Meet Prajesh Chhanabhai

We recently connected with Prajesh Chhanabhai and have shared our conversation below.

Prajesh, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

Honestly, my work ethic comes from a mix of lessons I’ve picked up along the way and, most importantly, from watching my parents. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I got a front-row seat to what real dedication looks like. My parents didn’t just work hard, they did it with kindness and a deep sense of purpose. They showed me that work doesn’t have to feel like a grind if you’re doing it with the right intentions.

Their days started before the sun was up and stretched late into the night. But it was never just about getting things done, it was about how they did it. They treated everyone with the same kindness, whether it was a neighbour or a stranger. Watching them, I learned that the way you treat people matters just as much as the work you do. It was clear that, for them, work wasn’t just about making a living, it was about making a difference.

That mindset stuck with me. When I’m writing a LinkedIn post, recording an episode for Baskets of Knowledge, or coaching someone through a breakthrough, it’s never just about hitting publish or checking a box. It’s about making sure what I put out there actually helps someone. I want my words to resonate, to spark something real in people.

The David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge was a perfect example of that mindset in action. Rowing 6.5 km every 4 hours for 48 hours wasn’t just about testing my endurance, it was about keeping a promise to myself. It taught me that discipline isn’t about forcing yourself to do things you hate. It’s about showing up, especially when it’s hard, because you know it’s going to make you better.

In the end, my work ethic isn’t just about grinding for the sake of it. It’s about finding joy in what I do by staying true to my values, kindness, purpose, and a commitment to leaving things better than I found them. I guess you could say it’s my way of honouring the lessons my parents taught me. Because if you can do work that lights you up and helps others along the way, that’s not really work, that’s a privilege.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My journey has been all about transformation, not just for myself but for the people I work with. I’m a transformative coach who helps individuals unlock their potential by reshaping how they think, communicate, and show up in the world. I use a mix of mindset coaching, NLP, breathwork, and Extended DISC profiling to help people break through their limits and step into who they’re truly capable of being.

One of the most profound parts of my work is SOMA breathwork. Breath is something we all have, yet most of us don’t realise its power. SOMA breathwork goes beyond just calming the mind, it’s a gateway to heightened focus, emotional release, and even altered states of consciousness. It combines rhythmic breathing, breath holds, and brainwave music to help people tap into deeper parts of themselves.

The real magic happens when people experience it for the first time, the clarity, the release of tension, the realisation that they’ve been holding on to so much without even knowing it. I host a SOMA breathwork session once a month that’s open to anyone, and it’s a pay-as-you-feel setup. I wanted to make it accessible so that cost isn’t a barrier for anyone who needs it. Each session is a chance for people to reconnect with themselves, let go of what’s weighing them down, and walk away feeling lighter and more in tune with their purpose.

On the writing side, I recently published a book titled Evolve: Stories of Transformation. It’s a collection of real stories from different coaches, each sharing powerful lessons about growth and resilience. The idea was to create something that’s not just inspiring but also practical, full of quotes, personal stories, and actionable tips that readers can actually use in their own lives. (https://www.amazon.com.au/Evolve-Stories-Transformation-Khadija-Usman-ebook/dp/B0D9PLP87F)

My podcast, Baskets of Knowledge, is an extension of that mission. I get to have real, no-fluff conversations with incredible people who’ve walked different paths and turned their struggles into strengths. The goal is to share insights and stories that listeners can actually use in their own lives. (https://open.spotify.com/show/4FJKnEdZSILs9re9P5pvBV?si=97864d85f50c4c5e)

I also write a LinkedIn newsletter focused on mindset and personal growth. It’s a space where I dive deep into topics like perfectionism, the observer effect, and embracing vulnerability, basically, all the things we deal with but don’t always talk about. My aim is to make it relatable, actionable, and inspiring for readers from all walks of life. (https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/mindset-matters-7136847876751577088/)

Extended DISC profiling is another powerful tool I use. It’s for anyone looking to understand their behaviours and how those behaviours shape their lives. The beauty of Extended DISC is that it doesn’t box people in instead, it highlights your natural strengths and blind spots, helping you see how you respond under stress, how you communicate, and why you might struggle in certain situations. When people truly understand their Extended DISC profile, it’s like being handed a manual for their own mind. They start making choices that align better with who they are, improve their relationships, and handle challenges with more confidence. It’s about empowering people to live more authentically and effectively by understanding what drives them.

