About Me

Hello,
I'm Nitya.

Welcome — I'm so glad you're here. I wear a few different hats, but they're all connected by one simple purpose: helping people grow.

2019teaching yoga 2011found L&D 3novels published
Nitya Neelakantan
Nitya signing books for readers
with readers

Different hats. One purpose — helping people grow.

Yoga · L&D · Coaching · Writing
The Story

If you've explored this website, you've probably noticed that I wear a few different hats. I'm a yoga teacher, Learning & Development consultant, executive and life coach, and author. While those roles may seem different on the surface, they are all connected by one simple purpose: helping people grow.

My professional journey began in hospitality after graduating in Hotel Management, where I had the privilege of working with some of the industry's finest names, including The Leela Palace. Working in both customer-facing and support roles gave me a deep appreciation for people, business, and the many ways learning can transform both.

Whether you've found me through yoga, coaching, Learning & Development, or my books, I hope you find something here that resonates with you.

My Journey

Five chapters,
one story

The early years
Chapter 01 — Hospitality

Where it all began

After graduating in Hotel Management, I worked with some of the industry's finest names, including The Leela Palace — then moved through a variety of industries, in both customer-facing and support roles.

HospitalityFMCGRetailBeautyBPOsGCCs
2011
Chapter 02 — Learning & Development

Finding my calling

In 2011, I found my calling in Learning & Development — and I haven't looked back since. Designing learning experiences, facilitating workshops, coaching professionals, and helping individuals and organisations unlock their potential.

Explore my L&D work →
2015
Chapter 03 — Yoga

A practice that became a way of living

Yoga became part of my life in 2015 and grew into much more than a practice. I began teaching in 2019 after completing my teacher training at S-VYASA University of Yoga, and continue to deepen my learning with experienced teachers and gurus.

Yoga isn't about perfect postures — it's a healthier, calmer, more mindful relationship with yourself.

See the practice path →
2025
Chapter 04 — Coaching

The power of better questions

My coaching journey began in 2025 and has quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of my work — partnering with corporate leaders and individuals navigating personal transitions.

Executive coachingLife coachingTransitions
Always
Chapter 05 — Writing

And then, there's writing

I've always believed that stories have the power to make us pause, reflect, and see the world differently. To date, I've published three novels — Rudrabaan, Navapashanam, and Mahagauri — with another on the way.

I suspect there will always be another story waiting to be told.

Explore my books →
Beyond the work

Life's quieter
moments

Outside of work, you'll find me wherever nature reminds me to slow down and simply be.

Four wonderful dogs at home Lending a hand to animals in need In the hills whenever I can Or by the sea Slowing down, simply being
Nitya kissing a rescued street dog
always time for a friend
Nitya resting on stone steps in the hills, prayer flags overhead
in the hills
Nitya in the mountains at dusk
chasing mountain light
Nitya Neelakantan in conversation on stage
On stage & in conversation

Partner
with me

  • Keynotes on learning, change and the stories we tell ourselves
  • Leadership & behavioural-skills workshops for teams
  • Yoga classes and corporate wellness sessions
  • Author sessions, literature festivals and book conversations
Let's collaborate
Thank you for stopping by

Let's connect.

Whether you've found me through yoga, coaching, Learning & Development, or my books — I look forward to connecting with you.

Welcome. I'm glad you're here.