exactly on point! And the way you used the tree metaphor was beautiful! I could really go on for a long time, but let me end this with a comment from one of the participants that I received on social media: “Artem, thank you for inviting Soundari! She totally changed my view on leadership and I’m not only talking about the organizational leadership but “Leadership” overall”. No comments!!!
I will be back again with a follow up email for all speakers next week but for now thank you once again, this was amazing!
May the bridges you build and help others build last a thousand years!

Soundari Mukherjea is a people leader who has extensive international and leadership experience in both corporate and entrepreneurship settings. In addition to her experience and international mindset, we believe Soundari’s empathetic nature, entrepreneurial spirit and her coaching skill are the key to understand and empower ourmentees not only to overcome her current challenges, but also to be the leader whom she wants to be.

“Soundari has very strong inner power and peace. Her warm smile comforts and makes me feel as if she were a member of my family. I believe the trust we have in each other is the most valuable part of our mentorship. Three things I learned from the mentorship program: 1. Be open to get to know and challenge yourself; 2. Take the first small step; 3. Build your mentorship in a professional network.

I appreciate GWC for offering such great opportunities to myself and other women. I am certain the relationship I have built with Soundari as my mentor will be not just one year, but a life- long relationship. I hope more and more amazing women can join this program and experience all that it has to offer!”