You can never run a marathon with baby steps alone

Interview with Prathiba Sastry

I was first introduced to Prathibha at the orientation day of Microsoft Ventures, Batch 4. Observing the audience switch to focused/silent mode as she spoke, I realised they already knew her.

She was the Head of Operations at Microsoft Ventures for 3 years. Later, she created and led #InnovationYatra. It lasted over 18 days and took them through some of the most beautiful routes and roads of the country while on their 3500+ kilo-meter road trip in search of all the hidden jewels of innovation that she and her team were determined to uncover along the way.

A prosthetic bionick hand cost from 1000$ to 5000$ and due to such a large price these prosthetic hands are not affordable in developing countries like India . So, Prashant Gade looked for a solution to develop an electronic prosthetic hand which can be made under 100$ and eliminated all the electronics part which normally increases the price of a prosthetic hand. (Credits : Innofest)Amogh Desai an engineering student has invented this metal cutter. Inexpensive and lightweigth to carry around, made by the using the waste body of a cycle and other scaps that are easy to find. Based on the principle of the converstion of the rotation motion to the oscilary motion. Cost to buy $50. (Credits : Innofest)

[Live Blog] Innovation Yatra: The Search For India's True Innovations - Inc42 Media

She now runs The PS Show, which brings together Entrepreneurial, Adventurous and Innovative men and women in a quest to enable women to dwell deeper on the events that shape their life.

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I had the chance to interview her, she was more than happy to share her learnings.

What Inspired You to Start the P.S Show?

Sometimes, all you need is a little push. To me, that little nudge came from Oprah Winfrey. When you are trapped in an abusive relationship in a foreign land, you are not just trapped physically. Before I knew it, I was trapped mentally in a nebulous existence, counting and re-counting the tiles in the floor over a dozen times.At that time, watching Oprah Winfrey Show and witnessing ordinary men and women do extraordinary things was strangely comforting. May be, because I knew deep down that I was meant to do greater things and this was not the life I wanted. And one day, when I heard Oprah repeatedly say ‘You need to get out of that abusive relationship’, it stripped my veil of nebulous existence and made me feel alive again.

Few years ago, when I reflected on my life, I was not only surprised but was also funnily inspired by how far I have come. As I traveled across India, I met many enterprising women, who I knew, could be impacted to help better their lives in various aspects including Health, Wealth and Career. Who knew, what we see as a little nudge might make a huge difference in someone’s life. And that’s what motivated me to start The Prathibha Sastry Show.

What Are Your Top learnings from Interviewing People Across Disciplines?

That I should push myself more to achieve better. Inspiration is contagious. When I listen to people talk excitedly about their goals and passion, I invariably push myself to take baby steps towards realizing my dream. When I listen to them talk about how they overcome a situation, I identify my strengths and weaknesses. When I see the audacity with which they believe in the unbelievable, I challenge myself to dream bigger.

Have You Noticed Anything Common Among the Adventurers/Entrepreneurs/Innovators You Met?

There are few attributes that stand out regardless of which discipline they are from, whether their idea is big or small or what their background is. The biggest game changer is Passion, the excitement with which they talk about what they are doing. And the will to tirelessly pursue their goals in spite of everything. Also, I feel the key to their success is finding their own tribe and collaborating with them.

I Have Observed Your Quality of Being Decisive in the Middle of Chaos, How Can One Cultivate Such Abilities?

By letting oneself face the chaos. When you can clearly define and see your destination, finding your way through the chaos is a cake walk. There is a popular saying, Hold the stone closer to your eye and all you see is the stone. Hold it a little farther, you can see the world.

Any Principles You Adopted over the Course of Your Life and Work Experiences?

One of the Mantras that I have adopted over the years is to question “How can I make this Happen” and I go and make it happen.

What Are the Three Necessary Skills Every Dreamer Must Cultivate?

A dreamer has already acquired the first skill, to dream. The next is to connect with his/her own tribe and take action. The third is to grow, by putting yourself and your doubts in the backseat and letting your dream drive you.

What’s the First Step You Think a Dreamer Should Take?

The obvious one is to take action. A Dreamer should connect with his/her own tribe. Take at least one baby step everyday towards realizing your dream. But remember, baby steps are only a start to running a marathon. You can never run a marathon with baby steps alone.

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In this season of @The_PS_Show are tackling an important life subject #financialindependence and why it should not be ignored! The earlier you begin, the better it serves your life's goals and ambitions! @ShonaliAdvani @write2kavita @fisdomApp https://t.co/g1dWGSD11w

 — @PrathibhaSastry

You can follow The P.S Show on Facebook. You can reach her on twitter @PrathibhaSastry. You can also follow her on Medium(Prathibha Sastry).

You can never run a marathon with baby steps alone was originally published in ART + marketing on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.