At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Shailaja Shankar for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Shailaja is a Certified Life Coach and NLP Practitioner, Career Development Coach, Blogger and Founder of I Am An Expression. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Shailaja:
Could you pleasetalkusthroughyourbackgroundandyourjourney?
My journey has been about finding clarity and purpose something I now help others achieve. Like many professionals, I followed a traditional career path: Engineering, MBA, and 15+ years in the corporate world. I worked in telecom and eventually became a Marketing Head for a UK-based company.
Growing up as a South Indian in North India gave me a unique perspective on cultural beliefs. I realized how many of these beliefs, while comforting, can also limit our growth and potential. This awareness sparked my curiosity about human behaviour and motivated me to pursue a second postgraduate degree in psychology.
During my studies, I noticed many professionals struggling with stress, office politics, and a lack of direction challenges often rooted in limiting beliefs. This realization ignited my passion for life coaching, blending my corporate experience with a desire to help others navigate complexities.
Today, I empower individuals to overcome these beliefs, find clarity, and create fulfilling lives. Seeing people unlock their potential and achieve the unimaginable is incredibly rewarding.
How did you discover yourpassion?
It was a gradual realization rather than a single moment. While I enjoyed my corporate career, I often felt that something was missing. I’ve always been fascinated by people what drives them, how they make decisions, and why they get stuck. This fascination led me to study psychology, even as I continued in my marketing roles.
Through my studies and reflections, I noticed a recurring theme: people around me, including myself, were often overwhelmed by stress, office dynamics, or a lack of direction. I started to wonder how much more fulfilling life could be with the right tools and guidance.
That’s when it hit me coaching could be the bridge between where people are and where they want to be. It combined everything I loved: understanding human behaviour, problem-solving, and making a real difference. The more I delved into coaching, the more I realized this was what I was meant to do.
Despite the challenges,whatkeepsyougoingwhenthingsgettough?
My faith in God and belief in the potential within each of us give me the strength to persevere. I truly believe that challenges are part of a greater plan, offering opportunities for growth and self-discovery. What also drives me is the impact of my work.
When a client tells me they’ve overcome fear, found clarity, or achieved a goal, it’s an incredibly fulfilling moment. It reminds me why I chose this path. I also draw strength from continuous learning. Whether it’s exploring new coaching techniques or reflecting on past experiences, I see every challenge as a chance to grow.
My mindfulness practices keep me grounded and allow me to approach difficulties with calm and clarity. Together, these elements help me navigate even the toughest times.
What arethethreemostimportantlessonsyouhavelearnedinyourlife?
Self-awareness istheFoundation:When you truly know yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, and values you make better decisions and align your life with what truly matters.
Challenges areGrowthOpportunities:Life’s toughest moments often carry the greatest lessons. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Success RequiresBalance:True success is about living a life that aligns with your values while maintaining your mental and physical well-being. Balance is essential for sustainability and fulfilment. These lessons have shaped who I am and how I approach life and work.
In your opinion,whatarethekeystosuccess?
Success is deeply personal, but there are some universal keys:
a) Self-awareness: Know who you are and what drives you.
b) Persistence: Stay committed, even when the journey gets tough.
c) Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to learn.
d) Continuous Growth:Keep evolving — professionally and personally.
e) Meaningful Relationships:Build a strong network of mentors and peers.
f) Balance: Achievements are meaningful only when you’re healthy and happy.
Finally, have a clear purpose. Knowing your “why” keeps you motivated and focused on what truly matters.
What advice wouldyougivestudentsandyoungprofessionalswhowant tohavea successfulcareer?
Here’s what I’d suggest:
Understand Yourself:Take the time to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and what excites you. Your uniqueness is your strength—don’t follow the crowd.
Learning:Stay curious and keep upgrading your skills. The world is evolving, and so should you.
Embrace Growth,NotPerfection: It’s okay not to have all the answers. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
Build meaningful Connections: Your network can open doors you never imagined. Surround yourself with mentors and inspiring people.
Prioritize Well-Being:Success isn’t worth it if it costs your health or happiness. Find balance and take care of yourself.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek guidance. Sometimes, having a coach or mentor can help you navigate challenges and unlock your true potential.
Last but notleast,whataboutyourjourneymakesitsatisfying/exciting?
For me, it’s the impact I get to create. Seeing someone go from feeling stuck to finding clarity and confidence is incredibly rewarding. Those small wins — like a client landing their dream job or overcoming stress — remind me why I love what I do.
I also enjoy the constant learning that comes with coaching. Each client brings a unique story, and every session is an opportunity to grow and gain new perspectives.
What makes this journey truly special is its authenticity. I can stay true to my values and use my experiences to help others in a meaningful way. And the ripple effect of coaching — helping one person transform and watching that positivity spread to their families and communities — is both humbling and exhilarating.
Every step of this journey has been worth it, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next. Coaching is about unlocking potential and finding clarity. If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
