In the latest episode of The Incredible Machines Podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with the remarkable Dr. Nerisha Maharaj. Known for her expertise as a global executive coach, author, yoga/meditation teacher, scholar of ancient Indian philosophy and former corporate executive as a chartered accountant, Dr. Maharaj blends profound insights into spirituality and leadership in a way that resonates with both personal and professional growth. Whether you're a regular podcast enthusiast or just discovering insightful audio content, this episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom.
At the heart of Dr. Maharaj’s message is the concept of authentic self-love based on her extensive research and book Self-Love: The Authentic Path to Conscious Leadership. In her conversation with Jon and Luke, she emphasizes how authentic self-love extends beyond narcissism, exploring its deeper connection to leadership – the first peer-reviewed published research in the world to do so. Through her PhD research on wholeness and spiritual intelligence, Dr. Maharaj underscores the need for leaders to cultivate a sense of inner peace, higher consciousness and connection to their Being. This approach, she notes, can lead to more holistic and conscious decision-making, benefiting not only individuals but entire organizations and beyond.
Dr. Maharaj recounts a significant milestone in her career as a CA when she was tasked with leading the De Beers treasury team in Botswana at the young age of 25. Facing cultural differences and managing a resistant team in a foreign country alone, she quickly realized that connecting on a human level—through something as simple as expressing genuine interest in asking her team about their beloved cows—could transform relationships and productivity. This experience highlights the importance of human connection and cultural appreciation in leadership, key traits that continue to shape her coaching and leadership development ethos today.
One of the most powerful anecdotes in this episode is Dr. Maharaj’s encounter with Nelson Mandela, an inspiring figure she describes as the embodiment of "Samadarśhana", a concept from ancient Sanskrit texts meaning “same sightedness”. Mandela's ability to treat everyone with the same respect—whether they were world leaders or everyday people—reflects the type of spiritual intelligence Dr. Maharaj advocates. This episode delves into the idea of seeing others through the “eyes of divinity”, - a spiritual practice of cultivating humility, equal vision, and respect for all individuals through seeing the Divinity in all beings.
Who are we really? In this episode, Dr Nerisha explores the importance reconnecting to our human – ‘Beingness’, and the dangers of treating ourselves and others in mechanistic ways – especially in the capitalistic context of greed and profit at the expense of humanity. She explores how the loss of connection to our soul is the cause of such predicament and the importance of nurturing such connection.
In this episode Dr Nerisha shares her love for India and the profound impact of her frequent journeys off the beaten track to this sacred land. The episode also touches on the importance of daily practices such as meditation, self-reflection, quietude, prayer and gratitude. These habits, Dr. Maharaj suggests, are critical for fostering spiritual intelligence and achieving a sense of wholeness. By making time for stillness and introspection, individuals can manage stress better, enhance their personal resilience, improve their overall well-being, cultivate virtues, and become better human beings.
Host Jon Oliff outlines a practical framework for personal development: Awareness, Acceptance, Action, and Adherence. This four-step approach, he explains, is crucial for continuous growth in both personal and professional spheres. Seeking guidance from mentors and coaches, like Dr. Maharaj, is a key part of this journey, ensuring individuals are equipped to meet their goals with purpose and mindfulness.
Episode 6 of The Incredible Machines Podcast is not only a deep dive into the professional and spiritual journey of Dr. Nerisha Maharaj but also a guide to unlocking hidden potential. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, spirituality, and the power of authentic self-love. For more information on Dr Nerisha’s work, visit www.nerishamaharaj.com
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