About Kanishka

Academic & Professional Background • Interdisciplinary Thinker – My academic journey took me from a Bachelor’s in Business to a Master’s in Economics, and finally to a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Harvard, giving me a rare mix of structured problem-solving skills and deep human insight. • A Decade at Harvard – I spent nearly a decade living on Harvard’s campus as a Ph.D. student, Teaching Fellow, Resident Advisor, and Wellness Fellow, gaining a deep understanding of elite institutions and high-performance environments. • A Multi-Faceted Career – My professional path has spanned energy research, entrepreneurship, academia, and coaching, allowing me to support clients in navigating career transitions, personal growth, and high-stakes decision-making. • Full-Time Coach – I have transitioned into coaching full-time because helping people achieve breakthroughs and reach their goals is my life’s work. I currently divide my time between admissions consulting, life coaching, and researching everything that can help me get the best results for my clients. • Certified Life Coach – I am a Human Potential Coach (previously known as the Bulletproof Coach, founded by Dave Asprey) but draw from a wide range of methodologies to tailor my approach to each client. • Certified Yoga Teacher & Breathwork Instructor – I have taught in India, Thailand, and at Harvard’s Graduate School, where I also served as a Wellness Fellow, integrating physical and mental well-being into student life. • Experienced Writer & Communicator – o I’ve published 50+ articles in business magazines, written in-depth industry reports, and completed a Ph.D. dissertation praised for its clarity and originality. o Stand-Up Comedy & Storytelling – I perform stand-up comedy, conduct comedy and writing workshops, and use humor and storytelling to make ideas resonate. o Public Speaking – I have delivered talks to audiences of 2,500+ people, helping break down complex ideas into engaging, relatable insights. What I Bring to Coaching • A Natural Storyteller – We are all storytellers. The stories we tell ourselves and others deeply influence our success and overall well-being. My background in ethnography, research, stand-up comedy, and live storytelling has sharpened my ability to help people craft compelling personal narratives—whether in college applications, or life decisions. • Big-Picture Thinking with Personal Insight – I have a wide range of intellectual interests, from economics, business, and politics to technology, AI, sci-fi, and storytelling, and I love making sense of complex ideas in a way that is structured, human-centered, and actionable. • Cross-Cultural Perspective – Having lived and worked in India, the U.S., and Thailand, I understand the nuances of different education systems, industries, and cultural landscapes—helping clients from all over the world navigate them effectively. What Drives Me • An Unconventional Path to Academia – I wasn’t always a high achiever. In fact, I was a below-average student until 10th grade—which gives me a deep appreciation for non-linear learning journeys, late bloomers, and untapped potential. • The Power of High-Quality Guidance – I grew up in an environment with little support, went to a boarding school from age 5 - 17, and spent the summers with a hands-off, single father. I struggled—with bullying, health challenges, and feeling like I wasn’t living up to my potential. • Why This Matters – The few times I did receive empowering guidance, it changed everything. That experience shaped how I approach coaching today: I don’t tell people what to do—I help them see new possibilities and uncover their strengths in ways they often don’t expect. • Blending Analytical & Creative Thinking – My work combines the analytical precision of business and economics with the narrative depth of anthropology and storytelling, making complex ideas more engaging and accessible. When I'm Not Coaching... • A Love for Nature & Movement – I practice yoga, breathwork, and meditation daily, balancing intellectual pursuits with physical and mental well-being. • Living in a Tropical Paradise – In 2023, I moved to a small, forest-covered island in Thailand, where I hike, explore waterfalls, and enjoy the outdoors—all with excellent WiFi. • An Insatiable Curiosity – I read 100+ books a year, and I’m beginning to think I might have a problem! • Holistic Approach to Growth – As a certified life coach, yoga teacher, and breathwork instructor, I integrate mindset, resilience, and well-being into both academic and personal development coaching.