If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you often get it

In a world where principles, values, and purpose often guide our paths, Neeraj Deshpande stands as a shining example of unwavering commitment and personal growth. His remarkable journey over the last three decades serves as a testament to the power of determination, excellence, and continuous learning.

?Learning1: A Pioneering Spirit

?Neeraj's story begins in the mid-1990s when corporate training was nascent. At that time, very few dared to venture into this uncharted territory. Neeraj, however, saw the potential in this unconventional career path. With a background in sales and a natural flair for public speaking honed during his school and college years, he took his first step into the world of corporate training.

?Learning2: Building Mastery

?His early days as a trainer were marked by one-way communication, but Neeraj was determined to evolve. He understood the importance of mastery over the content he delivered. Through years of hard work and dedication, he honed his skills, constantly improving his ability to engage and inspire his audience.

?Learning3: Discovering Core Values

?As Neeraj's career advanced, he had the opportunity to work with renowned organizations and leaders worldwide. It was during these experiences that he began to contemplate his own core values and life's purpose. Learning, excellence, experimentation, and risk-taking emerged as the pillars of his personal philosophy.

?Learning4: Embracing Risk and Change

?One of the defining moments in Neeraj's career occurred when, at the age of 48, he made a bold decision to leave a secure and successful corporate career to start his own business. To some, this move seemed risky and even foolish, but for Neeraj, it was a testament to his core value of taking risks and embracing adventurism.

?Learning5: A Lifelong Quest for Excellence

?Neeraj's professional purpose became clear - to inspire others to embrace learning and excellence as lifelong pursuits. He believed that excellence was not a destination but a continuous journey, and he dedicated himself to sensitizing others to this mindset.

?Learning6: Lessons from Success and Failure

?Neeraj had a unique perspective on success and failure. He believed that focusing on failures attracted negativity, and instead, he advocated learning from success. He emphasized the importance of preparation and practice, underscoring that success was not a one-time event but the result of sustained effort.

?Learning7: Achieving Remarkable Milestones

?Neeraj's journey was punctuated by significant achievements. He became one of the few in South Asia to be certified in the "7 Habits of Highly Successful People" by Dr. Stephen Covey himself. Additionally, he earned the prestigious title of master trainer in Situational Leadership, outshining seasoned professionals in the field. His contributions to a major electronics manufacturer's customer satisfaction program garnered global recognition and prestigious awards.

?Learning8: Bridging Theory and Practice

?Neeraj believed that theory and practice were inseparable. He argued that any theory, no matter how well-crafted, required time, patience, and practice to become practical. Drawing parallels with learning to ride a bike or drive a car, he highlighted the need for sustained effort and a willingness to master new skills.

?Learning9: The Eternal Quest for Excellence

After three decades in the industry, what kept Neeraj energized and motivated was his unwavering craving for excellence. He dedicated himself to proving that there were better ways to achieve results and that excellence was the key to unlocking untapped potential.

?Learning10: A Message to the New Generation

?Neeraj had sage advice for millennials and Gen Z. He cautioned against seeking instant gratification, emphasizing that true knowledge required effort and time. He urged them to move beyond the allure of social media platforms and embrace time-tested methods of learning and personal growth.

?Learning11: Measuring Success Differently

?Neeraj challenged the conventional notion of success, asserting that it was a deeply personal parameter. He believed that fame and wealth were not the only markers of success; lasting impact and meaningful work were equally important.

Learning12: Nurturing the Next Generation

?For those tasked with guiding Gen Z, Neeraj's advice was clear - be friendly, appreciative, and adaptable. He recognized that today's workforce sought different opportunities and was more willing to explore various roles.

?Learning13: Embracing Change

?Neeraj reminded us that the world was changing rapidly, and the pursuit of momentary pleasure should not overshadow the importance of long-term happiness. He attributed these shifts to the prevalence of instant gratification and the availability of knowledge through technology.

Learning14: The Power of Choice

?In closing, Neeraj shared wisdom by sharing 2 of his mottos in life. One, is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, a noted American Philosopher, “If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you often get it.” He also shared another motto of his, quoting Dr. Stephen Covey, “Your life is nothing but the consequences of the choices you make”. He stressed that our choices shaped our lives and that personal development was akin to a tree's journey from seedling to maturity. It requires time, patience, and resilience.

Neeraj Deshpande's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring power of principles, values, and personal growth. His story challenges us to embrace continuous learning, excellence, and the courage to take risks, ultimately leading to a life well-lived.

For our readers, Neeraj is MD & Managing Partner at D Squared Consilium Pvt Ltd, which is a well-known name in the field of Corporate Training & consulting field. The company has footprints in India at 7 locations & 4 outside India. Neeraj’s detailed profile is attached herewith for your information.

Neeraj Deshpande