Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with D. Senthil Kannan, a renowned trainer, mentor, and the driving force behind PALMS Training & Consulting. With a background in Commerce and International Business, he has dedicated his life to soft skills training and social empowerment. As a certified National Trainer for JCI India and a co-founder of SPARK, his work has inspired many to pursue personal transformation and community development. His latest book, Transformational Thoughts, is a collection of impactful insights and reflections, aiming to guide readers toward a more meaningful and resilient outlook on life. Let’s dive into the thoughts and experiences that have shaped this remarkable author and his work.
1. In what ways do you believe Transformational Thoughts can influence a reader’s personal growth or outlook on life?
Senthil: Transformational Thoughts aims to broaden a reader’s perception of life by sharing insights and experiences rather than offering prescriptive solutions. By encouraging readers to see situations from fresh perspectives, it hopes to inspire personal growth, healthier viewpoints, and a happier outlook on life. Through reflections on learning, global exposure, and interactions with thought leaders, the book offers relatable stories and principles that can empower readers to transform their approach to challenges and develop a more open-minded and resilient attitude.
2. Which global thinkers or leaders have had the most significant impact on you, and why?
Senthil: There are several global thinkers who I have had the opportunity to meet personally, which include Brian Tracy, Jack Canfield, Marshall Goldsmith, Robert Kiyosaki, Nik Halik, Shiv Khera, and Nirmal. Each of these individuals has imparted valuable success principles and insights. However, I consider Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Walt Disney as my inspirations. Stephen Covey has profoundly influenced my thinking, particularly through his concepts from the book of effectiveness “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”
3. Your book discusses lessons learned from both great minds and everyday individuals. Can you share an example of an unexpected life lesson that’s in the book?
Senthil: While there is a lot we can learn from great minds, some wisdom resonates deeply when it comes from a common man. I learnt the value of hard work and sacrifice, from a co-traveller who I met on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai. I have shared it in my book, under the topic, “The Transition Person”.
4. What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to implement change in their life today?
Senthil: I am a believer of consistency. I like the quote “Consistency is what transforms average into excellence”. I can relate this with myself. I am an average person, but if I have made a distinct mark, it is just because of my consistent efforts. So, my advice will be “Start small, stay consistent and Be patient. The results will follow. “
5. You’ve been involved in mentoring programs like “PEP UP.” How does mentoring fit into the ideas you discuss in your book?
Senthil: There are two ways, we can learn something . We can either learn from our own mistakes or learn from other’s mistakes. The second one is less expensive and saves time. PEP UP was an initiative in that direction. I wanted to mentor people, based on the knowledge and experiences I have gathered over the years. So, this book serves as a ready reckoner of my collective experience, which will be of good value to my mentoring programme participants. The readers of the book can benefit from such insights too.
6. Are there particular stories or quotes in Transformational Thoughts that resonate deeply with you personally?
Senthil: I have shared a number of incidents or experiences I have encountered throughout the book. Each one of them has had an impact, which motivated me to pen it down as an article. To share one of the many quotes in the book, that deeply resonated with me was from Nik Halik, which goes like this. “I made a list of promises to a child within me, and it is my duty to keep those promises. I can cheat the child by saying it is not practically possible, the system is not in favour, the law does not permit it, or whatever, but my inner child will die disappointed. I do not want that to happen. All our life, we live to please others, but if we do not live to fulfil our own passion, we will end our life on a frustrating note.”
7. How does your philosophy, “Think Global, Act Local,” reflect in the pages of your book?
Senthil: Somehow quite early in life, I got attracted to the philosophy of “Think Global, Act Local”. My extensive travel abroad and exposure to diverse cultures has given me the opportunity to have a firsthand view of some of best practices, in different of the globe. I am someone who likes to bring in these best practices, to my workplace or community. The best way, I can do it is by sharing it with people. I have shared many of my such experiences in the book – like the education system in Finland, courtesy of the Filipinos, Networking skills of the Chinese, the business growth mindset of the Koreans, and more.
Thank you, D. Senthil Kannan, for sharing your inspiring journey and the insights behind Transformational Thoughts. Your commitment to personal growth and community transformation truly shines through, both in your words and in the work you do. Your philosophy, “Think Global, Act Local,” reminds us of the value of learning from diverse experiences and applying them meaningfully in our own lives. We’re sure that readers will find encouragement and wisdom in the pages of your book. For those seeking a fresh perspective on life, Transformational Thoughts offers valuable lessons drawn from both extraordinary individuals and everyday encounters. To stay connected and learn more, you can follow D. Senthil Kannan on Facebook.
