In the bustling world of corporate finance, one might not expect to find an expert in life and performance coaching. Yet, Ravi Modha seamlessly balances both professions.
As a full-time corporate finance professional, Ravi has navigated the intricate corridors of investment banking in London and New York, and currently works with Apollo Global’s high-grade capital solutions team.
But that's just one side of his story. Ravi is also a dedicated life and performance coach, helping professionals like himself reach their full potential by managing stress and fostering sustainable growth in both personal and career domains.
The Duality of Work and Life
Miko Pawlikowski opens the conversation by posing a question many are curious about: “Ravi, how are you doing both of these things at the same time?”
Ravi’s response brings to light the transformative power of the Wim Hof Method, which combines breathwork, cold exposure, and a committed mindset. Ravi explains, “The Wim Hof method has really helped me enhance my daily life energy, my limiting beliefs, and my reconditioning of where I wanted to push my life.”
Mindset Over Matter
For Ravi, the method is not just a tool for physical adaptation but also a profound psychological game-changer. He mentions how integrating these practices into his routine has provided him a competitive edge without the clash of competing priorities. “It’s about creating the right tools and mindsets to build capacity and capability.”
The Wim Hof Method Explained
Miko delves deeper, asking Ravi to summarize the essence of the Wim Hof Method. Ravi aptly encapsulates it as “a natural path to a more optimal state of mind and body,” aimed at igniting the inner power within us all. He elaborates on how modern life has numbed our body's innate stress responses due to constant, comfortable environments, and how the Wim Hof Method helps reawaken these responses.
Science-Backed Benefits
For those skeptical about such methods, Ravi brings robust scientific backing to the table. Studies, including one from 2014, demonstrate how controlled breathing techniques can activate the sympathetic nervous system, improve stress resilience, and enhance immune responses. Another study from 2016 highlights the health benefits of cold showers, including increased energy, better blood circulation, and boosted immune function through white blood cell count.
Practical Applications: A Breathing Demo
One of the highlights of the conversation is Ravi guiding Miko and his audience through a breathing exercise from the Wim Hof Method. He emphasizes the importance of a safe, comfortable setting and explains the steps meticulously. Experiencing the breathing exercise leads to an eye-opening realization for Miko about the ease of breath-holding and the subsequent feeling of zen and relaxation.
Incorporating Breathing and Cold Exposure
Ravi recommends integrating these practices into one's daily routine. He practices breathwork every morning, often followed by cold exposure to start the day with enhanced energy and reduced stress. He also uses breathwork as a tool for acute stress management before important meetings or presentations.
Building Resilience and Mindfulness
The third pillar, mindset, underpins the other two practices. Ravi speaks about the immense benefits of developing willpower, resilience, and mindfulness through these methods. He advocates for a gradual introduction to cold exposure, starting with short bursts of cold water at the end of a hot shower, gradually building up tolerance.
Personal Transformation and Professional Growth
Sharing his personal journey, Ravi recounts how a significant heartbreak led him to discover the Wim Hof Method, which catalyzed a profound personal transformation. This change rekindled his relationship, culminating in marriage, and inspired him to pursue a coaching career. His story is a testament to the transformative power of combining breathwork, cold exposure, and a positive mindset.
Finding Ravi Modha
For those interested in experiencing these benefits, Ravi is based in London and offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, and retreats across the UK. He shares valuable insights and content on breath and cold exposure, as well as mindset training on LinkedIn, making it a great place to connect with him and learn more.
Conclusion
Ravi Modha’s unique blend of corporate finance expertise and life coaching skills offers an inspiring example of how integrating holistic practices into our lives can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Whether through breathwork, cold exposure, or cultivating a resilient mindset, Ravi’s story encourages us all to explore our potential and embrace a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Thank you for joining us in this exploration. Be sure to connect with Ravi Modha on LinkedIn and give these transformative practices a try!
Resources
Wim Hof method science explained
Effects of voluntary hyperventilation on glucose, free fatty acids and several glucostatic hormones
The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Attention, Negative Affect and Stress in Healthy Adults
Wim Hof Method Guided Breathing for Beginners (3 Rounds Slow Pace) - YouTube
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:49 Ravi's Dual Life: Corporate and Coaching
1:44 Discovering the Wim Hof Method
6:39 The Science Behind Cold Exposure
17:25 Breathing Techniques: A Game Changer
19:23 Guided Wim Hof Breathing Exercise
27:00 Guided Breathing Exercise
28:31 Post-Breathing Reflections
29:16 Breathwork and Stress Management
33:10 Integrating Cold Exposure
34:31 Mindset and Willpower
36:27 Building Resilience and Habits
43:38 Starting Cold Showers
46:51 Personal Journey and Coaching
51:59 Conclusion and Contact Information
Life-changing performance using Wim Hof method, with Ravi Modha - HS#22