Sheeja Shaju grew up in a modest one-room kitchen apartment, sharing a tightly knit home with her parents and two siblings. Money was often tight, but the household prioritized hard work and resilience over material comfort. Showing a natural academic spark from her early years, Sheeja consistently excelled in school despite the family’s financial hurdles.

Determined to carve out her own path, she began working at nineteen to fund her aspirations. Her early jobs were remarkably diverse and hands-on, including an unconventional assignment where she operated a camera from a high crane inside a factory to document automotive manufacturing. She went on to secure an educational loan to finance her postgraduate studies entirely on her own. By balancing demanding roles in business and knowledge process outsourcing sectors with night shifts and study sessions, she successfully completed her Master’s degree while gaining a deep, practical understanding of how corporate systems and teams operate under pressure.

Personal Life

A pivotal chapter in Sheeja’s life opened when she chose to step away from full-time corporate employment for six years to focus entirely on raising her child. Far from a quiet sabbatical, this period became one of intense personal growth. She managed independent small business ventures, edited local magazines, and continuously studied human behavior. This phase anchored her ability to manage multiple high-stakes roles with complete clarity and presence.

Her life took a significant turn at age thirty-five when she joined the Institute for Generative Leadership. The experience transformed how she viewed human relationships and organizational structures. Over years of deep study, she sought out world-class mentorship, learning directly from globally respected educators like Bob Dunham, Sameer Dua, Josephina Santiago, and Vinay Kumar. To refine her holistic approach, she also invested in advanced leadership programs with pioneers like Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi, and Richard Strozzi-Heckler.

Career

Sheeja’s early professional career was defined by an impressive functional range. She cut her teeth in the fast-paced trading environment of the Pune Stock Exchange, moved into technical and systems support within the aviation sector, and worked as a corporate IT trainer.

After finding her true calling at the IGL, she spent eight years rising through the ranks from an initial manager to the Director of both learning and business functions across Asia. Armed with this extensive experience, she stepped out to build her own vision, founding iCreate Leadership Coaching and Training, where she serves as Founder and CEO.

Today, as an executive leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author, Sheeja brings over twenty-five years of professional industry experience and thousands of hours of hands-on coaching to the boardroom. Her practice cuts through corporate fluff, focusing on radical personal ownership, decisive choice-making, and strong leadership presence for corporate executives.

Her client portfolio includes senior executives at global organizations such as Globant, Epiroc Mining, Hershey’s, BMC Software, Siemens Healthineers, Volvo, and ArcelorMittal. Her coaching practice crosses cultural borders effortlessly, transforming leaders across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Achievements and Corporate Social Responsibility

Sheeja’s contributions to corporate growth and social empowerment have earned wide recognition across the business community.

Fox Story India named her among the 50 Under 50 Empowered Indians, and she received the Experience that Inspires Award at the World Women Leadership Congress, where she also shared her insights as an official panelist and shared the stage with powerful women across the globe.

Under her strategic guidance, iCreate Leadership Coaching and Training has rapidly scaled, more than doubling its revenue over the recent financial year and launching a formal corporate training alliance with DY Patil University.

She is also a successful author, channeling her field experiences into writing. She co-authored the Amazon bestselling books Become and Growing Groups Into Teams, the latter earning high praise from top industry veterans like Tapan Singhel, the Managing Director of Bajaj Allianz. She also authored the insightful e-book The Conscious Leader.

Her progressive ideas on leadership and somatic intelligence are frequently featured in mainstream publications like Business Standard, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and the All India Management Association Magazine. She has also shared her philosophy on popular digital platforms, appearing as a guest on podcasts like Missing Conversations and She is Tech to discuss how personal stories and true presence shape career trajectories.

Believing that leadership means lifting others, Sheeja founded Project Azaadi. This grassroots philanthropic initiative provides free basic education to underprivileged women, bringing the same opportunities for growth and self-reliance she champions in corporate boardrooms out into the wider world.

Dr. Richa Mohan developed an early interest in human behavior, emotional well-being, and social development, which eventually led her toward the field of psychology. Her curiosity about the human mind and her desire to support people through emotional and social challenges became the foundation of her professional journey.

She completed her Master’s degree and M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Delhi, where she built a strong academic and clinical understanding of mental health and psychosocial care.

To further broaden her interdisciplinary perspective, she pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from IGNOU and received training in research tools such as SPSS. Her commitment to continuous learning also led her to executive training at IIM Bangalore, along with certifications as an NLP Practitioner and Clinical Hypnotherapist from the California Hypnosis Institute, USA.

This unique blend of psychology, behavioral science, management, and clinical training helped shape her holistic and people-centered approach to mental health and community care.

