Chiradeep Patra
chiradeepp@gmail.com
www.chiradeeppatra.wordpress.com
I Listen
“Join A Movement Promoting Active Listening.”
I am a finance professional turned ICF-certified life coach based in Cuttack, India, with a keen interest in mental well-being and resilience. I founded the “I Listen” movement in March 2023 to promote active listening, character building and the strengthening of relationships. As a writer and blogger, I managed a webzine called “Candles Online” with over 40 contributors, which paused after COVID-19. However, I continued to grow as a published author, having released eight books so far and aspiring to publish more.
As a creative individual, I bring a thoughtful and innovative approach to my coaching practice, using journaling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Positive Psychology (PP) techniques. My online coaching sessions and workshops are designed to help clients overcome limitations and embrace their strengths. I also have a passion for writing poems and songs, and I have composed several pieces. Additionally, I am a digital content creator, a Canva graphic designer and a Bible teacher. My empathetic and insightful approach has positively impacted many lives, and I remain committed to inspiring and empowering others to lead fulfilling and resilient lives.
What is your niche (coaching focus) and how did you choose it?
My coaching focus is on mental well-being, resilience, Biblical spirituality, and writing and publishing. These niches reflect the various facets of my personal journey. I have faced significant challenges, including a congenital heart defect that required multiple surgeries, as well as enduring pain, suffering, restrictions and loneliness—both physically and emotionally. Through these experiences, I learned to embrace joy and live a victorious life by accepting myself, my circumstances and my surroundings.
Writing has been a crucial part of my journey toward positivity. It not only helped me stay above negativity but also led me to become a published author. I’ve channeled this passion into my coaching, helping others explore their writing potential and supporting them through the publishing process.
Growing up in a Christian family with strong Biblical teachings, I also developed a deep foundation in Biblical spirituality. During my most challenging times, the principles and spiritual guidance from the Bible provided me with immense support and direction, which is why I include Biblical spirituality in my coaching practice.
These experiences and passions have naturally led me to focus on these areas. My coaching is dedicated to individuals who are struggling with similar challenges, helping them discover joy, resilience, spiritual fulfillment, and even the power of their own writing journey.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who is navigating significant life challenges, whether they are physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. They might be dealing with chronic health issues, emotional pain, or feelings of restriction and loneliness. This person is seeking to find joy, resilience and spiritual grounding amidst their struggles.
Additionally, my ideal client could be an aspiring writer who wishes to explore their creative potential and navigate the process of publishing their work. They may have a story to tell or a message to share, and they are looking for guidance to bring their writing to life, supported by someone who understands both the creative process and the realities of overcoming personal adversity.
They are open to exploring new perspectives, committed to their personal growth, and ready to embrace the journey towards mental well-being, resilience and spiritual fulfillment. Whether they are looking to deepen their spiritual connection through Biblical principles or express themselves through writing, they seek a holistic approach to coaching that integrates these aspects of life.
What inspired you to become a life coach?
My inspiration to become a life coach is deeply rooted in my personal journey through adversity. Born with a congenital heart defect, I faced numerous physical and emotional challenges, including multiple surgeries and periods of profound loneliness and restriction. Despite these hardships, I found joy and resilience by embracing my circumstances, cultivating my passions and deepening my spiritual connection.
During these difficult times, I noticed a significant lack of awareness about mental health and well-being. While many were eager to offer advice and motivation based on others’ experiences, there was a stark absence of people willing to truly listen and acknowledge my own struggles. This gap in understanding and support was disheartening, and it became clear to me that this was not just my experience—many others faced the same issue.
Even today, although awareness has improved due to social media, the stigma around seeking professional help still persists. People are often reluctant to visit a psychologist or therapist, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. I felt a strong need to bridge this gap, to offer a more approachable and less alarming option for those who are struggling. Becoming a life coach allowed me to do just that—to be someone who listens, acknowledges, and guides individuals through their tough times, helping them find the joy, resilience and spiritual fulfillment that I discovered in my own journey.
How long have you been coaching?
While I’ve been coaching and mentoring informally for several years, I began my Life Coaching journey in a serious and professional capacity in March 2023. Recognizing the importance of understanding the coaching process and continually upskilling, I decided to formalize my passion for helping others by completing a Professional Life Coaching certification from Transformation Academy through Udemy in April 2024. I further solidified my expertise by earning an ICF certified Life Coach certification from the Indian Leadership Academy in June 2024.
So, to be honest, while my informal coaching experience spans several years, I have been coaching professionally for over a year now.
How did you get your first client?
I got my first client through word of mouth. My friends and acquaintances knew about my passion and experience, and one of them referred a person who needed guidance. This referral turned into my first official coaching relationship.
How has your coaching journey changed your life?
