The Power of Self Discovery: A Conversation with Nithya Rao-Perera
In today’s fast-changing world, many people—whether seasoned executives or young graduates, are grappling with uncertainty. Technology, AI, and shifting career landscapes raise a constant question: Am I good enough?
On the second episode of the Luhn Impact Podcast, host Deeshana Basnayake sat down with Nithya Rao-Perera, an experienced coach, career mentor, and President-Elect of the International Coaching Federation (Singapore Chapter). With a background in psychology and over a decade of coaching executives and MBA students globally, Nithya has built her career around one mission: empowering people to discover their purpose, break free from limiting beliefs, and sustain meaningful change.
The First Step in Change: Mindset
When asked about where transformation truly begins, Nithya emphasized that change is less about processes and more about mindset.
“A change warrants some form of rewiring,” she explained. Even small shifts, such as moving from an individual contributor to a people manager role, require recalibration. Without acknowledging these transitions, individuals risk carrying old habits into new contexts.
For Nithya, the foundation is creating awareness—helping clients uncover beliefs that may be holding them back, often unconsciously.
Breaking Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs often stem from early experiences, fear, or even casual remarks absorbed during childhood. Left unchallenged, they restrict personal and professional growth.
Nithya shared how one client resisted sharing on social media because he “didn’t like selling.” By reframing the belief from “I don’t want to sell” to “I want to present myself authentically,” the client found freedom to engage without compromising his values.
As Deeshana observed, mindset fuels motivation, which then drives execution. Without belief, even the best strategies and methodologies will fail to take root.
Measuring Change and Impact
One of the challenges in coaching is quantifying impact. To address this, Nithya begins with alignment: conversations with the client, their manager, and HR to establish a baseline and desired outcomes.
She likens clients to trees: while external behaviors are visible, real transformation happens at the roots—the beliefs. Coaching, therefore, focuses on reshaping those roots for sustainable growth.
Progress, Nithya noted, often comes from small, incremental steps. Speaking up in a meeting, acknowledging a peer, or reframing a belief may seem minor, but over time these compound into lasting transformation—much like the Chinese bamboo tree, which spends years building roots before suddenly shooting up 90 feet.
Lessons for Younger Generations
Addressing younger audiences navigating career uncertainty in the age of AI, Nithya advises adopting a flexible mindset. Instead of rigidly climbing one career ladder, she encourages viewing a career as a jungle gym—exploring different skills, roles, and functions.
This adaptability not only builds resilience but also positions individuals to thrive in times of disruption.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
For Nithya, one of the most crucial skills today is emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to understand ourselves, manage emotions, and empathize with others.
“EQ plays a huge role in the relationships we build, the connections we form, and the cultures we create,” she said. Especially as workplaces emphasize mental well-being, EQ helps foster compassion, collaboration, and sustainable results.
She also highlighted the importance of human connection, particularly for younger generations growing up in a digital-first world. Simple acts of volunteering, creative expression, or giving back to society help them rediscover purpose and connection beyond screens.
Final Message: You’re Not Alone
Nithya closed with a message of reassurance:
“You’re not alone. If you’re feeling something, reach out and have a conversation. One conversation can change everything.”