3 minute read
In conversation with Rajesh Modha
Turning the table on Rajesh Modha
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For the owner of a female-focused financial planning and wellbeing company, the idea of what success looks like has changed dramatically in the last 18 months. Emily Miller turns the tables on him and gets to the root of this change
As I sit down with Rajesh Modha, CEO of Tilton Conway Financial Planning, I get right in there from the off and ask him one of the key questions that is ordinarily of his asking: “What does success look like to you?”
He smiled: “Well, it’s a different answer to the one I would have given you 18 months ago. Success and what that means and what I can see it means for others – that’s changed. I have a greater intention to enjoy my life more, to enjoy the process of creating where I’m going rather than focusing too much on the ending.”
It’s this ethos that allows Rajesh to want this for others through his work in financial coaching. He elaborates: “I get so much satisfaction and joy in being able to see others progress and move forward with their lives.”
It’s not always easy for people to do this work though, delving deep into their true feelings and beliefs around money and success. Rajesh shares the ‘Lighting the torch’ concept – an idea that centres on a mentor starting the process of self-belief and understanding for a person when they need it most. “For those who are grappling with biases around success and money, if I can guide them at that time and pass on a renewed mindset in them; I can pass that torch over when they can see it for themselves.”
It’s the breakthrough of this moment that drives Rajesh in his own career. “When people have these wonderful breakthroughs in their lives, when they have the courage to make conscious decisions to live a life they wish to lead with intent – being able to mentor them to this place is a privilege.”
We’ve talked about courage and vulnerability before, myself and Rajesh, at length actually, so when I ask him now what it means for him to live courageously he responds with an even greater conviction. “Being vulnerable is key to movement and growth. In order to be vulnerable, there needs to be bravery. Exploring past, learnt beliefs which are sometimes passed on through generations can be tough and it’s not a muscle we are used to flexing. There’s often resistance to talking about money openly, certainly beyond the surface of it.
“Taking anything negative that comes from exploring areas of discomfort in our lives around money, or the idea of success even, and then taking action to move forward honestly, towards change, all this allows you to live a life again to suit your circumstance, to live a life with intent.”
As I close our conversation, I ask what his business means to him. He tells me: “To be able to give people a safe space to share their secrets, fears and feelings about money in what is such a fast-paced world and then being able to uncover the right direction for them personally and change their mindset – that’s it for me. The rewards come from seeing this in action by helping them to do this.
“I liken what I do to providing a velvet throw around their shoulders.” For help on how to improve your financial wellbeing, visit tiltonconway.com.
