We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Va’rai Unique a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Va’rai , thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?
A few ways I have managed to develop my ability to communicate effectively is by consistently being self aware of my nonverbal communication, utilizing reflective listening, strengthening my emotional intelligence, empathizing with others & one of the most important skills needed is to actively listen while listening more than I speak.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I own a branding & marketing agency, and I also conduct business consulting. Both industries sometimes overlap which has worked out perfectly for me. I’ve been in both industries for a long time and can safely say I am an expert in my field. My business consulting has given me opportunities in public speaking through the United Kingdom and Europe. I am now reviving my speaking journey in the USA, which is really exciting. I also recently just won an award for the most innovative consultant and strategic partner specialist for business consulting that I completed over a few years in New York. This has been the highlight of my year so far!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In my experience as a consultant and public figure, I can definitely say that in order to succeed you need to have perseverance, confidence & thick skin. You need to be persistent because sometimes there’s difficulties or delays while trying to achieve your success. The confidence that you need is knowing and having the self-assurance that you have amazing abilities and qualities that will help you succeed. You also need to have thick skin, as one thing I’ve learnt is everyone will always have an opinion and sometimes it won’t be positive, so you have to block out the negativity.
My advice to help increase these three qualities is to mediate, speak affirmations to yourself daily while looking in the mirror, surround yourself with a few people that will remind you how special you’re and lastly be reflective on action.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A book that has been instrumental in my personal & professional development is called unlocking your renaissance. The reason why this book has been valuable to me is because it has different strategies to transform your mindset, and inner dialogue. It includes neurolinguistic programming exercises as well, which are very helpful and powerful to help anyone succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://varaiunique.
com - Instagram: https://instagram.
com/varaiunique - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/varai - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
varaiunique - Other: PR & Marketing Agency https://varietyelixir.
com - Book recommendation: Unlocking your Renaissance https://
varaiunique.com/shop/p/ mindset-workbook
Image Credits
Azriel Unique