Career

Dr. Mohan began her professional journey in the mid-1990s with a strong focus on clinical psychology and community-based rehabilitation.

From 1995 to 1997, she worked as a Clinical Psychologist at Amar Jyoti Rehabilitation and Research Centre, where she gained valuable experience working with individuals with disabilities and psychosocial needs.

She later joined Prayas, New Delhi, as a Research and Documentation Officer between 1997 and 1999. During this period, she worked closely on social development initiatives and programs supporting vulnerable children.

Between 1999 and 2000, she served as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Abhi Hospital & Trauma Centre.

A significant turning point in her career came when she joined the Hemophilia Federation of India as Regional Clinical Psychologist (North) from 2000 to 2003. This role introduced her to the psychosocial dimensions of chronic health conditions, especially hemophilia, an area in which she would later make major international contributions.

Professional Leadership & Contributions

Over the years, Dr. Mohan has taken on several leadership and consultancy roles across both national and international organizations.

From 2005 to 2008, she worked as Associate Director at the Asian Centre for Organization Research & Development and contributed to projects associated with organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children.

In 2009, she founded the Empowering Minds Society for Research and Development, where she currently serves as Founder-President. Through this organization, she leads initiatives focused on mental health awareness, education, women’s empowerment, youth development, and psychosocial support.

Her international work in the field of hemophilia care has been particularly impactful. She served as Vice Chair of the Psychosocial Committee of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), Canada, from 2008 to 2012, and later as Chair from 2014 to 2018.

In these leadership roles, she contributed to international treatment guidelines, educational curriculum development, and global capacity-building programs. She has trained healthcare professionals, psychologists, social workers, and volunteers across Asia, Europe, and Australia. She also played an important role in initiatives such as Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) and various international leadership programs.

Personal Life

Dr. Richa Mohan’s work is deeply rooted in empathy, emotional resilience, and social transformation. She believes in combining professional expertise with meaningful human connection and community engagement.

Apart from her professional work, she is passionate about mentoring students and young professionals from institutions including Amity University, NMIMS, IMT Ghaziabad, and Christ University.

She is also an author whose writing reflects her deep understanding of emotions, relationships, and human experiences. Her debut book, Zooni, Zooni, is a collection of realistic short stories inspired by everyday life and emotional depth.

Achievements & Recognition

Dr. Mohan’s contributions to psychology, social development, and mental health have earned her recognition at both national and international levels.

Some of her notable awards and recognitions include:

• Karmaveer Chakra Silver Award (2023)
• REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship
• Social Entrepreneur Award (2022)
• ‘Phenomina She’ Award (2021) for contributions to women’s empowerment
• International Bayer Hemophilia Caregiver’s Education Award (2007)

She has also received several recognitions for her work with children, women, youth, and psychosocial care initiatives.

In addition to her fieldwork, she has made significant academic and literary contributions:

• Invited author for Springer Nature (2024)
• Co-author of international hemophilia treatment guidelines published by Wiley
• Published researcher in peer-reviewed journals including Haemophilia
• Reviewer for national and international journals
• Speaker and chairperson at international conferences, including multiple WFH Congresses

Professional Engagements

• Founder-President, Empowering Minds Society for Research and Development
• Former Chair and Vice Chair, Psychosocial Committee, World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), Canada
• Speaker at international forums in Spain, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and Argentina
• Contributor to Springer Nature and Wiley Publications
• Author of Zooni, Zooni available on Amazon

Vasudha Goyal was born in the small town of Hapur in Uttar Pradesh. Her father was a doctor, and although the family had limited educational resources, she always showed a strong commitment to learning. From an early age, she worked hard in her studies and demonstrated sensitivity toward social issues.

She was married at a young age, before she had the opportunity to fully explore her aspirations. After marriage, she devoted herself to managing her household, caring for her husband and children, and fulfilling responsibilities within a joint family system.

Despite these responsibilities, a dream continued to live within her heart. She aspired to become a social activist and raise her voice against social evils. The passing of her father became a deeply emotional turning point in her life. During this period, she turned to writing as a source of comfort and expression. Through her writing, she began to highlight social injustices while also offering thoughtful reflections and solutions.

Career

Vasudha Goyal’s journey as a writer and social activist emerged quietly yet powerfully. Although she was often told that she did not do anything meaningful because her work was confined to the household, she never viewed domestic responsibilities as insignificant.

Balancing a demanding daily routine, she continued to nurture her passion for writing. She eventually began expressing her thoughts through poems and stories focused on social issues, inequality, and injustice. Writing became her way of contributing to society and giving voice to the concerns of ordinary people.