At the core of everything I do is the belief that real change starts with mindset. My mission is to help people see that they’re capable of so much more than they think,sometimes, it just takes the right tools and a bit of a push to get there.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, curiosity, and the ability to communicate with purpose. These qualities didn’t just show up overnight, they were built through a mix of challenges, learning, and a lot of intentional practice.

1. Resilience:
Resilience is probably the most important quality I’ve developed. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I saw firsthand how my parents faced challenges with unwavering determination. Their ability to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things got, shaped my own mindset. For me, resilience is about embracing failure as a part of growth, not something to avoid. My advice for anyone starting out is simple: learn to reframe setbacks. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” That shift in perspective can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

2. Curiosity:
Curiosity has been a game-changer. It’s the reason I never stop learning, whether it’s diving into new coaching techniques, breathwork, or understanding human behavior through Extended DISC profiling. Curiosity keeps you evolving. For those at the beginning of their journey, I’d say don’t just settle for what you know. Make it a habit to ask questions, to dig deeper. Read books outside your field, talk to people who think differently, and never stop exploring. The more curious you are, the more you expand what’s possible.

3. Purposeful Communication:
The ability to communicate with purpose is the third area I really think has changed me It’s not just about speaking well but understanding the impact your words can have. My work has shown me how powerful intentional communication can be how it can build bridges or tear them down. For anyone looking to improve this skill, I’d recommend starting by listening more. Great communicators aren’t just great talkers, they’re great listeners. Pay attention to not just what people say but how they say it. That awareness alone can transform how you connect with others.

Advice for those starting out
If I could sum it all up, it would be this: Embrace failure, stay curious, and communicate with intention. Invest time in developing resilience, because challenges are guaranteed, but how you respond is up to you. Feed your curiosity daily; even small doses of learning add up. And finally, focus on listening more than you speak, it’s the fastest way to build meaningful connections.

At the end of the day, growth is about staying open, to new ideas, to different perspectives, and to the possibility that you’re capable of more than you think.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played a significant role in my personal development is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is a novel that continues to inspire me and reminds me of the importance of listening to my heart, staying true to my purpose, and trusting in the journey, no matter how difficult it may seem. The wisdom within this book has had a profound impact on the way I approach life, personal growth, and the pursuit of my dreams.

A few of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom that have stuck with me from The Alchemist are:

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
This quote speaks to the power of intention and persistence. It reminds me that when we set our minds and hearts on something, the world around us tends to align in ways we might not always expect. It encourages me to trust that if I stay committed to my goals and remain open to the opportunities that arise, the universe will support me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This has been particularly impactful when facing challenges or uncertainty, teaching me to push forward and trust the process even when the path isn’t clear.

“The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.”
This is such a powerful reminder about balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, focusing on tasks and responsibilities, and losing sight of the beauty that exists around us. This quote has taught me that true happiness comes from being able to appreciate the wonders of life without becoming distracted by the small details or obstacles. Whether it’s taking a moment to enjoy a sunset or recognising a small win in a busy day, this balance has helped me stay grounded and maintain a positive perspective.

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
This line really resonates with me because it focuses on the power of hope and the thrill of pursuing our dreams. It’s not just about reaching the end goal, but about embracing the journey and the lessons we learn along the way. Life becomes exciting when we are in pursuit of something greater than ourselves. It reminds me that the pursuit of dreams is not just about the destination but about the growth, experiences, and learning that come with the effort.

“Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.”
This quote really hits home for me, as it’s a reminder to not let fear dictate our decisions. Fear often holds us back from following our passions or trying something new, but when we face it, we give ourselves the opportunity to truly listen to our inner voice and discover what we’re truly capable of. I’ve learned that when I push through fear, I create space for courage, growth, and clarity.

“People learn, at least the most important lessons, through experience.”
This nugget of wisdom is a reminder that growth comes from doing, learning, and evolving through life’s experiences. It reinforces the idea that every setback, challenge, or detour on our journey is an opportunity to learn something valuable. This perspective has allowed me to embrace challenges as learning moments and not as failures. Every experience, good or bad, shapes who I am and brings me closer to understanding my own personal legend.

The Alchemist has helped me recognise that the pursuit of personal growth is not a linear path. It’s filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and moments of self-doubt. However, it has also shown me that each step of the journey, no matter how difficult or unexpected, is important. This book has instilled in me a sense of purpose and a deep trust in the process of life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @phambilicoaching
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prajesh-chhanabhai/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@basketsofknowledge
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FJKnEdZSILs9re9P5pvBV?si=001a839103454444