Occupation?
Entrepreneur: Leadership coach, consultant, and therapist.
College/University attended?
Lee University.
Tell us a little about you…
Five words to describe Sheaba: visionary, reformer, leader, mediator, and lifelong student.
Sheaba was born in the small town of Portchester, NY to a newly wed immigrant couple from South India. In her youth she was described as an “old-soul” and “the rock” for her friends & family. She’s the oldest of 3 and played a significant role in supporting her mother with mental illness, mediating conflicts between her parents, and helping raise her younger siblings.
She is a first-generation college-graduate and proceeded to get her Masters in Counseling. She holds credentials as a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor and has been helping people get unstuck for over 8 years.
In the past 2 years Sheaba has specialized in showing high achieving women how to get unstuck. She helps them optimize their performance and relationships while guiding them into Self-Leadership. Her specialties include stress-management, imposter syndrome, and relationship improvement. If you or someone you know may be interested in working with her, she can be found on Linkedin or Psychology Today.
What motivates you?
Seeing women come alive. Nothing satisfies me more than witnessing a woman dig deep inside to bring forth her highest potential.
When you’re not working, where and how do you spend your time?
Singing, playing piano, lifting weights, bumping a volleyball, and getting lost in a good book. I also enjoy exploring the Scenic City with my partner and two dogs.
What advice do you have for women aspiring to be leaders in their field?
Increase your capacity for Self-Leadership. Self-Leadership is the ability to stay calm, clear, and connected under stress. When you develop Self-Leadership, you can accomplish your goals without compromising your values or losing yourself. It is the only way to “do it all” and feel good doing it. Self-Leadership is the difference between achievement and legacy.
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?
Mr. Peter + Mrs. Wanda, the elderly Polish couple who lived next door to my childhood home in New York.
Why and how did this person impact your life?
Until I left New York at age 12, Mr. Peter and Mrs. Wanda took me to the Mcdonalds Play Place every Saturday. They bought me clothes, shoes, toys, and school supplies and even walked me to school. Any chance I got, I would steal away from my home and go to theirs for a warm meal, cozy company, and dollops of praise and encouragement. Growing up poor and with a mentally ill parent, I didn’t have much stability or a real chance to be a kid…until I was with my neighbors! They treated me like I was their own. Their consistent sacrifice, kindness, and generosity carved into me the values of servant-leadership, diversity, and inclusivity.
What has been your proudest moment in your career?
Six years ago when I resigned from my previous employer on matters of principle surrounding poor leadership. Even though I did not have a back-up plan or job lined up, saying no to my employer allowed me to unapologetically say yes to myself and my values. This was the first of many steps in my personal growth and transformation journey.
What strides do you think members can take to make more of a difference in women’s leadership issues in the local community?
Find her. Find that one young lady. Take interest, be consistent, and stick around for the long haul. Like my elderly Polish neighbors, you may not see the fruit of your labor in your lifetime – but just know, future generations and communities will be forever impacted by the compassionate decisions you make today.
How would you best describe the benefit found in joining this organization?
An opportunity to family alongside folks that you get to choose and share vision with. A space where women support and uplift each other up instead of compete. At CWLI we get to share our todays so that Chattanooga can have better tomorrows.