How to Build a Career in Yoga, Psychology and Wellness

11+ Grammar School Preparation: Catchment, Mocks, Tutors & Parent Mistakes | Deepa Kirpalani

Is the 11+ right for every child? And are parents preparing for it in the right way? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with experienced 11+ tutor Deepa Kirpalani about the grammar school 11+ journey. Deepa explains why the 11+ is not only an exam for children, but also a process that requires parents to be informed, realistic and emotionally prepared. From choosing the right schools to understanding catchment areas, consortiums, tutors, mock exams and exam formats, this conversation gives parents a clear roadmap through the grammar school process. We discuss when preparation should begin, what groundwork children can build from Year 3, how to choose target schools, why mock scores should be treated as indicators rather than final predictions, and how parents can support their child without turning the journey into unnecessary pressure. Deepa also shares a powerful reminder: children may forget their mock scores, but they will remember how their parents supported them throughout the journey. In the next part of this conversation, we will discuss the independent school process in more detail, including applications, exams, interviews and results. A practical episode for parents beginning—or already navigating—the 11+ journey. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Is the 11+ Right for Every Child? 02:12 When Should 11+ Preparation Begin? 05:42 Should Every Child Take the 11+? 07:27 Grammar, Independent and Super-Selective Schools 11:01 Catchment Areas and Consortiums Explained 16:45 Common Mistakes Parents Make 19:29 How to Choose the Right 11+ Tutor 21:04 How Many Schools Should Parents Apply To? 25:13 School Reputation vs the Right Fit 32:55 Making the 11+ Journey Less Stressful 40:18 Subjects, Online Resources and Exam Formats 43:43 Mock Exams and Time Management 50:50 Preparing for Different Grammar School Exams 54:45 Henrietta Barnett and QE Boys Explained 59:27 Managing the Wait for Results 1:03:56 CAF Form and School Ranking 1:06:01 National Offer Day and Next Steps [11 plus, 11+ exam, 11 plus preparation, grammar school, grammar school admissions, 11 plus grammar school, 11 plus tutor, Deepa Kirpalani, 11 plus parent guide, 11 plus mistakes, 11 plus mock exams, grammar school catchment, 11 plus catchment area, school consortiums, when to start 11 plus preparation, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, 11 plus maths, 11 plus English, super selective schools, Henrietta Barnett, QE Boys, 11 plus school selection, parent pressure, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth]

How to Build a Career in Yoga, Psychology and Wellness

SPOTIFY DESCRIPTION Can yoga become a full-time career? Can you study psychology after engineering? And what does it really take to build an unconventional career in wellness and mental health? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi speaks with Swathi, a yoga teacher and counselling psychologist, about her journey from engineering and IT to yoga teaching, psychology, counselling, and mind-body healing. Swathi explains how yoga first became part of her personal recovery, how she trained professionally as a yoga teacher, and how she later studied MSc Psychology to deepen her understanding of the human mind. She also shares the realities of freelancing, financial uncertainty, building a client network, burnout in mental health careers, and the difference between a counsellor, counselling psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist. This episode is useful for students, parents, career changers, and anyone exploring careers in yoga, psychology, counselling, wellness, mental health, or holistic healing. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:58 Swathi’s work as a yoga teacher and counselling psychologist 03:47 From engineering and IT to yoga 07:59 How to study yoga professionally 12:19 Life after yoga certification: training, observation and teaching 14:43 Studio teaching, freelancing and building a network 19:28 The real challenges: money, uncertainty and risk 26:06 Yoga, science and the mind-body connection 28:09 COVID, upskilling and the shift towards psychology 34:01 Studying MSc Psychology after engineering 38:41 Combining yoga and counselling in practice 45:39 Counsellor, psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist explained 54:27 Advice, work-life balance and Swathi’s life mantra Listen to Swathi’s career journey on Unblur the Path. SPOTIFY KEYWORDS yoga teacher career, counselling psychologist, counselling psychology, psychology career, yoga career, yoga teaching career, how to become a yoga teacher, yoga teacher training, psychology after engineering, MSc psychology, career change from engineering, IT to yoga teacher, engineering to yoga, wellness career, mental health career, holistic healing, mind body connection, yoga and psychology, freelance yoga teacher, unconventional career, career guidance for students, counsellor vs therapist, psychologist vs psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, stress management yoga, yoga therapy, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, Swathi yoga teacher

Nuclear Engineer to Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 | Poonam Gehlot on Courage, Confidence & Career Break