Her debut solo book, titled Kasturi, has been published and is available on Amazon. The book reflects her socially conscious perspective and has helped establish her identity as a writer committed to change.

Personal Life

Vasudha Goyal is married and has two sons. Her husband is a businessman. Her father, a doctor, deeply influenced her outlook on life. He practiced medicine with honesty and compassion, often treating poor patients free of cost. He believed in service to society rather than personal gain.

Her mother was a homemaker and a deeply religious woman who taught her the importance of truth, integrity, and standing up for justice. Vasudha continues to draw inspiration from the values and strength of her parents.

She previously lived in Faridabad and currently resides in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From there, she continues her writing and remains actively engaged in social activism.

Awards and Recognition

Vasudha Goyal has received several awards and honors for her poetry and literary contributions. Her work has been appreciated at various literary events and poetry gatherings. She is frequently invited to participate in kavi sammelans, where her poems resonate strongly with audiences.

Her book Kasturi has been well received, and she continues to gain recognition for her impactful and socially driven writing.

Rakhi Kapoor’s journey into healing and empowerment began long before she became one of India’s most influential voices in maternal wellness and mental health. Raised in a supportive and culturally rooted environment, she grew up with values of compassion, resilience, and empathy. These qualities shaped her deeply, influencing the path she would later take.

Motherhood became the turning point in her life. Rakhi endured a traumatic childbirth experience filled with medical complications and overwhelming emotional pain. Navigating postpartum depression without the awareness and support available today, she realized how isolated and vulnerable many women feel during this phase of life. Instead of allowing her trauma to silence her, she transformed it into purpose. Her own suffering became the foundation of her mission to ensure that no woman would face pregnancy or motherhood without emotional understanding and support.

Career

Rakhi Kapoor is widely regarded as one of India’s pioneering physiotherapists who introduced prenatal counselling as an essential part of maternal and foetal healthcare nearly two decades ago. Through her Chennai-based centre, Dwi Maternity Studio, she changed the way India approached pregnancy. For the first time, emotional wellness, partner involvement, and psychological preparedness were given equal importance alongside medical care.

Her centre soon became a nurturing space where mothers and families could find guidance, reassurance, and understanding. She offered far more than physical therapy, focusing on strengthening relationships, providing emotional counselling and educating couples about the psychological journey of childbirth.

Rakhi’s commitment to healing eventually expanded into the world of literature. Today, she is the author of 26 books including several Amazon India bestsellers. Her work shines a light on mental health, emotional abuse, motherhood, relationships, and personal growth. Her ability to speak openly and courageously about unspoken struggles has made her a voice for women across the country.

As a TEDx speaker, passionate trekker, and global traveller, Rakhi draws inspiration from diverse experiences that deepen her understanding of human resilience and emotional healing. Her personal challenges and adventures continue to shape her writing and advocacy.

Achievements and Recognition

Rakhi Kapoor’s contributions to literature, mental health, and maternal wellness have been honoured at numerous national and international platforms. Her recognitions include the following

Golden Book Awards for the years 2023 and 2024 for excellence in writing
Nari Shakti Award 2025 presented in recognition of her work on women’s emotional wellbeing
Rashtriya Pratibha Samman Award 2024 acknowledging her impact in the field of mental health
International Inspirational Women’s Award for the years 2023 and 2024 by the GiSR Foundation for raising awareness about narcissistic abuse and child abuse
Author of the Year Award 2022 at the National Achievers Awards held in New Delhi
Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 presented by the Indian Awaz Foundation in Guwahati
Women Rising Star recognition at the Sixth Asian LitFest 2024 by the Asian Literary Society
Recognition as the Woman Face of the Year and one of the 100 Influential Personalities of 2023 by Fox Story India
Exceptional Women of Excellence Award 2022 by Yuukke, a global ecosystem for women entrepreneurs

These honours reflect her wide-ranging influence as an author, counsellor, and advocate for emotional wellness and social awareness.

Personal Life

Despite her many accomplishments, Rakhi Kapoor remains grounded and deeply connected to her family. Her role as a mother continues to guide her work, reminding her of the emotional realities women face during pregnancy and motherhood. Her own experiences of childbirth trauma and mental health struggles have shaped her into a compassionate counsellor and an empathetic writer.

Rakhi’s love for trekking and travel adds adventure and perspective to her life. Exploring mountains, forests, and new cultures allows her to reconnect with nature and draw inspiration for her work. She believes deeply in the power of movement, exploration, and reflection as tools for healing and personal transformation.

Her life is a testament to courage and persistence. Through her books, counselling sessions, and advocacy work, she inspires people to embrace resilience, seek emotional freedom, and rebuild their lives with strength and confidence.

