Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
– Aristotle
The Hero’s Journey is an intriguing concept. It is not just because we talk about heroes. It is also about coming across those who show us who a hero is in the finer, simpler details of everyday life. The things you typically may not associate with a ‘hero.’ This week, I discovered some of these simpler nuances and how they shape a hero and their journey.
In this month’s episode of the Hero’s Journey, we had the pleasure of listening to artiste extraordinaire Ashvin Matthew, also an actor, director, producer, and writer. And if you think that his talents end there…well, this is why we want you to watch the webinar. Ashvin’s Hero’s Journey started with pursuing his passion for performing arts and cinema. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts from Australia which he completed in Radio & Television Production at Cyprus International University. He later became a recognized face in the stand-up comedy scene in South India. Ashvin has acted in over 14 feature films and directed his debut film ‘3Devi’ under his production banner Altered Ego Entertainment. Ashvin’s hero’s journey is not just about his success in the entertainment industry, but also about using his craft to help people combat life challenges through skill-enhancing and personality development workshops. And this was beautifully brought out during the course of his conversation with our host, Avril Quadros.
Who is a Hero?
Throughout the discussion, Ashvin’s modesty and humility were striking. It was a joy to watch him consider Avril’s questions and respond to them with utmost care and sincerity. If I had to define the conversation in one word, it was ‘heartwarming.’ And I thought to myself, maybe heroism lies in being grounded and true to yourself.
For Ashvin, the passion for performing arts started by doing impressions of people at family get-togethers. It was later, during a play that he did growing up, that he realized how comfortable he was on the stage and after that, there was no turning back. But in an industry that is intensely competitive and ever-changing, how does one stay calm? When Avril posed the question to Ashvin, his answer was plain and simple. He said, “The art is always greater than I am. Fame is here today, it can be gone tomorrow.”
Coaching × Art
This webinar was an amazing crossover between coaching and art. All through the webinar, one could find so many elements related to acting and performing, echoing with coaching.
Ashvin remembered some advice on how crucial listening is for an actor. For those in the world of coaching, this was the moment where we all went back to ICF’s core competency – active listening. He rightly said, “Every day you are learning something. Every moment is a learning process. You can’t learn unless you listen.”
When asked what drives him to go beyond the ordinary and inspire people as an artist, Ashvin responded like a true artist. The actor said that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. “It’s not about you. It is about the script, it is about entertaining people.” Sounds familiar? Just like how coaching is not about the coach, it is about the client.
My Takeaway
My favorite part about the Hero’s Journey is how it has opened me up to the different, simple yet extraordinary ways in which one is a hero. I would encourage you to watch this webinar to know more about Ashvin’s inspiring journey and his endearing stories and words of wisdom. Who is a hero in your opinion? Tell us in the comments section or feel free to share your thoughts with us on CoachNook.
Keep learning, keep unlearning! 
