Aïsha Sriram: From idea to method

From abstract idea to tangible method

Aïsha Sriram specializes in learning, development and business. She offers business coaching and develops teaching materials and didactic concepts that she offers through a licensing model. She provides group coaching, one-on-one coaching and workshops on topics such as pitching and time management. Her group coaching method consists of eight themes and ten sessions, in which entrepreneurs learn with and from each other. Her approach is practical, substantively strong and focused on reciprocity: entrepreneurs help each other, while she facilitates and shares knowledge.

Two-way learning

Before starting her own business, Aïsha worked as a project manager at NCOI. There she gained experience in project management and developing didactic programs, and learned how accredited education and training programs are constructed. When her contract was not renewed, she found herself on welfare. During that time, the idea of developing teaching materials herself was born. Her first workshop, on budgeting, eventually grew into a licensed group coaching method: eight topics, ten sessions, focused on entrepreneurs and topics such as self-confidence, time management, networking and the value proposition.

Aïsha recorded the method in her own book, with a manual for coaches and a workbook for participants. She focuses on reciprocity: entrepreneurs help each other, she facilitates and shares knowledge. In doing so, she uses existing tools such as the Business Model Canvas, which she combines with her own didactic approach and experience.

Tangible makes a difference

Her group coaching method "Even Together," which she prints and binds herself as a book, is a milestone for Aïsha. Previously, she offered services that were difficult to show. Now she has something in her hands that makes clear what her method entails. That instills confidence in potential clients as well as pride in herself.

"How do you sell something you can't show?" she wondered. With her book, you don't have to anymore. It provides structure, visibility and support - for both coach and participant.

Creating focus

In her development as an entrepreneur, Aïsha noticed that working under different brand names led to lack of clarity and fragmentation. By bringing everything together under her own name, Aïsha Sriram, she brought more focus. That choice provided overview, helped her communicate more clearly what she offers and prevented her development from stagnating.

Persevere and keep believing

Aïsha combines her love of learning with a realistic view of entrepreneurship. She knows that it takes time for people to recognize and appreciate your offering. Sometimes the idea is good, but the timing is not yet right. She herself experienced this with her first workshop on poverty and budgeting: "I was too early."

Her advice for other entrepreneurs is clear: keep believing in what you are doing. Give yourself time to grow, and give your customers time to get used to you. That combination - patience and perseverance - makes all the difference.

At the end of the conversation, Aïsha mentions a song that inspires her in entrepreneurship, "Don't Stop Believin - Journey. She emphasizes the message in it. The song, with its summer atmosphere and build-up that takes time to land, reminds her to persevere. "That's my message," she says. "Just keep believing in what you're doing." 

Don't Stop Believin' - Journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8craCGpgs 

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Aïsha Sriram is a futurist within New Future Lab and is affiliated with the Delft Boost Lab program.