Varada Murthy, the founder of Mentorslab (formerly known as PFLA) and Colours, has embarked on a remarkable journey that has spanned over 25 years. Starting his career in Bangalore with British Physical Laboratories, little did he know that he would eventually venture into the education space. He is now a Coach, Advisor and Mentor at Mentorslab.in
During his time in the corporate world, Varada had the opportunity to work abroad in the Middle East, spending a few years in Oman and then over a decade in Dubai. As he interacted with numerous candidates, particularly the youth, during job interviews, he realized that there was something beyond academics that they needed to be equipped and empowered with before entering the professional world.
What is Mentorslab and how did it start?
The spark of inspiration came when Varada received a call from one of the Teachers at his Son’s School when he was in 2nd standard in Dubai. The teacher expressed concern that his son tended to daydream in school. This prompted him to explore the concept of left-brain and right-brain thinking, and the idea that there was more to education than just academic pursuits.
With this realization, Varada and his team began their journey of working with the youth, starting with schools and colleges. They launched a program called 'I'm a Champion' that focused on dreams and goal setting, encouraging students to dream big and providing them with the tools to turn those dreams into actionable goals. The program garnered great enthusiasm among students, even those from government schools, who aspired to become IAS officers, Doctors, Chartered Accountants, Engineers, Politicians, Human Resource and Admin professionals, or actors. However, they lacked the knowledge and guidance on how to achieve their aspirations.
Through their work with students, Varada and his team soon realized that to create a lasting impact, they also needed to work with the teachers. They recognized the importance of passionate and skilled educators who could communicate effectively and make a commitment to the growth and development of their students. This led to the creation of the Integrated Teacher Training Program (ITTC), which aims to empower teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude to be effective mentors in the classroom. The program received an overwhelming response, with 35 successful batches conducted so far
As their work expanded, the People First Leadership Academy team also introduced the Colors Program, a publication division focusing on early years education. The program was initiated based on feedback and input from former teachers who had worked in different CBSE and ICSE schools in Bangalore. Varada credits his wife, Nalina, and her team for spearheading the Colours Program, which eventually caught the attention of a large group and was acquired.
In 2010, Varada started www.mentorslab.in (formerly known as PFLA) with the goal of training and coaching individuals from various backgrounds, including students, teachers, corporate employees, and government officials. The brand has already impacted the lives of over 60,000 people, helping them discover their potential, set meaningful goals, and achieve personal and professional growth.
What are the core values of Mentorslab?
The team at Mentors Lab believes in providing value and results-driven solutions. Their programs are designed to be highly targeted, customized, and people-oriented, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work when it comes to personal and professional development. While they leverage technology and offer some free courses to encourage engagement and knowledge sharing, they also acknowledge the importance of human touch, mentorship, and coaching in certain situations where AI alone cannot replicate the depth of understanding and support.
What is the goal of Mentorslab?
The vision for Mentors Lab is to create a platform where like-minded individuals could come together and reach out to more people, particularly, teaching, student, and parent communities who share their vision of personal and professional growth. Varada emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication in their work, always striving to deliver the best possible experience and outcomes for those they serve.
Apart from working with students and teachers, Mentorslab also collaborates with Institutions, corporate, and NGOs. They offer leadership development programs, Public Speaking, and Effective communication skills programs, and executive coaching to help professionals enhance their performance and achieve their career goals. Through their training and mentoring, Mentorslab aims to create a positive impact on Institutions and organizations by nurturing effective leaders and fostering a culture of growth and learning.
What does the future look like for Mentorslab?
With a small yet passionate team of around 7 to 8 individuals, including experienced educators and trainers, Mentorslab continued to expand its reach and impact. They have collaborated with schools, colleges, and educational institutions to offer their programs and training to a wider audience. Their reputation has grown, and Mentorslab has become known for its high-quality content, engaging workshops, and transformative coaching sessions.
As technology continues to evolve, Mentorslab embraces digital platforms to extend its reach and provide online courses and coaching sessions. They developed interactive e-learning modules, webinars, and virtual classrooms to make their programs accessible to individuals across different geographical locations. This allows them to cater to a global audience and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Specialty of Mentorslab –
One of the key strengths of Mentors Lab is its ability to adapt and innovate. They constantly update their programs and approaches to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. They incorporate emerging trends and technologies into their curriculum, ensuring that their participants are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.
In recognition of their contributions to the field of education and leadership development, Mentorslab received several accolades and awards. Their commitment to excellence, ethical practices, and transformative impact earned them the trust and respect of their clients and partners.
In Conclusion –
Looking ahead, Mentorslab has ambitious plans for the future. They aim to further expand their global presence, forging partnerships with renowned educational institutions and organizations around the world. They also envision leveraging advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, to enhance the learning experience and provide personalized guidance to their participants.
Varada Murthy, with his unwavering passion and dedication, continues to advise and mentor the team of Mentorslab and inspire others to unlock their full potential. His belief in the power of mentorship, combined with a strong focus on empathy and holistic development, shaped the foundation of Mentorslab's approach.
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