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Poonam Gehlot continues her inspiring career journey from nuclear engineering and systems engineering to personal growth, confidence and becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026. Poonam shares how she moved through the nuclear and defence industry, dealt with self-doubt, took a career break, travelled solo, learned the power of saying no, and stepped into the pageant world. This conversation is especially useful for students, parents, young professionals, women in STEM, and anyone exploring engineering careers, career growth, confidence building or personal development. We discuss nuclear engineering, systems engineering, women in STEM, career breaks, burnout, solo travel, self-doubt, public speaking, pageant journey, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, and what success really means. A powerful reminder from this episode: confidence does not always come first — courage does. Chapters: 00:00 Courage, Confidence & Self-Doubt 01:39 Welcome Back to Poonam’s Journey 02:40 From Nuclear Engineering to Systems Engineering 07:26 Desk Job vs Site Work in Nuclear Engineering 09:00 Career Break, Burnout & Finding What’s Next 14:26 The Power of Saying No in Your Career 16:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt at Work 20:12 Solo Travel, Personal Growth & Facing Fear 28:59 Why Courage Comes Before Confidence 31:36 Poonam’s Pageant Journey Begins 36:35 The Costume Round Inspired by Her Nani 39:28 Becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 41:44 Work-Life Balance, Career Choices & Switching Companies 46:29 University vs Apprenticeships in Engineering 48:38 Resilience, AI & the Future of Engineering 51:06 What Success Really Means 53:03 Final Takeaway: Confidence Follows Courage Subscribe to Unblur the Path for honest career conversations that help students, parents and professionals make informed career decisions. [Poonam Gehlot, Ms Asia Empress UK 2026, nuclear engineer, nuclear engineering career, systems engineering, women in STEM, female engineer, defence industry career, chemical engineer, career break, burnout, self doubt, confidence building, courage over confidence, public speaking, pageant journey, South Asian women in STEM, women empowerment, career podcast, career guidance for students, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, engineering careers, STEM careers for girls, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, career growth, personal development,unblurthepath, lakshmiseth]

Pave your way into the Nuclear Industry | Chemical Engineer to Pageant Queen

What does a chemical engineer actually do? And how does someone working in the UK's nuclear sector become Ms Asia Empress UK 2026? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with Poonam Gehlot, a chemical engineer, technical leader, women in STEM advocate, and Ms Asia Empress UK 2026. Poonam shares her journey from choosing chemical engineering at university to working on major projects in the nuclear industry. We discuss university applications, industrial placements, graduate careers, engineering leadership, problem-solving, and the realities of working in a highly technical field. We also explore confidence, personal growth, and why she decided to step onto the pageant stage after building a successful engineering career. Whether you're a student exploring STEM careers, a parent guiding career choices, or a professional considering a new challenge, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. Topics covered: • Chemical Engineering • Nuclear Industry Careers • Women in STEM • University Applications & Clearing • Industrial Placements • Engineering Leadership • Problem Solving Skills • Confidence & Personal Growth • Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 • Career Advice for Students [Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineer, Women in STEM, STEM Careers, Engineering Careers, Nuclear Industry, Nuclear Energy, Engineering Leadership, Technical Leadership, Graduate Careers, University Applications, Clearing UK, Industrial Placement, Career Guidance, Career Podcast, Women in Engineering, Female Leadership, Problem Solving, Personal Growth, Confidence Building, Mrs Asia Empress UK 2026, Poonam Gehlot, Engineering Management, Students, Career Advice, Unblur the Path]

From Radio Jockey to Actor: The Reality of Acting, Theatre, Auditions & Rejection with a Radio Jockey turned Actor

What does it really take to build a career in acting? In Part 2 of this conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar, we explore her journey from Radio Jockey to actor, theatre artist, model, writer, and presenter. Ashwini shares how she completed 100 monologues in 100 weeks, landed her first acting roles, navigated auditions and agents, handled rejection, and built a creative career in the media industry. We also discuss the differences between theatre and film acting, the importance of mentors, confidence, resilience, modelling at London Fashion Week, and why waiting for validation can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Whether you're interested in acting, media, theatre, broadcasting, or simply curious about unconventional career paths, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of a creative profession. Topics covered: • Acting careers • Theatre vs film acting • Auditions and agents • Handling rejection • Radio presenting • Modelling and London Fashion Week • Mentorship and personal growth • Building confidence • Creative careers and media industry Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: From Radio Jockey to Actor 02:11 The Pandemic, 100 Monologues & Finding Acting 08:14 Breaking into Acting: Agents, Auditions & Rejection 20:05 Films, Theatre & Life as a Working Actor 25:39 Theatre vs Film Acting: Skills, Preparation & Mindset 32:30 Mentors, Writing & Personal Growth 42:26 London Fashion Week, Reinvention & Following Dreams 57:55 Final Reflections: Validation, Success & Life Lessons [acting career, actor, theatre actor, theatre career, film acting, acting auditions, acting agents, radio jockey, radio presenter, media career, creative careers, modelling, London Fashion Week, personal growth, career podcast, career guidance, career exploration, women in media, resilience, mentorship, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, storytelling, broadcasting, entertainment industry, creative professions, acting journey, career change, following your dreams, confidence building]