From Classroom to Keynote: The Journey of Usha Mani

“Change is the only thing that’s permanent,” and this belief fuels Usha Mani's drive. Her mantra, “Be the change and then change the human being,” has been a guiding force throughout her life. For Usha, “Life is to be lived, not to crib and cry.”
Usha Mani, a transformative speaker and the founder of the ParenTeen Bond project, began her journey in the 6th grade, when she faced bullying due to her speech impediments. The pain and struggles she endured motivated her to overcome these challenges and emerge as a confident public speaker. This transformation from a bullied child to a powerful orator now fuels her passion for helping others change their lives.
Usha Mani describes herself as “not a leader, but a Change Maker,” emphasizing her dedication to improving the lives of future generations. For her, it's not about success but about making a significant impact and leaving a lasting legacy.
Introduction:
The name Usha Mani, meaning "the first rays of the sun," symbolizes hope and aspiration. Drawing inspiration from her name, she remains vibrant and energetic at the age of 69, grateful to her parents for choosing this name.
Her career spans two distinct phases: teaching and transformational speaking. Born and raised in bustling Chennai, Usha relocated to Jamnagar after marriage, a small town with limited educational facilities. She took the initiative to start a school with ESSAR’s support, eventually becoming the founding principal. What began with a mere hundred students has now grown to accommodate 3,000, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In 2019, Usha faced a profound challenge with the loss of her husband. Amidst her grief, she channeled her energy into fundraising for COVID warriors and conducting webinars. This period led her to retire and relocate to Mumbai, a city where she had to start anew. Despite the challenges, her exceptional oratory skills led her to Toastmasters, and she evolved into a renowned transformational speaker. Usha's journey included becoming a TEDx speaker, authoring "Now or Never on Parenting," and developing the ParenTeen Bond project. Through her workshops, she has engaged with 3,000 students and 8,000 parents, positively impacting the lives of 200 young teens.
Challenges and Achievements:
Reflecting on her challenges, Usha says, “Facing and overcoming challenges makes you a better and tougher person. The bitterness of adversity ultimately makes you better.” Early in her marriage, her husband’s major accident and subsequent vision loss tested their resilience. Despite the hardships, Usha became a school teacher, and together they rebuilt their lives. Her husband's successful business revival was a testament to their perseverance.
The most significant challenge came in 2019 with the sudden death of her husband and her retirement. The necessity to wind up their empire in Jamnagar and relocate to Mumbai presented a daunting new beginning. Yet, Usha persevered, and her achievements include receiving the National Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015 for her contributions to education. She has also gained recognition as a transformational speaker, winning the international speech contest in Toastmasters at both the area and district levels in 2021-22.
Today, Usha is a dynamic keynote speaker, addressing topics like "I Am Not a Leader" and "Have You Written a WILL for the Future?" She takes pride in her numerous speaking engagements, including the Centenary Celebration by Popular Publication, the National Conference of School Principals, and the Early Education Conference at ITC Chennai, among others. Her upcoming speech at Oxford University on October 2nd will further solidify her status as a leading keynote speaker.
Personal Insights:
Usha’s approach to work-life balance is straightforward: give 100% to whatever you are doing. She emphasizes being fully present with family and work, stating, “When I am with my family, I am entirely present with my daughter, son, and grandchildren. Similarly, when I am at work, I dedicate myself fully to my responsibilities.”
Perseverance, resilience, and tenacity are the core values that have guided her throughout her life.
Impact and Vision:
On December 6, 2023, Usha launched the ParenTeen Bond project, aimed at enhancing connections between parents and their teenage children. This initiative helps teens find their goals and navigate their futures. Usha finds it deeply rewarding to contribute to the next generation’s development.
Looking ahead, she aims to transition from success to significance, focusing on the legacy she will leave behind. Her vision is to continue transforming the lives of teens and adding value to others’ lives.
Conclusion:
Usha Mani concludes, “Life is a beautiful playground. Enjoy every moment, hit sixes and boundaries, and create a history that ensures your existence is remembered.”