External Links

Golden Book Award 2024 coverage by ANI News
https://aninews.in/news/business/wings-publication-international-is-thrilled-to-announce-the-winners-of-the-golden-book-award-202420240223144615/

Golden Book Award announcement on Business Standard
https://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/wings-publication-international-is-thrilled-to-announce-the-winners-of-the-golden-book-award-2024124022300641_1.html

Award recognition for her twenty sixth book on ThePrint
https://theprint.in/ani-press-releases/author-rakhi-kapoor-receives-the-prestigious-golden-book-award-2024-for-her-twenty-sixth-book-breaking-free-embracing-me/2000395/

Dr. Gajanan Shirke was born on 20 February 1980 in Maharashtra, India. Raised in modest circumstances, he learned perseverance early in life. He often recalls that he had to study while working, managing both responsibilities simultaneously. This discipline helped shape the resilience and practical mindset that later defined his success.

His educational journey was marked by dedication. He completed his graduation from Agra University, obtained a diploma from the National Institute of Hotel Management, and later completed an MBA from Magadh University. Each qualification strengthened his pursuit of excellence in the hospitality field.

Growing up in a family that valued hard work more than privilege, Dr. Shirke developed a strong sense of independence and empathy. His formative years instilled in him a belief that true leadership begins with understanding people and serving them with sincerity and integrity.

Career

Dr. Gajanan Shirke’s professional path reflects a continuous evolution from a young hotel trainee to a respected hospitality consultant, educator and author.

He began his career in the hotel industry, working across multiple departments to gain hands-on experience in operations, guest relations and management. These early roles helped him understand that hospitality is not only a business but also an experience defined by efficiency, empathy and excellence.

His talent and dedication soon earned him leadership opportunities. He eventually rose to the position of General Manager at Kamat Hotels India Ltd, one of India’s leading hospitality organizations. This role enriched his understanding of large-scale operations, staff development, strategic management and customer experience.

With this foundation, Dr. Shirke moved into hospitality consulting. He has since advised luxury hotels, boutique properties, restaurants and quick-service chains in India and abroad. His expertise includes pre-opening and post-opening operations, revenue optimization, service quality enhancement, brand strategy and operational efficiency. His consulting approach reflects his belief that excellence should be accessible to every hospitality venture.

Alongside consultancy, he has made significant contributions to education. Dr. Shirke has served as an expert consultant for the Board of Studies in Hotel Management and Catering Technology and has been a visiting faculty member at several leading institutions. Through his training programs, he has mentored more than a thousand students and professionals, helping them pursue successful careers in hospitality.

As an author, Dr. Shirke has made a profound academic impact. Since his first book, Bar Management and Operations, he has written more than thirty books on hospitality and management. His titles, including Hospitality Management, History of Indian Cuisine, Exceptional Service in Hospitality and The Training Manager’s Manual, are widely used by students, educators and industry professionals. His work is recognized for its clarity, depth and practical relevance.

Personal Life

Behind his professional achievements, Dr. Shirke is a reflective and grounded individual. He views writing as a form of meditation and spends time each day documenting his thoughts. His motivation to write comes from a desire to share knowledge and uplift others rather than seeking recognition.

Despite his demanding schedule, he remains connected to his origins. Colleagues and students describe him as approachable, humble and generous with guidance. His personal philosophy revolves around discipline, authenticity and self-awareness.

He believes that success is measured not by titles or wealth but by the number of lives one positively influences. This belief guides his teaching and mentoring, where he emphasizes integrity, empathy and continuous learning. His balance of intellectual rigor and personal humility makes him a leader who listens, a teacher who learns and a professional who inspires.

Achievements and Recognition

Dr. Gajanan Shirke has received recognition for his extensive contributions to hospitality, education and authorship.

He has played a significant role in developing operational strategies for hotels and hospitality ventures in India and overseas. His consulting assignments include successful pre-opening and turnaround projects that improved operational performance, guest satisfaction and profitability.

As an educator, he has influenced hospitality education through a teaching style that blends academic rigor with real-world application. Many of his students now hold leadership positions in reputed hospitality organizations worldwide.

As an author, he has produced a substantial body of work covering hospitality operations, management systems, culinary history and leadership. His publications are frequently referenced in hospitality programs and valued for their clarity and practical insights.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Shirke has received more than twenty-five awards recognizing excellence in hospitality, teaching and literature. These honors reflect his ongoing commitment to improving industry standards and nurturing future leaders.

When asked about his greatest achievement, he often says that it is the ability to know himself and be himself. This sense of self-awareness, combined with professional mastery, defines his identity as a visionary who continues to elevate the hospitality industry through knowledge, innovation and humanity.