About Bhavana Varma

Discovering My Calling

Born and raised in India, I was deeply troubled by the inequalities around me. The glaring disparity between comfort and poverty was impossible to overlook. However, it was only after relocating to Canada that I discovered my true calling through the United Way.

Finding Purpose in a New Land

As a newcomer, I faced the common dilemma of needing Canadian experience to secure a job in Canada. However, everything fell into place when I secured a temporary typing role at United Way, realizing it was a golden opportunity to merge my skills with my passion for social welfare.

Embarking on a Mission

Entering the non-profit sector was motivated by a singular, potent mission: to serve others. It has been an amazing experience working with frontline agencies of varying sizes and capacity, with diverse missions and at different stages of their growth journeys. It is a privilege to  learn and give back every time. With thirty plus years experience in the nonprofit sector, I feel that consulting is another avenue to fulfill this fundamental goal, through empowering non-profits to optimize their potential. 

Tackling Initial Hurdles

I was fortunate that I had numerous training opportunities in my job, including a specialized session on facilitation. At one point I felt I was being pushed really hard. This was a crucial moment; the trainer later revealed they were tough on me because they felt I had immense potential as a facilitator. Facilitation is one of my favourite ways of bringing people together, finding common ground, and bulding consensus.

Developing My Unique Coaching Approach

Initially, when I ventured into leadership coaching, I felt daunted by industry jargon and the experienced professionals surrounding me. However, I received invaluable guidance from seasoned coaches who urged me to remain true to myself.

Witnessing Real-world Impact

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the tangible impact of my efforts. Some of the positive community impact includes the collective impact work on youth homelessness, developing a Community Food Redistribution Warehouse, working with partners on PORCH, a mobile primary care and counselling van, creating an Anti-Racism initiative with other local leaders, co-chairing the local Homelessness Collective Impact Committee to find creative solutions for the most marginalized.  Coaching has given me another avenue to help nonprofit leaders – for example, I coached a non-profit leader on the brink of quitting. By helping them reassess board engagement and operations, I helped them think through the situation, and decide to stay in their role, which preserved their potential for positive community influence.

Adapting Methods for Optimal Impact

My methods have continuously evolved. In consulting, I now underscore the significance of pre-work, harnessing collective wisdom from both internal and external partners before group sessions. This strategy has empowered organizations to leave the session with actionable, manageable plans, enhancing their self-assurance and capabilities.

Anticipating the Next Milestone

Looking ahead, I aim to balance my dedication to providing complimentary coaching to some smaller non-profit leaders, with the opportunity to establish a sustainable model. My upcoming milestone involves expanding a client base of paying customers to supplement my pro bono work.

Embracing the Journey

As a lifelong learner, my journey is ongoing. My mission is to empower others to be their best selves, just as I persistently endeavor to be mine.

My resume

You can view a summary of my experience if you are interested

Becoming Bhavana Varma:

Listen to a podcast with host Catherine Tang about growing up in India, carving a life in Canada and working in Kingston, Ontario