My coaching journey has profoundly transformed my life, enriching my empathy and deepening my understanding of human resilience. It has taught me the importance of humility and the necessity of sometimes becoming completely empty—to set aside my own preoccupations and fully absorb the challenges my clients face. This practice has allowed me to truly understand them on a deeper level. Moreover, this journey has provided me with a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
What is the most challenging part of being a life coach?
One of the toughest aspects of being a life coach is navigating the delicate balance between listening and guiding. At times, clients pour out their thoughts and emotions relentlessly, making it challenging to interrupt or steer the conversation without breaking their flow. It requires a great deal of patience and skill to gently interject and help them refocus, while ensuring they feel heard and supported.
Another challenge arises when clients rely heavily on me to provide all the answers, expecting a form of “spoon-feeding” rather than taking responsibility for their own growth. It can be difficult when clients are resistant to self-reflection or lack the intention to work on themselves, as true progress in coaching comes from their willingness to engage actively in the process. Helping them shift from dependence to self-empowerment is both a challenge and a crucial part of the coaching journey.
What is the most fulfilling part of being a life coach?
The most fulfilling part of being a life coach is witnessing the profound transformation in my clients. Seeing them discover their inner strength, achieve their goals, and find joy in their lives despite the challenges they face is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like watching someone evolve, realizing their potential, and embracing a new sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a coach’s dream come true, and every time I see that spark in my clients’ eyes, I’m reminded why I chose this path. Their success is my greatest reward.
What has been your most inspirational coaching moment, with a client?
What inspires me most with clients are those who truly recognize the value I add to their lives, which I come to know through their feedback. One client, who was pouring out her pain, wrote, “I had a beautiful conversation with Mr. Patra. He’s a ranter’s dream. He listens so patiently. He made me feel at ease right away and helped me see things clearly where my mind was fogged with doubt and confusion.” Another writes, “No wonder why I get enlightened always when I attend your session. Frankly speaking, I was upset before the session; however, you have so much positive energy that my negative energy faded away.” She also wrote after another session, “The most difficult thing is to make things simple. And Chiradeep, you really are an inspiration. You have helped me gain better clarity to pursue further in my career and personal life. Your humble, nonjudgmental gesture really motivated me to share and experience the real me. Thank you, Chiradeep!”
There are many such examples of feedback that continue to inspire and motivate me to work harder for my clients. Even negative feedback, like low ratings, I take as pointers for my improvement.
What is your favorite coaching activity or exercise to do with clients?
It’s always a delight to watch clients grasp the process of identifying the sources of their negative thoughts and actively start addressing them. My favorite coaching activity is guiding clients through a reflection exercise where they identify and challenge their cognitive distortions using the CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) technique. This exercise allows them to clearly see their thought patterns and cultivate healthier, more balanced thinking. It often leads to significant breakthroughs in their mental well-being, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.
What has been the most effective strategy for finding clients and/or growing your business?
Finding clients is one of the most challenging aspects of running a coaching business. I consistently post on social networking sites like Instagram and LinkedIn, write articles, and request referrals from relatives and friends. Additionally, I contribute to the “I Listen” LinkedIn Newsletter, which supports my efforts in this area. Despite these efforts, I’m still exploring what truly works in generating leads. I’m committed to continuously learning and seeking effective strategies to grow my client base, and I’m actively working to refine and improve my approach.
What advice would you give YOURSELF back when you first dreamed of becoming a coach?
I would tell myself to trust the journey and approach it with seriousness from the very beginning, which I didn’t fully do at the start. While I spent years counselling and coaching informally, I often gave away my time and expertise through countless free sessions, not recognizing the value of my skills early on. I would advise my younger self to establish clear boundaries and recognize that offering value doesn’t mean undervaluing oneself.
I’d also urge myself to prioritize upskilling from the outset, rather than waiting for circumstances to push me forward. Delaying my professional development and waiting for the right time slowed my progress. If I could go back, I would encourage myself to invest in my growth earlier, to build confidence and expertise sooner. Trusting the process, valuing my contributions, and continuously learning would have set a stronger foundation for my coaching journey.
What is the impact you want to make in this world?
This world is full of chaos and negativities all around. My mission is to help people find joy and resilience amidst their pain and challenges. I aim to empower individuals to overcome their limitations, embrace their strengths, and lead fulfilling lives while achieving their goals. By sharing my own journey and insights—always with the coaching process and core competencies in mind—I strive to inspire others to discover their inner strength and unlock their potential. My hope is that through our work together, clients will not only navigate their difficulties, but also emerge stronger and more confident in their ability to create the life they desire.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Transformation Coaching Magazine readers?
If there’s one thing I’d like to share with Transformation Coaching Magazine readers, it’s this: I live by three guiding principles that help me stay grounded and motivated:
- First, do everything that your hands find to do with all your might. Don’t wait for perfection—take action, and give it your best.
- Second, learning is living. The moment you stop learning, you cease to truly live. Embrace continuous growth.
- Third, success is never a destination but a journey. Stay committed, enjoy the process, and recognize that you are already successful as long as you’re moving forward.
