Sneha Guha Thakurata, originally from Kolkata, is an experienced English communication trainer with a two-decade-long corporate career. Currently at Fusion Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Sneha specializes in training leaders and virtual assistants to enhance their communication skills. Her greatest achievement is witnessing her trainees excel and receiving recognition from clients. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, she is dedicated to empowering others.

Sneha Guha Thakurata, originally from Kolkata, the City of Joy, moved to Udaipur in December 2022.

In her two-decade journey in the corporate world, Sneha began in 2004 at IBM India in Bangalore as a help desk analyst. She later transitioned to roles at HSBC, where she worked for nearly five years before discovering her passion for training and mentoring. Certified with a TESOL PG Diploma, she became a freelance English communication trainer. Currently, she serves as an English communication trainer at Fusion Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Her motivation to enter this field stems from her own experiences as a novice, during which she received guidance from seniors to improve her skills.

Sneha describes her role as an English communication trainer, focusing on training leaders and virtual assistants (VAs). Upon relocating to Udaipur, she observed that many VAs, primarily from Hindi backgrounds, faced challenges in verbally interacting with international clients and in responding to emails effectively.

Her responsibilities as a communication trainer include enhancing their skills both in verbal communication and written correspondence. This involves coaching them on communication, fluency, and confidence in verbal interactions, as well as improving their writing skills to ensure professionalism and clarity in emails. Sneha's work also includes grooming VAs into effective communicators who can bridge language barriers and effectively convey messages to international clients.

Coming to the higher management, Sneha extends her coaching expertise to higher-level leaders such as STLs (Senior Team Leaders) and assistant managers, focusing on refining their communication styles. This includes detailed attention to aspects like pronunciation, intonation, voice pitch, modulation, and overall delivery. These leaders, as direct points of contact with clients, benefit significantly from improving their skills to foster better understanding. Sneha works to equip these leaders with effective communication to articulate their ideas clearly, maintain professionalism, and reduce potential misunderstandings or communication errors during interactions with clients. This holistic approach not only enhances their effectiveness in client-facing roles but also reinforces their leadership presence within their organizations.

Sneha is not only a seasoned communication trainer but also the author of the book "Mastering Communication," which serves as a guide for improving communication skills. The book is particularly recommended for individuals preparing for interviews, offering practical tips that also benefit public speakers. The book includes personal insights, emphasizing ways to effectively communicate and train people on soft skills.

Communication involves the emotional aspect of connecting with someone in a language other than our native tongue. Many people fear whether they are understood or if they are making mistakes, which can lead to a lack of confidence. Despite feeling confident, these doubts can often hinder progress. Sneha highlights how these concerns can impact communication, despite thorough preparation.

She underscores the importance of mental preparation and having a structured approach, suggesting that having a script can ease communication hurdles. By imparting these strategies, Sneha aims to empower leaders to communicate more confidently and effectively in various professional and personal contexts.

When asked about her workshops or seminars, Sneha mentioned her recent involvement with Workmob, expressing a desire to conduct seminars or webinars for school and college students, especially those in their first and second years. She highlighted the concept of "campus to corporate," noting that many students are unprepared for the transition to the professional world. Her role involves preparing them for this shift to ensure they have a better future and can navigate job interviews successfully.

She emphasizes that interviews aren't just about answering questions but also about overall presentation, including grooming, attire, and personal style choices such as shoes and socks. Today's generation tends to embrace stylish trends, yet companies like HCL and TCS often prefer a more conservative approach that aligns with company norms. In today's technologically driven society, effective communication in English is crucial, especially when dealing with international clients, highlighting its significance as the global business language essential for future success.

Sneha was born and raised in a joint family. She completed her schooling at an English-medium school and graduated in accountancy from Kolkata University. Additionally, she holds a PG Diploma in TESOL and is currently pursuing a PG Diploma in Training and Development from the Indian Society for Training and Development (ISTD). She also earned a bachelor's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Southampton University. Currently, she freelances in training, focusing primarily on communication and soft skills.

Sneha briefly explains the distinction between hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills, she notes, are the technical expertise typically associated with fields like engineering. In contrast, soft skills are essential for working effectively within a company environment where interactions with machines and people require emotional intelligence. Soft skills training includes conflict management and time management.

Highlighting the importance of time management, Sneha stresses its role in transforming procrastinators into efficient schedulers. She underscores that even in technical roles such as software development, where hard skills dominate, interpersonal perceptions and soft skills significantly impact professional success and team dynamics. This skill also requires continuous development and necessary advancement.

In terms of role models, Sneha finds inspiration in Swami Vivekananda, whom she regards highly for his spiritual outlook and leadership qualities. She reflects on his birthday, celebrated as Youth Day in India on January 12th, and often learns from his principles of goal-setting and perseverance. She encourages youth to follow Vivekananda's mantra of Arise, Awake, and Stop Not Till You Reach Your Goal, applying it to various aspirations, whether in career interviews, new ventures, or entrepreneurship.

Sneha loves reading the English poet William Wordsworth, especially his poem 'Solitary Reaper.' One line from this poem resonates deeply with her: 'The Solitary Reaper, listening to the sound of the solitary singer.' This line evokes memories of her time amidst the grassy landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, where she reflects on the lingering melancholy of past experiences. Sneha finds parallels in her own life, where past moments persistently call to her, often overshadowed by the demands of daily life and professional commitments. She believes these enduring memories continue to beckon us, reminding us of their significance and the lessons they impart.

When asked about her hardships and achievements, Sneha reflects on her journey, which was more about struggles than receiving recognition. Every step presented a new challenge, especially the daily grind of balancing work, studies, and the pressure to perform. She also faced difficulties dealing with senior colleagues and management. However, she views these challenges as valuable learning experiences that have shaped her into who she is today.

Now, Sneha uses her experiences to guide juniors, helping them navigate similar struggles by providing the answers she once lacked. She regrets not having had a mentor herself, but she is determined to fill that role for others.

In terms of achievements, Sneha has been well-recognized in every organization she has worked with. She values the recognition from her colleagues and the exposure she has gained within these companies. For Sneha, her greatest achievement is seeing her trainees excel and when virtual assistants and leaders receive recognition from clients.

Her message to fellow students is not to worry too much about English, as it is their second language, not their native one. She emphasizes that it's more important to communicate effectively than to worry about perfect grammar, as they are not writing an IELTS exam. Native English speakers often avoid idioms and phrases that might confuse non-native speakers, understanding that clear communication is key. English is a dynamic language that incorporates words from various cultures, including Indian-origin words like 'babu' and 'bazaar.'