In this episode of DiscoverU Career Journeys, founder Nahida Coelho sits down with Radhika Mohite—creative‐writing facilitator at ARC Studio, developmental editor, poet, singer‑songwriter, and founder of Radhika and the World. From rewriting nursery rhymes at age eight to landing a viral hit with her indie band Feathers in Space, Radhika’s path has woven through five Indian cities and an MA in Comparative Literature from Birkbeck, University of London. In this Q&A, she shares how she:
– Broke family expectations to pursue liberal arts
– Transformed chance teaching gigs into a thriving facilitation role
– Juggled freelance editing, script consulting, and a burgeoning music career
– Built creative systems (hello, Notion!) to overcome self‑doubt
– Learned to craft authentic portfolios for both writing and music
Whether you’re exploring a creative pivot or looking to amplify your artistic passions, Radhika’s insights reveal practical steps and inspiring mind‑shifts.
Q&A with Radhika Mohite
1: Where are you in your career journey today, and what does a typical day look like?
“I spend mornings on admin tasks and freelance developmental editing, then teach creative‑thinking and storytelling classes in the afternoon. My work ranges from mentoring design students at ARC Studio to reviewing manuscripts under NDA. Evenings are for family, exercise, and unplugging—no two days are exactly alike.”
2: What sparked your earliest creative memories, and how did they shape your love for writing and music?
“As a child, I loved reading beautifully illustrated books and would rewrite lyrics—like a new version of ‘Twinkle Twinkle’—in a tiny notebook. My home was filled with music from Bombay Vikings to ABBA, and that freedom to explore planted the seeds for my later storytelling and songwriting.”
3: Why did you choose a liberal‑arts degree over more conventional paths?
“I was bored by rote learning, and Symbiosis’s new Liberal Arts curriculum offered variety—business studies, political science, film, literature—all under one roof. My parents supported that interdisciplinary approach, and it proved invaluable for developing my critical‑thinking and creative skills.”
4: How did you land your first professional role—was it part of a plan or pure chance?
“I had planned a PhD after my MA, but a friend referred me to ARC Studio for a guest lecture. That single call organically grew into a visiting‑faculty role, then a full‑time position. It taught me to stay open to unexpected opportunities.”
5: How have you balanced freelance editing, script‑doctoring, and a music career?
“During the pandemic, I freelanced as a copywriter, developmental editor, and script consultant—helping NGOs design proposals and reviewing film scripts. Musically, an Instagram post went viral overnight, which convinced me to pursue my songwriting seriously alongside my day‑job.”
6: What systems did you build to overcome self‑doubt and manage your multifaceted work?
“I’m not naturally organized, so adopting Notion transformed my world—tracking teaching schedules, client projects, and song ideas. That reliable structure freed me to focus on creation instead of chasing administrative details.”
7: How do you craft authentic portfolios in writing and music to showcase your work?
“Writers: host your best pieces on Notion or a simple website with clean navigation and hyperlinks. Musicians: share private SoundCloud or unlisted YouTube playlists, plus a concise artist bio. Keep it honest, uncluttered, and focused on the work that matters.”
8: Many liberal‑arts grads feel boxed into teaching—how did you break out of that perception?
“I asked for help, listed every skill I’d gained, and actively sought roles outside the norm—facilitation, editing, songwriting. Recognizing my transferable strengths stopped me from under‑selling myself and opened new career doors.”
9: What habits and mind‑shifts helped you navigate a creative, multi‑path career?
“I learned to embrace administrative tasks (again, thank you Notion!) and to ask more questions as a facilitator—giving space for ideas rather than spoon‑feeding answers. I also built alone time into my routine, trusting that fresh ideas come when you’re patient and relaxed.”
10: What practical steps would you recommend for aspiring writers, musicians, or artists building portfolios?
“Choose the right format—clean Notion pages or simple websites for writers; YouTube/SoundCloud playlists and artist bios for musicians. Keep your work organized, update it regularly, and highlight the pieces that best represent your authentic voice.”
11: Which book or resource has profoundly influenced your creative journey?
“Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way—a 12‑week program that unblocks creative fears and validates the impulses I’d long felt but hadn’t seen reflected around me. It gave me the courage to launch my writing bootcamps and fully commit to my creative path.”
12: Looking back, which decision are you most grateful you made?
“I never succumbed to a conventional, traditional job. Even a brief marketing internship bored me, so I trusted my instincts and kept forging a creative life—one I continue to shape on my own terms.”
13: What final piece of advice would you share with someone curious about a creative career?
“Don’t wait to feel ready—take the leap, even if it feels scary. A creative life is personally satisfying, whether or not it looks glamorous. As R.B. Fuller said, ‘There’s nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.’ Just go for it.”
Key Takeaways
– Follow early impulses: Childhood scribbles can hint at lifelong passions.
– Embrace variety: A liberal‑arts education offers surprising crossover skills.
– Stay open: Chance opportunities can redefine your path.
– Build systems: Simple tools like Notion keep creative chaos manageable.
– Craft clean portfolios: Highlight your best work in user‑friendly formats.
– Ask for help: Mentors, peers and networking can unblock new directions.
– Leap before ready: Growth begins when you step outside your comfort zone.
Radhika Mohite is a Creative Writing Facilitator at ARC Studio, Developmental Editor, and singer-songwriter based in Pune. A graduate in Liberal Arts, she earned her Master’s in Comparative Literature from Birkbeck, University of London as a GREAT Scholar. Radhika has worked with published authors and reviewed film scripts, and is also a founding member of the indie band Feathers in Space. Her original music has been featured in Rolling Stone India and brand campaigns, including for Jeevansathi. She continues to explore the intersection of literature, music, and creative expression.
