Hello, I'm Shailaja Khan
I have your best interest at heart!
Sensitive truths
I grew up in paradox. My mother was a trailblazer whereas my father was a traditionalist. While my father was content to settle for regular education, I was lucky that my mother made sure I went to a top school. I became independent, brave, and fearless because of my school atmosphere. I stood up for my beliefs and fought for what I held dear. I struggled between a conventional upbringing at home and a liberal education. My identity was greatly molded by this. I had wants and expectations that I couldn't fulfill. From that point forward, dealing with uncertainty became the norm.
My father always won in career decisions. Defying his wishes meant being disrespectful and disobedient. He insisted it would be a “women-oriented” profession for me. I had two choices: to become a laboratory technician or a teacher. I worked as a lab technician after college for a couple of years. I was burnt out. I chose to move on much to my father’s disappointment.
Picture this
I didn't want to work; I just wanted to be happy. I wanted to dance. After a few arguments with my father, he gave in. I could fulfill my childhood dream of learning to dance only because my mother convinced him. For five years, three times a week, I danced all day. I became a capable Odissi dancer in my mid-twenties.
Being me
Soon I got married to a person who let me be me. I started working as a teacher at a school, but I kept dancing. Eventually, we moved to Dubai. I was a mother of two toddlers, and life changed for me. Dance was a distant dream. I felt as if I was in limbo.
Exciting times
Dance may be learned at any age! After thirty years, I started studying the Indo contemporary dance form. To me, dance is everything. I am still dancing!
"Each morning we are born again.
What we do today is what matters most."
– Buddha –
My Career Goal
My top aim in Dubai was to secure a job I loved. I started an MBA degree when I was a ripe 37 years old. I'd discovered myself in Human Resources. My profession reflected my commitment to employee welfare. It was difficult for a late bloomer like me to build my career, however with hard work and determination I climbed the career ladder.
Where I am today
Stories of my journey oscillated between the bold, independent me and the kind, caring, and engaging me. In my life, both sets of characteristics have uncannily posed several difficulties. I am who I am today because of my tales. My ideals, feelings, problems, and fears—what matters most to me—as well as the tolerance and patience that enabled me to form enduring relationships—are at the heart of these tales. My parents, my husband, my children, and a few bosses were instrumental in showing me the mirror. They are the stars of my stories.
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I learnt to bring humor to tense situations and help people to put things in perspective. I am curious about their feelings, goals and struggles and how they deal with them. I can instinctively recognize when someone is in need and energetically go above and beyond to help them.
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Fast forward to 2011, when I worked as a mentor for the Mowgli Foundation in the UK and in recent years with The Link Mentor in Dubai. Later I got a diploma in Executive Coaching from the Academy of Executive Coaching in the UK and the ICF credential, ACC.
Who I am
The heart of who I am and what I have learned about myself as a mentor and a coach is that I am extremely happy when I am able to help others. When I have deeper conversations with them, I am joyful. My purpose is to share in the happiness and suffering of those around me.
I think everyone can come up with ways to get better than they are right now.
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Things I do
I persist to turn around challenging people and circumstances. I approach issues with two beliefs: there will be things that are under my control and those that are not. The maxims "rise above it" and "give the benefit of the doubt" set me apart. They help me see different options for resolving tough problems. I bring all these elements into my coaching to help you to understand what you can and cannot alter about relationships, life's uncertainties, and complexity.
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I would love to work with you. To find out more about me, connect with me on social media.
Fun side of me
I love color and how it makes me feel. I am naturally drawn to bright colors because they give me energy, while earthy tones and vivid blues make me feel relaxed and calm. Ever since I remember, my clothes, accessories and even meals have been color coordinated. Fascinated by a beautiful home when I saw one, I decided to pursue my interest in Architectural Color Consulting.
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I feel really good when I do yoga, spend time with friends, connect with new people, go to the cinema and theatre and watch Netflix.
