What does it really take to develop leaders — not just train them? In this episode, Anu Arora sits down with Nandini Chawla, CEO of TV Rao Learning Systems, a leadership and talent development organization celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Nandini has been part of the company for 25 of those years, growing from a young facilitator once too afraid to be taken seriously to a PCC-certified coach and CEO who has shaped leaders across some of India’s and the world’s largest organizations.

Their conversation weaves together Nandini’s personal journey — from engineering to sales to marketing to discovering her calling in leadership development — with remarkably practical Wisdom that leaders at every stage can apply today.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• The 360° feedback myth: Why this powerful tool is most often misunderstood, misused, or feared — and what a truly holistic 360 looks like, including why Nandini’s firm invites Family members into the process.
• The workshop moment that changed everything: How Nandini learned the most important lesson in facilitation — and in leadership — by throwing away her agenda and simply listening.
• Insecurity as preparation fuel: How Nandini channeled her early self-doubt about youth and experience into deep, relentless preparation that became her greatest professional strength.
• Humanity in the age of AI: Why the rise of Artificial Intelligence makes being genuinely human the most strategic leadership skill you can build right now.
• Gratitude as a system, not a practice: How TV Rao Learning Systems is embedding gratitude directly into 360 instruments — and why building it into process is more powerful than leaving it to intention.
• The two habits every aspiring leader needs: Reflection and continuous learning — and how to access both even when you believe you have no time.

Nandini closes with a beautiful invitation: everything can be a source of learning, from the dinner table conversation about Friends characters to observing how a senior leader handles a difficult moment. Leadership development doesn’t have to be formal. It has to be intentional.

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Learn more about Nandini Chawla, CEO TVRLS: An ICF Accredited PCC coach, Nandini has 29 years of rich cross-cultural work experience in the areas of Leadership Development and Organisation Development. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of T V Rao Learning Systems and Perfect Professional.

An Electrical Engineer and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from NMIMS Mumbai, she started her career with Titan Industries Limited in the areas of Sales and Marketing.

Nandini brings to the table a live business exposure as a successful line manager, having interacted, managed & dealt with sales professionals, subordinates, peers, senior management and above all Customers.

She is a life member at the NHRD network and was a member of the Executive Committee for the NHRD Network Bangalore chapter for two consecutive terms. In addition to presenting papers in conferences, she has authored many Articles and co-edited the book on 360-Degree Feedback and Performance Management Systems Volume 2, 360 Degree Feedback and Assessment Development Centers Volume 3, Life after 360 and ADCs Volume 4.

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#LeadershipDevelopment #360Feedback #TalentDevelopment #MindfulLeadership #TVRaoLearningSystems #LifelongLearning #HumanLeadership

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Anu Arora Mindful Leader Practices with Anu Arora

Anu Arora is an Executive coach, Mindfulness teacher, and host of the "Mindful Leader Practices" podcast. Anu is a highly regarded professional known for her expertise in coaching, leadership development, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety.

With a passion for guiding leaders towards their full potential, Anu serves as an executive coach, empowering individuals to unlock their leadership capabilities and cultivate mindful practices. She specializes in building authentic connections, fostering positive work cultures, and facilitating meaningful growth.
As a mindfulness teacher, Anu shares the transformative benefits of mindfulness in leadership development. By integrating mindfulness practices, she helps leaders enhance self-awareness, improve decision-making, and foster well-being in both professional and personal lives.

Anu's insightful blog delves into topics such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. Her writings provide practical guidance and actionable insights for individuals striving to become effective leaders and create inclusive work environments.