Meet Dr. Malvika Iyer | Motivational Speaker & Diversity Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Malvika Iyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Malvika, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I live with chronic pain and multiple disabilities, both visible and invisible. Giving up is perhaps the easiest way out for me. But I don’t. and I haven’t done so in the last 21 years since I survived the bomb blast in 2002 at the age of 13. I almost died that day and this life that I’m living right now is a second chance that I got. I don’t know how many of us would get a second shot at life. Wouldn’t it be unfair to spend it complaining and crying over something that we have no control over? Sometimes, getting out of the bed is the hardest thing to do as I have to start my day by wearing braces. Not one, not two, but three braces!!! The braces help me walk with nerve paralysis and arthritis in my legs. I remind myself everyday how far I have come and how many people I have inspired with my story. My message is simple: If you can be anything in life, be resilient. #BeUnstoppable.

Should I give up that I don’t have hands, or should I keep going as I’m always discovering new ways of doing things with my stumps that people with hands do? I think I should keep going!

What amazing things are you going to achieve today by not giving up?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My “never give up” attitude helped me earn a doctorate degree in social work, receive a standing ovation for my talk at the United Nations in New York, receive an honor from the Prime Minister of India, and get published in over 300 media channels worldwide.

I have come a long way from surviving a gruesome bomb blast at the age of 13 that blew off my arms and severely damaged my legs, to winning the highest civilian honor from the President of India. Today, I’m an international motivational speaker, inspiring millions of people to forget their limitations and take on the world with confidence and hope.

I have 10 years of experience in motivational speaking, mental health advocacy, and diversity training. I have given keynote speeches and TED talks, conducted workshops and seminars on resilience, breaking barriers, growth mindset, positive self-talk, body positivity, and overcoming adversity. I have raised awareness on global issues such as inclusion, gender equality, mental health, child rights, universal design, and accessibility in educational institutions, private corporations, NGOs, and youth forums around the world. Some of my recent talks were given in the United States, Singapore, India, Norway, Indonesia, and South Africa. My #Beunstoppable posts on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X have received over 100 million views.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Upper peninsula in Michigan. It’s surreal.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother and my husband.

Website: https://malvikaiyer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malvika.iyer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmalvikaiyer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalvikaIyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalvikaIyer

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpvGYbQDzL2bVQ9XNW0e9HQ

Other: Email: dearmissiyer@gmail.com

Image Credits
World Economic Forum