Careers in Learning and Development
Himanshu ‘Ricky’ Prasad
Himanshu ‘Ricky’ Prasad is a High-Performance Coach, Director of Training and Transformation Specialist with over 20 years of experience in human performance, biomechanics, behaviour change and mindset leadership. He helps individuals and teams unlock elite levels of physical, mental and professional excellence through systems built on science, discipline and culture.
His career began in fitness and human performance before expanding into behaviour change, leadership development and organisational training. Over the past two decades, he has coached thousands of clients, trained dozens of coaches, built high-performance teams, and developed systems centred on culture, mindset and transformation. Today, he combines physical sciences, psychology, storytelling and leadership principles to help individuals and organisations achieve elite results.
He currently serves as Director of Training and Head Coach at Equinox Beverly Hills, having previously worked as a Senior Coach at Equinox and as a Life Coach. He holds an MBA from Ohio University, a Master's in Creative Writing from Symbiosis, and has earned more than 75 certifications in fitness, biomechanics, nutrition and behaviour change.
1. Please describe your profession and what a typical day looks like for you.
I work as a High-Performance Coach and Training Director. My day blends coaching clients, designing training systems for teams, mentoring junior coaches, studying biomechanics and psychology, and creating educational content. Every day involves learning, teaching, and maintaining physical discipline.
2. How does what you do relate to subjects taught in school?
My work draws from biomechanics, human behaviour, communication and, the principles of leadership and performance science. Human performance lives at the intersection of knowledge, discipline and, how people think, move and make decisions.
3. How can teachers make their lessons more relevant to careers like yours?
By connecting classroom ideas to real-life applications. When students understand how a concept shapes health, confidence, teamwork or personal growth, the lesson becomes meaningful and memorable.
4. What role do teachers play in shaping a student’s career awareness?
Teachers are often the first mentors who help students recognise their strengths. A single moment of encouragement can alter how a young person sees their own potential. Teachers quietly shape the belief systems that guide future careers.
5. Are there any activities teachers can use to introduce your field in the classroom?
Absolutely. Simple posture and breathing exercises, balance or coordination challenges, conversations about sleep and energy and small habit-building tasks can help students understand the foundations of performance and wellbeing. These make the connection between mind, body and learning clear.
6. What advice would you give teachers who want to help students become more future-ready?
Encourage adaptability, communication skills, curiosity and real problem-solving. Technology will evolve, industries will shift, but qualities like discipline, resilience, creativity and emotional intelligence will always prepare students to lead and thrive.